First Nations businesses are concerned the politics behind the Voice to Parliament have portrayed First Nations people in a pessimistic, downtrodden light.
Yawuru and Bunuba founders behind innovation hub Make It Happen HQ, Adele and Cara Peek say political arguments during the Voice to Parliament debate have done little to promote the business prowess of First Nations people.
Cara said what we are seeing instead is a disproportionate portrayal of First Nations people, families and business.
"We are not seeing the entrepreneurial Indigenous women who despite being voiceless in a system not designed for their success with poor health outcomes, domestic violence, incarceration and continued marginalisation of our women and girls; are manifesting modern day self-determination whilst teaching and raising our children; holding our families and communities together," she said.
"We are not seeing the portrayal of successful Indigenous men in beautiful family settings; proud fathers who take their children to school who run successful businesses.
"We are seeing young men fighting with law enforcement, as little hustlers who are born into a country that doesn't see them and their potential, where their fate has already been decided.
"Indigenous Australians remain disproportionately locked out of today's economic opportunities and workforce, creating jobs is key to improving lives as is having a national voice ensuring we have a say on matters that affect us, a voice that cannot be silenced with a mere legislative flick of the pen by the parliament of the day."
Despite only making up 0.06% of the 2 million Australian businesses, Indigenous businesses contribute a social return on investment of $4.41 for every $1 invested, in part because Indigenous businesses are up to 100 times more likely to employ Indigenous Australians.
Founder and businessman behind Brother to Another, Jye Cardona works with young people and families who are at risk of youth justice in the Northern Territory.
The Kungarakan, Bardi and Buranggum man created Brother to Another based on filling a gap in the service.
"There wasn't too many, or if any, Aboriginal organisations taking the lead," he said.
"And also (organisations) working outside of that nine to five, Monday to Friday model."
However, Cardona is wary of the political rhetoric which portrays Indigenous Australians as "helpless".
"The good thing about a lot of (Indigenous) businesses that are coming through...is that we've done it without a single cent of government money," he said.
"And we've gotten to the point where we've actually been able to take the lead in some cases.
"So I think politicians kind of demonise us as being needed to be saved...we're seen as a little bit of a helpless population at some points."
Adele said part of their work is helping other First Nations people see their potential as business owners and entrepreneurs.
"First Nations people have been conditioned not to think of themselves as entrepreneurs," Adele said.
"We want to help ignite the flame within First Nations peoples who don't have access to resources and even everyday basic necessities for business like the internet.
"By supporting the success and sustainability of First Nations businesses we can increase employment and economic growth."
Cara said having a Voice to Parliament should be about putting marginalised people at the centre of the conversation.
Yorumlar