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BIEPA's proud history of standing up for what matters has seen a number of fights, and some successes. We are most powerful when we harness our collectivity.
This year marks a watershed moment in Australia. We are soon going to vote on a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament for First Australians.
The BIEPA Management Committee has agreed by majority to support a Yes vote on 14th October. Of course it is an individual choice for each person. However, our decision is based on a few key points, which I write here as food for thought for members.
We believe that conservationists voting Yes will demonstrate that the environmental movement is here to listen, and to learn from the cultures that have cared for this continent over 60,000 years.
In 250 years, a continent rich and abundant in nature has become the planet's worst extinction hotspot. In that time we've bred more environmental scientists per capita, and cut down more trees than any other country on Earth. Just 250 years to ruin 60,000.
"No" is a vote for the status quo.
"Yes" accepts a simple but generous offer that we believe has the potential to set us on a path towards the restoration of nature.
Unlike Australia, the USA, Canada and New Zealand all recognise its first people in their constitutions. Recognition is not racism nor is it political - although some politicians have projected this for their own ends. Constitutional amendment The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert the following lines into the Constitution: 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:
There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonweal…
I don’t believe the Constitution needs improving. Introducing racism into the Constitution will not improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people of any race. My main objection is that it is not a BIEPA concern. Our organisation has always been non political and should stay that way.
This is a human rights issue and not a political issue. It is sad that some of our politicians have sought to make it political.
I am really delighted to see our fantastic organisation speaking up on this!
As I have said before, why is BIEPA making political recommendations and statements when it is a non-political organisation. Biepa should remove all references to the Voice etc from its' website.
Does anyone have a copy of the 22 page Uluaru Statement from the Heart etc? Has anyone read through the court decision on the Mabo case etc etc to make a call?