The Voice

[sptrawler]

And that formula is pretty much the same one that works for all Australians.

Yes, it's called W.O.R.K.

Exactly what I told my youngest son, when he asked why is his life was $hit, I said try going to work, it fills in a lot of time and puts money in your pocket.

 

[farmerge]

As mentioned in post #3335, it's not over yet.

Yes camp’s warped ‘post-mortem’ shows they still don’t get why voice failed

There is now a shadow voice – much like the original voice – that is merely a rehash of an old idea, one that promotes separatism. While the original voice may be dead, the mindless pursuit of the shadow voice is not. It is therefore important we continue to have these conversations.​

The Aboriginal architects of the voice represent a stellar cast of hardworking, highly intelligent and successful people. They have earned what they have; and what they have, they gained without the voice. To their credit, they continue to use their voices to call attention to the fact far too many Aboriginal people in this country are denied the advantages, opportunities and equity they have themselves.​

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They should be using their voices to tell these less fortunate Aboriginal Australians what their formula for success has been.​

​

And that formula is pretty much the same one that works for all Australians.​

Could it be that the formula is get off yar bum and do a day's work instead of having an outstretched hand with the palm facing up!!

 

[farmerge]

I didn't see Sir R's retort till after I posted my thoughts.

 

[JohnDe]

The ABC's extremely short news item with minimal reporting on Jacinta's plan for Australian Aboriginals that she will be taking to the upcoming election.

As she readies for an official campaign with an election due by May next year, Senator Price is continuing to build on the high profile she gained when she opposed last year's referendum on a Voice to Parliament.​

Land rights, FIFO and child protection: Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's First Nations' vision

Federal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has flagged a possible shake-up of land rights and a reduction in fly-in, fly-out workers in remote Indigenous communities if the opposition wins government.

Called the Advancement Movement, Senator Price also indicated that more children should be removed from "dysfunction", as she called for a renewed focus on First Nations family violence and sexual abuse of children.

But the proposals have been greeted with suspicion and derision by some high profile First Nations advocates, who criticised them as a return to old, failed policies of the past.

"I haven't seen anything that isn't a rehash of tired old policies … with a new coat of paint," said Gangulu man Mick Gooda, a former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

Senator Price's Advancement Movement​

As she readies for an official campaign with an election due by May next year, Senator Price is continuing to build on the high profile she gained when she opposed last year's referendum on a Voice to Parliament.

This week, Newspoll found she was the second most-preferred candidate for Coalition leader, behind the current leader Peter Dutton, even though the likelihood of this happening politically is slim.

Senator Price said she would lead the "Advancement Movement".

"I certainly would like to look at a different way of doing things," she told the ABC's 730 program.​

She expanded on some of her ideas in an interview with the ABC's Indigenous Affairs Team and in an essay in The Australian.

Economic development and jobs​

A key focus would be on economic development and jobs for First Nations people in remote communities.

She wants First Nations people to replace fly-in, fly-out workers in these communities.

Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is calling for a renewed focused for Indigenous communities called the Advancement Movement. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)

 

[IFocus]

The ABC's extremely short news item with minimal reporting on Jacinta's plan for Australian Aboriginals that she will be taking to the upcoming election.

As she readies for an official campaign with an election due by May next year, Senator Price is continuing to build on the high profile she gained when she opposed last year's referendum on a Voice to Parliament.​

I have to agree with this "I haven't seen anything that isn't a rehash of tired old policies" unfortunately it will all resonate with voters (which is the real game here) just like it has in the past with no real change in outcomes.

 

[sptrawler]

The ABC's extremely short news item with minimal reporting on Jacinta's plan for Australian Aboriginals that she will be taking to the upcoming election.

As she readies for an official campaign with an election due by May next year, Senator Price is continuing to build on the high profile she gained when she opposed last year's referendum on a Voice to Parliament.​

That is exactly what needs to happen IMO, give them the skills to carry out their own work, I mentioned this at the very beginning of this discussion
Give the kids transferable skills, so that if and when they leave their community, they can get jobs in mainstream companies.
It won't solve all the issues , but it would be a huge step in the right direction, with regard remote and semi remote communities.
It would be a huge undertaking, the task is massive as there are a lot of remote communities, but it would be a worthwhile venture IMO.

 

[SirRumpole]

That is exactly what needs to happen, give them the skills to carry out their own work, I mentioned this at the very beginning of this discussion
Give the kids transferable skills, so that if and when they leave their community, they can get jobs in mainstream companies.
It won't solve all the issues , but it would be a huge step in the right direction, with regard remote communities.

The sad thing is that the kids are locked up on remote communities because their parents want them bought up in a "culturally sensitive way", ie all the white man's culture is rubbish and theirs is pure.

Thus, the kids never have access to the opportunities of the modern world and so generations of indigenous people remain in a primitive condition.

They have to assimilate if they are going to advance imo, but you can't tell them that or you will be called a racist.

 

[sptrawler]

The sad thing is that the kids are locked up on remote communities because their parents want them bought up in a "culturally sensitive way", ie all the white man's culture is rubbish and theirs is pure.

Thus, the kids never have access to the opportunities of the modern world and so generations of indigenous people remain in a primitive condition.

They have to assimilate if they are going to advance imo, but you can't tell them that or you will be called a racist.

They still have the services, buildings, electricity, water, sewage etc and it has to be maintained, there is no reason the kids wouldn't jump at the chance.
Each State could make it a dept of tafe, as each state has differing needs, start with the dry communities with the least social issues and progressively work up a priorities list.
It would be definitely worth a try IMO

 

[JohnDe]

The sad thing is that the kids are locked up on remote communities because their parents want them bought up in a "culturally sensitive way", ie all the white man's culture is rubbish and theirs is pure.

Thus, the kids never have access to the opportunities of the modern world and so generations of indigenous people remain in a primitive condition.

They have to assimilate if they are going to advance imo, but you can't tell them that or you will be called a racist.

I'm not sure that it is the parents that want that.

To me it looks more like the city elders, the ones with Uni degrees, wanting to keep a living museum piece for them to look at and point out 'the world's oldest continuous living culture'.

 

[IFocus]

That is exactly what needs to happen IMO, give them the skills to carry out their own work, I mentioned this at the very beginning of this discussion
Give the kids transferable skills, so that if and when they leave their community, they can get jobs in mainstream companies.
It won't solve all the issues , but it would be a huge step in the right direction, with regard remote and semi remote communities.
It would be a huge undertaking, the task is massive as there are a lot of remote communities, but it would be a worthwhile venture IMO.

Like this?

"Mick Gooda said he was reminded of the long-running Community Development Program (CDP) — which the Morrison government announced it would scrap in 2021 — which required First Nations people in remote communities to work or train for the dole."

"Her party abolished CDP in Central Australia and now she's talking about reviving it," Mr Gooda said.

 

[sptrawler]

We could always do what is being done currently FA.
Seems to be a strong suit of Govt at the moment.
Making the small target Government an artform, its hard for anything to stick, if you don't do anything.

 

[IFocus]

We could always do what is being done currently FA.
Seems to be a strong suit of Govt at the moment.
Making the small target Government an artform, its hard for anything to stick, if you don't do anything.

"The federal government has since announced a replacement for CDP, known as the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED)."

Don't make it political: Woodley​

Yindjibarndi traditional owner Michael Woodley said the senator's ideas were "more to do with politics" than "common sense".

"Where I'm disappointed with all of this stuff, I think some of these things could have easily been dealt with, by a collective voice, you know, involving her and others as well, who opposed the voice, or the referendum," Mr Woodley said.

"We could have really highlighted some of these issues and concerns and really, really put back a position to the government that represents all of the things that we see as challenges for First Nations peoples."

 

[sptrawler]

"The federal government has since announced a replacement for CDP, known as the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED)."

Don't make it political: Woodley​

Yindjibarndi traditional owner Michael Woodley said the senator's ideas were "more to do with politics" than "common sense".

"Where I'm disappointed with all of this stuff, I think some of these things could have easily been dealt with, by a collective voice, you know, involving her and others as well, who opposed the voice, or the referendum," Mr Woodley said.

"We could have really highlighted some of these issues and concerns and really, really put back a position to the government that represents all of the things that we see as challenges for First Nations peoples."

So, again what has the Government actually done, they haven't closed down the department of aboriginal affairs.

There is way too much prioritising of optics and remaining a small target going on, it may help with re election, but it certainly isn't helping Australia.
I expected better, but at the moment the Government is very fortunate there isn't a viable opposition, or they would be in trouble.

 

[sptrawler]

@IFocus we must have had a premonition.

Live Moment: Linda Burney, Brendan O'Connor to retire from politics as Albanese reshuffles ministry

Linda Burney, the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives and the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians is one of two senior ministers retiring from politics as part of a reshuffle of the Albanese ministry.

www.abc.net.au

 

[farmerge]

So, again what has the Government actually done, they haven't closed down the department of aboriginal affairs.

There is way too much prioritising of optics and remaining a small target going on, it may help with re election, but it certainly isn't helping Australia.
I expected better, but at the moment the Government is very fortunate there isn't a viable opposition, or they would be in trouble.

Paying for the organ grinder and all we are getting in return is his monkeys

 

[JohnDe]

Labor may be preparing for a new direction in Aboriginal/Indigenous affairs, and an election may be very close -

Linda Burney to retire from politics as Albanese reshuffles ministry​

​

Linda Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians and first Aboriginal woman in the lower house, will retire from politics at the next election.​

 

[sptrawler]

Labor may be preparing for a new direction in Aboriginal/Indigenous affairs, and an election may be very close -

There are storm clouds on the horizon, the Government really has to go to an election before christmas IMO, the house of cards is about to really implode.
W.A is looking as shaky as you know what.

 

[sptrawler]

This is an interesting article and highlights the problem with supplying services to remote commuities.

Two years on from hikers' inquest, locals say proposed upgrades aren't making Australia's 'largest monolith' any safer

The WA government has committed millions of dollars to improve safety at a national park after four people died there within a year. But locals fear not enough has been done.

www.abc.net.au

Telecommunications on hold​

The frustrations have emerged as the national park took centre stage in a push to expand regional tourism and WA's conservation efforts.

The park is part of 816,000 hectares of newly vested reserves, put aside for joint management with Burringurrah and Minangu traditional owners.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said difficulties accessing the area had caused problems putting the $10 million in government funding to use.

The planned works include improving unsealed roads, posting signage, upgrading air infrastructure, and repairing fire-damaged trails.

"Just getting contractors available to work in the remote communities that we have ... can be very challenging," Mr Whitby said.

He also highlighted telecommunications as a key issue.

Telstra delivered a report to the state government last month describing what it would take to improve mobile coverage.

However, Mr Whitby says the government favours satellite communications.

"Now there's new technology being provided, satellite technology, which could overtake the need for ground-based towers," he said.

"But we want to make sure that the communication is there."
Burringurrah elder Ray Lockyer said part of the $10 million upgrades should go towards the local landing strip because the community is home to the region's sole emergency service providers.

"The medical [evacuations] that occasionally occur here; they would provide a huge advantage, obviously, to the people who are not doing too well," he said.

There are multiple airstrips in the area but only Mount James has close access to the Burringurrah Nursing Post, where both community members and injured visitors receive care.

 

[JohnDe]

It's time.

Linda Burney is gone. Noel Pearson has fallen silent, as he promised he would following the failure of the voice. Megan Davis appears to have little clue about the real reasons the voice failed. Garma risks remaining a festival of past ideas. The Greens? They are a sad bunch, stuck on victim tropes.​

​

The need for passing the torch to new Indigenous leaders has never been clearer.​

Why it’s time for new Indigenous leaders to step up

Burney, the former Indigenous Affairs minister, retired last week after a lifetime of working to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. Disagree with her policies, by all means, but she deserves respect for stepping up. Public life is tough. Ditto the voice debate. That said, changing direction, the work of a new generation, will be tougher.

Though it seems Pearson won’t be part of a new direction – he has maintained his public silence since the referendum – no one should underestimate the groundwork he has laid.

Like no other, he exposed the miserable cycle of welfare, of victimhood. Before any other Indigenous leader, he demanded Indigenous kids be taught to read with explicit instruction. Pearson cut through the soft expectations and education claptrap.

“Aboriginal children are no different from other human children,” he said. “They have the same capacity and they have the same learning mechanism … there’s nothing sui generis about Indigenous children. They’re human. If they’re taught with effective pedagogy, they will learn.”

Ten years ago, at The Australian’s 50th anniversary dinner, Pearson gave a tremendous speech about the need to speak the truth. He lauded this newspaper for bringing Indigenous affairs into the mainstream of national reporting and policy debate, of being open “to all shades of debate and Indigenous leaders and commentators: no other mainstream platform comes close”.

In the decade since, this newspaper has continued on that path, reporting Indigenous stories like no other media, presenting a wider range of voices about the solutions, with no rival.

Last year, Pearson said that if the voice failed “it will be up to a new generation to chart a new course because we will have been rejected”. Like Davis, Pearson must understand the country did not reject them personally. A majority of Australians rejected a proposal to permanently entrench in our Constitution different civic rights for different classes of people. It was so fundamentally un-Australian, so illiberal and so unequal, it was always going to be rejected.

A voice for the poor, or for the disabled, or for women may all have attracted initial emotional sympathy but ultimately all fail the real hurdle. One of most fundamental civic values is that Australians have the same rights, privileges and obligations under our Constitution. Making race the point of difference added a repugnant layer to the voice proposal.

I read Davis’s recent piece about the failure of the voice with sadness. Sadness for Davis – and for the country. It’s hard not to empathise with the personal pain that a woman who spent more than a decade in passionate pursuit of the voice proposal must feel at the massive rejection by ordinary Australians of that proposal.

Still, after a period of reflection, it’s a terrible shame that Davis continues to portray those she disagrees with as people of bad faith, or ignorant victims of alleged misinformation. We must learn to disagree well.

That Davis cannot see that entirely honourable motives – but different views – drove most Australians to vote No is the ultimate sadness both for her and for us because it could condemn us to continual re-runs of these divisive debates.

It wasn’t the racism, the lack of bipartisanship, the inherent conservatism of Australians, the terrible Yes campaign, the backlash against corporate Australia and celebrities, or any of the multitude of reasons or rationalisations that have been given.

The voice failed for one single, simple reason. It was a terrible idea.

Can Labor’s new Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, come up with better ideas? Only if Labor replaces its attachment to an Indigenous rights agenda with one that seriously advocates for Indigenous responsibility. That will require the kind of truth-telling the Albanese government has shown no appetite for.

Forget the Greens. They are part of the problem, wedded to promoting Indigenous victimhood. Greens First Nations spokesman Dorinda Cox said last week that a truth-telling commission was needed to close the gap. And, if we take this path, she said we could probably keep Australia Day, Cox said. Gee thanks.

Cox doesn’t explain how telling the “difficult truth that there were frontier wars in Australia” will help a young girl being sexually abused in an Indigenous family, or a kid who roams the streets high on drugs, or a parent who has had no education, no job to support themselves, let alone a family.

Last week, when Jacinta Nampijinpa Price took to the stage to celebrate this newspaper’s 60th anniversary dinner, it marked the public passing of the torch from Pearson to Price.

The opposition spokeswoman for Indigenous Affairs who led the charge in the No campaign is demanding a new and dynamic attitude to helping Indigenous Australians help themselves.

Like Pearson, she firmly believes that if we create the same kind of economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians that non-Indigenous Australians have, we are much more likely to close the gap than if we continue the current welfarist approaches.

Unlike Pearson, Price realised the voice was the wrong way to do this.

Price upsets many with her truth-telling about Indigenous dysfunction and family violence. How could she not, given the country is weighed down by a 50-year-old Indigenous industry premised on blaming family violence on colonisation.

Price could have chosen her words differently at the National Press Club last year when she said she didn’t believe Indigenous people suffered from negative impacts of colonisation. “I’ll be honest with you, I do not think so. A positive impact, absolutely. I mean, now we have running water, readily available food,” she said.

But Price’s critics, those wedded to blaming colonisation for Indigenous dysfunction and family violence, missed her point.

Price was critical of Indigenous organisations that “demonise colonial settlement in its entirety and nurture a national self-loathing about the foundations of modern Australian achievement”.

“If we keep telling Aboriginal people that they are victims, we are effectively removing their agency and giving them the expectation that someone else is responsible for their lives. That is the worst possible thing you can do to any human being, to tell them that they are a victim without agency. And that is what I refuse to do.”

The country needs more champions of agency. More people like Professor Peter Yu whose aim is greater economic empowerment. Vice-president (First Nations) at the Australian National University, Yu is part of the Murru waaruu report that “at its simplest … calls for a new fiscal relationship with First Peoples, one based on Indigenous wealth creation not welfare”.

This warrants careful scrutiny to ensure we’re not substituting one form of welfare dependency for another, or facilitating a new form of separatism. If it genuinely focuses on empowerment not victimhood, self-help not government intervention, Yu will be part of the new generation charting a new course.

The old, failed path started in our universities, among apparently smart people who became intellectually in-bred, theoretical, and divorced from reality.

Witness the devotion of Australian law schools to loopy theories about sovereignty which reject the notion of a single indivisible Australian sovereign in favour of “co-sovereignty” between Australia and Indigenous peoples. Witness their role in the voice.

The new direction for Indigenous people will need people who think differently about Indigenous dysfunction, people brave enough to step up, people who speak up, not down, to Indigenous Australians, people who value agency and responsibility, not special rights and victimhood.

 

[farmerge]

It's time.

Linda Burney is gone. Noel Pearson has fallen silent, as he promised he would following the failure of the voice. Megan Davis appears to have little clue about the real reasons the voice failed. Garma risks remaining a festival of past ideas. The Greens? They are a sad bunch, stuck on victim tropes.​

​

The need for passing the torch to new Indigenous leaders has never been clearer.​

Perhaps the time has arrived for the fat cats to realise that they are not the custodians of volume of money that is handed out each year. New leaders and fresh ideas certainly would be a good start.