Ed,

Opposition Leader Mr Peter Dutton could not have provided a more compelling argument for supporting the Voice Referendum if he tried. His recent statements claiming that should the Coalition win government he would take the country to another referendum to recognise Aboriginal people in the Australian constitution are extraordinary.
The major aim of the Voice referendum is to enable Aboriginal people to express their opinions on issues relevant to them to the government and the executive. Mr Dutton has not consulted with the Aboriginal people, yet he has decided that what Aboriginal people really need is a symbolic gesture, recognition in the constitution. This is exactly the high-handed, “I know best” attitude from those in power that has led to many of the serious problems confronting Aboriginal people.
In contrast to Mr Dutton’s symbolic referendum proposal the Voice referendum represents years of Aboriginal people’s consultation and discussion. It is also far from symbolic as it guarantees the opportunity for Aboriginal people to advise on policies that affect them.
As a nation we cannot keep having Closing the Gap reports documenting the terrible disadvantages experienced by many Aboriginal people. The Voice referendum is designed and supported by Aboriginal people and offers a positive way forward.

Simon Clough, Iluka