It might seem a bit late to revisit the 2023 referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, especially since it was voted down almost 12 months ago. However, there’s value in exploring the beliefs that could have led to a "Yes" vote if the message had truly resonated with voters.
This isn’t about analysing why people voted one way or another, but rather understanding what beliefs would have been necessary for a "Yes" vote—beliefs that could have inspired a different outcome if communicated more effectively. These same beliefs aren’t only relevant to voting decisions but also play a crucial role in fostering safer, more respectful, and productive workplaces. For leaders, this offers an opportunity to reflect on how these values can be embedded within their teams and organisations, shaping inclusive workplace cultures that thrive on respect and understanding.
As you read through each of these beliefs, take a moment to reflect on them and compare them to your own thoughts at the time of the referendum. Whether you voted "Yes" or "No," considering these beliefs might offer new insights into how the conversation around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and the Voice could have unfolded differently—and how these same beliefs can be applied to improve workplace culture.
To vote "Yes" in the 2023 Australian referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, a person would likely need to hold the following beliefs:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples of Australia:
Acknowledgement that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the original custodians of the land, with deep cultural and historical connections to Australia long before European arrival.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have distinct rights due to their status as First Nations:
Belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have inherent rights as First Nations peoples, including the right to be consulted on matters that impact their communities.
Historical injustices and dispossession require redress:
Acceptance that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have faced historical injustices, such as dispossession, discrimination, and marginalisation, and that these injustices need to be addressed to move toward equality and reconciliation.
Self-determination is essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing:
Belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians should have greater control over their lives and decisions that affect their communities, embodying the principle of self-determination.
The Australian Government has not always adequately represented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests:
Recognition that traditional government processes have often failed to account for the voices and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, necessitating a formal mechanism like the Voice to address this imbalance.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives are valuable:
Belief in the importance and value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, cultures, and perspectives, particularly in addressing contemporary challenges like health, education, and environmental stewardship.
Reconciliation is a shared responsibility:
A commitment to the idea that reconciliation is an ongoing process that involves all Australians coming to terms with the violent history of oppression and working together to foster respect, understanding, and fairness between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people.
Formal recognition in the Constitution is meaningful and necessary:
Belief that constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through mechanisms like the Voice, is a significant and necessary step toward recognising their place in Australian society and ensuring their voices are heard in national decision-making.
Cultural and social inclusion is vital for a just society:
Acceptance that for Australia to be a truly inclusive and just society, it must create systems and structures that actively include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in shaping their future and the nation’s future.
Building a better future requires confronting past wrongs:
Belief that acknowledging and addressing the harms of colonisation and its ongoing effects is crucial for creating a more equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all Australians.
These beliefs form the foundation of why someone might have supported the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament through a "Yes" vote.
Take a moment to think about these beliefs and how they might have influenced your own decision in the referendum. Reflect on whether these same beliefs are present within your leadership team and across your workforce.
If you had hoped for a different outcome, now is the time to consider how you, as a leader, can embed these beliefs into your organisation’s culture. By fostering understanding and respect within your teams, you can help create a workplace that values inclusion, encourages diverse perspectives, and helps shape the path toward meaningful change in both your organisation and the broader community.
Now that you've explored the beliefs needed for a Yes vote, let’s work on embedding them in your organisation. Answer a few quick questions and book a call with me today.