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We Are Union Journal
News from the working class
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What do you mean, 'Closing the Loopholes'?

"If you don't know..."

Every worker in Australia deserves a say over the future of our country, no matter our bank balance, the language we speak at home or what kind of work we do. You don't need a degree in constitutional law to vote. 

Working people should never be shamed into feeling like they can’t make informed political choices.

But certain politicians and wealthy lobbyists are running scare campaigns, dog whistling to unspecified fears about the Voice to Parliament - "if you don't know, vote no". Rather than letting people ask questions and seek information, they're trying to weaponise Australians' natural modesty, insisting that ordinary people can't be trusted with making the rules for our nation.

"If you don't know, vote no" is the central message of the official no campaign, which is being funded by billionaire hedge fund managers. The No campaign is also spending millions of dollars spreading misinformation online. For Peter Dutton and the No campaign, referendum success hinges on keeping the majority of Australians confused, suspicious, and disengaged.   

But every person in Australia – rich or poor, barrister or barista, Indigenous or Non-Indigenous – is fully capable of participating in our democracy. 

By talking to each other, learning the facts about the Voice to Parliament and calling out misinformation and fear campaigns, we will prove that Australians are capable of more than the politicians give us credit for.

Every worker in Australia – whether we’ve been here for 100 generations or just a few years – deserves a say in the policies that affect us and the future of our country. We all deserve a Voice.

This is a simple question: do we want to recognise Aboriginal people in our constitution, and listen to them about issues that affect their communities? Every Australian is capable of answering that question, because we know what's fair. 

The "No" campaign's appeal to uncertainty is an insult to every Australian. We've got this. 

Resources

Frequently asked questions about the Voice to Parliament - The Victorian Trades Hall Council plain language guide for busy workers with things to do.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart - where did this idea for a "Voice" come from? Read about the largest ever process of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, consultation and decision-making.

The Law Council of Australia's advice on the Voice to Parliament - The Law Council of Australia has advised that the the amendment to the Constitution to provide for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament and the Executive Government is just and legally sound.

Australian Electoral Commission - information about Referenda and how they work.

Voice Principles - what will the Voice look like if Australians vote Yes? How will it operate and how will Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people choose their representatives?

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