26-7-2023 (SYDNEY) John Howard, one of Australia’s longest-serving prime ministers, sparked controversy with his recent comments on British colonisation and the upcoming referendum to give Indigenous communities a “voice” in national policymaking. In an interview with The Australian newspaper published on Wednesday, Howard expressed his belief that British colonisation was “the luckiest thing that happened” to Australia, while predicting that the referendum for Indigenous consultation would not succeed.
The referendum, expected to take place this year, aims to grant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a constitutionally enshrined right to be consulted by the government on matters that affect them. However, Howard, who led Australia from 1996 to 2007, asserted that Australians have not been adequately informed about how this measure would improve health, education, and social outcomes for Indigenous people.
“I think it will go down significantly – that’s my sense,” Howard said, referring to his belief that the referendum will not garner enough support.
The former prime minister advocated for an alternative approach, focusing on uplifting Aboriginal communities and integrating them into mainstream society. He questioned the need for a dedicated “voice” for Indigenous Australians, emphasizing the importance of finding practical ways to uplift and support the community.
Howard also dismissed the idea of reparations and treaties, deeming the latter as “constitutionally repugnant.” Instead, he praised British colonisation, stating, “I do hold the view that the luckiest thing that happened to this country was being colonised by the British. Not that they were perfect by any means, but they were infinitely more successful and beneficent colonisers than other European countries.”
His comments have emerged amidst a wavering support for the “yes” campaign in the polls. Recent surveys have shown the “no” campaign leading with 52 percent. The campaigning process has been marked by contentious debates, with accusations of misinformation, racism, and “Trump-style politics.”
Howard urged for more constructive dialogue, encouraging people to sit down and engage in meaningful conversations. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, expressing that the process may take time and might not achieve the desired level of success immediately. Nonetheless, he questioned the need for creating division and discord within society.
