One of the most contentious debates roiling Australia for at least the past year has been a referendum on an amendment to the country’s constitution regarding the Aborigine (indigenous) people of the continent. Called the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Act, it would have created a constitutionally mandated advisory panel comprised of Aborigine persons that would be able to advise Parliament on matters specifically related to their people. The nation’s current constitution makes no distinction between Aboriginal people and the descendants of the primarily European settlers who came to power after their arrival. After a great deal of heated debate, the vote finally took place on October 14th and it was rather soundly defeated, with 61% voting against it. Needless to say, the backers of the proposal were more than disappointed. (Associated Press)Read More
Australia’s ‘Indigenous Voice’ Vote Ends in a No
