Cape York Weekly FREE – #153 | Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Editor Matt Nicholls: 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
Locals unaware voting starts today INSIDE TODAY
Remote voices ignored by AEC By MATT NICHOLLS
Aurukun mayor Keri Tamwoy welcomed Cape York Institute founder Noel Pearson on Monday to help drum up numbers for this week’s remote polling booths, and to help build momentum for the Yes vote.
VOTING on the referendum will begin today in Cape York, however many local residents are unaware that remote polling booths will be visiting their communities. For most, it will be their only chance to vote before the national referendum is held on October 14. The Australian Electoral Commission has failed to advertise the upcoming remote polling booth visits in Cape York and the Torres Strait, leaving locals in the dark. Instead, it was intending to run generic advertising, asking remote residents to go to its website to find out when the AEC was visiting. Cape York Weekly intervened on the weekend and the AEC has since changed its stance, although it will be too late for many voters. Criticism has also been directed at the AEC for its timing. On Wednesday, for example, Laura residents will get just a three-hour window to cast their vote. It will be the only chance for locals to do so in person. Cape York Institute founder Noel Pearson said it didn’t sit right with him. “It’s taken 250 years to get a vote to be recognised and they’ve given just a few hours to do so,” he said ahead of his trip to Aurukun on Monday. Continued – Page 2
NEW CEO IS A TRAILBLAZER Page 11 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 SUNS FIGHT HARD IN CAIRNS Page 22
SWIMMERS OFF TO DARWIN Page 23
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