Protecting children - Use your vote wisely

In a little over a week we will have the privilege of deciding whether or not we want to change how our Constitution protects children.

The campaign has been relatively low key and the indications are that the amendment will be endorsed.

It is a sad fact of our history that we have a shameful record on child protection. Some of those who oppose the amendment suggest changing the Constitution will do little or nothing to change that.

Undoubtedly there are cultural and resource issues around how children are safeguarded — or not — here but one thing is certain. Because of this society’s collective indifference thousands of children suffered appallingly. It might go some way to honouring their memory and assuaging our guilt if we were to make ourselves aware of what is proposed and then vote as we see fit. We cannot again use ignorance as a defence for avoiding our responsibilities to children.