An important hurdle has been cleared on the way to a referendum on more political rights for Australia’s indigenous people: the House of Representatives in the capital Canberra voted on Wednesday with a large majority in favor of such a referendum on a constitutional amendment.
The motto is “Voice to Parliament”: If the majority votes yes, the indigenous people get their own voice in parliament.
Of the approximately 26 million Australians, almost a million are Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders – as the indigenous people of the islands of the same name are called. To this day they are not represented in parliament. The indigenous population continues to be marginalized by large segments of the white majority. Most live on the margins of society.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continued with the “vote referendum” after his election victory a year ago. In parliament, 121 MPs voted in favor and 25 against – mostly conservative politicians. Indigenous Australia Minister Linda Burney stressed that a political voice for Aboriginal people will make a difference, particularly in health, education and housing. In these areas, the indigenous population is clearly disadvantaged.
The constitutional amendment is about a group of Indigenous Australians advising the government on Aboriginal issues. Members should be appointed by Aboriginal representatives – not the government. Now the Senate, as the second chamber of parliament, must agree. A date for the referendum has not yet been set. It is expected to take place in October or November.
Aboriginal people settled in Australia 65,000 years ago. After the arrival of the First Fleet from England in 1788 and subsequent colonization, Aboriginal children were snatched from their parents for decades. The “stolen generation” had to grow up in homes or with white families. The constitution passed in 1901 did not even mention the indigenous people. They were not granted civil rights until 1967. To this day they fight for the recognition of their land rights. (aeg/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
