From Editor's Desk

Why Indigenous Voice in the Constitution? A forum for all community leaders was organised by the African Communities Council for the African at Marooka today. Community leaders from the Chinese community, Indian community, African Community, and the Muslim community were present at the event. The Keynote speaker Noel Pearson; respected Indigenous lawyer, leader and architect of the voice to parliament gave an insightful speech to the audience present. A few messages he disseminated resonated with the leaders in the room, who applauded and said “yeah, yeah” as he spoke. He highlighted the fact that every community big or small in numbers must be included in the constitution and have a voice in the parliament. The Aboriginal voice is much needed for the policy development and implementation to safeguard and secure the community from abuse, violations, and violent behaviours. The Voice to parliament will be a way to express the true emotional sentiments around government policies and decisions, shaping the community in a positive Dome. The voice will bring forth many issues such as the youth, the African youth who need a good education system to keep them away from the judiciary trials. He said that “90% of the time, a youth ends up in jail because the youth did not receive good education support from his or her educational Institution, he, she enrolled in.” Indigenous and African youth are looking forward to this change to come about. Good education, Good educational system that does not deprive and discourage them from being educated. He also highlighted that the racial policy actually did not come about because of aboriginal people, it was implemented to stop migration from China. The voice hence is an important first step to make the youth, and adults voice heard. In October the referendum will be presented to the public to vote on where the community will play a vital role.

The moderator of the forum was Benny Aterdit Bol, President of the Queensland African Communities Council and senior manager for youth engagement and community partnership of QPASTT.

Other speakers were Janet Jane, Brad Chilcott, and Habib Jamal who highlighted why the voice ? Why it must be included, raising awareness for the voice to parliament campaign.

Written by Amrita Deshpande (Community News Editor).