An indigenous group allegedly left behind a ‘secret agenda for the Voice’ in a Canberra cafe, fueling fears that the Australian way of life will change if the referendum is lifted.
The 11-point agenda, found by a member of the public and given to Senator Pauline Hanson, outlines various ‘opportunities’ to pursue if Voice in Parliament is enshrined in the constitution.
They include indigenous work quotas, the takeover of Australian national parks and beaches, and a recommendation that First Nations people have first choice of all public housing.
One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson told Federal Parliament on Wednesday that she was contacted by a concerned member of the public after she found a document in a cafe in Woden.
She said the note was left behind by a group he believed to be employed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, a $4.5 billion government body established to improve the lives of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.
“It bothered me a lot,” he later said.
“I’m trying to tell people… to understand that if you vote yes, this is what you might be opening yourself up to.”
Anthony Albanese was on the verge of tears several times during his announcement on Thursday, revealing the exact question that will be asked of the public.
If the letter were to be believed, the 11-point plan recommended that First Nations people have first choice of all public housing and revert beaches and national parks to “the ownership of the mob that traditionally inhabits the area.”
Non-indigenous Australians using those beaches or national parks would later be charged a fee, generating revenue for the indigenous owners.
Senator Hanson now wonders if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is aware of the suggestions the group is supposed to put forward and, if not, who oversees the body.
“If the Prime Minister is aware of these NIAA initiatives, it would appear that Mr Albanese continues to mislead the Australian people about the extent of the powers granted to Voice to Parliament,” he said.
Comment has been sought from the NIAA and the prime minister’s office.
Anthony Albanese surrounded by members of the First Nations Referendum Task Force
Dr. Marcia Langton, a member of the First Nations Referendum Task Force, was moved to hear Anthony Albanese
Pauline Hanson revealed the content of the letter in the Senate
Senator Hanson claims that up to seven NIAA staff members were in the cafe at the time her source was there with his wife and were discussing the contents of the document left behind.
The first call for action was for a 10 percent indigenous labor quota in several key roles, including judges, magistrates, ADF officers, AFP and state police forces, prison departments, and ambassadors.
Universities will be asked to eliminate all entrance tests and fees for First Nations students, and the group suggests lowering the age eligibility requirement for old-age pension for First Nations people due to their lower age. Life expectancy.
Senator Hanson said her “anxiety levels are rising” after receiving the correspondence, which also recommended that entry fees to any sporting and music events on public land be reduced by 50 per cent for early Australians.
The rivers and streams would become the property of the traditional owners, allowing them to seek income and charge fees for water consumption. Mining royalties would follow a similar procedure.
The document stated that Voice would also seek to review and vet all new alcoholic beverage licenses and ensure that all Voice staff receive the same salary as the Prime Minister and Cabinet Department.
As Albanese and his entourage left Thursday’s news conference, the Labor group greeted them with raucous applause.
In an emotional press conference, Mr. Albanese said: “This moment has been a long time in the making.”
In the image: the 11 points that were established in the document.
Finally, Senator Hanson claims that the letter she received stated that the income tax for First Nations people should be reduced by 50 percent.
The letter was sent anonymously directly to his office on Tuesday, meaning he has no way to follow up and verify the document’s contents with the informant.
But she believes her credibility as the named cafe is only 450 meters from the NIAA office in Canberra, and some of the points raised are concerns she herself has raised.
Others have expressed doubts as to whether there is any benefit to relying on an anonymous letter, given that the Prime Minister has expressly set the parameters for Voice.
Announcing the final question expected to be asked of all Australians in a referendum, Albanese said the Voice would have no veto power.
The role would be to consult officials on matters that directly impact indigenous communities, in an attempt to work with First Nations people rather than on their behalf.
Voice critics have criticized the Albanian government for failing to explain how the constitutional amendment would work (Mr Albanese and Minister Burney pictured)
In the referendum, which will take place between October and December, the public will be asked to consider: ‘A proposed law: amending the constitution to recognize Australia’s First Peoples by establishing an Aboriginal and Southern Islander Voice Torres Strait. Do you approve of this proposed amendment?
In an emotional press conference, Mr. Albanese said: ‘This moment has been a long time in the making. It is a simple matter of the heart.
“Recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our Constitution is the best chance this country has ever had to address the injustices of the past and move Australia forward for all, the best way to do that is by giving the people a voice.” .
For 122 years, the Constitution has made no reference to the continent’s original inhabitants who, the prime minister noted, have had “more than 65,000 years of continuous connection to this vast land.”
Mr Albanese led 18 others to the podium for his announcement and his lip trembled as he made eye contact with Dr Marcia Langton, who was wiping away tears as the Prime Minister spoke.
The opposition agreed to support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament bill in the Senate (pictured shows people taking part in protests on Australia Day this year)
“I consider it a great privilege to stand alongside the Australian giants,” said Mr. Albanese. ‘I don’t know if I had your experience in life if I could be so generous and modest in my request. I’d like to think it would be, but you can’t put yourself in other people’s shoes.
This is a modest request. I say to Australia; don’t miss out. This is a real opportunity.’
If a majority of Australians vote for Voice, the Constitution would be amended as follows:
1. There will be one body, to be called the Voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander;
2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may address Parliament and the Commonwealth Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
3. Parliament, subject to this Constitution, shall have the power to make laws in respect of matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
