Aboriginal woman reveals the astonishing reason why she is voting NO to the Voice to Parliament

An Aboriginal woman has explained why she is voting no on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, saying she believes it should only be a voice for First Nations people.

Author, actor and activist Natasha Wanganeen told NITV she is part of the Aboriginal sovereignty movement, which she says is the “other side of the No campaign… which has been massively hijacked.”

Host Narelda Jacobs asked: ‘You want the same outcomes, don’t you agree with that? We all want to close the gap, so what’s your solution?’

Ms Wanganeen said she “absolutely” agreed and then explained why she disagreed with the referendum vote.

“My whole position on this is that, as less than 3 percent of the population, I don’t think it’s right for the other 97 percent to vote for us. “I think that’s racist,” she said.

“I don’t think it’s respectful considering everything we’ve been through as a people in this country.”

Natasha Wanganeen (left) said she voted no because she believes the vote should be for Indigenous peoples only, while Uncle Charlie Jackson (right) said a yes vote would provide consistency and close the gap for First Nations communities close.

Ms. Wanganeen said she wants to “have a respectful conversation about this because that is what we are lacking right now.”

“If only the indigenous people voted, I wouldn’t have a problem, because that’s us voting on our mafia and our future, and that is self-determination.”

NITV’s panel also included Uncle Charlie Jackson, who has worked in community support services for decades.

He explained why he is voting Yes to Indigenous Voice, saying it will provide some consistency for First Nations communities.

“We have been working in Aboriginal affairs for over 50 years now and have been subject to at least 10 to 12 policies that the government has put in place to close the gap for Aboriginal people,” he said.

‘Whoever joins the government can wipe away that policy with one stroke of the pen.’

“As those who receive them, we get used to it and suddenly it’s thrown away.”

“So how can you close the gap for Aboriginal people if you keep introducing new policy after new policy?”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former AFL player Michael Long walk to Parliament House at the completion of his 20-day walk for the Yes vote in Canberra earlier this month

Commentators on the NITV video said both had good arguments, although some pointed out that Ms Wanganeen offered no alternative to closing the gap.

“I agree with Natasha that in an ideal world, only First Nations people should vote on this issue,” one person said.

‘As a non-Indigenous Australian I feel like I have no place to vote and I would prefer Indigenous Australians have their own autonomy… saying I’m voting yes to do my bit to help close the gap ‘ said another.

“There should have been a vote by Indigenous Australians first, that would give the constitutional change more legitimacy,” said a third.

“We all live here and we are all part of the constitution. Changing it to include and recognize First Nations sovereignty would be wonderful and a statement from non-Indigenous Australians of openness and acceptance,” said a fourth.