The discourse around the most recent referendum has been yet another exercise in soul baring to beg for access to basic human rights. We did it for marriage equality, we did it for repeal the 8th and now here we are again, telling our stories about the inhumane ways we have been treated and neglected by the state. It has been so upsetting to hear my story – all the different versions of my story – used to try to convince others of our worth and the worth of the people we care for.
I was dismayed to see so many of the organisations that were supposed to represent me and my family jump on the Yes/Yes bandwagon without any consultation with their members and a blanket vote yes for progress.
I’m very hopeful that the overwhelming defeat in this referendum will shine some light on our plight, but I’m not overly optimistic. This happens every few years – the media take an interest, there’s public outrage, then it all dies down and nothing ever changes.
Nothing will change in the remaining term of this government and while the next government might use it as an election issue, its unlikely we’ll see any change in the next year or two. Unless of course, the current lot decide to get rid of the means test for carers in the next budget – what a win that would be.