The West Australian newspaper reported in the week commencing 9 April 2012 that the Federal Government is to spend $10 million on advertising in preparing the Australian population for the referendum scheduled for 2013. This is good news provided that they allow professional advertisers to assist in designing the messages to be delivered. It is vital to educate all Australians about indigenous Australians as so few Australians have the comprehensive experience that enables a positive understanding of the nuances of indigenous culture(s). There is a real striving by indigenous Australians to move forward ranging from the recent angry protests at Herrison Island in Perth WA to the wonderful work of the Generation One movement to create employment opportunities and the awesome work of great indigenous leaders like Patrick Dodson who is a national treasure and an inspiring leader of his Broome people.
In the same West Australian newspaper article cited above it was reported that Patrick is worried that the referendum will be delayed beyond 2013 and that the result will be a negative about recognising Australia's indigenous people in the Australian Constitution as the First People and the true owners of the land.
Let us hope that the Federal government can assist all Australians to understand with sympathy even the anger of the protestors and the desire of indigenous Australians to be respected as the true spirit people of this wonderful land of Australia. A valid yes vote can only occur if there is tolerance for cultural practices that do not fit the white European mould and a desire to contribute to Australia's First Peoples to be able to have self determination, inclusive of those aspects of 21st century living like health, shelter, sufficient sustenance to sustain long life and above all respect every day of their lives.
