Marcia Langton fears a No vote will be falsely interpreted as a mandate for governments to do nothing and called on Australians to vote for change and save lives.
Indigenous leader Marcia Langton has claimed death threats and abuse are being aimed at the key advocates for a Yes vote at the October 14 referendum, in an emotional call on voters to save lives by voting for change.
At one point in her address, with tears on her face, Langton named footballer Adam Goodes and broadcaster Stan Grant as examples of Indigenous people who were targeted by parts of the media.“I think the debate will change so radically, if the No vote succeeds, that our advocacy will be seen as ineffectual, and so, therefore, how we participate in the public square will be very, very different,” she said.
“I fear that a No vote will be interpreted, and falsely I should say, as a mandate for governments to do nothing and make our lives worse. I think that’s the greatest danger,” Langton told the National Press Club on Wednesday. “I do hope that the government sets out an agenda for reform that’s based on common sense, on the recommendations of many inquiries and royal commissions and on expert advice, before the rabble take over and turn a No vote into a mandate to cause us even further harm,” she said.
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