Commentary I am proud of the fact that in 1967, along with more than 90 percent of other Australian citizens, I voted YES in a referendum to grant full franchise and civil rights to Indigenous Australians. Previously, a sort of apartheid had applied in the country, a recognition that aboriginal cultures were separate and therefore to some extent exempt from our laws—and from many of our privileges as well. It was patronizing and arrogant, of course, but there was a measure of respect in it as well and I can’t recall from my days in primary school any teaching about the aboriginal culture that was less than kindly and sympathetic. It is certainly a remarkable thing that such a high proportion of our people, 55 years ago, voted positively in a country notorious for knocking back referenda! In fact, it’s unique in our political history. The situation has worsened in …