Research released last week (13 September) by National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), has found that the Voice referendum sits on a knife’s edge with 56 per cent definitely or likely to vote yes, and 44 per cent definitely or likely to vote no, with age as the biggest differentiating factor.
84 per cent of Gen Z’ers and 69 per cent of Millennials said they plan to vote yes, while 65 per cent of Boomers and the Silent Generation plan to vote no. Gen X looks to be the battleground, with 53 per cent definitely/likely to vote yes and 47 per cent definitely/likely to vote no.
According to Sherry Balcombe, a member of NATSICC, “What’s encouraging is how Australians find a common ground in their sense of equality as a society ... 79 per cent agree that it’s important to support policies that recognise the dignity of all people, regardless of race, gender or religion”.
“Further, 65 per cent agree that we should be supporting policies that promote social solidarity, such as those identified by Indigenous people that would contribute to making a better life for themselves,” she said.
Voting trends based on the research showed Catholics were the most likely to vote yes, although the ‘Catholic vote’ is still neck and neck with 52 per cent saying they will vote yes and 48 per cent saying they will vote no.
A further 71 per cent of Australians believe that governments should support local decision making so that people affected by issues have a say in the solutions and 63 per cent agree that it is fair and just to promote meaningful participation and inclusion of Indigenous peoples in decision-making processes.
“These sentiments are reflected in the Bishops’ 2023-24 Social Justice Statement that asks us to listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To hear from them about their needs and in the spirit of subsidiarity, to ensure that they are part of all decision making that affects them,” said Sherry.
“As Catholics, we are called to listen to the voices of First Australians and to work towards a more just and equitable society. The Voice to Parliament Referendum provides all Catholics with a unique opportunity to come together as a community and draw upon our faith and moral grounding to make an informed decision”, she said.
“While these statistics are encouraging, we have more work to do as a community to embrace the gifts of First Nations peoples and truly come together as a reconciled country.”
NATSICC’s One Journey, Together website provides resources and information for Catholics to reference in the lead-up to the referendum. It features voices of Catholic Clergy, Religious organisations and Indigenous Australians.
