Australia’s Recent Election Focused on Indigenous Rights and Representation

On the eve of a national election in Australia, the small Indigenous community of Yarrabah is feeling overlooked and unheard. As political candidates campaign across the country, the absence of their presence in this region is palpable, with no campaign posters or visits from party leaders. Local health service chief Suzanne Andrews expressed her disappointment, noting that critical Aboriginal issues have been largely ignored in the political discourse, leaving many residents questioning the priorities of their leaders.

Election Campaign Ignoring Indigenous Voices

As the election approaches, Yarrabah, located near Cairns in Far North Queensland, remains quiet on the political front. The community, home to a significant Indigenous population, is not seeing the usual campaign activity that characterizes other parts of Australia. Andrews, who leads Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services, remarked on the lack of engagement from political candidates, stating, “We don’t see any placards. No-one’s visiting us.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among Indigenous Australians, who feel their issues are not being addressed in the current political climate.

Despite Indigenous Australians comprising approximately 3.8% of the national population, their socio-economic challenges remain largely unacknowledged by the major political parties. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton have both been criticized for their silence on First Nations issues during the campaign. Dutton’s recent comments about “welcome to country” ceremonies being “overdone” were one of the few mentions of Indigenous matters, but they did not address the pressing issues of disadvantage faced by these communities.

Impact of the Voice to Parliament Referendum

The recent failure of the Voice to Parliament referendum has left a significant mark on the political landscape. The proposal aimed to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and provide them with a greater political voice. However, it was rejected by 60% of voters, leading many politicians to shy away from discussing Indigenous issues for fear of electoral backlash. Experts suggest that this reluctance stems from the perception that Indigenous matters are divisive and politically risky.

Andrews expressed her sadness over the referendum’s outcome, believing it has caused political parties to avoid discussing critical Aboriginal issues. This sentiment is echoed by others in the community, including prominent anti-Voice campaigner Warren Mundine, who noted that both sides of the debate have disengaged from Indigenous issues since the referendum. The lack of dialogue during this election cycle has left many feeling that their concerns are being ignored.

Challenges Facing Indigenous Australians

The socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Australians are stark. Since the implementation of the Closing the Gap strategy in 2008, aimed at reducing Indigenous disadvantage, progress has been slow. A recent review indicated that only four out of 18 key measures are on track to be met, with some indicators, such as incarceration rates, worsening. This ongoing disadvantage highlights the urgent need for political action and policy reform.

Despite the pressing issues, political leaders appear hesitant to engage with Indigenous affairs. Professor Rodney Smith from the University of Sydney noted that the defeat of the Voice referendum has made it “electorally foolish” for politicians to focus on these topics. This trend is reflected in public sentiment, with recent studies indicating a decline in the belief that the government should prioritize closing the gap in living standards between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Community Response and Future Outlook

The atmosphere in Yarrabah reflects a broader disillusionment among Indigenous Australians regarding their representation in politics. Many community members feel that the recent referendum has led to increased racism and hostility, further alienating them from the political process. Andrews shared her concerns about the impact of the referendum on young Indigenous people, recounting instances of intimidation faced by her daughters while studying in Brisbane.

As the election approaches, some Indigenous leaders are calling for a renewed focus on their rights and issues. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe criticized the lack of discussion about Indigenous matters, emphasizing the need for political leaders to acknowledge the ongoing injustices faced by First Nations peoples. The sentiment among many is that this election could have been an opportunity for leaders to unite the nation and address the pressing issues affecting Indigenous communities, but instead, it has resulted in silence and avoidance.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn