Thursday, 5 October 2023

 Sam HIBBINS (Prahran) (09:53): I am voting yes to the Voice referendum on 14 October. I know First Nations justice and reconciliation is so important to many people in Prahran, so I want to share with them why I am voting yes: because it will be a massive step forward for reconciliation in this country, a massive step forward for justice for First Nations people towards closing the gap of the massive disparity in health, education, social and economic outcomes for First Nations people, a step towards finally getting a treaty with First Nations people in this country and finally telling the truth about what actually happened in this country under colonialisation. It will give First Nations people a genuine voice over the policies and decisions that affect their lives so profoundly. It is a way to finally get Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy right. We know one of the fundamental ingredients for success in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policies, at the very, very least, is the meaningful, genuine expertise and knowledge of First Nations people themselves of what works for their communities. This principle should be enshrined in the document that sets the fundamental laws for our country – our constitution. So I am voting yes, and all my Greens parliamentary colleagues are voting yes. A successful referendum will be a huge step forward.