THIS year sees the 40th anniversary of what was arguably the most successful referendum in Australia鈥檚 history. On 27 May 1967, more than 90 per cent of voters endorsed a proposal to amend the Australian Constitution to include Aborigines in the national census. Aborigines had recently won full voting rights, yet it was the referendum that most symbolised the coming together of a nation.
It is ironic, then, that life expectancy among Aborigines today is 17 years lower than that of the average Australian. While the gap has narrowed for indigenous people of other nations, in Australia it has not shifted in three decades. Being counted as an Australian is clearly not enough to earn Aborigines the basic right to health that their fellow citizens enjoy.
What would be? According to one indigenous Australian, Marlene Kong (see 鈥淭ime to heal a troubled nation鈥�), evidence-based reports, public inquiries and even money are not enough. Governments will not act if they sense 鈥� correctly in this case 鈥� that voters are largely apathetic about a problem. Australians are known for their 鈥渕ateship鈥�, with its overtones of camaraderie and egalitarianism. What is needed is for all Australians to take responsibility for their 鈥渕ates鈥� just as they did 40 years ago, and to push the shocking state of health among Aborigines high up the political agenda.
Advertisement
