Rhys Parton on Spoutible

2/12

Both sides are always going to be there. In my past and my future.

Both sides are part of who I am.

And this country is the same.

There are people who’ve been here for what feels like forever, then there were those who came much later.

There are also those who came yesterday.

01:10 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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3/12

There has been darkness between the traditional owners and those who came later.

Cruelty.

Theft.

Genocide.

Those are facts.

And they are facts that will always be part of what this country and the history of its people.

01:10 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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4/12

There have also been less cruel chapters.

Basic things, symbolic things.

Recognition as people.

An apology from a sitting government on behalf of parliament.

I recognise that these things can feel shallow and like empty words because, practically, few things have improved.

01:11 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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5/12

Life expectancy, health outcomes, incarceration rates - based on unfair, prejudiced arrests, are disproportionate and getting worse.

What our governments are doing isn’t working. Something different clearly needs to be done.

They appear to be willing to try something different.

01:11 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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6/12

I think the three steps of the Statement From The Heart are a solid plan to begin doing those different things.

I could be wrong.

I understand this doubt that it’s the solution to pursue.

I also understand the mistrust in governments from First Nations people.

01:11 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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7/12

But I think, given that people from the majority of nations helped write it, given that it’s something a lot of First Nations people agree with, and that the federal government is perusing, and that all state and territory leaders support, it’s worth a try.

01:12 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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8/12

Voice.

Truth.

Treaty.

I can’t help but think that if we lived in a country where those three things were part of the relationship between the peoples from both sides of my linage, things would be improved.

Or begin improving.

01:12 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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9/12

That’s the kind of future I want.

That’s what I want to leave for my boy, my young proud and amazing Wiradjuri son who is also learning more about our Culture.

I want him to be able learn about the dark past between the people of both sides of the family.

01:12 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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10/12

He’ll eventually learn the truth about the often difficult present as well.

But I want him to have a better future ahead.

Or a pathway towards one.

Voice.

Truth.

Treaty.

Those three things would help make that happen.

But we can’t have all three without the first step.

01:13 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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11/12

So I’m voting yes.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I don’t begrudge First Nations people who won’t.

If they can’t bring themselves to trust the government’s involvement, or they simply don’t want it, they have their reasons and I respect that.

01:13 AM - Jul 10, 2023

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