This page includes pieces written by various SHAP parishioners recounting their take on ‘The Voice’ Forum held at South Head Anglican Church on Thursday the 31st of August 2023.

TOBIAS BUCKLEY

The Voice Forum was a great night of insightful discussion, an example of how all people can engage in a discussion of a topic so close to the heart of many Australians. In seeking to discuss this critical subject with love, compassion and understanding, it’s important that all Australians research, examine, and consider a wide range of sources, opinions, and information. 

I think as we get closer to the date, it will become more important that we engage with our friends, families, and communities in open, sincere, loving and perhaps even difficult conversation, so that all people can make an informed, well-considered decision on an issue that will impact the lives of Indigenous Australians for decades to come. 

I pray that this will be only the start of discussions for many people, that our community and country seek to love our Indigenous Australian brothers and sisters, and that all people strongly consider the decision they will make on October 14^th.  

JENNIFER GLASSON

I went along to the Forum not really knowing what to expect.What i did expect was a large turnout of people across all age groups.Surprisingly there were few there who didn’t have gray hair.

The speakers had all assiduously prepared to give us their perspective on the big question we will be voting on next month.

Pastor Ray gave an interesting and passionate potted history of his people’ experience of colonisation.

Then the business started with Michael Stead exhorting us to give “generous consideration” to the case to vote YES.

Very compelling were the words from Dr Joel Harrison who gave excellent examples of other items in the Constitution from which no bad outcomes have emerged.As a lecturer in law at Sydney law School where he teaches Federal Constitutional law he explained very well that we have nothing to fear from a YES vote but much for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders to gain.

Allegra Spender spoke as a politician representing us in Wentworth.Her words were more along the lines of being humane in our dealings with Aborigines and Torres Strait islanders.

Michael Jensen’s appeal to us was as Christians. What would Jesus have us do?

Questions were asked at the end .And answered very well.

In all, I came away with a feeling of confidence that the YES vote should succeed and that our country would be the better for it.

LUCIA RICH

I attended The Voice forum on Thursday 31August with the intent of getting a better understanding of the arguments supporting the Yes case.

The speakers on the night:

Rev Dr Michael Jensen

Right Rev Dr Michael Stead

Allegra Spender MP

Dr Joel Harrison

Uncle Ray & Auntie Sharon Minniecon

The speakers offered a variety of perspectives that broadly supported the Yes case. The Anglican Church perspective was framed as one that asked people to consider the Yes case with a generosity of spirit without dictating the specific position that Christians should adopt. 

Speakers covered the importance of recognising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – the first people of this land. But also, that we need to do more than just recognise them. We need to give them an avenue to be heard as set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Voice provides a mean for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to make representation to the government in matters relating to them. Hopefully by listening to their needs, the government can make better and more effective decisions that will have a positive effect on their lives.

The welfare of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders – health, education, living conditions, domestic violence, infant mortality rate, higher alcohol and substance abuse etc are worse than the average Australian.  

It was also useful to listen to a constitutional law perspective that explained why the amendment to constitution was framed as a high level statement of principle with the details of procedure and process left to the parliamentary process to debate and determine.

There is a need to give generous consideration.

MATT ARONEY

The voice evening was a wonderful, warm and informative evening which examined the question of the referendum for a whole host of biblical, theological, social and legal considerations. 

It was framed by Bishop Michael Stead’s encouragement, in line with the Synod resolution, to give “generous” consideration to the “yes” vote. He suggested that the referendum should operate from the premise that we consider “yes” unless “no” can prove otherwise. We owe it to our indigenous leaders to honestly consider what they have asked Australians for, on the basis that God gave them, for thousands of years, custodianship of the land (Acts 17:26).

I was struck by a few comments from Joel Harrison, a professor in constitutional law from Sydney Uni, who was careful to explain how the constitution was a simple document which required the legislative and judicial wings of our government to fulfill anything written within it. The voice is such a statement which does not require further elaboration but will require development in and through various iterations of parliament. Joel, when questioned about the consequences of a “no” vote, stated how he saw it unlikely that another referendum could be possible if this one failed. It would disempower a generation indigenous leaders who would not engage further if their invitation from the Uluru statement was dismissed. 

Finally, Uncle Ray Minniecon, made the simple, bold, and honest questions of whether we would call him a “fellow Australian”, such are the terms of this referendum, for him, personally. The voice would a demonstration of the full participation of the indigenous Australians in our wonderful nation. 

I was very thankful to God for the night, which gave a lot for my heart and mind to consider.