Writers for the Voice challenges misinformation about Voice referendum
Newly established group Writers for the Voice seeks support from writers, publishers and literary agencies to share information and correct misinformation about Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum.
On social media, Wiradyuri author Anita Heiss shared the group’s website, stating: ‘I’m standing alongside many Australian authors who are part of Writers for the Voice. If you are an author who wants to join the call please contact Nicole Abadee or Jane Novak who have put this together for all of us. If you are a publisher, agent or bookseller you can also add your support.’
Writer and former barrister Abadee, who created the website with literary agent Novak, told Books+Publishing the idea for the group came after seeing companies and sports organisations announcing support for the Voice. Abadee wondered, ‘Where are artists? Where are the writers?’ The website now lists more than 350 writers and over 20 publishers and agencies as supporters.
‘There is a lot of misinformation out there about the Voice,’ said Abadee, who believes that writers have a role to play in correcting misinformation. ‘I’m asking writers to share information about the Voice in their local publications.’ Abadee said writers should publish written pieces on the Voice, speak at events about the campaign and spread the word to their networks. Testimonials from writers on the website include support from author and academic Jane Caro, who wrote: ‘I support the Voice because Indigenous disadvantage—in education, life expectancy, infant mortality, incarceration rates, poverty, violence and so much remains glaring. Time to listen to the Voice of First Nations people about what will help make a real difference.’
Author Robbie Arnott wrote: ‘This is a remarkable opportunity: to reach out and accept the hand that Uluru is extending towards us. To walk together with genuine hope. To heal and listen and grow into the kind of nation we should be.’
The website, which will soon also include a frequently asked questions page, is available here.
Category: Local news
