‘More than a Thought Bubble…’

Introduction In 2017, 250 Indigenous delegates from across the country convened at National Constitution Convention Uluru to discuss a strategy towards implementation of constitutional reform and recognition Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples (Referendum Council). Informed by community consultations arising out 12 regional dialogues conducted government appointed Referendum Council, resulting Statement Heart was unlike any previously proposed (Appleby & Synot). Within Statement, delegation outlined that build more equitable reconciled nation, an enshrined Voice Parliament needed. Such voice would embed participation in parliamentary debates while facilitating further discussion pertaining truth telling negotiating Treaty between non-Indigenous peoples. The reforms are based on collective input communities were expressed good faith during consultation process. Arising funded initiative directly sought perspectives reform, trust invested people quickly shut down when Prime Minster, Malcolm Turnbull, rejected without debate or taking them via referendum (Wahlquist Proposal; Appleby McKinnon). this article, we argue through its dismissal treated as passing phase mere “thought bubble” envisioned disappear it emerged. is gift nation. One genuinely offers new ways envisioning enacting reconciliation relationships populations. voices lie heart but require enshrinement ensure cultures represented all levels government. Filter Bubbles Distortion Constitutional change often spoken politicians, critics, within media something unachievable. For example, before even reading accompanying report, MP Barnaby Joyce (in Fergus) publicly denounced “unwinnable” not “saleable”. He stated “if you overreach politics ask for will be supported Australian such another chamber sort sits above beside Senate, idea just won't fly”. Criticisms these laced with paternalistic rhetoric suggests potential defeat counterproductive “self-defeating”, meaning changes should digestible version, ultimately saving movement itself. While efforts communicate necessity continues, presumptions does have public support simply unfounded. Centre Governance Public Policy shows 71 per cent Australians. Furthermore, online survey Cox Inall Ridgeway found majority those surveyed curb racism; remove section 25 references race; establish Parliament; formally recognise statement acknowledgment fact, growing, Reconciliation Australia’s barometer showing increase 77 2018 88 2020 (Reconciliation Australia). Media – whether news, social, databases, search engines undoubtedly shape lens which come encounter understand world. information person receives can result what Eli Pariser has described “filter bubbles”, digital algorithms determine perspectives, outlooks, sources considered important, readily accessible. Misinformation commonly circulated mainstream social propelled high profile voices, creates neuroscientist Don Vaughn calls “reinforcement bubbles” (Rose Gould). This propagates particular views stunts informed debate. Despite support, continue distorted political discourses, used means spread misinformation equates establishment “third chamber” ‘Barnaby’; Karp). interview, PM Scott Morrison suggested advocates commentators favour engaging spin claiming did function third (Prime Minister claimed, “people dress up way they like I think two chambers enough”. After decade consultative work, eight reports inquiries, countless publications commentaries, continues played if thought bubble, convoluted work progress need refinement. same went say proposal stands now “unworkable”. Throughout ongoing extensive effort been into ensuring achievable practical. represents culmination decades proposes clear, concise, relatively minimal translate potentially significant outcomes Australians (Fredericks Bradfield). International examples demonstrate how governing structures. Waitangi (Palmer) example seeks inform Māori Pākehā (non-Maori) New Zealand/Aotearoa, whilst designated “Māori Seats” representation parliament (Webster Cheyne). More recently, 17 155 seats reserved Chile re-writes own constitution (Bartlett; Reuters). leaders than aware working realms possibility exhibit caution presenting public. An expert panel (Dodson 73), conception acknowledged this, stating “any relating sovereign status highly contested many Australians, likely jeopardise broad Panel’s recommendations”. As Joint Select Committee’s final report Recognition Council), no veto powers over votes decisions. It operates non-binding advisory body remains external processes. Peak organisations Law Council Australia (Dolar) reiterate fact rather Parliament. Although binding, dismissed symbolic may easily circumvented. Its effectiveness lies ability place position where forced confront address questions, concerns, opinions, suggestions decisions made. Bursting ‘Self-Referential Bubble’ affairs one few areas bipartisan agreement continuously referenced both major parties. Disagreement, debate, conflict avoided governments seek portray image unity, doing so, circumvent accusations turning subjects point scoring. debates, there understandable reservation discomfort associated discussions about seen “other” (Moreton-Robinson) policies predominantly white enact their lives. Yet, rigorous, open, developed, challenged, reformed. bipartisanship united front addressing so-called “Indigenous problem”, also effective culturally responsive policy. other words, overlooks voices. Whilst education cultural competency plays role process, most pressing obstacle necessarily people’s inability fully comprehend lives socio-cultural understandings. Even ideal world attain thorough understanding cultures, never truly (Fanon; de Sousa Santos). peoples, accepting one’s limitations comprehending ontologies avoiding filling gaps interpretations preconceptions necessary component decolonisation (Grosfoguel; Mignolo). dominated representatives, structural adequality represented. only empower inclusion process alleviates some pressures arise having make attempts solve “problems”. Government response however, ridden piecemeal offerings equate form protect enshrine Voices participation. Davis her colleagues (Davis et al. “The Statement”) note Council’s recommendations then minister Nigel Scullion account privileged They that, until Council's nation had real assessment wanted. Yet accounts, spent too much time talking elites who regular access purport speak mob's behalf. If he [Scullion] got sense symbolism minimalism going fly, says lot self-referential bubble Canberra live. testament refusal passive recipients elite. suggested, “symbolism Ken Wyatt, Scullion’s replacement, reiterated importance co-design, bureaucracy, moving beyond “Canberra bubble”. Wyatt saying clearly bureaucracy know best. Canberra-designed approach Canberra. We co-design do state territory corporate sector. mechanism interests strategically placed dialogues. operating chamber”, representatives interest functioning similar manner party. language our current system demonstrates constrictive nature Ministers expected “toe party line”, “crossing floor” presented act defiance, members must granted permission enter “conscience vote”. works alongside, ideologies. Their priority implement best outcome communities. Negotiations fluid, floor cross, conscience vote reflected every perspective gifted parliament. World Annual Lecture, Pat Turner Voice’s continuing government’s neglect hear respond peoples’ interests. address, points Coalition Peaks exemplar negotiations facilitated entirely formed run comprises fifty community-controlled peak established concerns closing gap targets. accountable membership reliant funding, questioned appropriate representative bodies; cautioning could compromise community-centric free interference. facilitate treaty Makarrata (truth-telling), unanimous call constitutionally lead secure decision-making Makarrata, Garma, Bubbling Possibilities bubbling spring provides source greater growth reform. three-staged comprising establishing Voice, followed Treaty, Truth-Telling. sequence criticised prioritise Truth foundation reconciliation. argument notion Sovereignty first agreement-making signing Treaty. lost sight treaty, begin inherent right participate conversation. very basic foundational yet constitution. sets establishes conversation take place. Commission “come together after struggle” translation word’s Yolngu origins (Gaykamangu; Pearson). Only engage forge paths treaty. however raises question look aims achieve. discussed previous section, disinformation conjecture public, political, news-media discourses. order unpack entail, turn word, Garma. Garma refers epistemic ontological positioning knowledge attained differences converge insights arise. people, salt fresh water intersect sea. Fresh Salt embodiments clans, Dhuwa Yirritja, referring laws each clan contact, seeking harmonious balance. When ebb flow tides balance, causes foam representing innovative ideas possibilities. embrace phenomenon epistemology teaches responsibility obligations care Country. acknowledges autonomy others finds space mutually benefit. properties either type, belonging single dominates, ecological, cosmological balance overthrown. Raymattja Marika-Munungguritj (5) describes dynamic interaction traditions. land, springs waterholes, sea interacting energy tide spring. rises full. goes reduces capacity. Milngurr ebbs flows. Yirritja sides life together. And Balanda traditions There stronger harm other. Ganma Theory Dhuwa. Like push rejection reforms, demanded real-action “not talk” (Synott statement”). implored involved processes, knowledgeable community’s needs methods service delivery repeatedly mandate, legislated under international law UN Declaration Rights Peoples. Coming struggle mean disagreement amongst cease. alignment theories agonism pluralism, coming democratic necessitates constructive different, competing, cases incommensurable views. A operate truths, well disagreements, included (Larkin Galloway). Governments longer behalf autonomous voice. therefore reduced reactionary responses damage mismanagement policy failure caused. permanently documented records agendas set. Collectively, amounts facilitates “salt water” “bubbling springs” meet, mitigating risk harm, bringing forth Conclusion combine begins form, eventually materialising foam. Appearing singular solid object afar, cluster interlocking bubbles gain increased stability equilibrium sticking alone, figurative isolated surroundings knowing, doing, being, vulnerabilities insecurities exposed. Similarly, bursts becomes weaker unstable. vision conceived faith. path forward future generations entire “Constitutional Reform”). invitation “to walk us better future”. 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