Hidden message in ‘Yes’ camp’s last campaign
A young Indigenous boy asks tough questions about his future in a new advertisement released by the Yes campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
The ad will hit TV screens this weekend as part of a month-long media blitz to win over voters.
In the compelling 30-second ad, a young Indigenous boy asks a series of simple questions that cut to the heart of the debate.
“Will I grow up in a country that hears my voice? Will I live as long as other Australians?,” the boy asks.
“Will I get to go to a good school? Will I be able to learn my people’s language? Will I be seen beyond the sports field, recognised by the decision-makers of our country?”
He concludes: “Yes makes it possible”.
The boy’s questions highlight key issues faced by Indigenous people and the statistical disadvantages they face in areas such as education, health, and employment.
The powerful ad positions the Yes vote as a practical way of improving Indigenous outcomes and providing better opportunities for the next generation.
Yes23 Campaign Director Dean Parkin said the ad aimed to show voters what they could achieve with their “once in a generation” decision.
“This ad explains to Australians why a successful Yes vote is the best shot we have at tackling the entrenched disadvantage Indigenous people live with,” Mr Parkin said.
“Hope and optimism that the nation can finally come together and make Australia a better, fairer country continues to be at the heart of the Yes campaign.”
The advertisement will be rolled-out across TV, print, radio and Yes23 digital channels this weekend as the Yes camp attempts to turn the tide ahead of the referendum.
Australians will head to the polls on October 14 to vote on whether to amend the constitution to “recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice”.
For it to succeed, the majority of Australians and the majority of states (not including territories) must vote Yes.
However, the outcome looks bleak for the Yes campaign after polling revealed the No campaign is leading in every state.
A recent poll shows national support for the Voice plummeted 21 per cent over the past year, with similar declines in every state.
Mr Parkin said the new Yes23 ad conveyed the message that a successful referendum would deliver a “real and practical difference” for Indigenous people in Australia.
“As more and more Australians start to tune in, we are explaining to the community that this referendum is simply about recognising the first peoples of this nation and listening to them so we can better address longstanding problems,” he said.
The ad is part of the increased push in the month-long lead-up to decision day which aims to sway undecided voters and change the minds of the No camp.
The rollout comes as the Yes campaign hosts a series of walks in every major city across the country.
Senior government ministers and Indigenous leaders are expected to attend the meets, along with notable figures such as former AFL stars Adam Goodes and Michael O‘Loughlin.