Warren Mundine, a leading figure in the “No” campaign, recently criticized the Uluru Statement from the Heart, calling it a “symbolic declaration of war against modern Australia.” Speaking at the National Press Club, Mundine argued that the statement wrongly portrays Indigenous Australians as oppressed, despite Australia’s successful efforts to overcome past conflicts and injustices.
Mundine emphasized that no nation in the world has had a perfect beginning, with most countries having histories rooted in invasion, conquest, revolution, or war. However, he believes that Australia has taken the best from its history and built a nation where equality reigns. Regardless of their origin, any person can aspire and achieve their highest aspirations in Australia.
The No campaigner further criticized the Uluru Statement and The Voice, suggesting that they would reintroduce racial segregation into Australian society. Mundine characterized the Uluru Statement as a glossy marketing brochure that misappropriates culture, distorts history, and promotes a divisive vision of Australia under the guise of benefiting Indigenous Australians.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart emerged from years of dialogues between the government and Indigenous elders and serves as the primary document behind the push for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. However, a recently published Freedom of Information document revealed additional pages of background information and regional dialogues associated with the statement.
Mundine described the Uluru Statement as a manifesto steeped in grievance that hinders the idea of reconciliation. He argued that it presents Indigenous Australians as victims, trapped in oppression and unable to make their own decisions. He also criticized The Voice, asserting that it would only add bureaucratic layers in Canberra without making a significant difference to Indigenous communities on the ground.
Mundine urged the Indigenous community to acknowledge past atrocities while also recognizing the importance of moving forward. He emphasized the need for forgiveness and emphasized the significance of personal accountability, education, and economic participation in achieving success and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
However, Professor Megan Davis, co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue and one of the architects of the Uluru Statement, expressed disappointment and found Mundine’s characterization of the statement as a declaration of war to be inflammatory. Davis stressed that the Uluru Statement was about peace, love, and unifying the nation, and she viewed Mundine’s remarks as misrepresenting its intentions. She highlighted that the statement calls for Australians to come together for a better future.