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Silence on Indigenous Issues in Australian Election Campaign

Indigenous Australians continue to face significant socio-economic disadvantages, a reality that many leaders acknowledge but seldom address in political discourse. As the national election approaches, Yarrabah, a small Indigenous community in Far North Queensland, exemplifies this neglect.

During a drive into Yarrabah, evidence of impending elections is almost non-existent. Unlike many regions, candidate posters are missing, giving way to the scenic views of sugar cane fields and a coastal road. Amid this serene backdrop, the only bustling activity comes from an ice cream truck, navigating around free-roaming horses and dogs in the street.

Suzanne Andrews, the chief executive of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services, expresses concern over the lack of engagement from politicians. She notes the absence of campaign visits and the minimal public discourse on Aboriginal issues, highlighting her disappointment at the recent leaders’ debate where such topics were overlooked.

Despite Indigenous Australians representing about 3.8% of the total population, their issues remain sidelined by both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton during this election cycle. The silence is particularly noticeable given that the leaders briefly discussed Indigenous matters solely in the context of cultural ceremonies rather than addressing broader concerns of inequality.

This reluctance to engage with First Nations issues stems from fears of divisiveness within the electorate, amplified by the contentious 2023 referendum on the Voice to Parliament. This initiative sought to formally recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution and establish an advisory body but was met with defeat, where 60% of voters opposed it. Critics labeled the proposal as divisive, leading many politicians to tread cautiously around Indigenous topics for fear of backlash.

In the aftermath of the referendum, many in the Indigenous community, including Andrews, hoped that the heightened interest in their circumstances might spur significant policy changes. However, the referendum’s outcome has led to a pronounced reticence from political parties regarding discussions on pressing Aboriginal issues. Andrews laments this regression, noting that the recent political climate feels increasingly devoid of meaningful dialogue.

Adding to the complexity, anti-Voice campaigners now acknowledge the need for continued dialogue and action regarding Indigenous concerns. Prominent figures, like Warren Mundine, emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues despite the referendum’s outcome, stating that the demands for attention to Indigenous matters have receded significantly since the vote.

Lidia Thorpe, an independent senator, asserts that Albanese’s apprehension about Indigenous representation in discussions stems from his failed referendum attempt. Thorpe advocates for a legally binding treaty instead of the Voice, arguing that prior elections at least acknowledged Indigenous issues, whereas the current campaign has witnessed a troubling silence.

The absence of dialogue is striking, especially as Australia has made efforts in recent years to close the gap in living standards between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Yet recent evaluations reveal that only a limited number of targets in the government’s Closing the Gap strategy are on track, with some, including incarceration rates, worsening significantly.

Experts highlight this election as an anomaly, marking a retreat to a historical norm of neglect concerning Indigenous affairs. Professor Rodney Smith from the University of Sydney explains that the political reluctance to engage stems from the perception that these topics do not resonate with the broader electorate.

Data from the Australian National University supports this view, illustrating a decline in public belief that the government should actively reduce disparities affecting Indigenous peoples. This lack of prioritization in political conversations reflects a broader disengagement within society regarding Indigenous issues.

Independent MP Bob Katter, who has engaged with Indigenous affairs for decades, critiques his peers’ hesitance to tackle these discussions during campaigns. Despite his personal commitments to Indigenous rights, he admits to sidelining these topics on the campaign trail, highlighting the harsh political realities that often dictate what can be comfortably discussed.

Furthermore, the fallout from the referendum has been profoundly damaging on an emotional and social level within Indigenous communities. Reports recount increased incidents of racism linked to the referendum, highlighting a wave of hostility that many Indigenous Australians, including Andrews and Mundine, have experienced first-hand.

The heightened tensions around the referendum led to harmful consequences, impacting not only community cohesion but also individual well-being. As the political landscape grows increasingly fraught, many Indigenous voices express disillusionment with the democratic process and a desire to withdraw from political engagement altogether.

The current election cycle could have provided a platform for political leaders to unify and address ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. Instead, the sustained silence on these issues presents a missed opportunity and reflects a troubling trend that leaves many feeling marginalized once again.

Source
www.bbc.com