1 00:00:00,020 --> 00:00:02,060 (THEME MUSIC PLAYS) 2 00:00:11,900 --> 00:00:16,900 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 3 00:00:16,900 --> 00:00:18,220 DAN BOURCHIER: On October 14 4 00:00:18,220 --> 00:00:18,420 DAN BOURCHIER: On October 14 you will be asked to vote Yes or No 5 00:00:18,420 --> 00:00:21,380 you will be asked to vote Yes or No 6 00:00:21,380 --> 00:00:23,500 to change our constitution. 7 00:00:23,500 --> 00:00:23,740 Do you want to recognise Aboriginal to change our constitution. 8 00:00:23,740 --> 00:00:28,020 Do you want to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 9 00:00:28,020 --> 00:00:30,780 through a Voice to Parliament? 10 00:00:30,780 --> 00:00:32,860 The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, 11 00:00:32,860 --> 00:00:33,060 says this is a simple question, The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, 12 00:00:33,060 --> 00:00:35,300 says this is a simple question, 13 00:00:35,300 --> 00:00:37,540 a matter from the heart. 14 00:00:37,540 --> 00:00:37,740 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) a matter from the heart. 15 00:00:37,740 --> 00:00:40,820 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 16 00:00:40,820 --> 00:00:41,020 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) (BAND PLAYS ROCK MUSIC) 17 00:00:41,020 --> 00:00:45,900 (BAND PLAYS ROCK MUSIC) 18 00:00:45,900 --> 00:00:46,140 ANTHONY ALBANESE: This is your time, (BAND PLAYS ROCK MUSIC) 19 00:00:46,140 --> 00:00:52,460 ANTHONY ALBANESE: This is your time, your chance, your opportunity 20 00:00:52,460 --> 00:00:55,220 to be a part of making history. 21 00:00:55,220 --> 00:00:58,660 It will be a moment of national unity. 22 00:00:58,660 --> 00:00:58,900 It will be a moment (BAND PLAYS ROCK MUSIC) 23 00:00:58,900 --> 00:01:02,780 (BAND PLAYS ROCK MUSIC) 24 00:01:02,780 --> 00:01:06,420 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 25 00:01:06,420 --> 00:01:10,700 But, for many, the debate has been unsettling. 26 00:01:10,700 --> 00:01:13,660 We're taking 25 million people with us in this change journey. 27 00:01:13,660 --> 00:01:18,020 That's a lot of people. That's a hell of a big, you know, ask. 28 00:01:18,020 --> 00:01:22,020 This referendum won't change who we are. It will reveal who we are. 29 00:01:22,020 --> 00:01:22,260 This referendum won't change who Whatever the outcome, 30 00:01:22,260 --> 00:01:23,540 Whatever the outcome, 31 00:01:23,540 --> 00:01:26,020 our country will be different on the Monday after. 32 00:01:29,820 --> 00:01:33,140 The ballot paper doesn't begin to capture the complexity 33 00:01:33,140 --> 00:01:33,380 The ballot paper doesn't begin of this conversation. 34 00:01:33,380 --> 00:01:35,620 of this conversation. 35 00:01:36,500 --> 00:01:39,180 We don't need to embed this in our constitution 36 00:01:39,180 --> 00:01:41,700 in such a way that it creates a rift. 37 00:01:41,700 --> 00:01:43,660 You know, you're going to have a large part of the population 38 00:01:43,660 --> 00:01:45,580 now seen as an isolated group of people 39 00:01:45,580 --> 00:01:47,820 with privileges that the other people don't. 40 00:01:51,340 --> 00:01:56,460 JUNE OSCAR: We live these issues and are impacted by them daily, 41 00:01:56,460 --> 00:01:57,980 whatever they may be - 42 00:01:57,980 --> 00:01:59,820 child protection issues, 43 00:01:59,820 --> 00:02:03,260 justice issues, youth detention, 44 00:02:03,260 --> 00:02:05,860 youth incarceration, housing. 45 00:02:05,860 --> 00:02:08,180 It does not make sense any longer 46 00:02:08,180 --> 00:02:12,140 for others to be making those decisions without us. 47 00:02:12,140 --> 00:02:12,380 for others to be making (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 48 00:02:12,380 --> 00:02:15,380 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 49 00:02:17,020 --> 00:02:20,460 This is the colony. We are a dumpster fire. 50 00:02:20,460 --> 00:02:23,020 The idea that the people who stole this land 51 00:02:23,020 --> 00:02:25,900 and then those who have directly benefited from it 52 00:02:25,900 --> 00:02:27,900 and now are going to a referendum 53 00:02:27,900 --> 00:02:31,620 to think about recognising the people who they stole it off 54 00:02:31,620 --> 00:02:31,860 to think about recognising is insane. 55 00:02:31,860 --> 00:02:33,020 is insane. 56 00:02:33,980 --> 00:02:37,820 I'm heading to the far west, northern tip and east of Australia 57 00:02:37,820 --> 00:02:38,060 I'm heading to the far west, to hear how First Nations people 58 00:02:38,060 --> 00:02:39,500 to hear how First Nations people 59 00:02:39,500 --> 00:02:43,060 are dealing themselves into democracy 60 00:02:43,060 --> 00:02:45,980 and if the Voice can deliver on its commitments 61 00:02:45,980 --> 00:02:49,220 to address the disparities some Indigenous people face. 62 00:02:49,220 --> 00:02:49,460 to address the disparities (INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE) 63 00:02:49,460 --> 00:02:51,700 (INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE) 64 00:02:54,300 --> 00:02:58,220 How do you think Australians are going to vote in the referendum? 65 00:02:58,220 --> 00:02:58,460 How do you think Australians It's anybody's guess, I suppose. 66 00:02:58,460 --> 00:03:00,700 It's anybody's guess, I suppose. 67 00:03:19,540 --> 00:03:23,460 I've been coming to the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land for years. 68 00:03:27,820 --> 00:03:30,780 It's one of those rare occasions in Australia 69 00:03:30,780 --> 00:03:34,220 where Indigenous affairs are front and centre. 70 00:03:40,460 --> 00:03:44,260 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 71 00:03:47,260 --> 00:03:50,820 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 72 00:03:52,620 --> 00:03:54,660 It's a cultural festival 73 00:03:54,660 --> 00:03:57,780 but also a lobby fest where the powerful mix. 74 00:03:57,780 --> 00:04:00,020 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 75 00:04:00,020 --> 00:04:03,860 This year it's all about the Voice. 76 00:04:03,860 --> 00:04:08,300 (KIDS SING IN LANGUAGE) 77 00:04:08,300 --> 00:04:10,820 # This little light of mine 78 00:04:10,820 --> 00:04:12,300 # I'm gonna let it shine 79 00:04:12,300 --> 00:04:16,820 # Let it shine, let it shine Let it shine. # 80 00:04:16,820 --> 00:04:19,060 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 81 00:04:19,060 --> 00:04:20,740 Thank you. 82 00:04:24,100 --> 00:04:28,540 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC PLAYS) 83 00:04:32,260 --> 00:04:35,620 This is the first Garma without Yunupingu. 84 00:04:35,620 --> 00:04:37,140 (PLAYS SOMBRE NOTE) 85 00:04:37,140 --> 00:04:39,580 He was the head of the Gumatj Nation 86 00:04:39,580 --> 00:04:43,980 and the major force behind reviving constitutional recognition 87 00:04:43,980 --> 00:04:45,540 for First Nations people. 88 00:04:45,540 --> 00:04:48,780 (CHANTING IN LANGUAGE) 89 00:04:48,780 --> 00:04:53,580 Today his words will echo in those songs. 90 00:04:54,540 --> 00:04:56,060 GROUP: (SINGS) # They put up a flag 91 00:04:56,060 --> 00:05:01,100 # And said, "This land now belongs to George III 92 00:05:01,100 --> 00:05:04,540 # "And if anybody wants to challenge this 93 00:05:04,540 --> 00:05:04,780 # "And if anybody # "Then let his voice be heard" 94 00:05:04,780 --> 00:05:08,540 # "Then let his voice be heard" 95 00:05:09,660 --> 00:05:12,980 # Oh, heaven, I told you often, my boy 96 00:05:12,980 --> 00:05:13,220 # Oh, heaven, I told you often, # That the land was all created... # 97 00:05:13,220 --> 00:05:16,700 # That the land was all created... # 98 00:05:16,700 --> 00:05:20,420 Across his life Yunupingu had the ear of the powerful 99 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:22,820 and used it to advocate for First Nations people. 100 00:05:22,820 --> 00:05:23,060 and used it to advocate (SONG CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY) 101 00:05:23,060 --> 00:05:28,420 (SONG CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY) 102 00:05:28,420 --> 00:05:28,620 Hence, at Garma last year, (SONG CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY) 103 00:05:28,620 --> 00:05:31,420 Hence, at Garma last year, 104 00:05:31,420 --> 00:05:31,660 after the announcement Hence, at Garma last year, 105 00:05:31,660 --> 00:05:32,980 after the announcement there would be 106 00:05:32,980 --> 00:05:33,220 after the announcement there would be a referendum on a Voice, 107 00:05:33,220 --> 00:05:35,260 a referendum on a Voice, 108 00:05:35,260 --> 00:05:36,820 he had a simple question 109 00:05:36,820 --> 00:05:42,580 for the 11th Prime Minister he had dealt with face to face - 110 00:05:42,580 --> 00:05:48,140 "Are you serious this time?" 111 00:05:48,140 --> 00:05:51,300 The answer was a straight, 112 00:05:51,300 --> 00:05:54,540 "Yes, I am." 113 00:05:54,540 --> 00:06:00,100 (APPLAUSE) 114 00:06:02,620 --> 00:06:05,060 ANTHONY ALBANESE: The question that Australians will be asked 115 00:06:05,060 --> 00:06:05,300 ANTHONY ALBANESE: The question at this year's referendum 116 00:06:05,300 --> 00:06:06,540 at this year's referendum 117 00:06:06,540 --> 00:06:07,780 will read, 118 00:06:07,780 --> 00:06:08,020 "A proposed law will read, 119 00:06:08,020 --> 00:06:11,620 "A proposed law to alter the constitution 120 00:06:11,620 --> 00:06:14,940 "to recognise the First Peoples of Australia 121 00:06:14,940 --> 00:06:19,300 "by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - 122 00:06:19,300 --> 00:06:20,780 "do you approve 123 00:06:20,780 --> 00:06:20,980 "this proposed alteration?" "do you approve 124 00:06:20,980 --> 00:06:22,940 "this proposed alteration?" 125 00:06:22,940 --> 00:06:26,700 That's the question before the Australian people. 126 00:06:33,340 --> 00:06:37,260 For some, it's a modest, simple request. 127 00:06:38,500 --> 00:06:42,620 Yorta Yorta man Ian Hamm is a member of the Stolen Generation. 128 00:06:42,620 --> 00:06:44,180 Adopted as a baby, 129 00:06:44,180 --> 00:06:48,900 he didn't know his birth family lived just 50 kilometres down the road 130 00:06:48,900 --> 00:06:49,140 he didn't know his birth family lived from the country town he grew up in 131 00:06:49,140 --> 00:06:50,980 from the country town he grew up in 132 00:06:50,980 --> 00:06:53,700 until he was an adult. 133 00:06:53,700 --> 00:06:56,620 (FIRE CRACKLES) 134 00:06:56,620 --> 00:06:58,820 IAN HAMM: For me, it's not about the Uluru Statement, 135 00:06:58,820 --> 00:06:59,060 IAN HAMM: For me, it's not about sovereignty, 136 00:06:59,060 --> 00:07:00,820 it's not about sovereignty, 137 00:07:00,820 --> 00:07:02,100 it's not about advocacy. 138 00:07:02,100 --> 00:07:02,300 What do you, as an Australian, it's not about advocacy. 139 00:07:02,300 --> 00:07:03,580 What do you, as an Australian, 140 00:07:03,580 --> 00:07:06,220 believe in your heart of hearts when you vote? 141 00:07:06,220 --> 00:07:10,340 Should the Aborigines, your fellow Australians, be able to speak? 142 00:07:10,340 --> 00:07:10,580 Should the Aborigines, your fellow Australians, be able to speak? I use the term 'Aborigines' 143 00:07:10,580 --> 00:07:12,180 I use the term 'Aborigines' 144 00:07:12,180 --> 00:07:15,780 because, the way the discussion has been happening 145 00:07:15,780 --> 00:07:16,020 because, the way the discussion about this referendum, 146 00:07:16,020 --> 00:07:17,500 about this referendum, 147 00:07:17,500 --> 00:07:21,780 there are days when I'm not sure if it's 2023 or it's 1963. 148 00:07:21,780 --> 00:07:23,820 (CHATTER, LAUGHTER) 149 00:07:23,820 --> 00:07:27,780 Ian is the director of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, 150 00:07:27,780 --> 00:07:32,340 one of the many corporate groups that make the journey to Garma each year. 151 00:07:32,340 --> 00:07:36,380 I am God-hoping it reveals that we are a nation that's maturing, 152 00:07:36,380 --> 00:07:39,820 we're progressing, we're coming to terms with our own history. 153 00:07:39,820 --> 00:07:40,100 I don't actually accept the argument that, you know, we're progressing, we're coming to terms with our own history. 154 00:07:40,100 --> 00:07:41,700 I don't actually accept the argument that, you know, 155 00:07:41,700 --> 00:07:44,780 companies and business should stay within the swim lanes 156 00:07:44,780 --> 00:07:45,020 companies and business should stay within the swim lanes and just look after their business. 157 00:07:45,020 --> 00:07:46,740 and just look after their business. 158 00:07:46,740 --> 00:07:49,540 We all exist in a context. 159 00:07:49,540 --> 00:07:50,660 I have a question around... 160 00:07:50,660 --> 00:07:52,140 Ian has spent his adult life 161 00:07:52,140 --> 00:07:52,380 working to reform the systems that Ian has spent his adult life 162 00:07:52,380 --> 00:07:57,340 working to reform the systems that govern Indigenous people's lives. 163 00:07:57,340 --> 00:08:00,300 If Aboriginal Australia is fully embraced, 164 00:08:00,300 --> 00:08:04,460 think of the contribution we can make not only about ourselves 165 00:08:04,460 --> 00:08:06,700 but to making Australia a better country as a whole. 166 00:08:06,700 --> 00:08:08,900 That's what this referendum is about. 167 00:08:08,900 --> 00:08:09,140 That's what this referendum So much more than just closing gaps. 168 00:08:09,140 --> 00:08:12,620 So much more than just closing gaps. 169 00:08:12,620 --> 00:08:15,820 (ROCK MUSIC PLAYS) 170 00:08:15,820 --> 00:08:18,260 (INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE) 171 00:08:19,300 --> 00:08:23,980 The official No camp argues the Voice will divide the country. 172 00:08:23,980 --> 00:08:26,220 ANNOUNCER: So, when you hear your name, that's your cue to stand up. 173 00:08:26,220 --> 00:08:26,460 ANNOUNCER: So, when you hear your But there's also resistance 174 00:08:26,460 --> 00:08:27,700 But there's also resistance 175 00:08:27,700 --> 00:08:31,260 from those who say it's too small a request, 176 00:08:31,260 --> 00:08:34,580 people like Gunai Kurnai man Ben Abbatangelo, 177 00:08:34,580 --> 00:08:36,340 a former professional cricketer, 178 00:08:36,340 --> 00:08:37,820 whose view on the Voice 179 00:08:37,820 --> 00:08:42,020 has moved from a reluctant Yes to a hard-edged No. 180 00:08:42,020 --> 00:08:45,380 Ladies and gentlemen, would you welcome Dan Bourchier? 181 00:08:45,380 --> 00:08:47,300 Give him a big round of applause. 182 00:08:47,300 --> 00:08:49,540 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 183 00:08:49,540 --> 00:08:51,540 BEN ABBATANGELO: Well, it's born out of what's acceptable 184 00:08:51,540 --> 00:08:51,780 BEN ABBATANGELO: Well, for constitutional conservatives. 185 00:08:51,780 --> 00:08:53,380 for constitutional conservatives. 186 00:08:53,380 --> 00:08:55,300 It's not born out of Black ambition. 187 00:08:55,300 --> 00:09:00,300 What do you say to those who say that this is a step in that journey 188 00:09:00,300 --> 00:09:00,540 What do you say to those who say of a rights agenda? 189 00:09:00,540 --> 00:09:03,100 of a rights agenda? 190 00:09:03,100 --> 00:09:04,660 It's not. And we don't have time. 191 00:09:04,660 --> 00:09:07,060 This go-slow incremental change 192 00:09:07,060 --> 00:09:08,460 is killing us. 193 00:09:08,460 --> 00:09:11,980 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 194 00:09:11,980 --> 00:09:12,220 "Baby steps," "The first step"... (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 195 00:09:12,220 --> 00:09:14,980 "Baby steps," "The first step"... Like, how mediocre is that? 196 00:09:14,980 --> 00:09:18,340 235 years-plus of brutal subjugation. 197 00:09:18,340 --> 00:09:18,580 235 years-plus I don't want to take a small step 198 00:09:18,580 --> 00:09:19,820 I don't want to take a small step 199 00:09:19,820 --> 00:09:20,060 in quicksand I don't want to take a small step 200 00:09:20,060 --> 00:09:23,380 in quicksand with my feet tied together. 201 00:09:23,380 --> 00:09:23,620 in quicksand I want to lift us up out of it. 202 00:09:23,620 --> 00:09:24,860 I want to lift us up out of it. 203 00:09:24,860 --> 00:09:25,060 I want to dream I want to lift us up out of it. 204 00:09:25,060 --> 00:09:26,340 I want to dream 205 00:09:26,340 --> 00:09:30,140 and remember what it is like to live freely, autonomously, independent. 206 00:09:30,140 --> 00:09:32,060 And, you know, 207 00:09:32,060 --> 00:09:32,300 And, you know, I want to maintain my dignity in pursuing that. 208 00:09:32,300 --> 00:09:35,460 I want to maintain my dignity in pursuing that. 209 00:09:36,420 --> 00:09:39,300 Bunuba woman, Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar 210 00:09:39,300 --> 00:09:42,260 hopes the Voice will limit Indigenous people being used 211 00:09:42,260 --> 00:09:42,500 hopes the Voice will limit as a political football. 212 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:44,500 as a political football. 213 00:09:44,500 --> 00:09:44,700 We must remind ourselves as a political football. 214 00:09:44,700 --> 00:09:46,900 We must remind ourselves 215 00:09:46,900 --> 00:09:49,660 that this has been a journey. 216 00:09:49,660 --> 00:09:49,860 that this has been a journey. (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 217 00:09:49,860 --> 00:09:51,460 (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SINGING) 218 00:09:51,460 --> 00:09:56,820 This call has come from decades upon decades 219 00:09:56,820 --> 00:09:57,060 This call has come of so many Indigenous leaders, 220 00:09:57,060 --> 00:09:59,740 of so many Indigenous leaders, 221 00:09:59,740 --> 00:09:59,980 and we have had of so many Indigenous leaders, 222 00:09:59,980 --> 00:10:03,580 and we have had some of our best minds, 223 00:10:03,580 --> 00:10:05,780 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, 224 00:10:05,780 --> 00:10:06,020 Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributing to that. 225 00:10:06,020 --> 00:10:08,260 contributing to that. 226 00:10:09,780 --> 00:10:13,020 But politics has been everywhere in this debate. 227 00:10:13,020 --> 00:10:13,260 But politics has been everywhere (GROUP SINGS IN LANGUAGE) 228 00:10:13,260 --> 00:10:16,020 (GROUP SINGS IN LANGUAGE) 229 00:10:16,020 --> 00:10:19,900 And the Yes campaign has a hard road to sell its case. 230 00:10:25,340 --> 00:10:27,540 For a referendum to pass 231 00:10:27,540 --> 00:10:30,940 it must be supported by a majority of voters nationally 232 00:10:30,940 --> 00:10:34,740 and reach a majority in at least four states. 233 00:10:34,740 --> 00:10:37,620 But both sides are fighting for people's attention 234 00:10:37,620 --> 00:10:37,860 But both sides amidst the cost-of-living crisis. 235 00:10:37,860 --> 00:10:40,420 amidst the cost-of-living crisis. 236 00:10:40,420 --> 00:10:44,860 (BIRDS SQUAWK) 237 00:10:46,380 --> 00:10:49,180 Walgett in remote north-western New South Wales 238 00:10:49,180 --> 00:10:53,900 is among the state's most socially disadvantaged towns, 239 00:10:53,900 --> 00:10:58,740 but its residents are about to get a prized delivery. 240 00:11:02,620 --> 00:11:05,540 Gamilaroi couple Garry and Jenny Trindall 241 00:11:05,540 --> 00:11:09,180 organised this delivery of fresh fruit and veg. 242 00:11:09,180 --> 00:11:13,420 And, so, who do these boxes go to? Whoever wants them. 243 00:11:13,420 --> 00:11:15,700 Anyone in the community that wants them gets them. 244 00:11:15,700 --> 00:11:18,460 It's important, isn't it, community? It's very, very important. 245 00:11:18,460 --> 00:11:20,980 When you've got a little rural place like Walgett, 246 00:11:20,980 --> 00:11:24,540 it's very, very important that we do everything together 247 00:11:24,540 --> 00:11:26,060 and we work together. 248 00:11:26,060 --> 00:11:29,020 I think Arthur was going to get the bread. You want my truck? 249 00:11:29,020 --> 00:11:33,260 Garry is the chair of the Murdi Paaki Working Party in Walgett, 250 00:11:33,260 --> 00:11:33,500 Garry is the chair of the an Indigenous organisation 251 00:11:33,500 --> 00:11:35,060 an Indigenous organisation 252 00:11:35,060 --> 00:11:35,300 that practises what he calls an Indigenous organisation 253 00:11:35,300 --> 00:11:39,060 that practises what he calls 'turn-up democracy' - 254 00:11:39,060 --> 00:11:42,300 local solutions to meet the community's needs. 255 00:11:43,420 --> 00:11:47,780 Parallels have been drawn with how the Voice to Parliament could work. 256 00:11:47,780 --> 00:11:51,620 16 working parties within the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, 257 00:11:51,620 --> 00:11:51,860 16 working parties within and it's a collection of people 258 00:11:51,860 --> 00:11:55,620 and it's a collection of people 259 00:11:55,620 --> 00:11:55,860 from all the little communities out here, and it's a collection of people 260 00:11:55,860 --> 00:11:58,980 from all the little communities out here, 261 00:11:58,980 --> 00:12:01,340 and the chairperson goes away three times a year 262 00:12:01,340 --> 00:12:03,180 to the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly meeting. 263 00:12:03,180 --> 00:12:03,420 to the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly meeting. Our chairperson is there, 264 00:12:03,420 --> 00:12:04,780 Our chairperson is there, 265 00:12:04,780 --> 00:12:08,260 we tell him what's going on in our communities and what we need, 266 00:12:08,260 --> 00:12:10,500 then he goes and lobbies government for us. 267 00:12:10,500 --> 00:12:13,260 And I'm the chairperson, but I don't do anything in this community 268 00:12:13,260 --> 00:12:15,420 unless the community tells me to do it. 269 00:12:15,420 --> 00:12:17,660 (HUBBUB) 270 00:12:17,660 --> 00:12:19,420 Any mandarins or anything? 271 00:12:19,420 --> 00:12:23,260 Apples... I'll get that one for my son. 272 00:12:24,820 --> 00:12:27,460 You want it on top of? Yeah, thank you very much. 273 00:12:27,460 --> 00:12:29,980 No worries! Enjoy! Thank you! 274 00:12:29,980 --> 00:12:31,700 That'll keep youse fed for a little while. 275 00:12:31,700 --> 00:12:31,940 Really hard at the moment. That'll keep youse fed for a little while. 276 00:12:31,940 --> 00:12:34,700 Really hard at the moment. 277 00:12:34,700 --> 00:12:37,340 I've got... Myself has the diabetes 278 00:12:37,340 --> 00:12:40,660 and my son has the diabetes as well. 279 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:40,900 and my son has the diabetes as well. And fresh fruit and veg is really important. 280 00:12:40,900 --> 00:12:42,940 And fresh fruit and veg is really important. 281 00:12:42,940 --> 00:12:43,700 Yep. 282 00:12:43,700 --> 00:12:46,620 So, what happens when you can't get that or you can't afford that? 283 00:12:46,620 --> 00:12:46,860 So, what happens when you can't We try to make do what we got. 284 00:12:46,860 --> 00:12:49,300 We try to make do what we got. 285 00:12:49,300 --> 00:12:52,060 It's really a bit hard. 286 00:12:52,060 --> 00:12:52,260 We've got one IGA store here It's really a bit hard. 287 00:12:52,260 --> 00:12:55,780 We've got one IGA store here 288 00:12:55,780 --> 00:12:59,340 and they have to charge through the nose with their prices, 289 00:12:59,340 --> 00:12:59,580 and they have to charge through the nose with their prices, which is not their fault. 290 00:12:59,580 --> 00:13:01,100 which is not their fault. 291 00:13:01,100 --> 00:13:04,420 It's the way of living these days and the costing. 292 00:13:04,420 --> 00:13:06,740 Does this make you feel like you're part of the community? 293 00:13:06,740 --> 00:13:11,300 Of course it does, because the whole community has been invited down, 294 00:13:11,300 --> 00:13:13,980 you know, and that's the great thing about it. 295 00:13:13,980 --> 00:13:17,020 It's not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, 296 00:13:17,020 --> 00:13:18,700 it's for everyone. Yeah. 297 00:13:18,700 --> 00:13:21,700 And it's nice to see other people coming here. 298 00:13:24,420 --> 00:13:26,780 Garry's taking us on a tour of Walgett, 299 00:13:26,780 --> 00:13:31,340 the town he's called home for the past 40 years. 300 00:13:31,340 --> 00:13:34,500 There's a lot of people out there less fortunate than us, 301 00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:38,460 haven't got the drive that me and my family have got, 302 00:13:38,460 --> 00:13:41,300 and they're the people that we need to help. 303 00:13:42,940 --> 00:13:47,860 A lot of people fear to come here because it's got a bad reputation. 304 00:13:47,860 --> 00:13:49,900 Back in the late '80s, 305 00:13:49,900 --> 00:13:52,580 I was an ACLO with the New South Wales Police. 306 00:13:52,580 --> 00:13:56,500 Yes, it was a violent town, but now there's no-one on the street. 307 00:13:56,500 --> 00:13:58,740 You know, there might be an odd kid, but that'll be about all. 308 00:13:58,740 --> 00:14:03,020 So, from the reputation that it had to what it's got now, 309 00:14:03,020 --> 00:14:08,380 I feel it's really a credit to the Walgett people. 310 00:14:08,380 --> 00:14:08,620 I feel it's really a credit Well, I'll be honest with you - 311 00:14:08,620 --> 00:14:10,540 Well, I'll be honest with you - 312 00:14:10,540 --> 00:14:11,820 I've had about three nights 313 00:14:11,820 --> 00:14:15,180 where I've had probably two or three hours sleep in the last week 314 00:14:15,180 --> 00:14:20,100 because I thought this wasn't going to go the way that it was planned. 315 00:14:20,100 --> 00:14:23,260 But to see it go off the way that it went off this morning, 316 00:14:23,260 --> 00:14:25,140 I think I've grown 10 foot tall. 317 00:14:25,140 --> 00:14:26,660 You're seeing it with your own eyes, 318 00:14:26,660 --> 00:14:30,500 like, Walgett police, Walgett ambulance, Walgett fire brigade 319 00:14:30,500 --> 00:14:30,740 like, Walgett police, Walgett and other people 320 00:14:30,740 --> 00:14:31,980 and other people 321 00:14:31,980 --> 00:14:32,220 were just walking up to me and other people 322 00:14:32,220 --> 00:14:34,260 were just walking up to me and saying, "Garry, can we help?" 323 00:14:34,260 --> 00:14:34,500 were just walking up to me I think it's brought this town... 324 00:14:34,500 --> 00:14:36,300 I think it's brought this town... 325 00:14:36,300 --> 00:14:40,460 The relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal - 326 00:14:40,460 --> 00:14:42,700 I think it's brought this town ahead 10 years. 327 00:14:42,700 --> 00:14:44,860 Really? Today, yep. 328 00:14:52,420 --> 00:14:56,700 Murdi Paaki serves a region that covers around 40% of the state, 329 00:14:56,700 --> 00:15:00,460 where more than 20% of residents are Aboriginal. 330 00:15:02,180 --> 00:15:06,860 Garry says Murdi Paaki knows what locals need, and it delivers. 331 00:15:08,500 --> 00:15:11,300 So, how does that line up with the Voice? 332 00:15:11,300 --> 00:15:11,540 So, how does that line up This is the worst thing, Dan - 333 00:15:11,540 --> 00:15:13,580 This is the worst thing, Dan - 334 00:15:13,580 --> 00:15:15,820 they're trying to put something on us 335 00:15:15,820 --> 00:15:17,700 and not telling us what it's going to be, 336 00:15:17,700 --> 00:15:17,940 and not telling us and I will not support that. 337 00:15:17,940 --> 00:15:20,220 and I will not support that. 338 00:15:20,220 --> 00:15:22,340 I will not support 339 00:15:22,340 --> 00:15:23,940 people that are living in Sydney 340 00:15:23,940 --> 00:15:26,620 to make decisions for me and my family. 341 00:15:26,620 --> 00:15:26,860 to make decisions Listening to you about Murdi Paaki, 342 00:15:26,860 --> 00:15:28,500 Listening to you about Murdi Paaki, 343 00:15:28,500 --> 00:15:32,420 I'm wondering, well, isn't that essentially a possibility 344 00:15:32,420 --> 00:15:35,340 to be a local regional voice that then feeds in? 345 00:15:35,340 --> 00:15:37,340 So, issues that are coming out of Walgett 346 00:15:37,340 --> 00:15:37,580 So, issues come through you to your chair 347 00:15:37,580 --> 00:15:39,140 come through you to your chair 348 00:15:39,140 --> 00:15:40,620 and then go to... 349 00:15:40,620 --> 00:15:40,860 That's right. and then go to... 350 00:15:40,860 --> 00:15:42,180 That's right. ..that national body. 351 00:15:42,180 --> 00:15:42,420 That's right. Yeah. That's exactly right. 352 00:15:42,420 --> 00:15:44,300 Yeah. That's exactly right. 353 00:15:44,300 --> 00:15:46,420 But... 354 00:15:46,420 --> 00:15:50,380 ..your voice is only as good as the person that's representing you. 355 00:15:51,660 --> 00:15:55,540 What Garry hints at here is a recurring theme, 356 00:15:55,540 --> 00:15:55,780 What Garry hints at here a scepticism or lack of trust 357 00:15:55,780 --> 00:15:58,020 a scepticism or lack of trust 358 00:15:58,020 --> 00:16:00,780 that the proposal would make things better. 359 00:16:00,780 --> 00:16:01,020 that the proposal (BIRDS SQUAWK) 360 00:16:01,020 --> 00:16:02,780 (BIRDS SQUAWK) 361 00:16:02,780 --> 00:16:05,300 VICTOR BEALE: I'm sort of in between at the moment, 362 00:16:05,300 --> 00:16:05,540 VICTOR BEALE: I'm sort of in between but I think I'll vote Yes anyway 363 00:16:05,540 --> 00:16:07,380 but I think I'll vote Yes anyway 364 00:16:07,380 --> 00:16:09,180 because if we can make good changes 365 00:16:09,180 --> 00:16:10,660 then so be it. 366 00:16:10,660 --> 00:16:12,660 If it's going to benefit our communities, 367 00:16:12,660 --> 00:16:12,900 If it's going to benefit then we've all got to be in it. 368 00:16:12,900 --> 00:16:15,300 then we've all got to be in it. 369 00:16:15,300 --> 00:16:15,540 And I'm even talking about then we've all got to be in it. 370 00:16:15,540 --> 00:16:17,780 And I'm even talking about non-Aboriginal people too. 371 00:16:17,780 --> 00:16:19,620 We've all got to come together, 372 00:16:19,620 --> 00:16:23,940 start telling the truth about what's happened in the past, 373 00:16:23,940 --> 00:16:24,180 start telling the truth learn from it, go forward. 374 00:16:24,180 --> 00:16:27,060 learn from it, go forward. 375 00:16:27,060 --> 00:16:27,300 Why is that important to tell the learn from it, go forward. 376 00:16:27,300 --> 00:16:30,500 Why is that important to tell the truth and to learn from it for you? 377 00:16:30,500 --> 00:16:30,740 Why is that important to tell the Well... 378 00:16:30,740 --> 00:16:32,300 Well... 379 00:16:32,300 --> 00:16:36,500 ..my father was taken as part of the Stolen Generation, 380 00:16:36,500 --> 00:16:38,860 and it's still affecting our family. 381 00:16:39,820 --> 00:16:41,300 ARCHIVE REPORTER: 12 government houses 382 00:16:41,300 --> 00:16:43,620 have been built in the town for Aborigines 383 00:16:43,620 --> 00:16:47,660 and another 18 are to be completed and tenanted this year. 384 00:16:49,380 --> 00:16:53,420 Vic's story is the reality for many Indigenous families, 385 00:16:53,420 --> 00:16:53,660 Vic's story is the reality where history is present every day. 386 00:16:53,660 --> 00:16:57,020 where history is present every day. 387 00:17:02,260 --> 00:17:06,540 He was living on a mission with his parents, 388 00:17:06,540 --> 00:17:08,380 and he went down looking for turtle eggs 389 00:17:08,380 --> 00:17:12,620 to get brekkie for the family, you know, 390 00:17:12,620 --> 00:17:15,260 and coppers come along and took him. 391 00:17:15,260 --> 00:17:20,300 And that's why there's a lot of angst with police still today. 392 00:17:20,300 --> 00:17:20,540 And that's why there's a lot You know? That... 393 00:17:20,540 --> 00:17:23,020 You know? That... 394 00:17:23,020 --> 00:17:23,260 That blue uniform - it represents You know? That... 395 00:17:23,260 --> 00:17:28,300 That blue uniform - it represents a lot, and a lot of that's not good. 396 00:17:28,300 --> 00:17:30,460 It's only just now that we found proof 397 00:17:30,460 --> 00:17:32,980 that he was actually in Kinchela Boys Home. 398 00:17:32,980 --> 00:17:35,220 There was a lot of hurt for a lot of years 399 00:17:35,220 --> 00:17:39,140 because, you know, we didn't know what happened to him in the past. 400 00:17:40,420 --> 00:17:43,140 And that really affected us 401 00:17:43,140 --> 00:17:44,660 as a family. 402 00:17:54,020 --> 00:17:57,300 The Voice debaters provided a platform for truth-telling 403 00:17:57,300 --> 00:17:57,540 The Voice debaters provided about our dark past... 404 00:17:57,540 --> 00:17:59,940 about our dark past... 405 00:18:01,660 --> 00:18:05,460 ..but also stories of incredible resilience. 406 00:18:05,460 --> 00:18:08,580 BRADLEY HARDY: So, friends, we share with people. 407 00:18:08,580 --> 00:18:09,900 In the days of our ancestors, 408 00:18:09,900 --> 00:18:10,140 rivers were community that brought community together. In the days of our ancestors, 409 00:18:10,140 --> 00:18:13,940 rivers were community that brought community together. 410 00:18:13,940 --> 00:18:14,220 On my side of the river, where that cross is, rivers were community that brought community together. 411 00:18:14,220 --> 00:18:15,900 On my side of the river, where that cross is, 412 00:18:15,900 --> 00:18:16,140 around about 160 year ago where that cross is, 413 00:18:16,140 --> 00:18:17,780 around about 160 year ago 414 00:18:17,780 --> 00:18:19,060 we have a massacre. 415 00:18:19,060 --> 00:18:19,300 we have a massacre. So, what happened was over 400-plus of our people 416 00:18:19,300 --> 00:18:22,580 So, what happened was over 400-plus of our people 417 00:18:22,580 --> 00:18:22,820 So, what happened were massacred for no reason at all. 418 00:18:22,820 --> 00:18:25,060 were massacred for no reason at all. 419 00:18:25,060 --> 00:18:27,860 They were blamed for killing a man that wasn't even dead. 420 00:18:27,860 --> 00:18:30,900 Now, 1901, Australia became known as a federation of states, 421 00:18:30,900 --> 00:18:34,100 and all the talk of that time was Australia is now spreading its wings 422 00:18:34,100 --> 00:18:34,340 and all the talk of that time was and it's expanding. 423 00:18:34,340 --> 00:18:35,660 and it's expanding. 424 00:18:35,660 --> 00:18:38,380 While Australia was spreading its wings and it's expanding, 425 00:18:38,380 --> 00:18:39,980 for our people, it was shrinking. 426 00:18:42,660 --> 00:18:44,140 Now, if you look straight out, 427 00:18:44,140 --> 00:18:44,380 you can see Now, if you look straight out, 428 00:18:44,380 --> 00:18:48,380 you can see like a kidney-shaped storage tank. 429 00:18:49,340 --> 00:18:51,180 Come up and we'll do a bit more, eh? 430 00:18:51,180 --> 00:18:54,140 Get your phones out because this is the best spot. 431 00:18:56,580 --> 00:19:01,780 Ngemba people date these fish traps to the time the land was created. 432 00:19:01,780 --> 00:19:04,860 Generations of Ngemba and other language groups 433 00:19:04,860 --> 00:19:08,340 have used and cared for them for thousands of years. 434 00:19:08,340 --> 00:19:10,260 ALAN COATES: I think it's sort of coming to me 435 00:19:10,260 --> 00:19:12,780 that a lot of what the Europeans did to the Aboriginals 436 00:19:12,780 --> 00:19:14,820 was actually taking their culture away. 437 00:19:14,820 --> 00:19:15,100 You know, it wasn't just accidental. They obviously... was actually taking their culture away. 438 00:19:15,100 --> 00:19:18,260 You know, it wasn't just accidental. They obviously... 439 00:19:18,260 --> 00:19:21,180 ..what Bradley said, you know, changed their location 440 00:19:21,180 --> 00:19:21,460 ..what Bradley said, you know, changed their location and stopped them practising hunting and gathering. 441 00:19:21,460 --> 00:19:24,500 and stopped them practising hunting and gathering. 442 00:19:24,500 --> 00:19:29,060 So, it was a deliberate attempt to wipe out their culture. 443 00:19:29,060 --> 00:19:32,020 So, the fish traps originally went 60 metres back up past that weir. 444 00:19:32,020 --> 00:19:32,260 So, the fish traps originally went Our people would use that rock 445 00:19:32,260 --> 00:19:34,020 Our people would use that rock 446 00:19:34,020 --> 00:19:36,060 to sharpen their tools and weapons for hunting. 447 00:19:36,060 --> 00:19:38,580 See that flat rock down the bottom here? 448 00:19:38,580 --> 00:19:41,300 We're having a big national conversation right now 449 00:19:41,300 --> 00:19:41,540 We're having a big about our past, 450 00:19:41,540 --> 00:19:43,260 about our past, 451 00:19:43,260 --> 00:19:45,740 how we reconcile that and understand that. 452 00:19:45,740 --> 00:19:50,620 Now, I wonder, where do you sit on the Voice? 453 00:19:50,620 --> 00:19:53,100 I feel... 454 00:19:53,100 --> 00:19:54,580 ..ignorant. 455 00:19:54,580 --> 00:19:54,780 I feel that I really have no idea ..ignorant. 456 00:19:54,780 --> 00:19:58,340 I feel that I really have no idea 457 00:19:58,340 --> 00:19:59,860 what I should vote 458 00:19:59,860 --> 00:20:00,100 what I should vote to be a lot of detail. 459 00:20:00,100 --> 00:20:03,540 because there doesn't seem to be a lot of detail. 460 00:20:03,540 --> 00:20:06,820 I hear of Indigenous groups who are really for it, 461 00:20:06,820 --> 00:20:07,060 I hear of Indigenous groups others that are dead against it. 462 00:20:07,060 --> 00:20:09,300 others that are dead against it. 463 00:20:11,020 --> 00:20:12,500 And I really just don't... 464 00:20:12,500 --> 00:20:14,340 I don't know what I'm going to vote 465 00:20:14,340 --> 00:20:18,900 because I don't feel that I've got enough information. 466 00:20:20,580 --> 00:20:22,220 I think it's important, 467 00:20:22,220 --> 00:20:25,180 but I don't know what the right thing to do is. 468 00:20:25,180 --> 00:20:26,820 What happens the day after 469 00:20:26,820 --> 00:20:29,060 if the vote is incredibly close 470 00:20:29,060 --> 00:20:32,220 or it's not what we expect as a nation? 471 00:20:32,220 --> 00:20:34,660 Well, that's a really good, hard... That's a hard question. 472 00:20:34,660 --> 00:20:36,900 Yeah, that's a really hard question. 473 00:20:38,020 --> 00:20:41,860 I mean, it does seem that there is an element of divisiveness 474 00:20:41,860 --> 00:20:43,260 in the whole thing at the moment. 475 00:20:43,260 --> 00:20:46,180 It's not sort of bringing people together. 476 00:20:46,180 --> 00:20:48,380 It's, you know... It's sort of driving a wedge. 477 00:20:51,660 --> 00:20:54,700 JESS BEST: I think for me, I'm definitely going to vote Yes. 478 00:20:54,700 --> 00:20:54,940 JESS BEST: I think for me, I'm quite passionate about it. 479 00:20:54,940 --> 00:20:56,340 I'm quite passionate about it. 480 00:20:56,340 --> 00:20:59,420 I'm hopeful that it will be a vote for Yes. 481 00:20:59,420 --> 00:20:59,660 And I think that it would be I'm hopeful that it will be a vote for Yes. 482 00:20:59,660 --> 00:21:00,660 And I think that it would be 483 00:21:00,660 --> 00:21:00,900 a really monumental change And I think that it would be 484 00:21:00,900 --> 00:21:02,700 a really monumental change for Australia 485 00:21:02,700 --> 00:21:04,700 and it would be a good step forward for reconciliation. 486 00:21:04,700 --> 00:21:04,980 and it would be a good step forward for reconciliation. And I think enshrining it in the constitution 487 00:21:04,980 --> 00:21:07,460 And I think enshrining it in the constitution 488 00:21:07,460 --> 00:21:07,700 And I think allows that it will continue 489 00:21:07,700 --> 00:21:09,020 allows that it will continue 490 00:21:09,020 --> 00:21:09,260 despite what politics plays allows that it will continue 491 00:21:09,260 --> 00:21:12,620 despite what politics plays or what Parliament does. 492 00:21:12,620 --> 00:21:15,140 And I think that that is going to be a really big change. 493 00:21:15,140 --> 00:21:18,660 (INDISTINCT CHATTER) 494 00:21:18,660 --> 00:21:21,100 Here, like so much of Australia, 495 00:21:21,100 --> 00:21:23,860 people are focused on the day-to-day of life - 496 00:21:23,860 --> 00:21:26,740 paying the bills, getting the kids to sport. 497 00:21:26,740 --> 00:21:26,980 paying the bills, (INDISTINCT YELLING) 498 00:21:26,980 --> 00:21:31,060 (INDISTINCT YELLING) 499 00:21:31,060 --> 00:21:35,700 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 500 00:21:44,060 --> 00:21:47,420 GRACE GORDON: Mum and Dad had their first five children 501 00:21:47,420 --> 00:21:50,020 of the 10 children that Mum ended up having. 502 00:21:55,180 --> 00:21:58,300 And that's where we lived, on the riverbank. 503 00:22:01,940 --> 00:22:04,140 (LAUGHTER) 504 00:22:05,060 --> 00:22:07,500 I have 10 children. 505 00:22:07,500 --> 00:22:10,140 Five boys and five girls. 506 00:22:10,140 --> 00:22:13,060 And I've got a 120 507 00:22:13,060 --> 00:22:16,740 grannies and great-grannies and great-great-grannies. 508 00:22:18,700 --> 00:22:20,900 Even now, like, I'm semi-retired... 509 00:22:20,900 --> 00:22:22,180 Ngemba woman Grace Gordon 510 00:22:22,180 --> 00:22:25,860 has lived in and around Brewarrina all her life. 511 00:22:25,860 --> 00:22:26,140 We were actually all came under the Aboriginal Protection Act has lived in and around Brewarrina all her life. 512 00:22:26,140 --> 00:22:30,780 We were actually all came under the Aboriginal Protection Act 513 00:22:30,780 --> 00:22:31,020 at that time right up until 1969. the Aboriginal Protection Act 514 00:22:31,020 --> 00:22:34,500 at that time right up until 1969. 515 00:22:37,660 --> 00:22:39,460 Lots of different Aboriginal... 516 00:22:39,460 --> 00:22:42,860 Grace found her voice in social-welfare reform, 517 00:22:42,860 --> 00:22:43,100 Grace found her voice establishing women's safe houses. 518 00:22:43,100 --> 00:22:44,980 establishing women's safe houses. 519 00:22:44,980 --> 00:22:45,220 She's had a lot establishing women's safe houses. 520 00:22:45,220 --> 00:22:47,780 She's had a lot of frustrating experiences 521 00:22:47,780 --> 00:22:51,060 trying to get support for local solutions. 522 00:22:51,060 --> 00:22:53,580 It's left her with a strong suspicion 523 00:22:53,580 --> 00:22:55,820 of government and its structures. 524 00:22:55,820 --> 00:22:59,220 I'd like you welcome you to my country, which is Ngemba Country, 525 00:22:59,220 --> 00:23:03,580 and I'd like to pay my respects to our Elders past and present 526 00:23:03,580 --> 00:23:07,340 and our young and emerging leaders that are coming through. 527 00:23:07,340 --> 00:23:08,780 Oh, thank you so much, Grace. 528 00:23:08,780 --> 00:23:11,180 So, I was actually involved in this 529 00:23:11,180 --> 00:23:13,900 for quite some time around the establishment. 530 00:23:13,900 --> 00:23:16,940 It was the first women's-safe-house model, 531 00:23:16,940 --> 00:23:20,460 which is a different model to the normal women's refuges. 532 00:23:20,460 --> 00:23:25,380 And we had locations in Lightning Ridge, Walgett, 533 00:23:25,380 --> 00:23:25,620 And we had locations Brewarrina, Bourke and Wilcannia. 534 00:23:25,620 --> 00:23:27,540 Brewarrina, Bourke and Wilcannia. 535 00:23:27,540 --> 00:23:27,780 It was very personal for me, Brewarrina, Bourke and Wilcannia. 536 00:23:27,780 --> 00:23:30,660 It was very personal for me, you know? 537 00:23:30,660 --> 00:23:33,380 I myself, you know, was a victim of domestic violence, 538 00:23:33,380 --> 00:23:33,620 I myself, you know, and when that was happening to me 539 00:23:33,620 --> 00:23:34,940 and when that was happening to me 540 00:23:34,940 --> 00:23:35,180 we didn't have and when that was happening to me 541 00:23:35,180 --> 00:23:36,540 we didn't have these types of services 542 00:23:36,540 --> 00:23:36,780 we didn't have out in these remote communities. 543 00:23:36,780 --> 00:23:38,660 out in these remote communities. 544 00:23:38,660 --> 00:23:42,220 Our women didn't really want to be, you know, putting their men in jail. 545 00:23:42,220 --> 00:23:44,740 They didn't like the violence. They wanted the violence to go away. 546 00:23:44,740 --> 00:23:47,420 So, we thought if we developed a model like this, 547 00:23:47,420 --> 00:23:50,500 when the women knew that things were going to start to escalate, 548 00:23:50,500 --> 00:23:50,740 when the women knew that things that the women could ring and say, 549 00:23:50,740 --> 00:23:53,380 that the women could ring and say, 550 00:23:53,380 --> 00:23:56,180 you know, "We'd like to come in for the weekend." 551 00:23:56,180 --> 00:23:59,220 So, you broke rules in order to protect women. 552 00:23:59,220 --> 00:24:02,260 The policies and guidelines around places of that size 553 00:24:02,260 --> 00:24:06,300 was that you could only take at any one time six or seven people. 554 00:24:06,300 --> 00:24:09,380 And, as you know, many of our First Nation families, 555 00:24:09,380 --> 00:24:12,620 that could be one woman that's got that number of children. 556 00:24:12,620 --> 00:24:12,860 that could be one woman We did. We broke the rules. 557 00:24:12,860 --> 00:24:15,500 We did. We broke the rules. 558 00:24:15,500 --> 00:24:18,420 If we needed to bring in 10 women, 559 00:24:18,420 --> 00:24:18,660 we would bring them in If we needed to bring in 10 women, 560 00:24:18,660 --> 00:24:21,500 we would bring them in and they'd sleep on the floor. 561 00:24:27,980 --> 00:24:31,100 As the chair of Murdi Paaki in Brewarrina, 562 00:24:31,100 --> 00:24:35,660 Grace can see Indigenous voices need to be heard by decision-makers, 563 00:24:35,660 --> 00:24:38,980 but is sceptical about what an enshrined voice will deliver. 564 00:24:40,700 --> 00:24:44,980 But if there's some artefacts and things that can be taken from there 565 00:24:44,980 --> 00:24:48,060 to be put maybe in a museum... 566 00:24:48,060 --> 00:24:52,620 So, I would like to see more of people from our remote communities 567 00:24:52,620 --> 00:24:55,180 being, I suppose, involved in the hierarchy, 568 00:24:55,180 --> 00:24:55,420 being, I suppose, if you want to call it that, 569 00:24:55,420 --> 00:24:56,660 if you want to call it that, 570 00:24:56,660 --> 00:24:56,900 to be able to take our voices really if you want to call it that, 571 00:24:56,900 --> 00:24:59,220 to be able to take our voices really to the table 572 00:24:59,220 --> 00:25:02,420 to get some real traction and real outcomes. 573 00:25:02,420 --> 00:25:06,060 To be devil's advocate - is that what a Voice to Parliament is? 574 00:25:06,060 --> 00:25:08,700 Well, that's what they're perceiving it to be, 575 00:25:08,700 --> 00:25:08,940 Well, that's what but I still don't see that it's... 576 00:25:08,940 --> 00:25:12,540 but I still don't see that it's... 577 00:25:12,540 --> 00:25:16,500 ..in what we see as a real Voice to Parliament. 578 00:25:31,460 --> 00:25:36,180 There are roadmaps everywhere with answers to local problems. 579 00:25:36,180 --> 00:25:36,420 There are roadmaps everywhere Have a beautiful day at school. 580 00:25:36,420 --> 00:25:38,020 Have a beautiful day at school. 581 00:25:38,020 --> 00:25:40,260 Nope. Off you go. (LAUGHS) 582 00:25:45,820 --> 00:25:47,060 Good morning! 583 00:25:47,060 --> 00:25:48,740 DRIVER: Good morning. How're you going, mate? 584 00:25:52,460 --> 00:25:57,100 Ngemba man Jason Ford has wrestled with the best way forward. 585 00:26:02,660 --> 00:26:04,140 My position on the Voice to Parliament 586 00:26:04,140 --> 00:26:04,420 is I've been directed by my direct Elder My position on the Voice to Parliament 587 00:26:04,420 --> 00:26:09,540 is I've been directed by my direct Elder 588 00:26:09,540 --> 00:26:11,540 to vote No. 589 00:26:12,820 --> 00:26:14,740 And that's it. It's finished. 590 00:26:14,740 --> 00:26:17,140 Once my Elder tells me something, 591 00:26:17,140 --> 00:26:17,380 I've got to respect Once my Elder tells me something, 592 00:26:17,380 --> 00:26:18,980 I've got to respect what they say regardless. 593 00:26:18,980 --> 00:26:19,220 I've got to respect I don't ask questions about that. 594 00:26:19,220 --> 00:26:20,740 I don't ask questions about that. 595 00:26:20,740 --> 00:26:23,820 Has that been complex or tough for you? 596 00:26:23,820 --> 00:26:24,540 Because... Well, I... 597 00:26:24,540 --> 00:26:26,340 ..I know that you were a Yes supporter. 598 00:26:26,340 --> 00:26:26,580 ..I know that you were Yeah. Yeah. Well, I... Look, I... 599 00:26:26,580 --> 00:26:28,420 Yeah. Yeah. Well, I... Look, I... 600 00:26:28,420 --> 00:26:31,380 Look, I suppose, you know, like, it's... 601 00:26:31,380 --> 00:26:32,620 Today is pretty complex, you know, 602 00:26:32,620 --> 00:26:35,860 and it's something of me 603 00:26:35,860 --> 00:26:38,340 being able to showcase to my nieces and my nephews, 604 00:26:38,340 --> 00:26:41,140 and that allows our family group 605 00:26:41,140 --> 00:26:44,620 to showcase, you know, that we still have that continuity 606 00:26:44,620 --> 00:26:46,820 to our Ngemba culture and our Elders. 607 00:26:46,820 --> 00:26:49,580 You know, I've just got to respect my culture and my Elder, 608 00:26:49,580 --> 00:26:51,540 and that's just the way it is. 609 00:26:51,540 --> 00:26:54,740 How are you going to feel the day after the referendum? 610 00:26:54,740 --> 00:26:54,980 How are you going to feel I'll feel for the people 611 00:26:54,980 --> 00:26:56,220 I'll feel for the people 612 00:26:56,220 --> 00:27:00,740 that have worked so hard to try and improve things for the people. 613 00:27:00,740 --> 00:27:02,740 I'll feel for them if it doesn't get up, 614 00:27:02,740 --> 00:27:05,620 and I'll be happy for them if it gets up. 615 00:27:05,620 --> 00:27:05,860 and I'll be happy for them It's the same point. 616 00:27:05,860 --> 00:27:07,260 It's the same point. 617 00:27:07,260 --> 00:27:09,740 You know, if it gets up, I'll still be happy for them 618 00:27:09,740 --> 00:27:11,020 because I respect what they've done. 619 00:27:11,020 --> 00:27:13,660 I just hope it doesn't change the way the people treat us 620 00:27:13,660 --> 00:27:13,900 I just hope it doesn't change in a negative way. 621 00:27:13,900 --> 00:27:14,860 in a negative way. 622 00:27:14,860 --> 00:27:15,100 I hope it's a positive outcome, in a negative way. 623 00:27:15,100 --> 00:27:17,100 I hope it's a positive outcome, and... 624 00:27:17,100 --> 00:27:17,340 I hope it's a positive outcome, Either way. Either way. 625 00:27:17,340 --> 00:27:19,020 Either way. Either way. 626 00:27:32,580 --> 00:27:36,900 On the other side of the country in northern Western Australia 627 00:27:36,900 --> 00:27:39,500 other issues are muddying the waters. 628 00:27:40,460 --> 00:27:42,020 CHRIS ANTONIO: Northam's a great place. 629 00:27:42,020 --> 00:27:45,580 We've got Ballardong history here for over 40,000 years, 630 00:27:45,580 --> 00:27:48,820 and we've got European history almost for 200 years. 631 00:27:50,340 --> 00:27:52,060 That's a beautiful mural here. 632 00:27:52,060 --> 00:27:53,580 Oh, it's absolutely fantastic, 633 00:27:53,580 --> 00:27:53,820 done by Jackson Stone, Oh, it's absolutely fantastic, 634 00:27:53,820 --> 00:27:56,460 done by Jackson Stone, well-known artist... 635 00:27:56,460 --> 00:27:59,300 Chris Antonio is Northam Shire president. 636 00:27:59,300 --> 00:27:59,540 Chris Antonio I grew up on a farm out of town, 637 00:27:59,540 --> 00:28:01,260 I grew up on a farm out of town, 638 00:28:01,260 --> 00:28:01,500 so, you're a little bit isolated I grew up on a farm out of town, 639 00:28:01,500 --> 00:28:03,380 so, you're a little bit isolated from everything. 640 00:28:03,380 --> 00:28:06,060 To be honest, I think it was a racist town, 641 00:28:06,060 --> 00:28:06,300 To be honest, but I think it wasn't 642 00:28:06,300 --> 00:28:07,580 but I think it wasn't 643 00:28:07,580 --> 00:28:07,780 from any malicious intent, but I think it wasn't 644 00:28:07,780 --> 00:28:09,060 from any malicious intent, 645 00:28:09,060 --> 00:28:09,300 it was just from ignorance, from any malicious intent, 646 00:28:09,300 --> 00:28:11,660 it was just from ignorance, people didn't know our history. 647 00:28:11,660 --> 00:28:14,180 It wasn't taught at schools and we just didn't know. 648 00:28:14,180 --> 00:28:15,820 And that was a lot of the population. 649 00:28:15,820 --> 00:28:16,060 And that was a lot of the population. (KIDS CHATTER AND SCREAM AT PLAY) 650 00:28:16,060 --> 00:28:20,740 (KIDS CHATTER AND SCREAM AT PLAY) 651 00:28:20,740 --> 00:28:25,660 (HUBBUB) 652 00:28:25,660 --> 00:28:28,740 This is a big weekend for the town. 653 00:28:28,740 --> 00:28:31,900 Today is the start of the Avon River Descent, 654 00:28:31,900 --> 00:28:36,460 an annual two-day race from Northam to Perth. 655 00:28:36,460 --> 00:28:38,260 I hope that you have an amazing race. 656 00:28:38,260 --> 00:28:41,820 You are part of history. This is the 50th Avon Descent. 657 00:28:43,460 --> 00:28:45,900 The Avon Descent is a community event, 658 00:28:45,900 --> 00:28:46,140 The Avon Descent and Noongar Elder Aunty Pat Davis 659 00:28:46,140 --> 00:28:48,460 and Noongar Elder Aunty Pat Davis 660 00:28:48,460 --> 00:28:52,140 is here to bless the river before the race begins. 661 00:28:52,140 --> 00:28:54,860 PAT DAVIES: Together. One, two, three. 662 00:28:55,820 --> 00:28:58,020 When we go for a swim or anything 663 00:28:58,020 --> 00:29:00,220 we always throw sand into the water, 664 00:29:00,220 --> 00:29:00,460 and that's to let the Wagul know we always throw sand into the water, 665 00:29:00,460 --> 00:29:06,100 and that's to let the Wagul know that we're going into his domain. 666 00:29:06,100 --> 00:29:06,340 and that's to let the Wagul know No-one knows what he looked like. 667 00:29:06,340 --> 00:29:08,180 No-one knows what he looked like. 668 00:29:08,180 --> 00:29:08,380 It's just, like, a rainbow serpent. No-one knows what he looked like. 669 00:29:08,380 --> 00:29:11,180 It's just, like, a rainbow serpent. 670 00:29:11,180 --> 00:29:11,380 It's just, like, a rainbow serpent. And he lives in this river. 671 00:29:11,380 --> 00:29:14,060 And he lives in this river. 672 00:29:17,460 --> 00:29:20,140 If you've done the race before, I wish you the best. 673 00:29:20,140 --> 00:29:20,380 If you've done the race before, If it's your first time, good luck. 674 00:29:20,380 --> 00:29:22,420 If it's your first time, good luck. 675 00:29:22,420 --> 00:29:25,380 Three, two, one. 676 00:29:25,380 --> 00:29:27,900 They're on the way! (HORN BLOWS) 677 00:29:33,740 --> 00:29:37,580 We worked really hard on embracing our cultural heritage, 678 00:29:37,580 --> 00:29:39,620 and we've also made it possible 679 00:29:39,620 --> 00:29:42,660 to be comfortable to have uncomfortable conversations. 680 00:29:44,380 --> 00:29:48,660 Northam's maturing debate made it ready for the Voice proposal. 681 00:29:48,660 --> 00:29:50,100 (CHEERING) 682 00:29:50,100 --> 00:29:51,660 Then, earlier this year, 683 00:29:51,660 --> 00:29:55,100 the West Australian Government introduced new legislation 684 00:29:55,100 --> 00:29:59,300 aimed at protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage. 685 00:30:01,660 --> 00:30:04,220 It was meant to prevent the type of destruction 686 00:30:04,220 --> 00:30:07,860 mining company Rio Tinto caused in 2021 687 00:30:07,860 --> 00:30:09,860 when it blew up Juukan Gorge, 688 00:30:09,860 --> 00:30:14,060 erasing 46,000 years of Indigenous heritage. 689 00:30:17,660 --> 00:30:20,420 But the new laws made no-one happy. 690 00:30:20,420 --> 00:30:20,620 Show their interests and concerns... But the new laws made no-one happy. 691 00:30:20,620 --> 00:30:22,220 Show their interests and concerns... 692 00:30:22,220 --> 00:30:25,580 And the government repealed them after only five weeks. 693 00:30:25,580 --> 00:30:25,820 And the government repealed them It was never the intention... 694 00:30:25,820 --> 00:30:27,820 It was never the intention... 695 00:30:27,820 --> 00:30:28,020 It was never the intention... ATTENDEE: Crock of shit! 696 00:30:28,020 --> 00:30:29,300 ATTENDEE: Crock of shit! 697 00:30:29,300 --> 00:30:30,540 Be quiet! 698 00:30:30,540 --> 00:30:32,460 The failure of the new laws 699 00:30:32,460 --> 00:30:35,940 has cast a shadow over the Voice debate in the west. 700 00:30:35,940 --> 00:30:38,380 Please show some respect here. 701 00:30:38,380 --> 00:30:42,060 (EXCITED CHATTER) 702 00:30:42,060 --> 00:30:47,780 ANNOUNCER: Look for the balloon stall on the Avon Mall at Northam... 703 00:30:47,780 --> 00:30:49,700 Whoo! (SIREN WHOOPS) 704 00:30:49,700 --> 00:30:53,340 Nationals Member of Parliament for the Central Wheatbelt, Mia Davies, 705 00:30:53,340 --> 00:30:57,700 is a Northam local and a member of Western Australia's opposition. 706 00:30:57,700 --> 00:30:59,580 MIA DAVIES: Very early on in the piece 707 00:30:59,580 --> 00:31:01,860 I could see people linking the two, 708 00:31:01,860 --> 00:31:06,780 and I tried very hard to make the point to the government 709 00:31:06,780 --> 00:31:08,460 that the way they were going about it 710 00:31:08,460 --> 00:31:08,700 was creating confusion and chaos that the way they were going about it 711 00:31:08,700 --> 00:31:11,580 was creating confusion and chaos 712 00:31:11,580 --> 00:31:11,820 and setting people against was creating confusion and chaos 713 00:31:11,820 --> 00:31:16,380 and setting people against the broader debate around the Voice. 714 00:31:16,380 --> 00:31:16,620 and setting people against the broader debate around the Voice. That was dismissed. 715 00:31:16,620 --> 00:31:17,860 That was dismissed. 716 00:31:17,860 --> 00:31:19,620 We were called racist in the debate. 717 00:31:19,620 --> 00:31:23,660 We were told that we were conflating the two issues. 718 00:31:23,660 --> 00:31:27,300 But we could see that was happening on the ground in the community 719 00:31:27,300 --> 00:31:29,620 and it was making it harder to have those conversations, 720 00:31:29,620 --> 00:31:29,860 and it was making it harder without a doubt. 721 00:31:29,860 --> 00:31:30,900 without a doubt. 722 00:31:30,900 --> 00:31:31,140 Some people without a doubt. 723 00:31:31,140 --> 00:31:32,580 Some people play on that politically. 724 00:31:32,580 --> 00:31:35,100 I was trying to actually keep the two issues separate. 725 00:31:45,140 --> 00:31:48,980 Tony Seabrook farms upriver of Northam. 726 00:31:48,980 --> 00:31:50,220 In his role as president 727 00:31:50,220 --> 00:31:53,300 of the WA Pastoralists and Graziers Association, 728 00:31:53,300 --> 00:31:53,540 of the WA Pastoralists and Graziers Seabrook was instrumental 729 00:31:53,540 --> 00:31:54,900 Seabrook was instrumental 730 00:31:54,900 --> 00:31:55,140 in the campaign that overthrew Seabrook was instrumental 731 00:31:55,140 --> 00:31:58,500 in the campaign that overthrew the cultural-heritage law. 732 00:32:00,260 --> 00:32:02,740 TONY SEABROOK: Our family's been here since day dot. 733 00:32:02,740 --> 00:32:02,980 TONY SEABROOK: Our family's Our family cleared the country. 734 00:32:02,980 --> 00:32:04,260 Our family cleared the country. 735 00:32:04,260 --> 00:32:04,500 I have a very deep sense of Our family cleared the country. 736 00:32:04,500 --> 00:32:08,020 I have a very deep sense of attachment to my piece of country. 737 00:32:09,300 --> 00:32:12,460 It was a mound in the ground when I was a child... 738 00:32:12,460 --> 00:32:14,380 As Tony shows me around his property 739 00:32:14,380 --> 00:32:18,500 he notes the hardships of early pastoralists. 740 00:32:18,500 --> 00:32:21,220 That family had a child that was scalded, 741 00:32:21,220 --> 00:32:21,460 That family the child died on the way to town, 742 00:32:21,460 --> 00:32:23,300 the child died on the way to town, 743 00:32:23,300 --> 00:32:23,540 and they buried that baby the child died on the way to town, 744 00:32:23,540 --> 00:32:25,860 and they buried that baby just outside the walls of the house. 745 00:32:25,860 --> 00:32:26,100 and they buried that baby Yeah. 746 00:32:26,100 --> 00:32:27,460 Yeah. 747 00:32:27,460 --> 00:32:30,060 That place where that house was, 748 00:32:30,060 --> 00:32:33,540 where that baby, that child, was buried, 749 00:32:33,540 --> 00:32:35,780 is that a special place? Have you protected that? 750 00:32:35,780 --> 00:32:40,060 I have never been there without thinking of what's here. 751 00:32:40,060 --> 00:32:42,380 So, I could take you to within a very close distance 752 00:32:42,380 --> 00:32:42,620 So, I could take you of where the child is buried. 753 00:32:42,620 --> 00:32:44,060 of where the child is buried. 754 00:32:44,060 --> 00:32:44,860 But, unfortunately, 755 00:32:44,860 --> 00:32:47,420 the ring of stones that were there were taken away. 756 00:32:48,820 --> 00:32:50,500 His feelings have parallels 757 00:32:50,500 --> 00:32:55,020 with how First Nations people in the west regard their sacred sites. 758 00:32:56,260 --> 00:33:00,100 Do you know if there are any First Nations sites of interest 759 00:33:00,100 --> 00:33:01,380 on your property? 760 00:33:01,380 --> 00:33:04,260 I have been over every inch of this farm 761 00:33:04,260 --> 00:33:04,500 I have been over and I could tell you right now 762 00:33:04,500 --> 00:33:05,860 and I could tell you right now 763 00:33:05,860 --> 00:33:08,340 I haven't found a single thing that would indicate 764 00:33:08,340 --> 00:33:10,580 that there had been any Indigenous presence here 765 00:33:10,580 --> 00:33:12,060 at any time in the past. 766 00:33:12,060 --> 00:33:13,540 I couldn't find one. 767 00:33:13,540 --> 00:33:16,980 I'm an absolute advocate for the preservation of heritage. 768 00:33:16,980 --> 00:33:21,900 But this concept of mythical serpents and Wagul, 769 00:33:21,900 --> 00:33:22,140 But this concept I start to have a problem 770 00:33:22,140 --> 00:33:23,580 I start to have a problem 771 00:33:23,580 --> 00:33:25,740 when this cultural belief 772 00:33:25,740 --> 00:33:25,980 impinges upon the sorts of things when this cultural belief 773 00:33:25,980 --> 00:33:30,980 impinges upon the sorts of things that I as a farmer need to do. 774 00:33:30,980 --> 00:33:33,660 And I encompass that with everybody that owns land. 775 00:33:33,660 --> 00:33:33,900 And I encompass that (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY ON MIC) 776 00:33:33,900 --> 00:33:35,860 (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY ON MIC) 777 00:33:35,860 --> 00:33:37,540 We thank you all very much. 778 00:33:37,540 --> 00:33:37,780 The Heritage Act We thank you all very much. 779 00:33:37,780 --> 00:33:40,900 The Heritage Act roused campaigners such as Tony 780 00:33:40,900 --> 00:33:41,140 The Heritage Act to insist their concerns be heard. 781 00:33:41,140 --> 00:33:44,980 to insist their concerns be heard. 782 00:33:44,980 --> 00:33:46,180 Your organisation, 783 00:33:46,180 --> 00:33:50,660 the WA Pastoralists and Graziers Association, 784 00:33:50,660 --> 00:33:53,340 has a voice to parliament, you're incredibly influential. 785 00:33:53,340 --> 00:33:55,860 Do you see a parallel between what the Voice would be trying... 786 00:33:55,860 --> 00:33:57,180 We have a... We fight. 787 00:33:57,180 --> 00:34:01,700 We fight for every inch of airplay and influence that we have. 788 00:34:01,700 --> 00:34:04,220 Isn't that what a Voice to Parliament would be? 789 00:34:04,220 --> 00:34:06,860 A place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 790 00:34:06,860 --> 00:34:10,900 can have the fight so that they're heard the way that you are? 791 00:34:10,900 --> 00:34:12,580 I don't think anyone can say no-one's listening. 792 00:34:12,580 --> 00:34:12,820 I don't think anyone Everybody IS listening. 793 00:34:12,820 --> 00:34:14,380 Everybody IS listening. 794 00:34:14,380 --> 00:34:17,700 This is a tokenistic gesture that won't change anything. 795 00:34:17,700 --> 00:34:20,660 (WATER GUSHES) ONLOOKER: Have a food one, Maddy! 796 00:34:20,660 --> 00:34:22,020 Whoo! 797 00:34:22,020 --> 00:34:23,820 Mia Davies led her party 798 00:34:23,820 --> 00:34:27,700 when the WA Nationals decided to back the Voice proposal 799 00:34:27,700 --> 00:34:31,380 the same week the Federal party voted to oppose it. 800 00:34:32,700 --> 00:34:36,500 I was heartened that our party was prepared to have that debate 801 00:34:36,500 --> 00:34:39,420 and that there were people that wanted to see change 802 00:34:39,420 --> 00:34:41,380 in the way that we did Aboriginal policy 803 00:34:41,380 --> 00:34:43,500 for the betterment not only of Aboriginal people 804 00:34:43,500 --> 00:34:43,740 for the betterment but for our whole nation. 805 00:34:43,740 --> 00:34:45,420 but for our whole nation. 806 00:34:45,420 --> 00:34:45,660 She's concerned but for our whole nation. 807 00:34:45,660 --> 00:34:48,380 She's concerned that the abandoned Heritage Act 808 00:34:48,380 --> 00:34:51,140 has cast a shadow over the Voice debate. 809 00:34:51,140 --> 00:34:53,660 There's no doubt that the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 810 00:34:53,660 --> 00:34:53,900 There's no doubt that has made it more difficult 811 00:34:53,900 --> 00:34:55,140 has made it more difficult 812 00:34:55,140 --> 00:34:55,380 for people to consider what's has made it more difficult 813 00:34:55,380 --> 00:34:58,580 for people to consider what's being asked of in the referendum, 814 00:34:58,580 --> 00:34:58,820 for people to consider what's and that's really disappointing. 815 00:34:58,820 --> 00:35:00,540 and that's really disappointing. 816 00:35:01,500 --> 00:35:02,740 Last month 817 00:35:02,740 --> 00:35:02,980 the local party fell into line Last month 818 00:35:02,980 --> 00:35:07,420 the local party fell into line with the federal No position. 819 00:35:07,420 --> 00:35:12,220 You and I have talked about some of the really intractable challenges 820 00:35:12,220 --> 00:35:15,260 that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face. 821 00:35:15,260 --> 00:35:18,980 One of the reasons used to justify the Voice 822 00:35:18,980 --> 00:35:21,220 is that there needs to be a new way 823 00:35:21,220 --> 00:35:24,340 of trying to deal and address those matters. 824 00:35:24,340 --> 00:35:24,580 of trying to deal and address We need to address this, 825 00:35:24,580 --> 00:35:25,500 We need to address this, 826 00:35:25,500 --> 00:35:25,740 but we don't need to add it We need to address this, 827 00:35:25,740 --> 00:35:27,980 but we don't need to add it to the constitution. 828 00:35:27,980 --> 00:35:29,420 This is a simple thing. 829 00:35:29,420 --> 00:35:31,660 The legislation is there today to do that. 830 00:35:31,660 --> 00:35:34,900 There's nearly 5% of the Federal Parliament that is Indigenous. 831 00:35:34,900 --> 00:35:37,140 The population of Australia that deems itself to be Indigenous - 832 00:35:37,140 --> 00:35:37,380 The population of Australia a bit over 3%. 833 00:35:37,380 --> 00:35:38,300 a bit over 3%. 834 00:35:38,300 --> 00:35:39,980 They're not unrepresented. 835 00:35:39,980 --> 00:35:41,220 If anything, 836 00:35:41,220 --> 00:35:43,780 the people that represent them and call themselves Indigenous 837 00:35:43,780 --> 00:35:44,020 the people that represent them are letting them down. 838 00:35:44,020 --> 00:35:44,940 are letting them down. 839 00:35:44,940 --> 00:35:47,740 What do you mean by "those that call themselves Indigenous?" 840 00:35:47,740 --> 00:35:48,580 Well... 841 00:35:48,580 --> 00:35:49,940 ..there's a big problem here. 842 00:35:49,940 --> 00:35:51,420 You know, you've been up north 843 00:35:51,420 --> 00:35:51,660 and you clearly know what someone You know, you've been up north 844 00:35:51,660 --> 00:35:54,700 and you clearly know what someone that is Indigenous looks like. 845 00:35:54,700 --> 00:35:57,780 But we don't have any way here today in Australia of saying... 846 00:35:57,780 --> 00:36:00,380 If someone says they're Indigenous, that's it, they are. 847 00:36:00,380 --> 00:36:00,620 If someone says they're Indigenous, But there's a three-point test and... 848 00:36:00,620 --> 00:36:02,860 But there's a three-point test and... 849 00:36:02,860 --> 00:36:04,460 Is anyone going to contest that? 850 00:36:04,460 --> 00:36:05,940 Is anyone going to contest 851 00:36:05,940 --> 00:36:08,820 the fact that someone calls themselves Indigenous? 852 00:36:08,820 --> 00:36:09,060 the fact that someone I think it's challenged every day. 853 00:36:09,060 --> 00:36:10,460 I think it's challenged every day. 854 00:36:10,460 --> 00:36:10,660 I make the simple argument I think it's challenged every day. 855 00:36:10,660 --> 00:36:12,180 I make the simple argument 856 00:36:12,180 --> 00:36:14,860 that what we're doing now is simply not working. 857 00:36:14,860 --> 00:36:17,460 And I've seen that in every corner of Western Australia. 858 00:36:17,460 --> 00:36:17,740 And I've seen that in every corner of Western Australia. And we will only get one chance, I think, 859 00:36:17,740 --> 00:36:21,500 And we will only get one chance, I think, 860 00:36:21,500 --> 00:36:25,100 to recognise Aboriginal people in our constitution. 861 00:36:25,100 --> 00:36:25,340 to recognise Aboriginal people Yes, yes, I will be voting Yes. 862 00:36:25,340 --> 00:36:27,820 Yes, yes, I will be voting Yes. 863 00:36:27,820 --> 00:36:31,180 ANNOUNCER: I'm seeing our first athletes coming across the line. 864 00:36:31,180 --> 00:36:32,780 After two days of racing 865 00:36:32,780 --> 00:36:36,460 the Avon Descent ends here in suburban Perth. 866 00:36:37,540 --> 00:36:39,740 Competitors are spent from the effort, 867 00:36:39,740 --> 00:36:42,500 but if it's a metaphor for the Voice campaign, 868 00:36:42,500 --> 00:36:42,740 but if it's a metaphor it ends there. 869 00:36:42,740 --> 00:36:44,260 it ends there. 870 00:36:44,260 --> 00:36:47,300 That result is still far from clear. 871 00:36:47,300 --> 00:36:47,540 From Northam all the way down here That result is still far from clear. 872 00:36:47,540 --> 00:36:52,140 From Northam all the way down here to the city of Bayswater. 873 00:36:52,140 --> 00:36:54,660 (CHEERING) And he's done a fantastic job. 874 00:36:55,780 --> 00:36:57,980 Well, done to Noah. 875 00:36:57,980 --> 00:37:01,060 It's a pleasure once again to stand at the finish line 876 00:37:01,060 --> 00:37:01,300 It's a pleasure once again in this year's Avon Descent, 877 00:37:01,300 --> 00:37:02,860 in this year's Avon Descent, 878 00:37:02,860 --> 00:37:05,380 battling out for line honours! 879 00:37:05,380 --> 00:37:05,620 CHRIS ANTONIO: battling out for line honours! 880 00:37:05,620 --> 00:37:07,180 CHRIS ANTONIO: So, I've never proclaimed 881 00:37:07,180 --> 00:37:09,500 and I don't have a decision of Yes or No. 882 00:37:09,500 --> 00:37:09,780 I want to see more information so I can make my mind up and I don't have a decision of Yes or No. 883 00:37:09,780 --> 00:37:12,420 I want to see more information so I can make my mind up 884 00:37:12,420 --> 00:37:15,220 when I think it's relevant and all the information is in front of me. 885 00:37:21,500 --> 00:37:23,260 If the Cultural Heritage Act 886 00:37:23,260 --> 00:37:26,380 is a lesson in how not to do policy reform, 887 00:37:26,380 --> 00:37:29,860 examples exist of how to do things better. 888 00:37:30,820 --> 00:37:33,260 WA's South West Native Title Agreement, 889 00:37:33,260 --> 00:37:33,500 WA's South West known by many as the Noongar Treaty, 890 00:37:33,500 --> 00:37:35,460 known by many as the Noongar Treaty, 891 00:37:35,460 --> 00:37:40,140 shows how real consultations can lead to tangible outcomes. 892 00:37:42,100 --> 00:37:46,140 Colin Barnett was the Liberal Premier who signed the deal. 893 00:37:46,140 --> 00:37:50,060 Noongar man Brendan Moore now helps ensure it delivers. 894 00:37:51,660 --> 00:37:55,300 It's not a small deal that was negotiated, 895 00:37:55,300 --> 00:37:55,580 It's not a small deal that was negotiated, and I think it's a great pity now that we're finding with the Voice 896 00:37:55,580 --> 00:37:57,900 and I think it's a great pity now that we're finding with the Voice 897 00:37:57,900 --> 00:38:02,460 that it has turned into a divisive political debate. 898 00:38:02,460 --> 00:38:04,020 I think that's very damaging. 899 00:38:04,020 --> 00:38:06,740 We have to look at what's at stake. 900 00:38:06,740 --> 00:38:06,940 And things like the Voice - We have to look at what's at stake. 901 00:38:06,940 --> 00:38:08,260 And things like the Voice - 902 00:38:08,260 --> 00:38:13,220 it really is a simple advisory group. 903 00:38:13,220 --> 00:38:13,980 And, as we've seen 904 00:38:13,980 --> 00:38:14,220 And, as we've seen in the south-west of Western Australia, 905 00:38:14,220 --> 00:38:15,740 in the south-west of Western Australia, 906 00:38:15,740 --> 00:38:19,300 we've got what is essentially a treaty, 907 00:38:19,300 --> 00:38:19,540 we've got and the sky hasn't fallen in. 908 00:38:19,540 --> 00:38:20,940 and the sky hasn't fallen in. 909 00:38:22,940 --> 00:38:26,060 We actually were the first nation in Australia 910 00:38:26,060 --> 00:38:30,340 to win native title in 2006 over a capital city. 911 00:38:30,340 --> 00:38:32,580 Our sites and our artefacts 912 00:38:32,580 --> 00:38:35,020 have been covered by a European cover, 913 00:38:35,020 --> 00:38:37,020 but it's still just beneath the surface 914 00:38:37,020 --> 00:38:38,820 and you don't have to scratch very far. 915 00:38:39,980 --> 00:38:44,700 90% of Western Australia's population live on Noongar land. 916 00:38:45,660 --> 00:38:48,100 Only a handful of years ago 917 00:38:48,100 --> 00:38:48,340 an entire skeleton was discovered Only a handful of years ago 918 00:38:48,340 --> 00:38:54,660 an entire skeleton was discovered underneath a Perth suburban footpath 919 00:38:54,660 --> 00:38:57,220 complete in the crouched position facing the sun, 920 00:38:57,220 --> 00:39:00,900 which is the traditional ancient burial custom of the Noongar people. 921 00:39:02,660 --> 00:39:05,940 The Noongar people number around 30,000, 922 00:39:05,940 --> 00:39:09,620 one of the largest cultural groups in Australia. 923 00:39:09,620 --> 00:39:09,860 one of the largest cultural groups In 2016 924 00:39:09,860 --> 00:39:11,660 In 2016 925 00:39:11,660 --> 00:39:11,900 they surrendered In 2016 926 00:39:11,900 --> 00:39:13,740 they surrendered their native title rights 927 00:39:13,740 --> 00:39:16,420 in exchange for resources and recognition 928 00:39:16,420 --> 00:39:16,660 in exchange negotiated with government. 929 00:39:16,660 --> 00:39:18,940 negotiated with government. 930 00:39:20,620 --> 00:39:23,580 And I was incredibly impressed with the courage of the Noongar people 931 00:39:23,580 --> 00:39:23,820 And I was incredibly impressed with to make that decision. 932 00:39:23,820 --> 00:39:25,060 to make that decision. 933 00:39:25,060 --> 00:39:27,460 At the heart of it was the fact 934 00:39:27,460 --> 00:39:31,340 that the Native Title Act was going to deliver ancient rights. 935 00:39:31,340 --> 00:39:31,580 that the Native Title Act You know, that's the right to hunt, 936 00:39:31,580 --> 00:39:33,620 You know, that's the right to hunt, 937 00:39:33,620 --> 00:39:37,020 the right to gather and the right to collect ochre. 938 00:39:37,020 --> 00:39:37,260 the right to gather And it was on slithers of land 939 00:39:37,260 --> 00:39:39,140 And it was on slithers of land 940 00:39:39,140 --> 00:39:39,380 that was left over by agriculture, And it was on slithers of land 941 00:39:39,380 --> 00:39:43,180 that was left over by agriculture, left over by industry 942 00:39:43,180 --> 00:39:43,420 that was left over by agriculture, and that government didn't want. 943 00:39:43,420 --> 00:39:45,140 and that government didn't want. 944 00:39:45,140 --> 00:39:48,780 We were better served by an alternative settlement 945 00:39:48,780 --> 00:39:52,740 that would make us engage into a modern economy. 946 00:39:52,740 --> 00:39:56,740 We're an urbanised people from an ancient culture. 947 00:39:59,140 --> 00:40:03,380 Cultural heritage assessments like the one Brendan is doing here 948 00:40:03,380 --> 00:40:05,900 preserve Noongar culture for everyone. 949 00:40:05,900 --> 00:40:08,500 So, while I'm grinding, what am I looking for? If I see anything... 950 00:40:10,420 --> 00:40:12,300 We're looking for artefacts. 951 00:40:12,300 --> 00:40:12,540 We're looking for any sort of We're looking for artefacts. 952 00:40:12,540 --> 00:40:16,100 We're looking for any sort of cultural material from the old days. 953 00:40:19,780 --> 00:40:20,900 (BIRD CAWS) 954 00:40:20,900 --> 00:40:24,300 Tony Seabrook's property is on Noongar country 955 00:40:24,300 --> 00:40:26,700 but was not affected by native title. 956 00:40:26,700 --> 00:40:28,820 TONY SEABROOK: Hardly anyone knows anything about it at all, 957 00:40:28,820 --> 00:40:30,900 but it was signed over during the last years 958 00:40:30,900 --> 00:40:33,500 of the Barnett Government, a Liberal government in Western Australia. 959 00:40:33,500 --> 00:40:33,780 At $1.3 billion worth of transferred wealth there, of the Barnett Government, a Liberal government in Western Australia. 960 00:40:33,780 --> 00:40:36,780 At $1.3 billion worth of transferred wealth there, 961 00:40:36,780 --> 00:40:37,020 At $1.3 billion worth 200,000 square kilometres of land 962 00:40:37,020 --> 00:40:39,620 200,000 square kilometres of land 963 00:40:39,620 --> 00:40:39,860 200,000 square kilometres of land and probably encompassing about 30,000 people, 964 00:40:39,860 --> 00:40:42,580 and probably encompassing about 30,000 people, 965 00:40:42,580 --> 00:40:45,140 this is...this is a huge decision 966 00:40:45,140 --> 00:40:46,700 to have taken by government 967 00:40:46,700 --> 00:40:49,100 and a very empowering thing 968 00:40:49,100 --> 00:40:50,620 for the Noongar people. 969 00:40:51,580 --> 00:40:54,740 What were the prevailing politics for you at the time? 970 00:40:54,740 --> 00:40:56,860 COLIN BARNETT: Certainly emotive for Aboriginal people. 971 00:40:56,860 --> 00:40:57,100 COLIN BARNETT: Certainly emotive It was a big deal. 972 00:40:57,100 --> 00:40:58,500 It was a big deal. 973 00:40:58,500 --> 00:40:58,740 A lot of people said to me, "It's taking a long time." It was a big deal. 974 00:40:58,740 --> 00:41:00,460 A lot of people said to me, "It's taking a long time." 975 00:41:00,460 --> 00:41:03,660 Five years of negotiation IS a long time. 976 00:41:03,660 --> 00:41:03,900 Five years of negotiation My response was, 977 00:41:03,900 --> 00:41:05,220 My response was, 978 00:41:05,220 --> 00:41:05,460 My response was, "Understand, for the Noongar people, this is the one roll of the dice." 979 00:41:05,460 --> 00:41:09,500 "Understand, for the Noongar people, this is the one roll of the dice." 980 00:41:09,500 --> 00:41:12,820 It was very well-thought-out, very detailed 981 00:41:12,820 --> 00:41:13,060 It was very well-thought-out, and expensive but worth it. 982 00:41:13,060 --> 00:41:15,580 and expensive but worth it. 983 00:41:15,580 --> 00:41:15,820 I think that time has sort of healed...healed a lot of people. and expensive but worth it. 984 00:41:15,820 --> 00:41:20,820 I think that time has sort of healed...healed a lot of people. 985 00:41:20,820 --> 00:41:21,100 I think that time has sort of healed...healed a lot of people. I'm sure there's still a lot of people 986 00:41:21,100 --> 00:41:22,980 I'm sure there's still a lot of people 987 00:41:22,980 --> 00:41:23,220 I'm sure there's still that are sad about... 988 00:41:23,220 --> 00:41:25,580 that are sad about... 989 00:41:25,580 --> 00:41:30,900 ..about the surrendering of their inalienable rights, 990 00:41:30,900 --> 00:41:33,420 however, a lot of people have come to realise 991 00:41:33,420 --> 00:41:36,580 the benefits that we're now seeing from the Noongar Boodja Trust. 992 00:41:36,580 --> 00:41:40,300 We've now got over $180 million in the trust. 993 00:41:40,300 --> 00:41:44,980 Whadjuk Yuid Wardandi Noongar man Brendan Moore and Colin Barnett 994 00:41:44,980 --> 00:41:50,020 agree the South West Settlement offers a lesson for the Voice debate. 995 00:41:50,020 --> 00:41:52,540 And can I ask you what happens the day after the referendum 996 00:41:52,540 --> 00:41:52,780 And can I ask you what happens if it's a successful outcome? 997 00:41:52,780 --> 00:41:55,020 if it's a successful outcome? 998 00:41:55,020 --> 00:41:57,660 Well, I think it will be an amazing moment. 999 00:41:57,660 --> 00:41:59,900 It'll be an amazing moment for the country 1000 00:41:59,900 --> 00:42:03,140 and it'll be an amazing reconciliation moment. 1001 00:42:03,140 --> 00:42:03,380 and it'll be Aboriginal people asking for this, 1002 00:42:03,380 --> 00:42:04,620 Aboriginal people asking for this, 1003 00:42:04,620 --> 00:42:06,940 it's not a political party asking for this, 1004 00:42:06,940 --> 00:42:11,220 so, it'll mean that Aboriginal people feel heard immediately, 1005 00:42:11,220 --> 00:42:13,660 and I think that's a wonderful moment. 1006 00:42:13,660 --> 00:42:17,020 What happens the next day if Australia votes no? 1007 00:42:17,020 --> 00:42:19,780 I think it will be a very difficult time for all of Australia, 1008 00:42:19,780 --> 00:42:23,020 but particularly for Aboriginal people. 1009 00:42:23,020 --> 00:42:23,260 but particularly I will vote Yes, 1010 00:42:23,260 --> 00:42:24,420 I will vote Yes, 1011 00:42:24,420 --> 00:42:26,260 but I do so with doubts 1012 00:42:26,260 --> 00:42:26,500 because I think but I do so with doubts 1013 00:42:26,500 --> 00:42:29,580 because I think the question is flawed. 1014 00:42:29,580 --> 00:42:32,500 But I will vote Yes because I don't want to stand in the way 1015 00:42:32,500 --> 00:42:35,860 of the aspirations of Aboriginal Australians. 1016 00:42:40,100 --> 00:42:43,820 Whatever path Australians travel to reach their answer, 1017 00:42:43,820 --> 00:42:44,060 the outcome will play out here. to reach their answer, 1018 00:42:44,060 --> 00:42:46,300 the outcome will play out here. 1019 00:42:46,300 --> 00:42:47,820 The ballot paper isn't big enough 1020 00:42:47,820 --> 00:42:48,060 to contain all the questions The ballot paper isn't big enough 1021 00:42:48,060 --> 00:42:51,460 to contain all the questions raised in this debate, 1022 00:42:51,460 --> 00:42:51,700 to contain all the questions but whatever answer it does deliver 1023 00:42:51,700 --> 00:42:53,940 but whatever answer it does deliver 1024 00:42:53,940 --> 00:42:57,340 will set the foundations for the next steps as a nation. 1025 00:43:00,780 --> 00:43:04,580 BEN ABBATANGELO: I think we are set either way for some bad times ahead, 1026 00:43:04,580 --> 00:43:07,700 but I think it will be a regenerative moment. 1027 00:43:07,700 --> 00:43:10,620 And if that No vote comes through and... 1028 00:43:10,620 --> 00:43:12,660 You know, a bushfire will come through 1029 00:43:12,660 --> 00:43:13,900 and it'll ravage the entire scene, 1030 00:43:13,900 --> 00:43:16,700 but, you know, you come back to that site 1031 00:43:16,700 --> 00:43:16,940 but, you know, six months later, 12 months later, 1032 00:43:16,940 --> 00:43:18,340 six months later, 12 months later, 1033 00:43:18,340 --> 00:43:18,580 and you see that green six months later, 12 months later, 1034 00:43:18,580 --> 00:43:20,300 and you see that green bursting through. 1035 00:43:20,300 --> 00:43:23,620 Settle the business, settle the score. 1036 00:43:30,940 --> 00:43:37,460 JUNE OSCAR: It feels like we have this great opportunity now. 1037 00:43:38,420 --> 00:43:43,900 We are capable of getting it right now. 1038 00:43:43,900 --> 00:43:49,020 So, I'd like to think that we can address this now in our generation 1039 00:43:49,020 --> 00:43:54,100 and not leave it for our children and grandchildren to struggle with. 1040 00:43:56,260 --> 00:43:58,180 TONY SEABROOKL: It's going to do more harm than good. 1041 00:43:58,180 --> 00:44:01,260 Let's just work out a way to resolve the issues that are there 1042 00:44:01,260 --> 00:44:01,500 Let's just work out a way and put the referendum to one side 1043 00:44:01,500 --> 00:44:02,820 and put the referendum to one side 1044 00:44:02,820 --> 00:44:03,060 because it's not and put the referendum to one side 1045 00:44:03,060 --> 00:44:05,020 because it's not going to end happily for everybody. 1046 00:44:05,020 --> 00:44:05,260 because it's not It just won't. 1047 00:44:05,260 --> 00:44:06,260 It just won't. 1048 00:44:11,580 --> 00:44:13,780 IAN HAMM: Twice in my lifetime 1049 00:44:13,780 --> 00:44:17,700 my countrymen will get to judge my worth as a human being. 1050 00:44:17,700 --> 00:44:17,940 my countrymen will get to judge That is heavy, 1051 00:44:17,940 --> 00:44:19,180 That is heavy, 1052 00:44:19,180 --> 00:44:20,540 heavy for us, 1053 00:44:20,540 --> 00:44:20,780 but it's a heavy thing for the rest heavy for us, 1054 00:44:20,780 --> 00:44:23,740 but it's a heavy thing for the rest of Australia to think about, 1055 00:44:23,740 --> 00:44:26,260 and it's got to think about it seriously 1056 00:44:26,260 --> 00:44:29,300 and not with these superficial distractions that are happening, 1057 00:44:29,300 --> 00:44:29,540 and not with these superficial from the Yes and No case. 1058 00:44:29,540 --> 00:44:32,380 from the Yes and No case. 1059 00:44:39,100 --> 00:44:41,100 Captions by Red Bee Media 1060 00:44:41,100 --> 00:44:43,300 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation