Speakers at Sydney Invasion Day rally reject Voice to Parliament
A large crowd marches up Broadway during an Invasion Day protest Thursday.Credit:Dean Sewell
“I say f— the voice,” he said. “It’s our vote that counts, it’s sovereignty that counts.”
Speaking in Melbourne, Green Party Senator Lidia Thorpe echoed the criticism, saying Aboriginal people “deserve better” than the proposed vote.
“We are sovereign and this is our country and we deserve better than an advisory body,” Thorpe said.
The Sydney rally was preceded by a smoking ceremony in Belmore Park.Credit:Dean Sewell
“We have the possibility of having a treaty … that could bring 10 independent Blak seats in Parliament today. We want real power and will not settle for less.”
Asked about the criticism, Albanese said Australia would be a more united nation on Australia Day in 2024 if the people voted to recognize Indigenous Australians in the constitution. He added that he has no plans to postpone Australia Day from January 26.
“I will not get involved in party politics, whether it’s Lidia Thorpe or anyone else,” Albanese said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Thursday.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
“[The Voice] Something is missing from our nation’s birth certificate. That’s missing in our constitution.
“And I say this: if not now, then when? If not now, when will this change occur? And if not the people of Australia this year, who will make this change that will improve our country, improve our national unity?
“This is an opportunity for Australia. I sincerely hope Australia doesn’t miss it. This is a gracious and generous offer to recognize the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as our first peoples.”
Those attending the Sydney rally wore T-shirts with slogans such as “Grand Theft Australia”, “Stop Deaths in Custody” and “No Date to Celebrate” and joined in chants of “Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land”. The event began with a smoking ceremony.
Two counter-protesters stand across the street from the demonstration on the day of the invasion.Credit:Dean Sewell
As the speeches continued, a group of five held a small counter rally across the road on Hay Street, holding an Australian flag and signs that read “I support Australia Day” and “Always was, always will be Australian Land”.
Members of the group soon left, escorted by police, when a man yelled at them, “Shame on you”.
with Paul Sakkal and Bianca Hall
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https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/we-are-the-voice-sydney-invasion-day-speakers-reject-voice-to-parliament-20230126-p5cfpe.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_national_nsw Speakers at Sydney Invasion Day rally reject Voice to Parliament
