Dunkley federal Labor MP Peta Murphy and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney with Indigenous elders Patsy Smith, left, and Yvonne Luke, right.
Flinders federal Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie.
MPs consider the way forward after failed Voice referendum Dunkley federal Labor MP Peta Murphy and Flinders federal Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie speak to Sarah Halfpenny about the path forward for Indigenous recognition and representation in Australia. Please share your thoughts about the result of the recent referendum on the Voice to Parliament. PM: While the result is not the one I had hoped for, I’m proud of the respectful way our local community took part in the referendum. ZM: The referendum result was a comprehensive ‘No’, with only one territory (ACT) voting in favour of the constitutional change presented to the Australian people. What do you believe were the main factors that contributed to the referendum's failure? PM: I don’t believe that people voted against progress to close the gap; it was that the Australian people didn’t agree with the model that was put to them. On the other side, I think this referendum certainly shone a light on the disadvantages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians face, and this result does not change our commitment to Closing the Gap. ZM: First, many people did not understand what
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the real impact would be, and reasonable attempts for greater specificity were rejected by the Albanese Government. Second, to many the proposal seemed to be at odds with a profound sense of equality embodied in the Australian system of government, that all Australians are treated equally. Third, many people had real concerns about the way in which the proposed alteration to the Constitution might be interpreted by the High Court over time, producing uncertainty about the ultimate impact this change might have on our Westminster system of government. What steps do you believe should be taken now to continue the push for Indigenous recognition and representation in Australia? PM: I know the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, will be undertaking a consultation and listening process with First Nations people about the next steps. The Albanese Government remains committed to the Closing the Gap targets and addressing the disadvantages faced by First Nations people. ZM: This is now the most important question. I have reached out to local elders and those engaged in activities relating to reconciliation for their advice on how they would like to see us continue with the important work of reconciliation and Closing the Gap. What message do you have for Indigenous communities and their allies who were hoping for a different outcome in the referendum?
PM: My heart goes out to our local First Nations community, particularly Nairm Marr Djambana, and First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing, who no doubt will be still hurting from the outcome of the referendum. This vote wasn’t a rejection of reconciliation, and appetite to address the disadvantages experienced by Indigenous Australians is still there. ZM: The Voice may have been defeated but that does not mean Australians don’t want to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians. In fact, I think the Voice debate highlighted the responsibility we all share to support change, which will close the gap in outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Looking ahead, what are your priorities when it comes to Indigenous issues? PM: The Albanese Government has already delivered $7.6 million towards First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing for a new fit-for-purpose building in the Frankston CBD. Frankston has the second highest proportion of First Nations people across all metropolitan areas and is projected to have Victoria's largest First Nations population by 2028. This new facility will provide culturally safe and accessible general practice, pathology, dental and psychology services. ZM: To ensure real improvements are made, and while I am in opposition I will continue to advocate and hold the government to account in navigating pathways and finding solutions to close the gap and achieve better outcomes for all Indigenous Australians. mornington PENINSULA Magazine
