In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk…Referendum, Karen catches up with respected community leader and elder, Uncle Les Collins, to get his long view on the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, and what it might mean for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this country.
From growing up in Cherbourg in the 1950s and ‘60s, to becoming a member of the Brisbane chapter of the Black Panthers, Les has been actively involved in struggles against racism and discrimination in this country for over five decades.

He has been instrumental in pushing for anti-discrimination policies and processes, as well as being a key supporter of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations across Queensland. 

In this wide-ranging discussion, we invite Les to share his perspectives on the referendum, and how he sees it in the context of his much longer fight against racism and colonial violence in this place.