On the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, the government has called for Australians to vote yes for an Indigenous Voice to parliament, amid opposition claims it could set back reconciliation.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney was in Uluru on Saturday for the 66th anniversary of the referendum that saw Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people counted as part of the population.
She called for new constitutional recognition, and urged Australians to vote yes in a 2023 referendum that will see an Indigenous voice enshrined in the Constitution.
“In 1967, we were counted. In 2023, we seek to be heard,” Burney said.
“Today marks 66 years since the 1967 referendum – one of the most successful federal referendums in Australia’s history.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney has renewed calls for a Voice to parliament. Picture: Twitter
“A day when Australians came together, to vote to change the constitution, so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be counted as part of the population.
“In 1967 Australians voted yes. In 2023 Australians can again vote yes, this time for constitutional recognition through a voice.”
Burney was speaking at Uluru for the start of National Reconciliation Week.
Alongside her were members of the government’s referendum engagement group.
“This referendum will be determined by the Australian people, not politicians,” Burney said.
“I have great faith in the Australian people.”
Her calls come as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns that a “yes” vote would do more harm to the prospects of reconciliation.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said a voice to parliament could derail reconciliation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Dutton told The Australian that if a referendum failed, the country would be saved from a “significant disruption to our form of government and our democracy.”
“I think there is a chance that it sets back reconciliation because there are a lot of people who have had their hopes built up by the Prime Minister,” Dutton said.
“He’ll have to face up to the consequences if it fails.”
Read related topics:Indigenous Voice To Parliament