Voice to Parliament forum creates division in community

The mother of a young indigenous man who took his own life has urged people to vote no in the upcoming Voice referendum over fears the proposed changes will create division among indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Brand MHR and Resources Minister Madeleine King hosted a community forum on the referendum on August 29, joined by Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Senator Louise Pratt and co-founder of Sikh-led charity Turbans 4 Australia Amar Singh. Mrs King said the forum enabled people to share opinions and have an open discussion on what the referendum would mean to First Nations people. But during the forum, local mum Lee — whose son died by suicide — said the bigger issue for politicians was the national suicide rate of Aboriginal people. “I am the mother of an Aboriginal child who I lost to suicide,” she said. “He was dead against division, I am against division. “What are you doing about suicide among Aboriginal people? That’s the bigger question. “We cannot divide this country with a yes and no vote.” She said fear of causing division would make her vote no on October 14. Ms King agreed the high rates of indigenous suicide was a tragic issue. “We are aware of the figures and this is one of the ways we think we can shift that dial to better communities, individuals and wider groups,” she said. Ms Pratt said most First Nations people had asked for the referendum and while she understood some people had reservations, she would continue to advocate for the yes vote. Activist Megan Krakouer told the forum she decided a few weeks ago to switch her vote to support the yes campaign as it would support some of the most marginalised and voiceless people across the country. Ms Krakouer said she hoped the Voice to Parliament would help address suicide rates and also issues around children in State care, domestic violence and incarceration rates of indigenous people. While Ms King said there might be some negativity around the Voice, she believed the wider community was supportive of the change. “Something has to change and this is a great opportunity to introduce change,” she said. “There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of from all of us supporting Indigenous communities.” Ms King said she believed the body of Indigenous representatives would help Parliament improve their understanding and how to best meet the needs of First Nations people. Lifeline 13 11 14