Noel Pearson's Article 'Reconciliation'

In an article titled 'No' vote will kill reconciliation, published on January 26th, 2023, in The Age, Noel Pearson argues that Australia's relationship with its indigenous peoples has never been settled, and the coming Voice referendum is an opportunity to do so. Pearson contends that the referendum aims to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and give them a voice in their affairs and that this recognition is foundational to reconciliation. Pearson's tone is assertive and urgent, aimed at Australians, particularly those who have been historically opposed to indigenous recognition but also those who are unsure of the Voice. His purpose is to warn that if the opponents of recognition succeed

He claims that Australia has relied on the lie of terra nullius for over 200 years until the High Court’s decision on native title in the Mabo Case. Pearson quotes that "There has never been formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia." By frequently referring to the lack of recognition, Pearson indicates that Indigenous Australians' history has not been accurately represented. Pearson argues that "the new Australia never recognized the old Australia", and still has not in any formal and real sense. Pearson's purpose in highlighting this is to draw attention to the historical injustices that indigenous Australians have faced and the need to rectify them. He wants Australians to recognize the lack of settlement and formal recognition as the foundational issue for

He argues that "Reconciliation between the descendants of the natives and the settlers requires recognition of those previously silenced and disregarded." He goes on to claim that "Without recognition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities are under an existential threat." By using the term "existential threat," Pearson implies that recognition is not only important but necessary for the survival of indigenous cultures and identities. Pearson also draws on his personal experiences and the experiences of other indigenous Australians to support his argument. He explains that in various jurisdictions, indigenous Australians were not allowed to vote for many decades and were discriminated against and treated as if their people did not matter. Pearson's purpose in making these claims is to show that recognition is necessary to heal past wrongs and move towards reconciliation. Pearson argues that the Voice referendum is an opportunity to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and give them a voice in their affairs. Pearson claims that "The Voice referendum answers the “how” of recognition...The Voice is how recognition is affected." By using the term "effected," Pearson implies that recognition will be made real and concrete by the Voice. Pearson's purpose is to emphasize that the Voice is the solution to the problem of recognition and that it