‘The Voice is an invitation to walk with us’: Professor Langton calls for constructive conversations as toxic environment threatens to erode gains

Australia is currently engrossed in one of the most significant discussions in its history – the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. As the nation gears up for the vote, the University of Sydney is playing a pivotal role in shaping public understanding and fostering essential dialogue among diverse voices.

Among the prominent figures leading the charge is Professor Marcia Langton AO of the Yiman and Bidjara nations, who is an Associate Provost and Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne. She has been at the forefront of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament’s development, lending her expertise as a key member of the government’s advisory working group. Her report on the implementation of the Voice has set the stage for critical conversations shaping the nation’s future.

As the intensity of the public discourse escalates in the run-up to the referendum, Professor Langton’s perspective is more essential than ever. She aims to provide much-needed clarity and dispel misinformation surrounding this historic initiative.

“For years, we’ve had advisory bodies come and go. Governments have changed policies, which often undermined our progress. The Indigenous Voice is our opportunity for genuine representation and collaboration with the government on critical issues,” she emphasised.

The challenge faced by advocates like Professor Langton is how to effectively convey the significance of the Indigenous Voice without overwhelming the public with lengthy documents. Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Indigenous Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney, acknowledged this and sought input from Professor Langton on innovative ways to engage people in meaningful conversations about the topic.

Professor Langton brought attention to the emergence of various campaign groups advocating for the Indigenous Voice. The Yes 23 campaign led by Dean Parkin and Rachel Perkins, Uluru Dialogue co-chaired by Megan Davis and Pat Anderson campaign, as well as Shawn Gordon’s Hub 23 are voicing their perspectives.

However, she noted that media outlets often focus on the absence of a singular leader, highlighting divisions and impeding the clear communication of their message. The Indigenous communities, Professor Langton emphasised, are not a monolithic entity, but rather a rich tapestry of over 600 language varieties that represent ancient polities and diverse forms of governance.

Stressing the urgency and importance of the Indigenous Voice, Professor Langton reflected on the history of policy changes and the need for stability in governance. The Voice provides a platform for genuine representation and collaboration between the government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to address critical issues like health, housing, education, and reducing incarceration rates.

However, the road to constitutional recognition and empowerment is not without its challenges. Professor Langton highlighted the barrage of misinformation and hate campaigns fuelled by social media bots and AI-generated lies.

“These nefarious tactics are poisoning the conversation and undermining progress. The toxic environment threatens to erode the gains we’ve made in this long journey,” Professor Langton warned.

With the referendum on the horizon, Professor Langton called on all Australians to join hands and engage in constructive conversations. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is not about taking away from anyone, but rather about taking an essential step to acknowledge the country’s colonial past and empower its first peoples to shape their futures.

“The Voice is an invitation from us, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to walk with us, not from the government. It’s a genuine effort to draw a line in the sand and empower our communities to have a say in our own future,” she passionately stated.

“It’s our hope that after the referendum, every Australian will feel proud of our collective effort towards reconciliation. We must recognise the harm caused by our colonial past and strive to empower our First Nations Peoples,” Professor Langton concluded.

The University of Sydney event marks another milestone in the ongoing national dialogue, where diverse voices unite to confront the past and build a more inclusive future for all Australians. As the nation prepares to vote, one thing remains clear – the Indigenous Voice to Parliament is a defining moment in Australia’s history, and it calls for unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to reconciliation.

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