I was involved with Aboriginal Education in both WA (1970, 1974/75) and the NT (1975 – 82) as a school leader. With staff, I initiated many programs of great benefit to children of young ages. I worked to ensure school attendance and had the support of communities. I have also undertaken formal studies in the field of Indigenous Education. My interest and concern about indigenous issues remains to the fore.

I believe it legitimate to ask the following questions:

Why are parents and primary caregivers not looking after their children: 
Why are parents and caregivers excused from looking after their children?
Why are Elders now apparently powerless when it comes to the management of children and youth within communities? 
Why are non-Indigenous persons deemed wholly responsible for issues about the health and welfare of Indigenous youth and adults? 
Why don’t people take responsibility for their health; why do they blame the health department and other agencies for poor health and illness when a great deal comes from their chosen behaviours? 
Why are parents and caregivers not responsible for ensuring their children attend school? 
Why are teachers and the education department blamed when children leave school as functional illiterates when that has been and is the result of them not attending school?
Why is it deemed racist when issues are raised and the need for self-responsibility is pointed back to families from where the problems arise? 
Why do some mothers in our country who are pregnant drink alcohol while pregnant, with this leading to FASD issues? 
Why are Indigenous people coming into towns from communities not responsible for their accommodation?

Would a ‘Voice’ counter these matters with any positive outcome, when over decades and years other key Indigenous organisations have had limited success?

Will putting the Voice into the Constitution help in any way to counter key issues which have been identified for decades, but not addressed?