"At this point in history, I can’t be proud of my nation and I feel honour bound to return my Order of Australia Medal."
Shane Howard, frontman of the Goanna, has today returned his Order of Australia, citing “deep sadness” at the result of The Voice referendum.
In his Order of Australia resignation letter, addressed to the governor-general, he outlined that “in the wake of the failure of the Referendum on the Voice to Parliament, I no longer have faith that our nation will achieve meaningful truth-telling and justice with our First Peoples.”
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Goanna rose to prominence in the early 1980s and left an indelible mark on the country’s music scene. Released in 1982, their enduring hit Solid Rock, Sacred Ground became a national anthem, addressing the dispossession of Indigenous Australians and the connection to their sacred land.
“I respect the democratic result but fear that Australians have missed an important historical moment of destiny,” his letter continues.
“At this point in history, I can’t be proud of my nation and I feel honour bound to return my Order of Australia Medal.
“At its heart, this is an Aboriginal country. First Nations people watched Ice Ages come and go. Ancient Songlines re-enact the deep history of the oldest continuous culture and spirituality on Earth.”
A senior statesman, musician, and poet, Howard, Shane Howard has established himself as one of Australia’s most influential writers and singers and created a uniquely Australian voice.
“When I wrote the song, Solid Rock, Sacred Ground, 40 years ago, I dreamt of a country respectful of our ancient history and honest about our modern history. I wanted to be proud of my country. I wanted us to address the fundamental lie at the heart of our national story and reap the benefits that would flow from that honesty.
“With all due respect, I believe that until we loose ourselves from our colonial shackles, engage in meaningful Truth-Telling and Treaty-Making with our First Peoples and begin the journey to a ‘post-colonial’ independent Republic, I cannot be proud of my nation.
“I love my birth country deeply and I will continue to do all I can to advocate for this country, for our First Peoples and their deep history and for truth-telling, decency and justice, for all our citizens, as I believe these are the essential foundation stones of an honourable nation, worthy of bequeathing to our children and grandchildren, as well as hope.”
Read the full letter addressed to the Governor General here.
