UPDATE: Professor Megan Davis, a key architect of the Uluru Statement, has praised the 6.2 million Australians who voted ‘yes’ in the recent Indigenous voice to parliament referendum, highlighting its potential to ignite a crucial national conversation on constitutional recognition. Speaking at the Centre for Public Integrity in Sydney on Wednesday night, Davis expressed her belief that the referendum, despite its defeat in October 2023 with a 60-40 vote, has laid the groundwork for future advocacy and dialogue.
Davis stated that misinformation significantly hindered a serious democratic debate about the voice, asserting, “It is to us, incontrovertible that political lies and disinformation derailed the advocacy for a voice.” She emphasized that the conversation surrounding the referendum was clouded by “an avalanche of fabrications” that obscured the true purpose and necessity of the voice to parliament.
Despite the setback, Davis remains optimistic, declaring, “I don’t see the referendum as a loss anymore.” She highlighted the support from millions of Australians as a vital resource for future efforts towards constitutional recognition. “Australia can’t walk away from constitutional recognition … constitutions matter,” she urged, reinforcing the importance of this issue for the nation’s social fabric.
Davis pointed to a significant knowledge gap among the Australian public during the campaign, noting that many citizens lacked awareness of Indigenous issues and the historical context of Aboriginal disadvantage. She remarked, “Part of our work going forward … is that we need to get out into Australia and have these conversations.”
Visibility and personal connection are crucial, she added, referencing research that showed individuals who have dined with Indigenous Australians are more likely to support the voice. “We found that if you had dinner with an Aboriginal person, you’re more likely to vote ‘yes,'” she noted, emphasizing the need for increased engagement to foster understanding.
The former Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who led the ‘no’ campaign, faced fierce criticism for her remarks downplaying colonization’s impact on Indigenous communities. Davis highlighted this situation, stating, “By the time Price made her remarks, we were so deep into the mud,” referencing the broader context of misinformation surrounding the referendum.
As the dust settles, Davis calls for renewed efforts to educate the public about constitutional recognition and the Indigenous voice. “We’ve got a really good base to build off now,” she said, indicating that the momentum from the referendum can be harnessed to advance this crucial discussion.
The need for a deeper understanding of Indigenous issues remains urgent. Davis’s remarks underscore a pivotal moment for Australia, as the nation grapples with its history and the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality.
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Stay tuned for updates as this conversation continues to unfold.
