This week Blacktown City Councillors engaged in public debate about the upcoming Referendum to recognise First Nations People in the Australian Constitution.
In a statement at a Council Meeting, the Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM outlined the practical outcomes that come from listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Mayor Bleasdale told Council: “A voice to Parliament is the next great step, a vital step toward Reconciliation. This is unfinished business in Blacktown City – just as it is across Australia.”
Blacktown City is home to the largest and most diverse population in NSW. The City is home to more than 12,000 First Nations people.
Mayor Bleasdale spoke at length about his passion for Reconciliation and the vital role a Voice to Parliament for First Nations people will play in the journey towards that.
“If we practically listen to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities – it is logical – we can more efficiently identify and seek to address the changes that are needed, for First Nations people and for all of our residents.”
“As leader of the biggest city in NSW, it’s clear we have a clear role to play. It’s simple, we must listen and vote yes to make sure First Nations People know we will always be listening.”
Mayor Bleasdale quoted eminent First Nations leader Noel Pearson:
“Australia doesn’t make sense without recognition. Until the First Peoples are afforded their rightful place, we are a nation missing its most vital heart.”
In 2022, Mayor Bleasdale co-signed a statement with 36 other Australian Mayors stating, “Our citizens should be informed about what constitutional recognition through a voice to parliament will mean for Indigenous people and Australian society as a whole … We believe that a successful referendum can be a unifying achievement for Australia.”
The Mayor has committed to passionately speaking about The Voice wherever he can in the remaining weeks to 14 October.
“I invite everyone, all in Blacktown, to join with me on that journey” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Council notes that the cases for the yes and no sides are available on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website: https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/learn/the-question.html
