Disappointed Australian.

Today I feel a sense of disappointment with the nation that I live in.

Yesterday we had a referendum about our first nation’s people being given a voice in our constitution and the policies of our nation. I am a proud generation X lady, who growing up had witnessed such things as a growing peace, environmental and anti nuclear movement. Many of my adolescent idols preached peace and green points of view. I learned a lot about politics of this land from people like Peter Garrett and Shane Howard singing about things like the Franklin dam, the nuclear disarmament movement and land rights . I thought I was in the majority of Australians who believed in equality for all, and wanted to give the most disadvantaged people in our society a fair go.. it appears that a vast majority of Australians don’t share my view of equality for all and giving the first nation’s people a say in the policies that affect them.

The majority of people I know voted 🗳 YES, because the majority of people I know believe in basic human rights and have empathy for everyone in society, particularly those who are stigmatised and disadvantaged. The majority of people I know are today very disappointed and down hearted and feel a sense of despair or doom. We can see how this NO vote is going to n lead to division and segregation of our society. It leaves more questions than answers and shows the world 🌎 that our dark history still exists. In my lifetime a lot has been done to build bridges with the indigenous people of this land, and yes a lot of good things have happened for those indigenous people, but I see that yesterday’s referendum result, was a major setback for us as a nation. I hope and pray 🙏 🤲 that somehow it won’t divide us, but fear that it will. To the first nation’s people I hope we can come together as a nation, and that those who voted YES will not allow inequality to be known as what Australia is all about. I hope Ahthony Albanese and our other political leaders find a way to bring harmony, peace and equality to all who make up our nation. I hope the Statement from the heart be upheld and show the world what an egalitarian and fair nation Australia can be. I hope there 🙏 are no dark days ahead.