SYDNEY, Australia (AP) BY Dr Majid Khan- Thousands of Australians rallied on Sunday to show their support for a campaign aimed at constitutional recognition of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. The rally comes ahead of a referendum scheduled for later this year after support for the proposed change has fallen recently.
The referendum, which is scheduled to take place between October and December, aims to amend the constitution and create an advisory body to Congress called Indigenous Voices. This agency will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a direct say in the policies that affect them.
The centre-left Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports constitutional reform, but the opposition Liberal and National Conservative Party is calling for a “no” vote. During the Sydney rally, attendees wore T-shirts that read “Vote Yes” and hats that read “Uluru Statement.” The latter refers to important documents calling for the creation of Indigenous Voices.
Rally participant Jason Howard expressed his belief that the event was a great opportunity for all Australians to support the cause for the betterment of their country.
Another participant, Isabelle Smith, said she believes the referendum is the most important issue in Australia. She stressed the potential for yes votes to unite, saying it was an important step for people to take.
Group Yes23, which hosts more than 25 rallies across the country, reported an estimated crowd of 3,000 people in Sydney and expected up to 25,000 people in total to attend. “No” votes led for the first time, 51% to 49%, according to a poll last month, which came on the heels of recent declines in support for the referendum.
Opponents, including some Indigenous peoples, have expressed concern that the proposal lacks specific details and could divide Australians.
Rachel Perkins, director of Yes23, emphasized the focus on engaging with people, not just poll results. Speaking on ABC television, Perkins stressed the importance of discussing the issue with the public and raising awareness of the issue.
Aboriginal Australians, who make up 3.8% of the population, face a range of challenges, including discrimination, poor health and education, and high rates of incarceration.
