Australia's Indigenous groups rally to vote for rights in parliament
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Opponents of the vote, however, believe that it would not only bring on an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy but would "give special privileges" to Indigenous peoples; they justify their answer by saying that there are insufficient details about it.
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Crowds hold up banners during a "Walk for Yes" rally in Melbourne ahead of the referendum on September 16, 2023 (AP)
Australia witnessed rallies in various parts of the country, such as Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin, in an effort to advocate for a landmark reform for Indigenous rights for support in the polls ahead of an October 14 referendum.
The "Walk for Yes" events in major cities were joined by thousands of participants before the vote that would grant Indigenous Australians a constitutionally enshrined right called "Voice" to be consulted on policies that concern them.
The vote is a signature policy of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Laurel Johnson, a 58-year-old Indigenous community services worker stated at the Sydney rally: "I think we need a voice in parliament and I think it's about time," adding when asked if the Voice would improve the lives of many Indigenous people: "I jolly well hope so."
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Over 200 years since the British colonization, Indigenous people of Australia have had shorter lifespans, poorer educational opportunities, and more violence at the hands of police as opposed to other Australians.
Her sister Priscilla, 53, expressed that her people have been living in "Third World" conditions.
"Australia is considered a First World country. The poor social determinants of health have been continuous since the 1788 invasion," she stated, referring to the invasion by the First Fleet, which first established a British colony there. Aboriginal Australians are considered one of the oldest continuously existing cultures on the globe. They first populated the continent about 65,000 years ago.
Supporters of the Voice believe that giving a "yes" vote would bridge those inequalities.
'Special privileges' for the Indigenous
According to recent polls, 60% are against enforcing the reform while 40% show support for it, which proved to be a near-total reversal as opposed to last year's results.
Cameron Lum, a 34-year-old supporter of the proposal, stated that he rallied to advocate for the "long overdue change in this country", adding: "I think it opens doors to massive policy change led by first nations people".
This comes as a television ad campaign was released this weekend by the supporting group featuring an Indigenous boy who asks: "Will I grow up in a country that hears my voice? Will I live as long as other Australians? Will I get to go to a good school?"
Opponents of the vote, however, believe that it would not only bring on an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy but would "give special privileges" to Indigenous peoples; they justify their answer by saying that there are insufficient details about it.
Read more: 'Unrelenting' racial abuse drives Australian Indigenous journalist out
For the referendum to succeed and pass, it requires a majority in at least four of the six states.
With voting being mandatory, non-voters can be fined 20 Australian dollars (US$13) if they have no valid reason to not vote.
Voters are due to be asked: "A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?"
