🇦🇺 Australian Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum (October 14th)

[CumbrianLefty]

This really shouldn't be too much to ask, a consultative body with non-binding powers is really basic. Given how appalling racial inequality is and the history of Aborigines not being listened to, it is reasonable to require at least some consideration. This is also about the symbolism-Australia should demonstrate they want to do something about racial injustice.

Yes, but its token (or, if you prefer, symbolic) nature is proving rather a downside as well.

[CumbrianLefty]

I knew ABC is biased for YES, but I didn't expect the atmosphere to be bleaker than a funeral.

They're not biased. You just think they are.

They pretty clearly are, it's almost unwatchable. Reminds me of the media meltdown here in the UK after the EU referendum.

Well given how things have turned out since.....

In 2016 the UK electorate made the wrong choice, just as they did at the previous year's GE.

We should not shy away from saying it.

[CumbrianLefty]

Albanese had mentioned possibly holding a republican referendum in his second term, but the failure of the voice makes that unlikely now

I actually have a feeling a Republic referendum could pass. Republicanism seems to be a much more bipartisan idea than it was 25 years ago and it seems broadly popular.

And let's face it, Charlie doesn't have the emotional pull of his mother.

[CumbrianLefty]

I actually think that on the "Nixon to China" principle, there is a non-negligible chance that Australia ultimately becomes a republic under a Coalition government.