There was a compulsory referendum in Australia today. It was about giving the native people of Australia a voice in the government. Apparently, 60% of the voting population of Australia didn’t agree with the idea. According to the opposition leader, Dutton, instead of more equality, it would make one section of society more equal than others.
The fact that quite a few Aboriginals were also part of the no vote helped his cause to create more division. But there was also Aboriginal Senator Lidia Thorpe, who declared that a no vote was appropriate because the Constitution (which would have been changed to include them…and given them a voice) “…is not our constitution, it was developed in 1901 by a bunch of old white fellas, and now we’re asking people to put us in there – no thanks.” A pity, because, surely, real change happens from the inside.
Anyway, it is what it is (and reminds me of the ridiculous choice to retain the monarchy back in 1999) and shall forever be, it seems. Bizarrely, the 1999 referendum was in two parts. While the first part asked about becoming a Republic, the second was to include Aborigines and Tores Strait Islanders in a preamble.
It’s almost like the White Australia Policy never disappeared, isn’t it?
In the meanwhilst, we lost our three, visiting Australians today as they headed for Stockholm, ahead of their collective trip to Switzerland. Because Mirinda had class, Fi and I drove her to the station and Fi, Lauren and Jason, followed soon after, laden with luggage and full of the joys of seeing Stockholm.
As they were leaving, I suggested to Fi that Jason might enjoy the Science Fiction Bokhandeln, which he did. They also visited the cathedral and had lunch in an Italian restaurant after Mirinda finished class.
Speaking of class, in a repeat of an incident that happened when she was in primary school, Mirinda thought she’d come bottom of the class in a test. She’s not used to coming last. Or anything but first, really. Obviously, she didn’t. It’s not like I could gloat. The teacher was working backwards and Mirinda came equal first with two others.
Back at home, I had a pretty lazy day. I did some laundry, took the girls around the woods, avoided the rain. It was all very, very quiet. And delightfully slack.
Glad you had a lazy Saturday, I think you were due! Shame about the outcome of the referendum though. No surprise Roxy topped her Swedish class, Mum would have been so proud of her ( and told the whole Rotary Club!) 😊