SYMBOLISM v GENUINE AUSSIE UNITY

Wymbolism and special privileges for one category of Aussies based on race – or genuine unity for Australians of all races and cultures, with all of us (irrespective of racial or cultural links) sharing all things in modern-day Australia…. which is it to be?

Cutting through all the hype and hyperbole on the Voice referendum soon to confront all Aussie voters, this is where the debate on this unduly controversial topic is really at! It really is a very simple proposition…….

I believe most Aussies (a sizeable majority) have no qualms about formal recognition in our Constitution of Aborigines (and their unique culture) as the original “Australians” – denying the British claim that the country was “terra nullius” (or uninhabited) when the country was “acquired” and colonized by the Brits 250 years ago. That would simply right a historical wrong, which Britain presented to the world to justify its actions (at that time, and later).

But this is not where Australia is at today, and modern-day Aussies (of numerous racial ancestries and cultures) should not be subjected to being a “whipping post” for the actions (or perceived sins) of colonisation by the British, and by following administrations.

Australia today has become a multi-racial, multi-cultural powerhouse epitomized, worldwide almost, as a model for the peaceful existence of people of a multitude of cultures, and from almost 200 countries.

All of these racial and cultural groups have contributed, greatly, to what Australia has become, in the aftermath of British

By Colin Walker

colonialism…. much of it based on the positive aspects of the British culture and way of life (including our law, justice, governance, and public administration, to cite just a few).

Aboriginal Australians have contributed much also and continue to do so….in all of these areas, and more. Many of them have indeed taken full advantage of the opportunities available to them under our systems of law, justice, public administration, the arts, medicine, education, business, politics ….and sport, of course….to make their mark, spectacularly.

There has never been a time, since Federation, when (deservedly) Aboriginal achievers have made their mark as so many are doing, today……. across all disciplines, in all States and Territories, and across the nation’s three levels of government.

It is difficult to believe that this view would hold true, among ANY Australians today (including Aborigines) if the systems we “inherited” from British colonialism (and “reshaped” to suit our growing and changing needs) were not in place, for the benefit and betterment of all Australians.

The Seekers’ Bruce Woodley (and his co-author, Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers) got it right in their patriotic song,” I am Australian”, when they penned the lyrics “We are one, but we are many and from all the lands on Earth we come; we’ll share a dream and sing with ONE VOICE. I am, you are, we are Australian”.

I reckon they got it right. Let’s keep it that way. One COUNTRY, and an equal “voice” – and equal rights, benefits and entitlements – for ALL of us …. and NOT based on specially favoured racial or cultural backgrounds.