The Voice to Parliament referendum: Missed opportunities, racism, and political opportunism

How did we evolve into a nation so bereft of enlightenment and still plagued by the disease of racism?

The Voice to Parliament referendum in Australia has concluded, with 39.4 per cent supporting the proposed Constitutional amendment and 60.6 per cent opposing it. It’s a significant loss for a proposal which was meant to recognise First Nations people in the Constitution, create a permanent Voice to Parliament and continue the pathway towards Reconciliation. Instead, the defeat has confirmed Australia as an insular small-minded nation that is susceptible to fear campaigns, fearful of change and happy to see itself as a mixture of “little-Britain” and pre-1990 apartheid South Africa.

One of the most striking aspects of the Voice to Parliament referendum was the poor quality of the campaign, which was marred by misinformation, disinformation and political opportunism. While it is important to note that the referendum’s outcome was not a simple reflection of the political divide between the Labor Party and the Liberal–National Coalition parties, there are lessons that will be learned by all sides of politics.

The campaign for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians was a cause championed by the Labor government – initiated by the Indigenous community through the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and with bipartisan political support in 2017 – but the “No” campaign effectively capitalised on fear and uncertainty, exploiting misinformation and playing on the doubts of many voters.

The Liberal Party’s negative role in this campaign was also significant. It is lamentable that they resorted to spreading misinformation and untruths – and left unchecked by many media outlets – believing that such tactics used in a federal election will lead them back into government, but there’s very little evidence that that will end of being the case. All the former Liberal Party seats identified as “teal independents” – Warringah, Goldstein, Curtin, Kooyong, Mackellar, Wentworth, North Sydney – ignored the messaging from the Liberal Party and voted in favour of the Voice to Parliament, indicating that these seats are unlikely to flow back to the Liberal Party at the next election.

It’s obvious that the leader of the Liberal Party, Peter Dutton, sought to use this referendum to boost his own credentials and standing in the electorate but, while he might have won this battle – at huge cost to the Indigenous community – there is nothing to suggest this will have any influence on the next election. Of the 36 previous defeated referenda questions that have been sponsored by the government, on 33 occasions, those governments have gone on to win the next federal election.

Dutton is a divisive character who has shown no inclination to unite the nation, protect the body politic or display leadership qualities that appeal to many people within the community. This was an opportunity to show leadership, but his performance has been lacking and unlikely to sway many voters in the additional 19 seats the Liberal Party need to win at the next election, if they wish to form government. Dutton is too toxic, too dour, he is viewed as a racist figure, and doesn’t hold the gravitas or intellect to gain a sufficient following. But, enough about the white leaders: this referendum was meant to be about Indigenous people, but ended up being an ideological culture war battle drummed up by the racist right-wing media.

The Voice to Parliament referendum was not just another administrative change to the Constitution; it was about addressing important social issues and rectifying historical injustices. The referendum’s failure reflects deeper issues within Australian society and it demonstrates a reluctance to embrace change, vulnerability to scare campaigns, and the presence of strong racist undercurrents.

Australia’s historical issues with racism are well-documented. The country’s treatment of Indigenous people and the policies of the past, such as the Stolen Generations, highlight a painful history of discrimination and oppression. The referendum results echo the fact that these issues are far from resolved, as many Australians remain hesitant to support measures aimed at addressing these historical wrongs.

The parallel between the 1999 Republic referendum and previous unsuccessful referenda in the Australian context, such as the 1988 inquiries, is undeniably conspicuous. In each instance, a confluence of elements including fear-mongering campaigns, a prevailing distrust of political authorities, aversion to change, and the propagation of disinformation played a critical role. This apprehension of change, when intertwined with the entrenched belief in the immutability of the Constitution, has consistently hindered progress on various fronts.

The 1988 referenda posed inquiries regarding fixed-term parliamentary tenures, a guarantee of equitable electoral processes, the inclusion of references to local government, and the assurance of fundamental rights and freedoms. Astonishingly, all of these proposals met resounding defeat in a campaign spearheaded by the then-novice Member of Parliament, Peter Reith, with the intent of inflicting “political damage” on the Prime Minister at the time, Bob Hawke.

The pertinent question arises: Have we collectively relinquished our critical faculties to such an extent that we are susceptible to vacuous fear campaigns promulgated by opportunistic politicians, even when the subject matter we are rejecting serves the public interest? One cannot help but ponder how anyone in sound judgment would cast their vote against enshrining guarantees of “free and fair elections” or safeguarding “rights and freedoms” within the Constitution. Is it not the bedrock of the Australian identity to be grounded in principles of being “young and free”, or is this just another convenient illusion that appears in gold sporting events?

There is a disconcerting dissonance within the body politic and the electorate when modest and straightforward propositions are defeated by ambitious politicians who exploit referenda opportunities to bolster their own profiles, all while the public remains largely in the dark about these contrived spectacles.

The nation’s timidity was glaringly evident in its reluctance to award itself the privilege of free and equitable elections in 1988, or to grant itself additional rights. All this, merely because a vested-interest political leader in a well-tailored suit, armed with a megaphone, persuaded the populace that such reforms were against their best interests. How did we become so susceptible to such manipulation?

In 1999, a similar timidity was displayed when the prospect of becoming a fully independent nation with its own head of state was deemed too daunting to pursue. How did we become so insecure about our own future?

Fast-forward to 2023, a proposition of fundamental import for non-Indigenous Australians – albeit profoundly significant for the Indigenous community – has been defeated, all at the behest of a white Liberal Party leader; a black man who only seems to represent himself – Warren Mundine – and his accomplice in this pantomime act, Senator Jacinta Price. They all played a pivotal role in framing the referendum as “divisive”, even as they themselves fanned the flames of division. The public, once again, succumbed to this narrative, not necessarily because they believed their words, but perhaps because they were presented with words that they wanted to hear: “if you don’t know, vote no”. How did we evolve into a nation so bereft of enlightenment and still plagued by the disease of racism?

The Voice to Parliament referendum, though unsuccessful, has shed light on the challenges Australia faces in addressing its historical racism and effecting meaningful constitutional change. The campaign’s misinformation and political manipulation are glaring issues that demand scrutiny. The referendum’s outcome is a reflection of the broader societal issues that persist in Australia, emphasising the need for ongoing efforts to combat racism and promote understanding and reconciliation within the nation.

A historical perspective and the way forward

The Voice to Parliament referendum not only reflects contemporary challenges but also unveils a deeper historical struggle with racism in Australia. It is essential to recognise that the referendum campaign has highlighted the need to usher in a new era of politics in Australia. A sensible and productive political debate is vital for the country’s progress. This transformation involves not only the behaviour of politicians but also the media’s role. Until Australia has ethical, principled politicians and responsible media outlets, the nation will continue to face challenges.

The referendum has also revealed the myth of Australia’s self-image as an important international player on the world stage, when, essentially, it still behaves as a remote colony of Britain or a “deputy sheriff” of the United States. This self-perception has kept the nation stuck in a certain mindset: a colonial outpost so afraid of change, even when it’s in its best interests. Australia must evolve beyond this limited perspective, recognising its unique identity as a sovereign nation, with a unique Indigenous culture which is keeps wishing to repress. Continuing to adopt a subordinate role in international relations inhibits Australia’s potential to be a global leader in addressing important issues, such as Indigenous rights.

Australia has been historically divided on Indigenous issues, and this division persists today: there’s no other way to read this referendum result. However, it falls upon political leaders to bridge this divide, not exacerbate it. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s efforts to reduce this division have been commendable, but he could have been more assertive. In contrast, figures like Dutton and National Party leader David Littleproud have contributed to increasing this division, primarily because they are leaders of small mind and cannot see the merit in anything, unless there is some political benefit to their electoral stocks.

The limitations of the constitutional process

The outcome of the referendum also underscores the limitations of the constitutional process. Australia’s Constitution, while a foundational document, has its imperfections and limitations. However, this referendum experience has demonstrated that tampering with the Constitution can be a complex and arduous process, often fraught with obstacles and divisions. Perhaps the Constitution should be left as a historical artifact, varnished and hung in a ye olde world Australian museum, an outdated relic of the past. While the Constitution is a well-constructed and crafted legal document, a document that was created in 1900 and is virtually unchangeable when it comes to dealing with the modern world in 2023, is perhaps not worth the paper that it’s written on.

Australia remains the only colonised country in the world that does not officially recognise its Indigenous heritage in its Constitution. This constitutional silence on this issue is a reflection of the nation’s historical apprehension and reluctance to confront its past and forge a better future. The referendum’s outcome, as well as the divisive campaign leading up to it, underscore the immense challenges that lie ahead in addressing this historical omission.

The Voice to Parliament referendum has brought to the forefront a myriad of issues affecting Australia, from racism and division to political manipulation and the limitations of constitutional reform. This historic vote should be seen as an opportunity for reflection and reform, a catalyst for change rather than a symbol of failure.

As Australia grapples with its complex history and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous recognition and Reconciliation, it is crucial for political leaders, media organisations, and the broader public to embrace a more enlightened, principled, and inclusive vision of the nation. In this journey towards a more unified and equitable Australia, the lessons of this referendum should not be forgotten, but rather serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to address the nation’s deepest wounds and create a more just and inclusive future.