The Power of the Voice: Empowering Indigenous Australians at Grassroots
In Australia, the voice of Indigenous communities has long been yearning to be heard, which started back almost 100 years ago with the establishment of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA). This group was set up by Aboriginal people, not by a government. Over the years there have been many, many self-styled, self-funded and self-sustained groups since then. All seeking similar outcomes: to be heard by politicians, government and bureaucrats.
As we embark on a journey of understanding the transformative potential of the Voice, we need to know how it will impact on Aboriginal peoples at grassroots levels. From my readings and understanding I see it as doing the five things: 1) amplifying marginalised voices; 2) focusing on representation, 3) fostering empowerment and self-determination; 4) strengthening cultural identity, and 5) striving to address historical inequities.
When the voice is enshrined as a process it can’t be removed at the whim of any politician from any side of the aisle. It can only be changed by us as electors.
1) At the heart of the Voice lies a profound commitment to uplift the voices of Indigenous Australians living in remote and regional areas. Too often, our perspectives, aspirations, and challenges have been overshadowed, unheard in the corridors of power. The Voice helps local communities to have a say in the decisions that affect them by considering their unique needs and concerns.
2) As the Voice advocates for Indigenous communities, it will become a beacon of focused representation. It will serve as a direct channel for local communities to influence policies that resonate with our own cultural, social, and economic circumstances. By having our voices directly heard, Aboriginal peoples at grassroots levels can participate in shaping solutions that cater to their specific needs.
3) Empowerment lies at the core of the Voice's mission. It acknowledges the significance of local knowledge, traditions, and governance structures in fostering self-determination. Through the Voice, Indigenous communities will be equipped to actively participate in decision-making processes, allowing us to shape our own future and forge pathways to a more empowered existence.
4) Cultural identity is the heartbeat of Indigenous communities. The Voice recognises this significance and endeavours to be the guardian of cultural preservation. It provides a platform for communities to articulate and advocate for what they want to see in programs in the health, education, employment and housing space.
5) Historical inequities have long burdened Indigenous Australians, hindering progress and opportunities. The Voice rises as a powerful agent of change, aiming to address these disparities. The Voice wants to include Aboriginal peoples in policy discussions and resource allocation to create a fairer future.
The Voice proposes a different approach compared to what has been done in the past for Indigenous Australians. You may well ask what is different about this approach than what happens already? A fair question.
For far too long politicians and governments have handpicked Indigenous peoples to sit on national advisory groups. Commonwealth governments have established and closed down seven different advisory groups since 1971.
When politicians don’t like what they hear, they continually rationalise, and reduce the costs or cut funding to these groups. Governments continually reinvent the wheel on Indigenous matters, rather than refining and improving what they have right in front of them. It shows a short term vision with no imagination, and no growth in relation to Indigenous matters. Remember that saying of "doing the same over and expecting a different result". This is grossly inefficient and a waste of taxpayers monies.
What we need is a long term vision that is embraced by millions of Australians rather than the current 277 elected politicians. Almost half the present parliament don’t speak for me when it comes to legislation. Which is probably the same for many readers. At least half of the parliament wants to maintain the status quo for Aboriginal peoples.
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The Voice is much bigger than any one politician.
The Voice enables all of us to bypass the politicians so local Aboriginal voices can be heard.
The Voice represents a new chapter in the pursuit of meaningful reconciliation and empowerment.
Let's stand on the shoulders of the AAPA that was founded almost 100 years ago and work together to use our Voices as Australians to send a message to politicians. They need to listen to our local Aboriginal grassroots voices.
The Voice holds the promise of driving more inclusive, impactful and sustainable change for Indigenous Australians.
The Voice is the sum of all of us, so we can empower local grassroots communities. You dear reader can play a vital part in making this happen. Be the difference that makes a difference.
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