Q and A with Voice to Parliament Engagement Coordinator, Cath Bradley

Can you explain your role at the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL)?

I’m helping to coordinate BSL’s campaign both internally and externally to build an understanding of what a Voice to Parliament can achieve for First Nations People and for the betterment of everyone. BSL was already on board with its early commitment to support and endorse the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for recognition in the Constitution and a Voice to Parliament, so I was excited to come on board in April in the leadup to this year’s Referendum

As a social justice organisation with a national voice, BSL is in a unique position to provide leadership in actively promoting and honouring the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I’m proud that BSL has had an impact and that we have been asked to contribute to national collaborations and give presentations on actions and activities being undertaken at BSL. 

I’d like to give a big shout out to our Cultural Ambassador, Uncle John Baxter, and the amazing First Nations staff at BSL. With a range of opinions about the best way forward, this is a very difficult time for First Nations People and their generosity in guiding us through this campaign is to be acknowledged and celebrated.

What inspires you to do the work you do?

Growing up I couldn’t reconcile the fact that I was born into a country with a White Australia policy and 65,000 years of black civilisation. I couldn’t understand how the country’s original inhabitants were simply written out of our constitution and history. I knew nothing of the real history of Australia or the impact of colonisation from history lessons at school. It was only later I became aware of the institutional discrimination, massacres, the systematic destruction of families, languages, culture, land, food sources; of laws enabling the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their families, community, culture, and country. Amazingly these laws were in existence until 1973 and 1969 respectively, all in my lifetime.

When I first saw the Uluru Statement from the Heart I was touched by its poetic, haunting beauty, and the line ‘This is the torment of our powerlessness’ really impacted me. The Uluru Statement is a gentle, reconciling, humbling invitation to walk together with First Nations People.

Why do you feel it’s important to encourage others to vote in the upcoming referendum to support a First Nations’ Voice to Parliament? 

When you consider Australia’s history, recognition in our constitution and a permanent First Nations Voice to Parliament seems such a small ask. It makes sense that First Nations People have a say in matters that affect them. It does not make sense that one culture determines what another culture needs as has been the case since colonisation. We have got it wrong for too long. 

It’s about fairness, justice and healing for us as a nation.

Voting Yes in the referendum is a simple, fair, and practical step, it is the right thing to do. I just hope everyone votes with their heart and their conscience.

To find out more about BSL’s activities in support of the Voice to Parliament and learn more about the upcoming referendum visit www.bsl.org.au/yes