Scamps backs Yes campaign

Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps hosted a discussion on the Voice to Parliament referendum.

A panel including Dr Scamps, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, former Socceroo Craig Foster AM and former 60 Minutes presenter Jeff McMullen AM (main image, L-R), spoke in front of an engaged audience of over 350 people at Pittwater RSL Club, Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale, yesterday evening (Wednesday, 26 July).

Dr Sophie Scamps hosts a panel on the Voice referendum

The panel laid out the case in favour of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, with a number of compelling arguments made in favour of the Yes campaign.

Although the discussion was at all times respectful, Mr Foster did express frustration at what he claimed were misleading arguments against the Voice from proponents of the No campaign.

The panel discussion was led by Dr Scamps (image above), who said it was important to have the conversation and answer people’s questions.

“People do have legitimate questions, and often the answers are really simple. We heard a lot from today, there’s people who have been involved in this for many years.

“It comes down to the idea that this is quite a simple invitation. It’s one, for the recognition, and two, to be listened to. It is as simple as that.

“It’s also inviting people to get involved, to read more, to find out more and to have those conversations with their families, their friends and their colleagues. This isn’t down to politicians. This is not down to me and what I have to say, it’s down to the people of Australia.

“The invitation was to the people of Australia, it wasn’t to politicians to play football with this. It’s important that we continue to have the conversations and people get involved,” explained Dr Scamps.

Dr Scamps said her feelings about the issue were informed by her medical background and listening to people.

“I feel it’s time. As a doctor, I know how incredibly powerful listening is. People feel respected when they’re listened to and indigenous people are asking to be listened to.

“80 to 85 percent of indigenous people support this, you will never find any group anywhere in the world that has 100 percent consensus. It is something that the indigenous people have been calling for, over many years.

“This is the opportunity. It’s an opportunity to unite our country and to start healing. There’s deep trauma over many generations going back over 200 years. It’s an opportunity to move forward in a really positive way,” said Dr Scamps.

More information about the referendum and the proposed changes to the Constitution can be found at the Commonwealth Government Voice website.

Images: Northern Beaches Advocate