Shireen Morris

The inside story of the 2023 Voice Referendum, from Yes to NoIn late 2023, Australians voted 'No' to recognising Indigenous peoples through a constitutional Voice. Broken Heart unpacks the true, complex history of the referendum, illuminating how an alliance between Indigenous advocates and constitutional conservatives fractured under political pressure, and a proposal conceived in compromise was killed by partisan politics.Told from the unique insider perspective of a constitutional lawyer who worked closely with Noel Pearson on the Voice for over a decade, this book analyses the mistakes of the government and 'Yes' advocates, the fickleness and ultimate intransigence of the right, and the betrayals and lies that led to the referendum's defeat.Broken Heart tells a story of hope and tragedy. But its lessons will assist future reformers and leaders who want to make Australia a better place.'This is the story of a broken heart and of a large one. Shireen Morris has written an indispensable account of the hard way of the constitutional reformer in this country. An enthralling tale of hope, commitment and goodwill, as well as mendacity, opportunism and betrayal.' Frank Bongiorno, author of Dreamers and Schemers'Powerful and moving . . . Broken Heart is an erudite and forensic analysis of a nation-defining political campaign, ultimately destroyed by betrayal and self-interest. It challenges us to learn, reflect and remain energised if we are to become a better, fairer country.' Larissa Behrendt, host of Speaking Out

This book makes the legal and political case for Indigenous constitutional recognition through a constitutionally guaranteed First Nations voice, as advocated by the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart. It argues that a constitutional amendment to empower Indigenous peoples with a fairer say in laws and policies made about them and their rights, is both constitutionally congruent and politically achievable. A First Nations voice is deeply in keeping with the culture, design and philosophy of Australia’s federal Constitution, as well as the long history of Indigenous advocacy for greater empowerment and self-determination in their affairs. Morris explores the historical, political, theoretical and international contexts underpinning the contemporary debate, before delving into the constitutional detail to craft a compelling case for change.

This book makes the legal and political case for Indigenous constitutional recognition through a constitutionally guaranteed First Nations voice, as advocated by the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart. It argues that a constitutional amendment to empower Indigenous peoples with a fairer say in laws and policies made about them and their rights, is both constitutionally congruent and politically achievable. A First Nations voice is deeply in keeping with the culture, design and philosophy of Australia’s federal Constitution, as well as the long history of Indigenous advocacy for greater empowerment and self-determination in their affairs. Morris explores the historical, political, theoretical and international contexts underpinning the contemporary debate, before delving into the constitutional detail to craft a compelling case for change.

Neither Indigenous nor white, Shireen Morris is both outside observer and instrumental insider in the fight for Indigenous rights. Shaped by her family's Indian and Fijian migrant story, Morris is a key player in what many consider the greatest moral challenge of our nation: constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. She takes us inside this vital campaign to meet the powerful Indigenous advocates, helpful (and unhelpful) non-Indigenous lawyers, unlikely conservative and monarchist allies and infuriating politicians. We travel with Morris through the wins, disappointments and, ultimately, the betrayals that led to the Turnbull government's heartbreaking rejection of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Radical Heart is a challenge for all Australians to dream together of a fairer future, and work as one to make it happen.

Neither Indigenous nor white, Shireen Morris is both outside observer and inside player in the fight for Indigenous rights. Framed by her family's Indian and Fijian migrant story, Morris gives a personal perspective on what many consider the greatest moral challenge of our nation: constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.She reveals the behind-the-scenes action of working with powerful Indigenous advocates, helpful (and unhelpful) lawyers, unlikely conservative allies and infuriating politiciansâ??the wins, disappointments and, ultimately, the betrayals that led to the Turnbull government's heartbreaking rejection of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Radical Heart is a challenge for all Australians to dream together of a fairer future, and work as one to make it happen.

It is easy to assume that constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians is a project of the left in Australia, and something that the right staunchly opposes. This collection challenges that assumption. It frames indigenous constitutional recognition in the context of conservative and liberal philosophical thought, and demonstrates that there may indeed be a set of reforms for constitutional recognition that can achieve the symbolic and substantive change sought by indigenous leaders, while at the same time addressing the critical concerns of constitutional conservatives and classical liberals. More than that, this collection demonstrates the genuine goodwill that many Australians share for the cause of indigenous recognition that is both practically useful and symbolically powerful. Prestigious Australian leaders and thinkers from diverse fields, including defence, business, journalism, law and religion, share their thoughts on what recognition means to them and how it might be achieved.