"If this [the First Nations Voice] is something you believe in, and you feel a conviction for it and in your heart you want to this happen, then stand with us and help us bring more people along ... I am absolutely of the belief that when Australians from all walks of life take this up and walk with us as the Uluru Statement invited everybody to do ... we're going to make history together." - Dean Parkin
This week on the podcast, we are bringing to you the second part of our interview with Dean Parkin, the Director of the From the Heart campaign. From the Heart's mission is to see Australia realise the principles and propositions laid out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart — Voice, Treaty, Truth.
In this second part of our conversation, Dean demystifies the First Nations Voice; also known as the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. He explains at what point in the co-design process we find ourselves, and what the next steps are likely to be. We talk about the public submissions made to the Voice co-design process, and what they demanded of the Federal Parliament.
Dean explains why constitutional enshrinement of the First Nations Voice is vital, how it is consistent with the request made by government to the referendum council, and how it honours the wishes of First Nations people. We also talk about the prospect of bi-partisanship support during a potential referendum process.
We address the potential membership models for the First Nations Voice. Dean gives his opinion on how the First Nations Voice will practically address disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He addresses the common rationale that drives rebuttal against the First Nations Voice. Finally, we conclude with Dean's opinion on how this profound reform opportunity will unite, not divide, Australian society.
Thank you for taking the time to listen.
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Have you listened to part 1 of this interview yet? You can find it here:
https://bit.ly/TTL-E11-Spotify (Spotify)
https://bit.ly/TTL-E11-Apple (Apple/iTunes)
To learn more about the From the Heart Campaign and the Uluru Statement from the Heart: fromtheheart.com.au
To read the public submissions made to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament co-design process: https://haveyoursay.voice.niaa.gov.au/submissions/list
To keep up to date on the progress of the First Nations Voice: https://voice.niaa.gov.au/#
Sources of audio snippets:
Noel Pearson (00.00.53)
Q&A Highlight: Declaration vs Constitutional Recognition | 15 June 2015
abcqanda (YouTube channel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo9Sug2FXn4
Malcolm Turnbull (00.01.24)
PM Malcolm Turnbull on Q&A | 11 December 2017
abcqanda (YouTube channel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VG6_aFhji0&t=1978s
Paul Keating (00.26.45, 00.35.19 and 00.40.58)
Prime Minister Paul Keating - Launch of International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples, 1993
National Archives of Australia (YouTube channel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1S4F1euzTw
Noel Pearson (00.28.09)
Noel Pearson - Woodford Folk Festival 2017
Cape York Partnership (YouTube channel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC3hMEl7Dlo&t=672s