October 14th 2024.
According to independent MP Andrew Wilkie, the federal government has been avoiding taking action on Indigenous issues ever since the Voice to Parliament referendum was defeated. In a statement released today, Wilkie expressed his disappointment with the lack of progress in addressing the challenges faced by First Nations peoples, one year after the majority of Australians voted against the constitutional amendment.
"It's been a whole year since the unsuccessful Voice referendum, and yet the federal government still seems to be sidestepping Indigenous issues," Wilkie stated. He went on to point out that the latest Productivity Commission report shows that only five out of the 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track, with some even regressing.
After the referendum was defeated on October 14 last year, both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton promised to prioritize improving the lives of Indigenous people. Albanese stated, "As a great nation, we have the capability and responsibility to do better for the first Australians." Dutton echoed this sentiment, saying he would do everything in his power to "implement practical solutions" and close the gap.
However, in the past year, parliament has been consumed with discussions about the cost of living, energy policies, and international conflicts, leaving little room for addressing Indigenous issues. Wilkie pointed out that this government, as well as its predecessors, have largely ignored the needs of First Nations peoples.
"It's disheartening to see such little progress from successive Australian governments, with policies and programs that consistently fail Indigenous communities," Wilkie expressed. He called on the current government to take a more proactive approach by actively listening to and empowering Indigenous peoples to make decisions about their own lives and needs, and by providing adequate funding for essential services.
In response, Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy stated that she has been working towards a bipartisan approach to closing the gap. However, opposition counterpart Jacinta Price accused the government of lacking a backup plan after the Voice was rejected.
Meanwhile, reconciliation peak body Reconciliation Australia emphasized the need for Indigenous advocates to continue their fight for "justice and truth-telling" in the wake of the referendum defeat. Despite facing a misinformation campaign, six million Australians still voted in favor of the Voice, and a majority of Australians believe that Indigenous peoples should have a say in laws and political decisions that affect them.
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