A secret ‘agenda for the vote’ has reportedly been left by an Indigenous group in a Canberra cafe – fueling fears Australia’s way of life will be turned upside down when the referendum comes.
The eleven-point agenda, apparently found by a member of the public and handed to Senator Pauline Hanson, outlines several “opportunities” that could be pursued if the Voice to Parliament is enshrined in the Constitution.
They include Indigenous job quotas, a takeover of Australian beaches and national parks, and a recommendation that First Nations people be given first choice of all public housing.
One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson told federal parliament on Wednesday that a concerned member of the public contacted her after finding a document in a cafe in Woden.
She said the note was left by a group he said was employed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, a $4.5 billion government agency set up to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“It bothered me a lot,” she said later.
“I try to say to people…understand that if you give this the yes vote, this is what you could be opening yourself up to.”
Anthony Albanese was on the verge of tears several times during his announcement on Thursday, revealing the exact question the public will be asked
If the letter is to be believed, the 11-point plan recommended giving First Nations people first choice of all public housing and returning beaches and national parks to “property of the mafia who traditionally live in the area.”
Non-Indigenous Australians using those beaches or national parks would then have to pay a fee, which would generate income for Indigenous owners.
Senator Hanson now questions whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is aware of the suggestions the group would put forward and, if not, who oversees the body.
“If the Prime Minister is aware of these initiatives by the NIAA, it appears that Mr Albanese continues to mislead the Australian people about the extent of the powers given to the Voice to Parliament,” she said.
Comment has been sought from the NIAA and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Anthony Albanese surrounded by members of the First Nations Referendum Working Group
Member of the First Nations Referendum Working Group Dr. Marcia Langton was emotional listening to Anthony Albanese
Pauline Hanson revealed the contents of the letter in the Senate
Senator Hanson claims that up to seven NIAA employees were in the cafe at the time her source was there with his wife, discussing the contents of the document left behind.
The first call to action was for a 10 percent indigenous job quota in several key positions, including judges, magistrates, ADF officers, AFP and state police, corrections departments and ambassadors.
Universities would be asked to remove all admission tests and fees for First Nations students, and the group is proposing to lower the retirement age requirement for First Nations people because of their shorter life expectancy.
Senator Hanson said her “anxiety levels are rising” after receiving the correspondence, which also recommended a 50 per cent reduction in entry fees to public land sporting and music events for First Australians.
Rivers and streams would become the property of the traditional owners, allowing them to seek revenue and charge fees for water use. Mining royalties would follow a similar procedure.
The document said that the Voice would also try to review and monitor all new liquor licenses, and ensure that all Voice staff are paid the same salary as the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet.
As Mr Albanese and his entourage left Thursday’s press conference, they were greeted with thunderous applause from the Labor caucus
Speaking at an emotional press conference, Mr Albanese said: ‘This moment has been a very long time in the making’
Pictured: The 11 points laid out in the document
Finally, Senator Hanson claims that the letter she received states that the income tax for First Nations people should be reduced by 50 percent.
The letter was sent anonymously directly to her office on Tuesday, meaning she has no way of following up and verifying the contents of the document with the informant.
But she believes it’s credible given that the café mentioned is only 450 meters from the NIAA office in Canberra, and some of the points raised are concerns she herself has expressed.
Others have expressed doubts that there is any benefit to trusting an anonymous letter, as the prime minister has explicitly laid out the parameters of the vote.
Announcing the final question expected to be put to all Australians in a referendum, Mr Albanese said the vote would not have veto power.
Its role would be to consult officials on issues directly affecting Indigenous communities, in an effort to work with First Nations people rather than on their behalf.
Critics from The Voice have challenged the Albanian government for failing to explain how the constitutional amendment would work (pictured, Mr Albanese and Minister Burney)
The referendum, to be held between October and December, will ask the public to consider: ‘A Bill: To amend the Constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by introducing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice set. Do you agree with this proposed change?’
Speaking at an emotional press conference, Mr Albanese said: ‘This moment has lasted a very long time. It’s a simple matter from the heart.
“Recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our constitution is the best chance this country has had to address the injustices of the past and move Australia forward for all. The best way to do this is to give people a voice.’
For 122 years, the constitution has made no reference to the original inhabitants of the continent, who, according to the prime minister, have been “unbrokenly linked to this vast land for more than 65,000 years.”
Mr Albanese brought 18 others to the stage for his announcement and his lip twitched as he made eye contact with Dr Marcia Langton, who wiped away her own tears as the Prime Minister spoke.
The opposition has agreed to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament bill in the Senate (pictured, people take part in Australia Day protests this year)
“I consider it a great privilege to stand with the giants of Australia,” Albanese said. “I don’t know if I had their experience in life if I could be so generous and humble in my request. I’d like to think I would be, but you can’t be in someone else’s shoes.
This is a humble request. I say to Australia; do not miss it. This is a real opportunity.’
If a majority of Australians vote for the Voice, the Constitution will be amended as follows:
1. There will be a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Commonwealth Parliament and Executive Government on matters pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3. Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have the power to legislate on matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.