Voice needs to be heard
The Uluru Statement from the Heart was developed after an extensive consultation process with Indigenous peoples and finalised in 2017. Although it supported the process the Turnbull government rejected the findings for an Indigenous Advisory Board that reports to parliament to be enshrined in the Constitution, as well as many other recommendations. The Constitution has power. A "voice" to all of the parliament has power. From this it is hoped that permanent positive change will occur for Indigenous people when so many other mechanisms have been overturned or failed through lack of support. An Advisory Body enshrined in the Constitution cannot be easily removed/overturned.
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I encourage everyone to read this wonderful document and see what an "Indigenous Voice" means and encourage others to also support, and legislate, to make this change to our Constitution a reality.
D. Hanlon, Vincentia
Bombing of Darwin remembered
Each year on February 19, Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day to commemorate the first time the Australian mainland came under direct attack during World War II.
Darwin was regarded as a vital asset in Australia's defences against the Japanese Empire.
Darwin came under attack by Japanese fighters and bombers on February 19, 1942, the first of many air raids carried out on the top end of Australia. The two raids on this day killed more than 250 Australian and Allied service personnel and civilians. The air raids on Darwin involved more than 240 enemy aircraft.
During the first raid, the American Destroyer USS Peary was sunk, killing 88 American sailors and wounding 13 - the greatest single loss of life on any ship attacked that day.
Further raids took place in April, June, July and November 1942 and March 1943, carried out with forces of 30 to 40 aircraft. Between these large raids, small groups of Japanese aircraft also carried out other operations on Darwin.
On November 12, 1943, the 64th and final air raid on Darwin occurred. Over the period, northern Australia had seen a total of 97 air attacks.
On behalf of Australia, we remember all those who died during the Bombing of Darwin and subsequent attacks in defence of our nation. Lest we forget.
Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans' Affairs
