The director of the From the Heart campaign says a successful referendum will have the same effect throughout the Australian community that was seen with the 1967 referendum.
The community ‘yes’ campaign was officially launched last night at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide.
A national week of action began on Saturday to promote conversation around the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Quandamooka man Dean Parkin told Radio Adelaide’s Nunga Wangga program that a successful referendum on a voice would be powerful.
Some opponents of the Indigenous voice suggest the move is symbolic and will not lead to better outcomes for First Nations people.
Mr Parkin says better outcomes come when our voices are heard.
Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association was an effective voice
While the campaign for an Indigenous voice to parliament continues to ramp up some are looking to historic examples of First Nations representation.
The idea of an Indigenous voice isn’t a new one.
In 1924, mob in New South Wales launched the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association which campaigned heavily for land rights, cultural identity, a reduction in child removals and a direct representation in parliament.
The group was successful in highlighting the poor treatment of First Nations people and later in 1929 it was broken up following moves by the NSW Aborigines Protection Board, missionaries, and the police.
John Maynard, the grandson of Fred Maynard who led the organisation, told Koori Radio that the current situation would be different if calls for a voice were taken on board back then.
NIRS/Bumma Bippera Media/Nunga Wangga
