The Indigenous Voice to Parliament has become a topic of debate in Australia, with different opinions on whether to vote yes or no. While the government is advocating for a yes vote, some Indigenous Australians believe that the vote could further divide the country and increase racism. Others, however, feel that being included in decisions that affect Indigenous land would be a significant step forward.

The Uluru Dialogue, a collective comprising the architects of the Uluru statement from the heart, academics, and lawyers based at the University of New South Wales, is one of the three groups campaigning for a yes vote. The group, co-chaired by Megan Davis and Pat Anderson, has been hosting online "yarning circles" to increase awareness and understanding of the Indigenous voice.

Another group, Uphold and Recognise, founded in 2015 by Damien Freeman and Julian Leeser, believes that the constitution underpins Australia's democracy and that Indigenous Australians should be fairly recognized in it. The group's center-right approach aims to find common ground among conservative voters.

Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition (AICR), co-chaired by Danny Gilbert and Rachel Perkins, is a powerhouse organization of prominent Australians that holds information sessions and contributes to policy proposals. The board comprises heavy hitters, including Tony Nutt, Michael Chaney, and Tanya Hosch.

The Parliamentary Friends of the Uluru statement, a non-partisan forum, was launched on February 13, co-chaired by Gordon Reid, Bridget Archer, and Allegra Spender. While some politicians have expressed support for the Indigenous voice, the Liberal Party is yet to commit to a party room position.

Despite their different approaches, all these groups share the goal of enshrining an Indigenous voice to parliament in the constitution, followed by a Makarrata process of treaty-making and truth-telling. The Indigenous voice has been a Canberra story dominated by and about politicians, but the yes campaigners aim to change that by encouraging Australians to start a dialogue and work together to rise above politics.

The Uluru Dialogue, From the Heart, Uphold and Recognise, Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, and the Parliamentary friends of the Uluru statement all have different approaches and objectives, but they all have the same goal: to enshrine an Indigenous voice to Parliament in the Constitution.

One of the arguments against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is that it could create division in the country, as some Australians fear that it would grant special privileges to Indigenous Australians. However, supporters argue that the Voice would not give any special treatment to Indigenous Australians, but rather provide a means for their voices to be heard on issues that affect them and their land.

The Uluru Dialogue, in particular, emphasizes the importance of ordinary Australians engaging in the conversation and understanding the need for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The group has been hosting online "yarning circles" to increase awareness and understanding of the Voice, hoping that supporters will turn into advocates in their own communities.

From the Heart, launched in 2020, aims to keep the Indigenous Voice on the agenda and educate Australians about its importance. Meanwhile, Uphold and Recognise takes a centre-right approach, targeting conservative voters by finding common ground and arguing that legislation could address most reasonable concerns around the Voice.

Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, on the other hand, is a powerhouse organization co-chaired by prominent Australians from various sectors, aiming to hold information sessions and contribute to policy proposals.

Finally, the Parliamentary friends of the Uluru statement is a non-partisan forum that seeks to engage MPs in the conversation and meet the Uluru statement in the spirit it's given.

Despite the different approaches and objectives, all these groups have the same goal of enshrining the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution. And while there are concerns and arguments on both sides, the conversation and engagement are crucial to understanding the importance of the Voice and its potential impact on Indigenous Australians and the country as a whole.

As the referendum approaches, Australians will have to make their own informed decision based on the facts and understanding of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. And regardless of the outcome, the conversation and engagement should continue to ensure that Indigenous Australians are heard and represented in the country's decision-making processes.

The impact of the vote on Indigenous communities

The vote on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament has significant implications for Indigenous communities across Australia. For some, it represents a long-awaited opportunity for their voices to be heard in the political process. For others, it is seen as yet another example of the government's failure to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous Australians.

Many Indigenous leaders have spoken out against the proposed vote, arguing that it will not bring about the systemic change that is needed to address the deep-rooted issues facing Indigenous communities. Instead, they argue that the government must take more meaningful action to address issues such as poverty, education, and health care.

Others see the vote as a step in the right direction, albeit a small one. They believe that by giving Indigenous Australians a voice in the political process, the government will be more accountable and responsive to their needs.

Ultimately, the impact of the vote on Indigenous communities will depend on how it is implemented and the extent to which the government is willing to listen to the voices of Indigenous Australians.

The future of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament

The future of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is uncertain. While the government has expressed its support for the vote, it has yet to commit to any concrete action beyond the vote itself. There are concerns that if the vote is successful, the government may not take the necessary steps to implement the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

In addition, the vote itself is not without controversy. Many Indigenous Australians are concerned that the vote will be divisive and will not bring about meaningful change. They argue that the government must take more concrete action to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities.

Despite these concerns, there is hope that the vote on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament will lead to positive change. By giving Indigenous Australians a voice in the political process, the government will be more accountable and responsive to their needs. It is also hoped that the vote will lead to greater awareness and understanding of the issues facing Indigenous communities across Australia.

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a complex issue that has divided Australian society. While some see it as a long-awaited opportunity for Indigenous Australians to have a voice in the political process, others see it as a divisive issue that will not bring about meaningful change.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a crucial step towards addressing the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities across Australia. By giving Indigenous Australians a voice in the political process, the government will be more accountable and responsive to their needs.

However, it is important that the government takes concrete action beyond the vote itself to address the deep-rooted issues facing Indigenous communities. Only then can we truly move towards a more just and equitable Australia that respects the rights and dignity of all its citizens, including its First Nations people.