“I find it incredible I’m yet to see a “no” badge, a “no” protest march, or a prominent person/company/sporting body etc. rallying behind a “no” result, yet the “no” vote is, supposedly, leading by a country mile. How does that work?”
This was a question posed by a woman in The Sydney Morning Herald’s comments section today. And, let’s face it, it’s a fair one.
Over the weekend, we witnessed scores of Australians rallying harmoniously in support of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. They donned badges, t-shirts, hats and held placards with messages of solidarity and support.
As a fellow ‘Yes’ supporter, it was heartening. Moments like these make us see how much good intent there is among voters.
Those who support the October 14 referendum are proud of their decision. Often, they will happily debate the pros of the legislation in a bid to sway others sitting on the fence. They want to campaign and volunteer and adorn their houses with ‘Yes’ posters.
Prominent figure heads and celebrities who back The Voice, feel this same commitment to speak up. They know what’s at stake if we fail to back this in. If you feel passionately about Australia’s responsibility to get things right, it’s near impossible to stay silent.
When one of Australia’s most revered and nationally beloved singer-songwriters John Farnham lent his iconic song “You’re the Voice” to the campaign (the first time he’d allowed the song to run with any form of advertising), he noted:
“This song changed my life. I can only hope that now it might help, in some small way, to change the lives of our First Nations peoples for the better.”
Where then, is this same conviction from the ‘No’ side?
Why aren’t we seeing ‘No’ campaigners out in the streets, brochures in hand, gently persuading those around them to follow suit?
Why aren’t we seeing high profile figures (leaving aside former or current politicians with palpable agendas) publicly speaking out about the perceived challenges ahead and their fierce resolve against a change in our constitution?
Where are the protests? The rallies? The flags? The hype?
Nowhere.
Instead, most of those voting ‘no’, are either staying mute or frenetically punching out their disgruntlement on computer keyboards across the country. They know their position is contentious, so they’re keeping their face out of the debate. They know their decision doesn’t reflect them favourably.
For the worst of the ‘no’ voters, the behaviour is more insidious. They’re spouting racism and bigotry in dark corners of X. They’re using this moment in history to capitalise on the worst impulses of their fellow citizens and succumbing to the fear and toxicity themselves.
Voting is a freedom we, as Australians should never take lightly. It’s a right, yes. But it is also a firm privilege. If you are not open or proud of the way you vote, the way you perceive the world, perhaps it’s time to take stock.
If you’re not proud of your vote, imagine how disappointed First Nations people are.