I’m not one to champion social movements. As a nature photographer, environmental causes are more of my wheelhouse.
Nor will I jump on cultural bandwagons. Too often we’re quick to judge others and echo the opinions of our tribe—shaming outsiders and glorifying insiders.
I’ve come to adopt a general philosophy of: Be kind and do no harm.
Yet sometimes being kind calls us to step outside of our lane. (I realise that writing a blog post is hardly radical. But as someone who avoids confrontation, this is my contribution.)
So here’s why I’ll be voting in the referendum to change our Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia.
The truth: Acknowledging the past
Indigenous Australians called this land home for eons. And then it was invaded.
(Those lines may sound cold and harsh. But the reality was far more so.)
That truth was never taught to us at school. The First Fleet settled Australia. That’s how the founding myth was framed.
We now know that our First Peoples were dispossessed, mistreated and left behind.
It’s time we accepted this truth. That legacy may be uncomfortable for us to inherit. But by acknowledging it, we can move forward together.
The referendum is our chance to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.
The opportunity: Why us—and why now?
We’re not guilty of past injustices? So why should we be responsible for remedying them?
Because when we have power, countering inequity is the right thing to do.
Consider this: What if you passed a frail person struggling to cross a busy street? You’d sacrifice your time and effort to check-in. You’d ask where they’re going, stop the traffic and help them cross. (I hope.)
Privilege and power aren’t zero-sum. So when we have some, we ought to raise others up. And in a tangential way, that’s what this post is. I’m using my platform, however modest it may be, to communicate why this vote matters.
The referendum is our chance to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a Voice. And then to listen and act from a place of generosity.
And why am I campaigning for the Voice?
It’s the right thing to do. And because as a nature photographer, every hike reminds me of this land’s spectacular natural spaces. So this vote, while a small gesture, is my way of respecting the Traditional Custodians who cared (and continue to care) for Country.
The Voice: What could be
What will the referendum achieve?
The Voice—backed by 83% of Indigenous Australians—will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard and have a direct say in the laws that affect them.
The Yes23 campaign notes:
By voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum, we create a pathway for Indigenous Australians to speak directly to the government of the day about the things that work on the ground in their communities.
Yet the referendum remains a contentious one, with recent polls indicating that the ‘No’ vote is outstripping the ‘Yes’ vote. Which is why I’m writing this post now.
I want to live in a country that’s grounded in generosity. One that agrees on a common past and is committed to building a more equitable future.
The referendum is our chance to acknowledge what was and enrich what could be.