关于澳大利亚原住民之声修宪公投致华人社区的呼吁书
2023-09-19
澳大利亚将于10月14日举行24年来的首次全民公投，决定是否修改宪法，建立一个名为原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民之声的机构，以承认澳大利亚的原住民族。这是一次具有历史性意义的机会，对原住民、国家以及包括华人社区在内的多元文化社区都具有深远的重要性。我们呼吁每一位华人选民仔细阅读此次公投问题，从可信赖的信息来源获取相关信息，从而投出明智和负责的一票。
这个公投问题是这样写的：
为承认原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民是澳大利亚的原住民族：
- 应设立一个名为“原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民之声”的机构；
- “原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民之声“可以就与原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民有关的问题向议会和联邦行政政府提出意见；
- 在符合本宪法的前提下，议会有权就与原住民和托雷斯海峡岛民之声有关的事项制定法律，包括其组成、职能、权力和程序。
在我们看来，这是一个简单、清晰、明确、安全、有利的建议。
我们呼吁华人选民在这次有关原住民之声的修宪公投中投Yes。这是为了尊重和承认在这片土地上生活了超过6万5千年的原住民，为了通过聆听来实际改善原住民的生活，为了治愈历史伤痛和民族和解，以及为了巩固多元文化的环境。促进一个更加公正和和谐的多元文化社会与华人社区的长远福祉是一致的。充分展现正义感和同情心的华人社区也必将在澳洲社会中赢得更多的尊重。让我们与各个民族一起面向未来，共同创造更美好的明天。请投Yes!
如果有愿意参与联署的社团或个人，请发邮件至: [email protected] 或点击此链接: https://chng.it/SXmhxCqLQg
Signed:
- 维州澳华社区委员会(CCCAV),
- 澳亚志愿者协会(AAV),
- 澳亚多元文化组织(AMO),
- Women Support Inc.,
- 立德商社 (Reid Business Community)
- Li Zhang,
- Henry Luo,
- Dr Phyllis Lau,
- Dr Lai Heng Foong (a member of the Indigenous Health Committee of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine),
- Sophia Sun,
A Letter of Appeal to the Chinese Community on the Indigenous Voice Referendum
19 September 2023
Australia will hold its first referendum in 24 years on 14th October 2023, deciding whether to amend the constitution to establish an advisory body called the “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice” to recognize Australia’s Indigenous peoples. This is a historic opportunity with profound significance for Indigenous communities, the nation, and multicultural communities, including the Chinese community. We urge every Chinese voter to carefully read the referendum question, seek information from reliable sources, and cast an informed and responsible vote.
The referendum question reads as follows:
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
- there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
- the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
In our view, this is a simple, clear, well-defined, safe and beneficial proposal.
We urge Chinese voters to vote “Yes” in this referendum. This is to show respect and recognition for the Indigenous people who have lived on this land for over 65,000 years. It is an opportunity to genuinely improve the lives of Indigenous communities through listening, to heal historical wounds and promote reconciliation, and to strengthen the multicultural environment. To promote a fairer and more harmonious multicultural society aligns with the long-term interest and well-being of the Chinese community. The Chinese community, which demonstrates a strong sense of justice and compassion, will undoubtedly gain greater respect in Australian society. Let us look to the future together with all communities and work together for a brighter tomorrow. Vote Yes!
If your organisation or you as an individual would like to co-sign this letter, please send an email to [email protected] or click on this link: https://chng.it/SXmhxCqLQg.
Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
In the media:
- Sydney Today: https://sydney.jinriaozhou.com/content-1023494758849021
