On Sunday, tens of thousands of Australians demonstrated in favour of the controversial constitutional amendment that would include the nation’s Indigenous people.
The motion, which will be voted on October 14th, will include Indigenous people in the constitution and create an advisory council to receive feedback from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on matters that impact them.
3.8% of the population are Indigenous Australians who experience prejudice, low health and educational performance, and high imprisonment rates.
But according to a poll released last week, which was the sixth consecutive monthly poll to indicate respondents opposed to the idea, the “Voice to Parliament” initiative looked to be headed for rejection.
Around 20,000 people, according to Yes23, the organisation that organises “Walk for Yes” protests, showed up in Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city. Additional marches are planned for Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, and Newcastle.
Several guests were seen sporting T-shirts and waving “Vote Yes!” signs, according to Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) footage.
A national majority in favour and majorities in at least four of Australia’s six states are needed for the referendum, which is supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labour administration.
The majority of Indigenous people support the referendum, but some, like famous No campaigner Warren Mundine, argue that it is a diversion from achieving real, beneficial results and would not completely address their problems.
