It’s good that Ted Strong (CVI 03/05/23), is still around to critique Ibbo.

Both Ted and Jocelyn Wrench (also CVI 03/05/23), should take-into account that the original Constitution has been changed a number-of-times, to keep it “up to date”.

The referendum on 27-07-1967 made all Australians, in all respects, equal.

Unfortunately, it seems like The Voice, if implemented will reinstate treating one group of Australians differently.

Going backwards is not in Australian’s best interests.

Ted also indicated that the “Mabo Protocol will do just fine”. I agree.

But if so, why has the government without any public debate, changed the definition and expanded those who can claim to be an Aboriginal?

Mabo says: “An Australian Aboriginal is a person of Aboriginal descent, albeit mixed, who identifies himself (themselves), as such, and who is recognised by the Aboriginal community as Aboriginal”.

The Government (?) has now arbitrarily removed a person of Aboriginal descent, and defined Aboriginal Australians as:

“People who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (A/TSI) descent, OR identify as being of (A/TSI) origin, and are accepted as such in the communities in which they live or have lived. 11 Jan 2023.” In effect anybody can become an Aboriginal.

Of note is that the Cherokee Nation Indians, were appalled when a non-Indian (Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Presidential candidate), claimed 1/64, Indian heritage to garner Indian votes. She withdrew the claim and apologised.

Their definition is that you must have an Indian ancestor.

To have it otherwise, would be considered an insult to their Indian ancestors.

It would seem that A/TSI people would also want to similarly honor their ancestors.

I previously wrote: “There are ancestry blood tests, which will determine authenticity, going back 1-8 generations or 150-200 years.

Other obvious proof of heritage could also be used when deemed appropriate.”

It is essential that those who claim Aboriginality are Aboriginal.

And one last point Ted: I am not a Lawrence native – I wasn’t born there. At the community level I’m a native of a town in SW NSW.

John Ibbotson (Australian Native), Lawrence