The vote that will change Australia: Inside the Voice referendum | Four Corners

[@aussieL14M]

Rare for ABC to enable comments, always a bad sign when this is disabled.

[@jw-gx1ic]

No-one has told me why the Ministery for Indigenous Australians is not able to be the voice for Indigenous Australians consulting with indigenous communities. Why is this Ministry not performing it's duty and obligation? It cannot be because of a seperate voice.

[@jamesransome-haberley9298]

Because it's been found over time that governments arn't able to do an effective job. They're in office for too short a period with biases that mean they can't do these jobs in full good faith. A voice has been legislated before but torn down by governments restricting effective efforts for reconciliation. A voice even in Australia politics has been proven to be effective.

[@Nylandersaraus1]

Unfortunately because one side of politics does not want to listen. If both parties worked together outcomes would be much better. The aboriginal people asked for a voice to be included in the constitution so they would have an way to be heard that was supported by the Australian people. To be frank, Australia should have corrected this issue a generation ago

[@holobolo1661]

This a good question, and the answer is because the Minister* (not a Ministry) for Aboriginal Affairs is attached to a political party and is not independent. This means they may not be able to objectively look at what needs to be done without a political lens. Having an independent Voice to Parliament would help remove politics from the equation, meaning parties would need to affect meaningful change rather than whatever sounds good and throwing money at poor policies.

[@zolaya3699]

The Minister is supposed to implment policy, not represent Indigenous People.

[@Design_no]

Just wondering if before the vote the government could provide a breakdown of where the 30+ billion of tax payers money gets spent every year. Would be especially interested in the funding model of the NIAA.

[@kenzen-ul4qo]

All Indigenous Australians vote in elections and elect MPs to represent them in parliament. They, like the rest of us, have a voice. The MPs are accountable to the constituents. "The Voice", on the other hand, we don't know how representative its members will be, how democratic the process is in appointing them. When there are conflicts of views between MPs elected by Indigenous Australians and "The Voice", whose views should prevail? The Constitution should not just be changed at a whim, it outlines what each branch of the government is responsible for, what powers they hold, to whom they're accountable. Any constitutional change should only be made after rounds of consultation where both the positive and negative scenarios are simulated.

[@andrewbrown8463]

Actually the reality is the government has no idea on how to fix issues that affect many Australians including aboriginal communities but instead of trying to figure out novel ways to move the dial they would rather run a twelve month talk fest then walk away as all being too hard. Most Australians would be happy to define aboriginal people as the first Australians in the constitution but no group should have a special advisory board based on gender or race

[@VK6AB-]

We are one, but we are many. And from all the lands on earth we come. We share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian.

[@axeya366]

Many Australians are First peoples from there own nations endured harsh conditions during wars etc, family and friends lost. The journey here was also traumatic. They came here for a better life and also to be part of a country that is under one flag and with equal rights regardless of race, color or religion. Now for this to upon everyone is insulting to all Australians.

[@Lucas-yy3dh]

Had a quick search. "As of July 2022, there are 8 senators and 3 members of the House of Representatives who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander." How many more voices are needed in parliament to represent aboriginal people?

[@jtiger1062]

Who signs a contract that they don’t understand…it’s only going to make the rich elites better off and penalize the people who need the help….

[@josephwallis8965]

After watching & closely listen to the arguments of both sides, I am inclined to vote NO

[@Jimmy_Widders_Hunt]

They deserve to elect their own (non political party) representatives on matters like cultural protections, language and heritage instead of having another 150 years of government appointed failures or handpicked voices who aren't even indigenous.

[@anaussieinvietnam]

I think I am part of the silent majority.... I want to be part of something positive and to make the country better but the lack of detail, corporate involvement and uncertainty has pushed me to the No camp... I like Albo and I think he is doing a good job but on this matter I wont be going with him.

[@Jimmy_Widders_Hunt]

Its not Albo, its from the largest consultation with indigenous people in our country history.

[@jamesransome-haberley9298]

I feel as though you need to keep in mind your voting on the constitution not legislation. The voice can and will change with the times. Hense why you can't add specific details. But it's a recognition that we need to listen to the voices of Aboriginal peoples of Australia, ultimately to achieve recognition and an more equal and fair Australia.

[@Nylandersaraus1]

I can help. I am one of the YES volunteers who gives our fliers is there anything I can answer for you?

[@MrGareth777]

The Voice is a distraction.....Australia is in dramatic economic decline and the Middle class are angry about it.

[@mayormccheese6171]

The great thing about the ABC is that they are always balanced - you'll get both the Left and the Far-Left's opinion on issues.

[@Design_no]

Said all balanced and critical thinking people.

[@ndrew239]

I congratulate the ABC for leaving comments open. Many outlets don't on controversial topics, to the detriment of public debate - in some cases seemingly because the story contains editorial bias. As a net, it's really important to hear different perspectives, even though a few comments here betray racial prejudice, and there are clearly bots and trolls on top of genuine debate. Prejudices often are unconscious or unintended, and we all have them, so seeing them discussed publicly allows people to think about theirs and the opportunity to approach our differences with better respect and dignity. For the sake of balance there are examples of that prejudice in both camps. Even though it is true that every racist person will vote no and therefore the prejudice is stronger as a net there, it is egregiously false to assume everyone voting no is doing so because of racial prejudice. The Yes campaign may repeat the cycle of thinking we know what's best for indigenous people that created the Stolen Generation even though the Voice idea came from indigenous groups, or engage in positive discrimination, for example.

[@meplife7313]

I'm sorry but to suggest our indigenous people do not have a voice is an insult to democracy. Every single Australian regardless of race, religion, and whatever else they identify as have a voice. Every single Australian has the right to vote and elect their politicians. As much as I respect our first nations people, I think "the voice' serves no purpose and could in fact be divisive. Leave the constitution alone.... everyone has a say. Bring on the referendum that has cost a lot to run... I'll be voting NO.

[@peacefulnatural]

Great! Finally an ABC channel that allow comments! Thats the way this should be for all contents from the peoples funded enterprise.

[@waffle_burger8499]

This Voice is cooked, it's absolutely toast. Thank God Australians have seen through all the bs and are going to send it to the bottom of the ocean.

[@annecrestani9218]

And what a truly sad day that will be. We have not grown up at all as a nation.

[@eagle1579]

The yes case has now floated under the bridge and now dead in the water..

[@michaelcollisson24]

If you want to from an “ Advisory Voice to Parliament”, Then do it . Permission isn’t required .

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

If you vote yes, you’ll be dividing a country. If you vote no, you are, we are, all Australians.

[@whyishow]

I thought it was a vote for equity, to level the playing field and make the country LESS divided but I guess I’m wrong

[@LittleRayofSunshine69750]

“A moment of national unity” are you kidding me? LOL

[@phoneticau]

Calling me stupid for sitting undecided on the fence, hard to vote yes

[@jamiecolwell7709]

No

[@TheFluffyDuck]

We are a representative democracy. That is based on location, there is nothing controversial or difficult about an address of residence. This will be an experiment in racial representation. We are not mature to discuss what race is, how to define it, how much is too little or too much. And yet we are charging through with this. Nothing good is going to come of politics based around race. It’s murky, bloody, vengeful. Point to a country where race politics has created a brighter, stable future for all races. I can’t think of any. Infact I can name several which almost instantly combust after playing the race game.

[@regwatson2017]

It will be a resounding "No" from all sensible Australians who believe in one Australia for all.

[@Design_no]

Voting NO. Especially after the extreme bias of the ABC toward the yes case.

[@andrewdmcgill1]

People who are voting no cos ‘it doesn’t go far enough’ are letting perfect get in the way of good. 🙄

[@mrdobalina3451]

If the referendum question was “Should the Australian parliament treat everyone the same” everyone would vote yes. That’s not how they ask the question though and for good reason. I think it’s truly absurd that some people are even considering voting yes to granting some people special privilege based on their race, and based on things that happened among previous generations.

[@JaneTee-dc6si]

Honestly, though do you feel you will be treated any differently regardless of the outcome? We already give "special privilege" to a wide range of groups, based on Health, age, gender, and financial status. Medicare costs the taxpayers billions a year, I haven't bulked billed in years yet I don't feel any ill will towards those who use that system.

[@j.thorgard]

Dude it's just an advisory committee. You wanna get rid of the Ombudsman office too? The Voice doesn't have any legal power, they'll just make reports about things the politicians don't have time to learn. Just like polies need reports from the fair-work Ombudsman cause they don't have time to listen to every individual issue. A more informed government is nothing but a good thing.

[@davespanksalot8413]

The vote isn’t based on race, it’s based on nationality. As in, the nation that already existed when it was falsely claimed that the land was “terra nullius”. Apropos of your last comment: everything we have today is because of “things that happened among previous generations”. Just ask our King Charles how important stuff happening in previous generations is, or an old digger at the Anzac Day marches…

[@blox82]

Spot on! 💪 stuff albo! I'm voting NO

[@bobbritten5673]

Were is the elected representatives from the government of the people?if there not doing there job for the people of this country.Sack them and elect new representation of the people for parliament.thay have a voice!thay don't need a second voice in Parliament !Answer to the question is No .All people in this country are Equal.

[@mrdobalina3451]

Why is promoting the Voice so important to Albanese given that we’ve just come out the other side of a pandemic? There is a cost of living crisis, a Power Crisis, a Climate Crisis etc. Why is Albanese pushing The Voice, something thats only an issue for a very small minority, instead of something that helps all Australians?

[@bobbritten5673]

Makes you wonder why?????

[@anastasiabeaverhausen5467]

Because he can walk and chew gum at the same time??? This is the problem that NEVER goes away, unlike kitchen table issues and a pandemic. Broaden your horizon.

[@eagle1579]

that's what Labor are all about, minority before the majority.

[@ChrisSkitch]

Because it needs to be done. And funnily enough government is capable of doing more than one thing at a time.

[@jonathananderson349]

Because it's the right thing to do, and also was an election commitment. Government's can (and should) do more than one thing at a time. Also, healing the relationship with Australia's First People will help the whole country, not a small minority (notwithstanding that they're only a small minority because most of them were killed, so that's a pretty rotten thing to say really).

[@CRAVEN79]

19:35 into the video. The woman describes the dilemma perfectly.

[@LittleWeekendWarriors]

I’m very surprised to hear Ben’s shift in opting for a NO vote. He was very adamant on a yes vote even saying that there would be a reckoning of some sort if the voice didn’t get through.

[@bobking4031]

NO NO NO

[@Asher0208]

Actually, I came away with a little bit of hope. Reconciliation comes when people simply get together and work with each other to solve common problems. I am glad that the show shows there are people doing this . I hope they, and more of them, succeed.

[@willk8687]

I am still unclear on what the voice to parliament means; more detail is needed.

[@ChrisSkitch]

Right, so hear me out, it’s super complicated so I will try to explain slowly for you. The voice is a consultative committee that can be consulted for advice when parliament is debating issues relating to Australia’s First Nations People. There, was that so hard?

[@jonathananderson349]

Enough detail is available, you can find it with a quick google and it's really not much to read. The notion that there's not enough information is a false but effective No campaign lie, among many others.

[@j.thorgard]

The vote is just should there be a permanent advisory committee for first nations issues. Think of the committee like the Ombudsman. They'll listen to all the issues of the people then make reports and the politicians will use those reports to inform their policy making. The only way the committee can control the government is to shame the politicians in the media for not listening to their advice. There won't be any official power over the laws, just advice. Vote YES because more informed and slightly more accountable politicians is only a good thing.

[@Chexsum]

no means no

[@brianjarred340]

Vote NO

[@daveb3987]

The Libs and media have done a number on this one. Gotta say Labor have bungled the message too.

[@daveb3987]

@T.G988 I’m with you. I believe if we had a strong Keating figure, it’d make a huge difference. The way he went full on with Mabo worked. He went on John Laws’s show and had it out with the nutters and talked about the facts. This time the Libs have done their usual game but they’ve had an incredibly lame media elevating their points and there’s no super strong leader to ensure the message gets across.

[@LittleRayofSunshine69750]

@T.G988😂

[@daveb3987]

@T.G988 amen brother. I hold out hope.

[@aggressivecalm]

The days of the non-biased, fully representative ABC are well and truly long and gone. Decades ago. The ABC is and has been a mouth piece to ‘Acknowledge’ and or ‘Welcome’ the ever increasing self-indulgent, exaggerated propaganda and indoctrination of the ‘First Nations’ religion? Equality, egalitarianism, fairness, justness, and equitability are non-discriminatory, evenhanded, and unprejudiced.

[@leanneward5244]

Definitely a big NO 👍

[@disobedientavocado5959]

I'm voting NO

[@someyoutuber99]

I think the main reason why the Yes vote is struggling is because too few of us are in contact, day to day, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait issues. This is in stark contrast with the Yes vote for Gay Marriage.

[@michaelcummins7397]

If you are against the Treaty: Vote No If you are for the Treaty: Vote Yes. Canada and NZ haven’t collapsed by recognising Indigenous Nations in their Constitution. No matter which Party is in power the Indigenous Voice exists.

[@michaelharvest931]

Do you watch the news? Any news? Beyond abc of course

[@j.thorgard]

Vote YES for more informed and more accountable politicians. It's as simple as that.

[@Gredddfe]

From this video I hear: It's not about my thoughts or feelings as a white person of European heritage. It's about possibly improving the day-to-day lives of our indigenous brothers and sisters. Although some of them don't think it will help, even if it helps some people that's good enough.

[@bunkerbill]

Vote no, its an absolute nonsense.

[@tlb2970]

You’re the voice, try understand it whohoooooooooo I don’t understand it so I’m voting NOOOOOOOOOOOOO😊

[@Aussiedave54]

If it ain't broke don't fix it, VOTE NO

[@jamesransome-haberley9298]

It is rather broken at the moment. Please refer to the closing the gap report as proof of a broken system.

[@James-kv6kb]

It is broke we're just voting not to make the damage worse.

[@30xi84]

I think Indigenous Policies are broken and have failed the past century.... If it's broken, Status Quo is NOT the answer my dear friend... We gotta try at least something different.

[@Nylandersaraus1]

It’s broke mate, you choose not to see it. I always thought we were a caring people who believed in mateship and equity. Not that we are selfish children with a stuff you I’ve got mine attitude. You know deep down I think I always knew but didn’t want to admit it. I’ll be voting YES because it’s the patriotic thing to do. I believe in the Australia of being brave and facing our issues and helping our mates

[@holobolo1661]

I think you'll find the consensus among both major parties (and basically everyone else) is that things are very much broken. The disagreement comes about when deciding how to further address these issues that government policy has been unable to solve so far, and in some cases made worse.

[@CRAVEN79]

This referendum is going down in a screaming heap and that’s tragic. Albanese should know, as a Labor man, disunity equals death. What’s awful about this is that the idea was a great one, the fallout of an idea not fully formed and then implemented with be more hurt and years of naval gazing about if Australians are racist because of the result. This failed referendum will stall/ extend a healing process.

[@zolaya3699]

So you're saying you don't want disunity, but you admit that a no vote will lead to disunity? What's the point in voting no then?

[@TheSproutarian]

Is it a conversation with the Australian people, or is it finger wagging and lecturing at the Australian people?

[@aidanmargarson8910]

It should also be pointed out that we have been here before .. lets be a republic and work out the best system once we agree that .. anyone?

[@JC-oy9ou]

All we can say is NO

[@jasonwalker2950]

Voting NO

[@CarnageCX3]

To me, a good comparison is the Maori in New Zealand. I think enshrining our first nations in our constitution shows our commitment to learning and truly appreciating Country. Then, our representatives will create what the voice specifically means in Parliament.

[@bushranger7646]

NO thanks

[@marktaylor3802]

NO. Simple

[@senadmarovic3530]

We come a long way I remember coming to Australia in 94 as a ten year old started school and we never heard abaut stolen generation I didn't even know what aboriginal flag looked like since they were not allowed to be put up and capitan cook was a hero who did only good for aboriginal people I'm not even aboriginal and to see first people to be treated as second class citizens is shameful I'm going to vote yes and hopefully it will be for the better

[@adventurebushflyers985]

As an Australian, you have no greater gift to give than to vote YES in the upcoming referendum. It is time our nation grew up and accept the reality of our shared history. The World is watching...

[@samwalker6268]

I’m a supporter of the ‘yes’ campaign and even I can say that the campaign has become complacent. The ‘no’ campaign has already flooded the airwaves and social media for months in advance, just like we saw with Brexit and Trump in 2016. The ‘yes’ campaign has learnt absolutely nothing.

[@ilikevines]

The Yes campaign has significantly more funding and active marketing behind it don’t be dishonest. The reason the campaign is failing is because the government are being deliberately vague and misleading about their intentions. Albanese has proven he’s more interested in trying to create a legacy for himself and have one big lasting change to the Australian system before he loses his position. He’s utterly indifferent to prioritising what the Labor party was created to do: making life more comfortable for average working class people.

[@LittleRayofSunshine69750]

@@ilikevineswell said!

[@mrdobalina3451]

The yes campaign hasn’t been complacent, they just never had a case in the first place.

[@drgeorgek]

@@mrdobalina3451the yes campaign was doomed the day albanese said just vote for it - details to follow.

[@leeklein8173]

I’m support of the yes campaign

[@marcusluciani1620]

Just another ABC Voice promotion.

[@blakesims793]

Are we all reading the comments supporting the No vote and recognising these 'people' all have 4 numbers after their username? Not bots or anything are they?

[@Asher0208]

Hello, at least I can assure you I’m a real human being, o person with three letters in their name.

[@Questtv4981]

bro you also have numbers after your name just like i do

[@hatch1892]

so do you - accounts either have 3 or 4, not some conspiracy.

[@mjoseph3333]

Not keen at all

[@PigeonPair]

Can we get a more pro-Voice perspective please, ABC? I don't think you tried hard enough. LOL

[@snowstrobe]

So you're asking for a more biased report...

[@drgeorgek]

@@snowstrobeexactly!

[@mrdobalina3451]

They’re not about to start now. Defund the ABC.

[@drgeorgek]

@@mrdobalina3451agree

[@Enlight_Entertain]

Good thing you are not in government of Australia 😅

[@Ifyouarehurtnointentwasapplied]

Write no ✌️👍

[@allymayful]

Mia Davies. WA’s next leader???

[@alistairdancepmm]

I feel guilty after watching this and I wasn't even here

[@calmkate8]

Vote YES, give peace a chance ... surely it's the least we can do!

[@hatch1892]

no

[@Jane-ob5dh]

Yeahhhhh nahhhh

[@Tazza81]

Find it quite funny the number of Right wingers saying this is biased 😂. It is a non-biased doco on an important proposed change to the constitution

[@NickDorogavtsev]

One sided propaganda. Shameless and unprofessional.

[@phantomstrider]

Personally I am voting yes 🙂

[@oldskeptic1513]

... if "yes" the sky will fall dawn, no doubt ...

[@zolaya3699]

The First People's of Australia deserve to have their voice heard properly. YES must win, or Australia may as well go back to 1901

[@tonganqueenb5517]

The Voice to parliament will happen, it's just a matter of time. You can't stop progress.

[@aedan633]

I know how I’m voting.

[@donfather09]

NO

[@LittleRayofSunshine69750]

No

[@victoranderson9837]

no

[@mrdobalina3451]

No (written with a black pen)

[@tmuxor]

The Voice doesn't go far enough: we either sign all land over to indigenous people or you can forget about my vote.

[@kostadinpanov5192]

No