So what now? (The Voice)

[SquigglyGum]

How do we move on from this? Knowing that over half the voters in the country decided against justice, voice and recognition of our first nations people? How can we support local first nations communities in whatever comes next?

And how on earth do I look my no voting parents in the eye again without feeling blame, hurt and anger towards them?

It is really raw, and heartbreaking.

I have no idea.

My Australian colleagues at work were very vocal about voting No but when asked for their reasons, it was all racist statements and conspiracy theories.

I don't know how I'm going to look them in the eye tomorrow when they're all celebrating.

We had already started making plans to exit the country and head back to the UK, and this has just cemented that decision for us.

I'm not Australian but I have been watching some of the coverage.

What I would say is, we have had two referendums here. Both the question of Scottish independence and Brexit reduced what were complex nuanced issues to a simple binary choice. It was extremely divisive and divided families along yes/no stay/leave lines and I think it fractured our countries and it was a mistake to have them.

I voted to remain in the brexit process but afterwards I was shocked at how all leave voters were denigrated as racists, as I knew this wasn't the case. I was also shocked at how many people wanted to repeat the process until they got the result they wanted, seeming to make a mockery of the democratic process.

I would urge you to do whatever you can to avoid this same fate in your contrary. Avoid the simple binaries, talk to people, listen to everyone and you will find a way forward.

Thanks for your replies.

I was living in the UK over brexit and it really feels the same in how divisive it is. I have listened to my parents and their reasons are ridiculous:

1. It doesn't go far enough
2. I don't understand what it really means
3. aboriginal people don't want it
4. Those that want it don't understand it
5. The constitution is too important to change

If they were to go and campaign for treaty or whatever they think needs to happen then good on them, but they won't, they'll just let things continue and live their privileged lives.

I truly don't know. This was clumsy in the 1st place, but surely it could perhaps be a stepping stone, of sorts.

Really didn't expect the vote to be so resoundingly no. It's depressing.

Could you look for some things you could get involved in to support Indigenous people in your area or state?