I don’t think there is a path forward. Not for another generation or so anyways.
not sure about generation but 1 or 2 election cycles for sure. this is the main problem with the outcome, it will be presented as a rejection of action and not of the voice itself. I would like to see the case from both major parties for what next, they both have said they have a plan so let’s hear it
Constitutional change isn’t on the cards, not in the near future. We’re not doing another referendum. Dutton fucked up when he said he would support one on just constitutional recognition alone because the conservatives do not support it. Sure, the government can legislate a voice but there’s always a chance that it will be dismantled like every other advisory group - that’s why it needed to be enshrined in the constitution. I think there’s more that can be achieved for voice and treaty now at the state level. That might even be more effective because states are responsible for health, education, child protection and justice, which are all areas that can be aligned to the close the gap outcomes. I would support a federal treaty process, hands down, but I’m sceptical that the majority of Australia will.
Constitutional recognition seems pretty much dead. There have been predictions made already that such widespread rejection of what was a very safe, conservative-friendly, good faith proposal from Indigenous activists will cause many to give up on this approach and shift further towards the tactics used by Thorpe and the Blak Sovereign Movement. They obviously have even less chance of succeeding within the current political and social climate, so it may take some time for any progress to be made at a national level.
That’s pretty much what Noel Pearson was saying a few days before the vote. I don’t really blame them. Australia just overwhelmingly rejected a very modest invitation for reconciliation, I don’t really see what else Indigenous leaders can do. It’s still worthwhile to fight for treaty and truth. But voice was kind of the easier option of the 3, so the other 2 are going to be very difficult.
Yeah, I suspect some of that generation of Indigenous activists will step back now. They’ve been at this for decades, making more and more concessions to try to get bipartisan support and have ultimately been betrayed at the final hour by the Coalition. Must feel pretty soul destroying.
