In late 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice enshrined in the Constitution.

This week, we heard from Albert Moerman, a parishioner at Figtree Anglican Church.

I will be voting NO at the referendum. NO to more of the fiction. NO to the silence that denies a hearing to the first Aboriginal voice that has existed for many thousands of years in this land. NO to the  disempowerment that Aboriginal peoples continue to confront when denial of natural human rights are exercised. NO to those in power who want to keep things as they are. They say, ‘If it isn't broke, don’t fix it, if it works, don’t change it.’ But we all know the truth of it and it shames us. 

Our colonial ancestors shipped out those who dared to violate the Common Property laws of England. No sooner did they arrive than those in power wet their pants with excitement. Oh my God, the opportunities! On day one the whole of the continent “being unpossessed,” was declared crown land.  It took 206 years to be informed by the high court that actually, this country was and still is possessed.  

Voting YES allows us to end the perverted fiction of terra nullius and the historic irony of possession which continues to shape our self image. So long as we deny a voice to parliament to our Fiirst Nations people we are no better than those who denied possession to them 237 years ago. No longer in ignorance however, we become complicit. IT'S TIME for us to get moving. The 1967 referendum saw full citizenship rights for Aboriginal people.The 2023 referendum enables Australians to hear their voice. 

Ah, the stuff that dreams are made of. YES. We can do this! To break bread at the same table. To walk together. To hear and learn from one another. While we may be afraid of change, it’s been said that love casts out fear. We may need to listen to our our better angels. YES, they will guide us to a better day.