30th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum

Dr Faith Bandler

In celebrating the success of the 1967 Referendum, we are remembering those who worked in the team, against odds like the Cold War, which had penetrated this country, when brave men and women who believed they should work with the First Australians and help them to take their rightful place in the community -- those men and women, true democrats and free thinkers, were contrived against to break their spirits of freedom, closed their ranks; single mindedly, with the drain of commitment weighing heavily, set their eyes on the goal ahead: that the Referenda should be held and carried.

A movement for change does not come into being fully fledged. If there are not essential ingredients; the possibility, the energy and the will, change will not occur. With that small group of FCAASTI executive, those qualities were there.

They convinced a nation of voters, who by tradition voted 'NO' in referendums, not only to vote 'YES', but to make sure the Referendum was carried. That rough road is behind us now.

That is not to say that the next few years ahead will be smooth.

We, who are here, want a country that is stable and peaceful.

At present, its air is troubled. Today we are confronted with organised opposition based on race. Based on skin and culture.

Since being in this building, I have felt the strength of our differences; other matters which have kept us separated have begun to appear less significant. We have an act of will to bridge the differences. Out there, too many who are with us in our aspirations have been silent for too long.

Our task is to set the goals. In the year 2001, we will have marshalled those of fair mind. It will be the time to stand and be counted.

Much will depend on community initiative, true.

But the government must have the courage to reset its priorities; there has been a disregard for human rights.

Our aspiration is to have the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders recognised and enshrined in the Australian Constitution.

The path to full reconciliation will be unmade. It,s time to mobilise the forces and renew this nation.

Not made of one people. Made of many people from many nations.

Terrible crimes have been perpetrated against the indigenous people.

It is now time to carefully plan our strategy to ensure that amends will be made.

In this climate of callousness, where a move to dismantle the structures of democracy is heavily overshadowing us, our task now, is to use our voices, our energy, our will, and our talent to mobilise the forces of good will. We can demolish those forces of distraction under the banner of justice for all. But we must act now before it is too late.