Some links and thoughts on The Voice referendum, systemic racism in Queensland, and colonialism

I read an interesting article pointing out that Australia's forthcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament also has potential global ramifications.  Fortunately, I also attended a meeting on the Voice which left me more encouraged about the possibility of a successful outcome - largely because most people are not engaged with the referendum, and are thus open to good, factual information. And the need for the Voice has been illustrated by criticism of Queensland’s 19^th century approach to youth justice - from here: 

“The Queensland government must listen to the voices of Indigenous people if it’s to reckon with its “oxymoronic” approach to youth justice and stop breaking its commitment to close the gap, advocates say.”

And on amathiac matters, it was pleasing to read of so many using court cases to hold the powerful and key decision makers to account for their role in creating and/or perpetuating and/or exacerbating the devastating climate crisis.

Going back to discrimination, the effects of colonialism - such as that which led to the problems in Queensland and many other problems - have been criticised in France, where colonialism and other cultural problems played a key role in the recent unrest ...  and the police are still defiantly holding to their white supremacism. 

Action can be taken on these matters - a wide range of actions. One of the simplest is to write to elected representatives drawing their attention to news reports such as those I have just linked to, and asking them to consider what could be done about the problems. 

On its own, one such letter or email doesn't make a big impact: when, as Amnesty International has shown, it is part of a flood, it can.

 

If they are of any use of interest, the activism information links from my former news posts are available in this post. 

 

If you appreciated this post, please consider promoting it - there are some links below.

Vote Yes for the Voice in Australia.  

Finally, remember: we need to be more human being rather than human doing.