In Australia, thousands of people demonstrated in support of indigenous law reform

They took to the streets to defend the historic reform of indigenous rights, which will be the subject of a referendum on October 14. Thousands of people took part in demonstrations across Australia in several major cities on Sunday 17 September. Walk for yes (“March for Yes”) ahead of this vote which could give Indigenous Australians the constitutional right to be consulted on policies that affect them.

More than two hundred years after British colonialism, the life expectancy of Aboriginal people – whose ancestors lived on the continent for about 60,000 years – is lower than that of other Australians, and they are more likely to die in prison.

“I think we need a voice in Parliament, it’s time.”said Laurel Johnson, a 58-year-old retiree who works in Indigenous community services and joined hundreds of people who attended the Sydney march. Cameron Lum, 34, said he joined the march in Sydney to support her “Change is long overdue in this country.”. “I believe this paves the way for massive political change led by First Nation peoples.”-Did you announce?

Mandatory voting

Yes supporters also rallied in Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart and Alice Springs. They say this symbolic reform project of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left government, if adopted, will help address these inequalities.

However, recent polls show that about 60% of voters oppose reform, which represents a near turnaround from last year. Opponents of the proposal say it would give special privileges to indigenous people while adding an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. They regret the lack of details regarding the reform that Parliament will put in place in the event of a yes vote.

For this reform to be adopted, it must receive majority support across Australia in a referendum, but also a majority in at least four of the six states. Voting is compulsory and non-voters without valid reason are subject to a fine of A$20.