Tasmanians for the Voice: Raymond Blizzard

A union is its members. No shock then that the best words about why the IEU supports the Voice to Parliament come from a member. We literally couldn’t say it better ourselves!

Raymond Blizzard, IEU member , St Brigid’s Catholic School New Norfolk

Raymond Blizzard - look out for his profile in the final edition of The Point for 2023.

Why do you support the Voice to Parliament?

Firstly, and this needs to be stressed, this is my own humble opinion.

Because it’s the right thing to do. Politically, societally, and emotionally.

Politically, now is the time. We, as a nation, have an opportunity, not necessarily to right some wrongs, but to help us move in the right direction.

Societally, now is the time, we must act now before this opportunity is lost.

Emotionally, I feel this deep within my being that it is the right thing to do.

And let’s look at it logically, and unemotively. We are being asked to vote on an advisory body, a body that has no power of veto, no legislative power, no political power. It is an advisory body, composed of indigenous members who will advise the government on issues that concern the indigenous community, nothing more, nothing less. An advisory body.

To me, this is complete and utter common sense and is something that should have always been done anyway. This helps us along the path of becoming a more mature, caring and understanding nation.

How is that not worth voting for?

What do you say to people who are undecided about their vote in the referendum?

I say listen to both sides of the argument but listen critically.  Sadly, the No vote proponents have already been spreading lies, half-truths, and misinformation. 

This vote is not a sinister power grab or a move designed to divide the country.

This vote is simply about an advisory committee. 

Think about the fact that if there was an issue that directly affected you or your community, would you not wish to have a voice, a role in the conversation?

That is what we are voting on. The chance to make a difference, and to ensure that the right people have a seat at the table.

Thank you Raymond, for that heartfelt and level-headed point of view. We concur.

Send your IEU Voice pics to: info@ieuvictas.org.au

 This article first appeared in The Point newspaper - you can see the current edition in full online here.