A once in a generation opportunity

The Sustainable Minerals Institute's (SMI) Dr Sarah Holcombe is a social anthropologist with over 25 years’ experience in applied and academic research with Indigenous Australians.

She explains why she will be voting yes in the upcoming referendum on a Voice to Parliament.

The Voice to Parliament is an Indigenous idea, it is not an idea that emerged from Canberra or from bureaucrats. Rather, it emerged from the 2017 Uluru statement from the Heart as one of three key initiatives – which also include a Makarrata or Truth Telling Commission and a Treaty through agreement making with the Commonwealth.

The Voice to Parliament – enshrined in the constitution – would be the first step of these three.

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The Voice to Parliament is not a radical proposition – but it is a foundational step in the right direction. There has already been enormous deliberation about this, amongst not only Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts – but also amongst Indigenous individuals, community groups and organisations. I was fortunate enough to be present at one of the 13 regional dialogues that were held across the country that eventually culminated in the Uluru Statement.

What I witnessed at 2016 central Australian Dialogue in Ross River was a highly engaged and very intense deliberative and democratic process, that was not only informative but deeply empowering for the Indigenous participants.

And rectifying the power imbalance is what this is all about. As less than 4% of the Australian population are Indigenous Australians – they suffer from the tyranny of the majority, to borrow from the political philosopher Tocqueville. Writing in 1838, Tocqueville was critical about the US political system where he saw that minorities – such as First Nations and African Americans – were not part of the majority and thus had no legitimate power.

Their interests were not represented in the political system, which was controlled by the “white majorities” to quote Tocqueville. This same imbalance also emerged in the Australian political system. Even when Indigenous people were finally elected to Parliament from 1971 – they were not representing their people – but rather their constituents – the voters. And of course, parliamentarians eventually get voted out.

Murujuga ranger (Burrup Peninsula), Western Australian. Image credit: Sarah Holcombe

The Voice to Parliament is not only a mechanism to address this issue, but also to ensure that government cannot override organisations that aim to provide an Indigenous voice – as has happened to three representative bodies – including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).

It’s only by embedding the mechanism within the constitution – that will enable it to be protected from government whim. Legislating it is not enough.

Muranger ranger examining rocky hillside landscape.

Murujuga ranger (Burrup Peninsula), Western Australian. Image credit: Sarah Holcombe

Again – this is not radical – in the constitutions of Canada and Aotearoa New Zealand – First Nations are recognised, celebrated and given forms of voice. This is needed because Indigenous Australians are not like other minority groups. They have a unique claim.

The history of Indigenous affairs has been dominated by decision-making for them by often good intentioned, but non-Indigenous bureaucrats and politicians. Decisions about policies and laws that affect Indigenous Australians have routinely been made on their behalf. The Voice aims to change this. The people most affected by the policies and laws passed by Parliament would choose who would give advice on their behalf. Not the politicians. And because the Voice will be focused on policies and programs that only affect them – non-Indigenous Australians have nothing to fear.

The expression “nothing about us without us” speaks to the form of self-determination that the Voice will support.

When the renowned economist and public servant H.C Nugget Coombs was the Chairman for the Council of Aboriginal Affairs between 1968 and 1976 he wrote the book Kulinma: Listening to Aboriginal Australians. Though as you would expect, some of the ideas are dated, the core principle that Coombs – as an Indigenous advocate – espouses is absolutely relevant to this once in a generation opportunity. And it is shameful that we are still having this debate about whether the First peoples should have a right to decide what is in their own best interests.

Much of my experience with Indigenous communities has been in regard to the impacts of the mining and resources industries on the lands of First Nations peoples, and I can only speculate on the difference a Voice could make in this area.

However, what I would say is that companies that have a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) are already signalling their support for Indigenous inclusion, equality and equity in their business, and supporting the Voice is a step further towards embedding this approach.

Tjupi sign made from recycled materials, Central Australia. Image credit: Sarah Holcombe

In fact, listening to First Nations perspectives and concerns, and engaging their expertise in matters of interest to them is a risk averse strategy – if seen in the light of the Juukan Gorge site destruction in the Pilbara.

Some of those who are opposed to the idea of the Voice to Parliament cite the lack of consensus of Indigenous peoples to it. That there is not 100% support is to be expected, no matter the issue, in any group – there will be detractors.

Central Australian community, Northern Territory. Image credit: Sarah Holcombe.

However, for me – having been listening to Indigenous peoples all my working life as a social anthropologist – what I am hearing is a deep consensus amongst Indigenous individuals and groups who are widely respected.

So with a big heart and an open spirit – I’m listening now and will be proudly voting YES on the day of the referendum.

Sign letters maded from recycled bottles and materials spelling Tjupi

Tjupi sign made from recycled materials, Central Australia. Image credit: Sarah Holcombe

Large painted outdoor shelter in Central Australian community, Northern Territory.

Central Australian community, Northern Territory. Image credit: Sarah Holcombe.

Dr Sarah Holcombe
Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Sustainable Minerals Institute

View researcher profile: smi.uq.edu.au/profile/1460/sarah-holcombe