Drawing on a series of articles and interviews published by The Australian, Mark explains that there has been a great deal of work done already to develop the concept of an advisory body, including the co-design process established by the previous government and overseen by Marcia Langton and Tom Calma.
But the Australian people will not, and should not, be asked to vote on a specific model because that detail should be left to federal parliament.
“The authors and advocates of the Uluru statement called for the voice to be enshrined in the Constitution in full knowledge that whatever model is established following a successful referendum would require adjustments by the parliament from time to time, as circumstances change.
“With a new government and Prime Minister, brought to office with a clear mandate to take the question of an Indigenous voice to the people, the development of a more detailed model would lead to only one eventuality – a devastating No vote. Those who argue otherwise are, consciously or unconsciously, motivated by a desire to sabotage the process.”
To read Mark’s article in full online, click here.
To read the print version, click here.
Mark was interviewed about his opinion article on Radio National Breakfast. To hear the interview, click here.
Responding to a comment piece by Marcia Langton, which referenced his article, Mark wrote a Letter to the Editor. To read the letter, click here.
