Australia has a referendum, the date of which will be shortly announced for a First Nation's Voice to parliament. It recognises Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples as being the first folks here, then establishes a body that will advise the parliament on relevant. matters. The latter has no power to legislate, hold up legislation or interfere in the parliamentary process. Here is the unabridged text of the proposed change to the Australian constitution. (Chapter 9, 129)

Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

1. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
2. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

It should be fairly straight forward, and a matter of simple justice, that the vote is passed comfortably. Alas, the debate has fallen amongst the worst of voices, the hectoring, the foolish and dare I say it, a residual racist rump. I fear that it will go down and be yet another scar on this nation's attempt to come to terms with its past.

I hope that I am wrong and that the better angels prevail.