WHY I’m voting “yes”.
I am very political and I volunteer on a few local groups on a variety of social and environment issues.
I am well-educated and have 25 years experience. I’m also an elected Swan Hill councillor.
Since Lily D’Ambrosio became Environment Minister in 2016, I have been trying to meet with her.
I have written many, many letters to her and other ministers asking for their help and asking for a meeting.
Swan Hill is four hours from Melbourne, is that remote? Last week was the first time I got to meet the minister, when she spoke at a climate summit that I was at.My point is that it’s really, really hard to get the ear of a minister. To not just be fobbed off with a reply letter. To maintain motivation and hope. Especially if your local member is no help.
Even with my skills, experience, white privilege and connections, I cannot get my message/request through to the government of the day.
It is soul-destroying, exhausting and frustrating.
I want Indigenous Australians to have a voice, an easier way to be heard and get their message to Canberra. Why shouldn’t they?
This is critical to improving outcomes, like Closing the Gap. The status quo will not do. We are better than that.
Some groups, like the Minerals Council and the NFF can easily speak to government, as can paid lobbyists.
The privileged business groups get access.
The voice will make the situation fairer. To me that is the right thing to do.
I know the voice will help. #yes23
Dr Jacquie Kelly
Swan Hill
