The Telegraph, September 6 2023, Alexander Downer
Australia is today consumed by a debate about Aboriginal affairs that threatens to change my country considerably for the worse. On October 14, the government is to hold a referendum on whether to create within the country’s written constitution a new body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. It would be made up of indigenous people, and both government and parliament would be obliged to consult it on issues that may affect these communities.
There have been scant details on how it would work. Astonishingly, for example, the government has not made clear how representatives might join the new body. Apparently members would be selected – but on what basis and qualification exactly? That’s still a secret.
There is also confusion about the definition of issues that may be judged to affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. After all, they are Australian and are therefore affected by issues that affect all Australians, such as interest rate decisions, the evolution of the Aukus agreement, variations in the taxation system, and so on. Will they have to be consulted on all of it?
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