Shard

Ten plus months seems adequate to discuss it. It's not like aboriginal issues are new in Australia. Activists on the Yes side might feel there hasn't been enough time to convince the public of their views, but that's mainly because their views are flawed and break the status quo in favor of a race classes. Far better to have a short, democratic debate and then move on to wider social issues (affecting everyone).

Beoz

Or just legislate it.

Bringing it to the people to decide in an environment of tough living and negativity was just foolish on Albo's behalf.

If the main aim of the concept was to bridge the gap between the small proportion of indigenous who are disadvantaged and everyone else (which includes indigenous who are not disadvantaged) then it doesn't need average Joe on the street deciding its fate.

What a cock up from Albo.

Shard

Very good explanation of the situation (for us non Aussies) by Helen Dale on Spectator TV. It does sound like the referendum idea was a mistake and after hearing the actual question, I can't help but agree !

IrishDigger

I will be voting NO in the Referendum.

spouse of scouse

One of my favourite songs. I'll be voting YES.

IrishDigger

It does more for me than our national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.

spouse of scouse

Same. I'm tired of having to explain 'girt by sea'

scotty9000

Looks like Sydney has already decided

Shard

Sky News Australia has already decided ! They're at odds with Sydney.

Beoz

It's all getting a bit silly now. Noel Pearson calling out people from all backgrounds living in Australia to reconcile with indigenous Australians. Reconciliation goes both ways and most people aren't asking for reconciliation, and a good proportion of indigenous peoples aren't asking for that either. How can he expect people to support this idea that we have a separation, when most believe we don't and are inclusive of all.

Albo has a lot of explaining to do. He could have done something really good but botched this up completely. People can't pay their bills and he expects them to think about what he is selling as quite simple, but is actually quite a complex issue.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/fede...27-p5e826.html

scotty9000

You can decide whether to watch Sky news.
I find the amount of propaganda a bit shocking. But at least there's a free vote buried under it somewhere.

Shard

What other channel do you recommend, I'll see if I can find it on YT.

They are certainly one sided on this Voice issue, but I find the politicians they have interviewed convincing. I don't see any reason in "voting for division". Democratic systems are alredy in place, and if the indigenous are not getting enough support/opportunity, that should be rectified through the existing structure.

scotty9000

Sky news aus seems to be a reaction to abc, which I find unwatchable. Similar to gbnews and the bbc in the uk.
The state funded broadcasters have a huge advantage by not having to show or require advertising. Which they are abusing along with ignoring their duty to represent different viewpoints.
I don't watch much tv news. Prefer the papers. Many sources are polarised and dumbed down.
If you watch stuff on yt the algorithm starts to force feed you. I know there is interesting and informed debate out there sometimes. Needs more curation, perhaps ai can provide it or perhaps it will be so subtle in its presentation that it will subvert us all. 😃

Shard

The algorithms don't help, do they. I've started to get YouTube Shorts on topics/themes I absolutely don't like fed to me, and I wonder why they are doing that.

scotty9000

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/9...616e6b987009d7

This is an article I read today. I think it is rather good. It's not about the voice but it is about racism. And colonialism. And progress.