Jennifer Pittorino
Justice Action Maribyrnong (JAM!), a residents’ group promoting First Nations cultures and justice, anti-racism and diversity, is pleased with Maribyrnong council’s decision to no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on 26 January and also support the Voice to Parliament.
JAM! said it has been lobbying council to make changes on these and other Indigenous issues.
At their meeting on Tuesday, September 12, councillors considered two proposals relating to First Nations peoples.
The first was to stop holding citizenship ceremonies held on Australia Day, in recognition that January 26 is considered a day for reflection, mourning and loss for many First Nations communities.
JAM! spokesperson John Chadderton said the decision reflects the findings from council’s own community engagement and community input through letters and a JAM! petition.
“It’s very pleasing to see the council respond so positively,“ Mr Chadderton said.
“JAM! viewed those activities undertaken by council on January 26 as generally disrespectful to many First Nations people.
“Our work has been to lobby councillors to initiate those changes through council.
“It has paralleled through council’s own community engagement and our online petition which we submitted to council requesting these types of changes.
“And even more recently, we facilitated the community to be able to write letters to council requesting that they no longer hold the citizenship ceremony on that date.”
This recommendation was adopted unanimously by councillors who spoke movingly in support.
The second proposal, also unanimously adopted, was that council publicly declare support for The Voice to Parliament referendum, and provide opportunities to raise awareness and inform the community about the upcoming referendum.
Mr Chadderton said he commended council for taking a public position on The Voice.
“Maribyrnong’s culturally diverse community appreciates the leadership and support council are providing on The Voice Referendum,” he said.
“Getting accurate and clear information about the Voice can be difficult, so councils involvement will be helpful to many people.
“We were aware that not all local governments have declared their support in that way, but there are some and we were very pleased at council willing to take that position.”
