Patrick Gorman: From the City of Albany Aboriginal Accord to the Voice, how listening to people gets results

So often it is Western Australia’s regional communities that provide national leadership. New policy ideas, the businesses that power our exports, comfort in times of crisis.

The story of Albany is a story of leading our State and enriching our nation.

Twenty years ago, the City of Albany Aboriginal Accord was put into place. A commitment to recognise our history, listen, and work together for better results.

At its heart is a simple commitment to “build a partnership between the City of Albany, the people of Albany and the Aboriginal community based on mutual respect, understanding, co-operation and trust.”

This idea of partnership, of better outcomes through listening, has echoed across Australia in the last 20 years. It was heard by Colin Barnett who delivered Aboriginal Constitutional Recognition for Western Australia.

And on October 14, all Australians will have the opportunity to vote for constitutional recognition through the Voice.

We know that our regions benefit from constitutional recognition. Because we all do better when we listen. Better results. Less waste. Gaps closed.

Because the city and regions’ divide holds us back. Just as the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians holds us back.

An example. Last year the Prime Minister visited Albany to announce new NBN infrastructure for Albany. Albany got second-rate NBN because the previous government didn’t listen to WA.

We listened. And 10,000 properties in Albany will get full-fibre broadband as a result.

Listening to communities gets better results. That’s what the Voice is all about.

And just like Albany did in 2003, we can bring people together, end the division, and say yes to a stronger future. Together.