Other legends,though,were members of our team. The depth of knowledge international and political editor brings to subscribers each week is remarkable.,a journo whose elegant use of the written word makes my jaw drop,is like a walking,talking history book. Our chief political correspondent is a great friend and constant source of wise advice.
Sadly,one of the journos I loved working with and learnt a lot from is no longer with us. Michael Gordon,who was for many years the political editor of our sister mastheadThe Age,died after suffering a heart attack while swimming at Phillip Island in February 2018. He was just 62.
Two months earlier,Michael had for the Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism. It was a richly deserved recognition of more than four decades’ experience as a reporter,feature writer,foreign correspondent,editor,columnist,author and mentor.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve caught myself wondering what he’d think or would write as the Voice debate has unfolded this year. Michael had a particular interest in Indigenous affairs,and covered the 2017 gathering which would produce the Uluru Statement from the Heart. He was fascinated by the idea of constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians and the call for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to parliament. He subsequently wrote many fiercely intelligent and insightful pieces about the Voice and what it could mean for Australia.
I wish I had properly appreciated at the time what a privilege it was to be working with Michael on his coverage. And I really wish he was here to help guide us through the six weeks as we head towards the October 14 referendum.
Regular readers will know theHerald publishes a daily editorial in which we have our say on important issues. On Thursday, – a position first expressed by theHerald in May 2019 by my predecessor Lisa Davies.
Our team has put a lot of thought into how we will cover the next six weeks. We are determined to avoid some of the cheaper,more shrill aspects of the campaign and focus instead on pursuing coverage with real depth. A great example of that approach is,who has explored how the referendum may play out in the multicultural communities of Sydney’s west. As Jordan wrote,this region could be crucial to the Voice passing or failing,but many residents are still undecided.
TheHerald supports recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution and creating a Voice to parliament but will have their say in our pages and on our website over the coming six weeks. We will be fair and we will be responsible. We will scrutinise both campaigns and what their competing positions mean for our country.
As this week’s editorial noted,the No campaign has often clutched at straws,leant into misinformation and failed to present a compelling alternative plan to help Indigenous Australians.
Yes supporters have also at times verged into dangerous territory in which well-intentioned Australians who are not sold on the concept of a constitutionally enshrined Voice have been guilted into feeling like they do not support fairness and equality.
Crowe,our chief political correspondent,nailed it when he said the Voice is because it is,or should be,about the best way to help some of the most disadvantaged people in Australian society. I am certain my friend Michael Gordon would agree with that observation.
This is a complex issue and people on both sides of the fence have a right to their own view. Indeed,how you vote is entirely up to you. But on balance,I reckon Indigenous Australians would get a far better outcome from a Yes vote than by backing the status quo of No.
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