Ex-AFL player urges end to recurring Indigenous welcome ceremonies.

Nick SpencerSeptember 22, 2023

Former Australian Footballer Sam Newman Criticizes Indigenous Welcome

Former Australian rules footballer and commentator Sam Newman has ⁢sparked controversy by criticizing the ⁣Acknowledgement of Country, an Indigenous welcome, in public settings.⁣ Newman argues that this ⁢practice undermines the contributions of⁤ non-Indigenous Australians.

During⁤ a recent Rebel News podcast, Newman expressed ⁢his ‍frustration, stating, “I find it insulting and demeaning to be welcomed to the country that I live in. I’ve lived all my life here, I’ve paid taxes,⁣ I’ve contributed to it, and like everyone else we want to be united as one⁢ country. I don’t know why we try ⁣to divide each ‌other based on race.”

Newman⁤ further criticized‌ the⁤ increasing prevalence of these acknowledgments, stating, “To say that I have to be welcomed to every single place I step into, restaurants,‌ churches, creches, fetes. It is out of control, it’s exponentially getting worse and worse because no one will push back against it.”

Noel Pearson Says Welcome to Country Becoming Overused

Noel Pearson, a leading advocate for ‌the “Yes” campaign, believes that incorporating an Indigenous advisory body into the nation’s Constitution could help break the cycle of ⁣welfare dependency in Indigenous communities. However, Pearson has also expressed concerns about the overuse of Acknowledgements of Country.

Pearson stated, “We in Australia are ‌still learning. We’ve got to adopt a ‌sensible approach to ‍rituals in our public life and in our private life in the community. In the wake‌ of this referendum, I think we ought to come to a consensus about the occasions upon ‍which we use the Welcome. When someone uses it to begin a meeting or ceremony, that’s fine, but then often I see every speaker then subsequently conducts their own⁤ Welcome and it cuts ⁣into the ‌meeting.”

The proposed model for ⁢The Voice would involve the election of two members from each state and territory, as well as five members from specified remote communities, by the local Indigenous community. These members would serve four-year terms, with⁣ a limit⁣ of two consecutive terms. Additionally, two co-chairs of different genders would be selected by‍ the elected members every two years.

Indigenous Law Student Backs ‘No’ Vote

Myles Jerrard, a 22-year-old Indigenous ⁢law student at the University of⁢ New South Wales, has voiced his opposition to the Indigenous⁢ Voice proposal.‌ Jerrard⁣ argues that enshrining the principle of inherent Indigenous disadvantage in the Constitution ‍sets a precedent for failure and self-segregation.

Jerrard explained, “The term ‘Indigenous’ has been used ⁢as a term to put ‌us together ‌as a collective group. There’s not just one voice. ‍My people, the Kamilaroi people or the Djangadi people, have very different experiences and disadvantages to the people that live in remote communities in the Northern Territory. It’s very⁤ different. To ⁢class us into one subset of governance is ‌wrong.”

How does Pearson propose addressing the systemic‍ disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians?

⁢ An Indigenous⁣ leader and advocate for constitutional reform, has acknowledged the concerns raised by Sam Newman regarding the ⁣Acknowledgement of Country. Pearson‍ stated that he ⁣endorses⁣ a thoughtful and meaningful Welcome to Country that is tailored to specific events and occasions.

Pearson emphasized that the‌ intent behind the Acknowledgement of Country is to promote inclusivity and recognize ‌the traditional custodians of the land. However, he acknowledges‌ that there can ⁣be instances ‌where the practice may‌ lose its significance⁣ if used too frequently and without context.

He also highlighted that the focus should not solely‍ be on⁣ the ceremonial aspect of the Acknowledgement of Country, but rather on addressing the systemic disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians.‌ Pearson emphasized⁣ the need for‍ concrete actions to address historical injustices ⁤and improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous ‌communities.

The issue of the Acknowledgement ⁣of Country is not the first time‌ Newman has courted controversy. In the past, he⁢ has made contentious remarks about⁤ various social and political issues, triggering debates and backlash.

While it is important to have open discussions about differing perspectives, it is crucial to approach these conversations with respect and empathy. Criticizing the⁣ practices of one culture should not undermine the value ⁢and contributions of another group. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous traditions and customs should⁢ not be⁤ seen as an attack on ‌non-Indigenous Australians, but ‍rather as a step towards reconciliation and fostering a truly inclusive society.

The⁣ upcoming referendum on the ⁤Indigenous Voice to Parliament⁢ will ⁣provide Australians with an opportunity to shape the future of ‌the nation’s political landscape. It is crucial ⁢to‍ engage in constructive dialogue and consider different ‌viewpoints while making an⁣ informed decision in ‌this significant matter.

Regardless of the outcome⁢ of ‌the referendum, it ⁤is essential for Australians to work towards understanding, unity, and respect between all cultural groups. Indigenous traditions, such as the Acknowledgement of ⁢Country, should serve as a reminder of Australia’s rich history and the importance⁤ of⁢ valuing and preserving the cultural diversity that lies at⁢ the ‍core ‍of the nation.

Ultimately, the‍ conversation sparked by Sam Newman’s comments should serve as a catalyst for ⁢deeper discussions about the complexities‍ of reconciliation, the role of Indigenous culture in contemporary Australia, and what ‍it truly means to embrace diversity and inclusivity ‌in our society.