Thread by @EddieSynot

A lot of talk about what practical benefit the Voice would have & people jumping to voting intentions without thinking or engaging. Some genuine; some I think less than genuine in light of Alice Springs. Let me unpack a little. 🧵 #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

Firstly, an immediate response seems to be “just listen now” or “why isn’t the advice already being listened to” - or we don’t need a voice to listen. Again, some genuine concern here along with disingenuous talk from those fundamentally opposed #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

Clearly we need a Voice. The current failures are result of a system that fails our people. When it does listen, it does so with its fingers & toes crossed. The response to welfare issues & the Voice proposals clearly should not be the status quo. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

Constitutional change is a game changer. Recognition matters because nothing occurs in a vacuum detached from failure to do so. That affects culture of decision making, including whether advice is listened to. It affects the respect or lack of it. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

The current system is broken & failing Indigenous people. This has built over decades. How does current system deal with issues ppl raise in objection to the Voice, & why is it ok to deny change & continue with status quo? This must be answered. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

So a constitutionally enshrined voice that recognises & provides a permanent, constitutional institution to represent & provide advice on laws & decisions & issues that uniquely impact & Indigenous ppls unlike other Australians is a game changer. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

That body, established as a permanent constitutional institution, brings authority & influence no other body or advice before it has & enables Indigenous ppls a national platform to mobilise around & influence decisons & policies that are made. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

And that is why it’s different & we can’t just say listen to advice already provided. The current system does fail. The response to that issue shouldn’t just be more of the same when we have a solution on the table & a pathway forward. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes

It’s not another layer of bureaucracy & government. It’s a community based & empowered representative body. It’s a circuit breaker in addressing long overdue business of recognition & changing how things are done for the better. #UluruStatement #auspol #VoteYes