Migrants' Voice dilemma

I AM concerned about the content of the ABC “7.30 Report” on September 28, which related to a segment involving Thomas Mayo’s activism promoting the “Voice” in Adelaide.

It was designed to target migrants who, because they can feel empathy with others who feel they are disconnected from their Society, could be encouraged to prioritise and believe they could repay the chance they were given to escape their own dispossession by settling in Australia, if they vote YES to the Referendum question.

Unfortunately, the migrant who was interviewed might have been unaware of the fact that many Aboriginals have integrated and assimilated into mainstream professions, trades and the entertainment industry etc due to Government and Aboriginal efforts over several years. Also, the hundreds of Aboriginal staffed agencies now in existence, which are funded by taxpayers, could be improved with support and accountability to achieve the assumed objectives of the “Voice”.

As it is likely that Thomas Mayo would be involved in some capacity in the functioning of the “Voice”, I hope any-one who will be voting will first view a video on the internet titled; “Meet the Architect of the Voice...Thomas Mayo”. His recent benign demeanour contrasts sharply with his performance on the video where he acknowledges the Elders of the Communist Party and seeks “reparations, a black force to be reckoned with, and punishment for Australia’s democratically elected politicians who do not heed Aboriginal voices.” 

I hope migrants will consider if this influence is what they want for themselves and their children’s future.

Furthermore, in order to establish pride in Australia’s achievements we all need to seek truth telling about pre 1788 Aboriginal life as well as the context of Colonisation and the casualties that occurred.

Rosemary Hutchinson, Inverloch