RTBU Delegate Graham Briggs explains why the upcoming referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is so important.
Q: Where did you grow up?
I was born in Shepparton raised in Blackburn South and attended an all-Aboriginal boarding school founded by my late Aunt Hyulls Maris MBE out in Healesville, called Worawa Aboriginal College.
Q: What do you do for work?
I am currently employed by Programme Skilled Rail as a 2.2 (and nearly completed my 3.2 TFPC) and have lived in Tatura for the last 25 odd years.
Q: What does the Voice to Parliament represent to you and why is it so important?
For me, the Voice to Parliament would be a way for Aboriginal and Islander people to directly advise all levels of government about laws and policies that affect their lives. It’s about drawing a line on the poor outcomes from the long legacy of failed programs and broken policies, and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Things like incarceration and child removal, housing, health and educational outcomes. The Voice is about making sure that what happens in the Federal Parliament is going to be a positive step forward both in terms of us as a nation, but also the life outcomes for First Nations people in Australia.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a direct say in the laws and policies that affect their lives. This is particularly important given the history of dispossession, discrimination and marginalisation that Indigenous peoples have experienced in Australia.
Secondly, the Voice to Parliament would help to ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions and decisions with regards to Indigenous peoples. It would provide a mechanism for Indigenous people to monitor government policies and programs, and to provide feedback and advice on how these can be improved.
Thirdly, the Voice to Parliament would help to build greater understanding and awareness of Indigenous cultures and histories among the wider Australian population. By having a direct say in the workings of government, Indigenous people would be able to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, and promote greater respect and recognition for their unique contributions to Australian society.
Overall, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament is an important step towards reconciliation and healing, and towards building a more just and inclusive society for all Australians.
Q: Why is it so important that unions across Australia support the campaign?
It is important for unions across Australia to support the Voice to Parliament for several reasons.
Firstly, unions have a long history of fighting for social justice and workers’ rights, and supporting the Voice to Parliament is an extension of that tradition. Unions understand that Indigenous people have been historically marginalised and disenfranchised, and the Voice to Parliament is an opportunity to address this injustice.
Secondly, the Voice to Parliament is not just an Indigenous issue, it is an issue for all Australians. Unions represent a diverse range of workers across the country, and supporting the Voice to Parliament is an important step towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. By giving Indigenous people a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, we can work towards a more just and democratic society for everyone.
Thirdly, unions can play a key role in advocating for the Voice to Parliament and raising awareness about its importance among their members and the broader community. Unions have a strong network and a powerful voice, and they can use this influence to promote the need for greater Indigenous representation in the political process.
Overall, supporting the Voice to Parliament is an important way for unions to demonstrate their commitment to social justice and equality, and to work towards a more inclusive and democratic society for all Australians.
Q: How can other union members help out to ensure the campaign is successful?
There are several ways that union members across Australia can support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament:
- Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about the history and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples in Australia. This will help you to understand why the Voice to Parliament is important and why it deserves your support.
- Raise awareness: Talk to your union colleagues, friends and family about the need for greater Indigenous representation in the political process. Share information about the Voice to Parliament and why it is important.
- Lobby your politicians: Write to your local MPs and Senators and urge them to support the Voice to Parliament. You can also participate in rallies and protests to put pressure on the Government to take action.
- Support Indigenous-led campaigns: There are many Indigenous-led campaigns and organisations working towards greater political representation for Indigenous peoples. Consider donating money or volunteering your time to these groups.
- Embrace reconciliation: Participate in reconciliation events and initiatives in your workplace and community. This can help to build greater understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and histories, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all Australians.
Q: How will the Voice to Parliament change things for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
The Aboriginal Voice to Parliament is an important step towards repairing the past wrongs that have previously denied Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a voice in our society. For many decades, Indigenous peoples have been marginalised, discriminated against, and denied the right to self-determination. The Voice to Parliament provides a powerful mechanism for Indigenous peoples to have a direct say in the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Through the Voice to Parliament, Indigenous peoples will have the opportunity to provide feedback and advice on government policies and programs, and to monitor the Government’s progress in addressing the issues that are important to them. This will help to ensure that Indigenous peoples are not left behind and that their voices are heard and acted upon.
The Voice to Parliament is also an important step towards reconciliation and healing. It acknowledges the injustices of the past and recognises the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples today. By giving Indigenous peoples a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, the Voice to Parliament can help to build trust and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and promote greater understanding and awareness of Indigenous cultures and histories.
Overall, the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament is an important tool for repairing the past wrongs that have previously denied Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a voice in our society. It is a step towards building a more just, equitable and inclusive society for all Australians, and towards achieving reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
