Download a copy here
In 2017 SEARCH committed itself to supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart and many of you joined with us and many others to campaign for the Voice Referendum.
For the SEARCH members who had led our campaign activities the night of 14 October 2023 was not the moment for snap judgements. A deep and considered analysis would be needed - but after the loss and grief of a respectful silence.
In early 2024 we undertook research, conversations, survey responses, and interviews with campaigners involved at all levels of the Yes Campaign; activists living and working in metropolitan, urban, regional and rural cities and towns and in First Nations communities.
Some 40 campaign activists contributed to the writing of the stories and the analysis in the attached report “After the Referendum: Learning from the Fight for Justice for Australia’s First Nations people” (AfR). This is SEARCH’s contribution to trying to understand how a majority of voters rejected changing the constitution to give legally enshrined meaningful recognition and voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The report also tries to absorb the lessons to be learnt to inform our ongoing commitment to walking with our First Nations peoples who will continue the struggle for justice, equity and liberation based on self-determination.
We have attempted to create a best fit narrative with the observations on the ground and the facts as we have been able to unearth and argue them. We trust that it is a worthwhile contribution to significant body of analysis and reflection undertaken, and still happening, of those First Nations people and their allies who are committed to Voice, Treaty and Truth.
We ask you all to take the time to read After the Referendum and we invite you to send through your comments and observations to SEARCH.
We also ask that you send it to your allies, friends and networks.
In solidarity
Jacquie Widin and Frank Panucci
Co-convenors, SEARCH Voice Treaty Truth Working Group
PS: Thomas Mayo is joining us to talk about his new book Always Was, Always Will Be for a SEARCH online gathering on Monday 9 December at 7pm AEDT. Register for the event here.
