James Blackwell is a Research Felow (Indigenous Diplomacy) at the Australian National University. He reflected on the Voice referendum, one year on, in a recent edition of The Conversation. We re-publish his article here under Creative Commons Licence.
The 2024 Closing the Gap report, released in the aftermath of the failed Voice referendum, presents a stark picture of Indigenous disadvantage in Australia. Key metrics, including imprisonment rates, suicide rates, and child protection involvement, have worsened, deepening concerns about the efficacy of current policies.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Following the 2023 Social Justice Statement “Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples”, and the Australian Bishop’s commitments within, the Office for Justice, Ecology, and Peace has compiled the following resources in consultation with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC).
May 27 – June 3 is National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme is Now More Than Ever.
The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker is 1 May and the message for this year focusses on First Nations employment.
The International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT Day, is May 17.
In time for National Sorry Day, Sunday 26 May, the Office has a new resource for those who want to learn more about the Stolen Generations and to take action.
In collaboration with NATSICC, to support the ongoing message at the heart of the 2023 Social Justice Statement our office will be producing a series of resources more deeply exploring the ongoing impacts of the forcible removal of First Nations children over many years
In the years since the National Apology, its impact continues to resonate. It remains a touchstone for ongoing efforts towards reconciliation, reminding Australians of the importance of acknowledging the past to build a more inclusive and just society for all.