LOCAL MUSINGS The exercise of power

by DR RAY BARRACLOUGH

The key foundation of the nation of Australia was laid in the nineteenth century with the nation-wide theft of land - officially practised and condoned – by British Imperial (and armed) power. That power was duly inherited by the Australian nation at federation.

“Power” is a key word. I am reminded of a phrase that the great American twentieth-century theologian Reinhold Niebuhr used as he reflected on the exercise of power.

He focussed on the most dominant power-holders in society, and he discerned a pattern of control and influence that was present but not obvious. There was a phase that went something like this: "Power is tempted to cloak itself." He expanded on that phase as follows: ...[those holding power], whether economic or political, will seek to hide thier real purposes and power from the scrutiny of their fellows.

In mind was the systemic power held by those who had established systems of power-exercising that not only protected their power, but also structured it so that it was never questioned.

Speaking of power, it is well to be reminded of the words if Thomas Buxton, an English evangelical parliamentarian and chairman of a House of Commons committe that in 1836-37 was examining the expansion of British Imperial power in Australia.

The words of its Report included the following:

It might be presumed that the native inhabitants of any land have an incontrovertible right to their own soil: a plain and sacred right....The land has been taken from them without the assertion of any other title than that of superior force'.

And that taking ‘by force’ continued for almost a century or more after 1837 in the ongoing violent dispossessing of Indigenous people.

I recalled both Buxton’s and Niebuhr’s words as I reflected on dimensions surrounding, and embedded, in the referendum process that we Australians will be going through later this year.

A consequence of the combined ‘force’ and overwhelming power of armed British troops and armed British settlers, was that the institutions of control thus set up in Australia were designed to perpetuate the power

of the conquerors.

As an illustration, consider the history of the establishment of democracy in Australia throughout the nineteenth century. Becuase of both white supremacy, and male supremacy, the state parliaments which governed Australia up to 1901, were entirely filled with white males.

Indeed, white male power reigned systemically throughout Australia in regards to the composition of parliaments, the judiciary and the police forces up until recent times.

What has this to do with the forthcoming referendum on a Voice to parliament? A good deal. It will witness the perpetuation of the exercise of white power over the destiny of Indigenous Australians.

The following factors reinforce that perpetuation. Firstly, the overwhelming numbers of officials, settlers and migrants who occupied Australia in the nineteenth century were white. Their descendants (including this writer) have been the majority ethnic group occupying this continent and its islands from the mid-to-late nineteenth century down to the present day.

Secondly, the Australian Constitution, adopted in 1901, provided a cover for the unquestioned exercising of the power by this distinctive majority in every referendum held since federation.

The wording of the relevant clause in the Constitution, Item 128 entitled Mode of altering the Constitution reads in part:

And if in a majority of the States a majority of the electors voting approve the proposed law, and if a majority of all the electors voting also approve the proposed law, it shall be presented to the Governor-General for the [monarch]'s assent.

Every referendum held in Australia since federation has resulted in the issue being decided by the white majority of those voting.

This will be the case in 2023 because white Australians make up the majority numbers across the electorate in every state and territory.

The systemic voting power arrangements mean that in any referendum touching on the destiny of Indigenous people, white Australians decide that destiny.

Ponder that.

Indulge in the IAGO World Premiere on August 9 at 7pm, where you'll be welcomed with a sparkling flute of champagne and delectable canapés. Experience an exclusive opportunity to engage in a captivating Q&A session with the esteemed IAGO creative team including writer, director, designers, choreographer and talented actors.

Montville Village Hall, formerly the Montville School of Arts is a fitting venue for a glittering opening night of Douglas Hackett's new play before it goes on a national tour with ambitions for Broadway. Be one of the special few to experience this dream-like production before the world is woken to it.

Two actors gather in an apartment. One, a seasoned pro, is playing Othello. The other, an up-and-comer, is playing Iago. As their intimate rehearsals transform into consummated love, words, worlds and bodies collide. Will their relationship survive?

Directed by Michael Beh with dramaturgy by acclaimed Australian playwright Stephen Sewell, IAGO is a play; a modern reframing of William Shakespeare’s OTHELLO through the lens of its central relationship. Other performances on August 10 at 3pm and 7pm, visit therangebowfestival.org to book tickets for this incredible play.

BEST 1920’S ENTERTAINER

Australia’s only authentic 1920s-30s singer is joined with his band and two great Queensland musicians for an exciting dinner and dance, jazz and swing show at Caloundra Power Boat Club, on August 19 and 20.

Presented by the Sunshine Coast Jazz Club, there are two shows to see Greg Poppleton who has been voted best 1920’s entertainer in Australia - the Saturday Dinner Show, 6pm - 9.30pm, and Sunday 1pm - 3.30pm.

Greg Poppleton caught the jazz bug at the age of three after seeing Louis Armstrong on TV. To his parent's despair he never had any interest in contemporary popular music and is totally uninfluenced by it. He has his own style, unschooled and uncompromised by the jazz academy.

Greg has over 20 years of live jazz performance, and according to US and Australian critics, he captures the essence of the Swing Era with “uncanny accuracy"and brings the era to life with a dazzling Hollywood experience.

The band consists of Greg Poppleton (1920s-1930s Vocals), Geoff Power (Trumpet), Damon Poppleton (Alto Sax), Tony Barnard (Guitar), Adam Barnard (Washboard and Snare), Will Sargisson (Keyboard) and Richard Stevens (Sousaphone). Bookings and payment, call Julie on 0427782960, tickets from $55 for the Saturday night Dinner Show or from $25 for the Sunday show.Further information: sunshinecoastjazzclub.net.au

ART IS SERVED!

Art lovers are invited to the Noosa Open Studios annual fundraiser auction on Friday September 1, from 5pm to 8pm at the Butter Factory Art Centre in Cooroy. Chef Matt Golinski, Noosa Open Studios’ patron, will cater the event with a special surprise: a canapé specifically designed for our local art event.

During the fundraising event you will meet with artists, art lovers, and public figures, amidst an art exhibition of over 100 artists participating in the Noosa Open Studios in 2023. The summit of the night will be the auction of 25 artistic aprons. The apron is the link between art and food, a combination promoting the quintessential experience of our picturesque Noosa region. These aprons are unique pieces of art and will certainly impress your friends at any dinner party.

The auction also includes five Experiences, which will give to the winners the opportunity to spend a day with their favourite artist making art together.

Come to this fantastic event where ‘Art will be Served’ with a diversity and intensity of flavours to satisfy all tastes! Tickets will be on sale soon. Keep an eye on the website: noosaopenstudios.com.au or follow them @ noosaopenstudios. (Pictured: Simone Lea, Noosa Open Studios President.)

YANDINA CONCERT 

Yandina welcomes guest artist Allan Reed to the ACMA (Australasian Country Music Association) concert on Sunday, August 20. Allan’s energy and great range of songs guarantee entertainment! You’ll also enjoy popular country music and other upbeat, crowd-pleasing favourites from local artists backed by a great house band. See you at the Hall of Fame, 24 Steggalls Road, Yandina for a 12 noon start. There is a raffle and door prizes, BYO lunch, plus free tea and coffee. Entry is $8, and for any enquiries call 0437 191004. This is a not-for-profit organisation and the proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the hall.

Black Square Quartet

Presented as part of Horizon Festival in partnership with Anglican Parish of Maleny and Maleny Film Society, this LivingWaters:AShortFilmEvent is a celebration of interconnectedness and an exploration of belonging to each other and to the earth.

Friday September 1, 6.30pm, Main Hall, Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny, cost from $10. LivingWaters features a selection of short films from across the world and a panel conversation with local filmmaker John Harvey; Anglican Priest, Deb Bird; and international permaculture pioneer, leadership facilitator and author, Robin Clayfield. Visit horizonfestival.com.au to book tickets.

Innovative and boundary-pushing, the Black Square Quartet bring their hauntingly beautiful string music to Coolum, Eudlo and Maleny this August 19 - 25.

Inspired by the iconic and controversial artwork, TheBlackSquare, by Kasimir Malevich, one of the first true examples of artistic minimalism, the quartet is set to captivate and inspire audiences with their fresh perspective on classical music.

The Black Square Quartet brings together a fusion of musical genres, including Contemporary, Nordic Folk, Balkan Gypsy, and Renaissance music, weaving a tapestry of diverse sounds that redefine the boundaries of classical music.

Audiences will have the opportunity to experience a unique repertoire featuring captivating works of acclaimed composers such as Caroline Shaw, Thomas Green, Jessie Montgomery, Danish String Quartet, Michael Bacrncev, and the quartet's very own

HAUNTINGLY

Michael Patterson.

As violinist Camille Barry explains "We can't wait to bring this unique programme to audiences on the Sunshine Coast. This selection of works traverses time, cultures and genres - there's something in there for everyone. We're passionate about new music, so it's an honour to be able to perform several works by homegrown composers.”

The Black Square Quartet was founded in 2018 and is committed to promoting new and Australian music – they bring a fresh perspective to classical music that is both inspiring and unforgettable.

The Black Square Quartet Sunshine Coast tour is presented by local performing arts company Red Chair with the support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. (Photo by Thomas Green.) For full details, visit: redchair.com.au