Iconic Aussie singer returns Order of Australia Medal after Voice result
Legendary Australian singer-songwriter Shane Howard has made headlines by returning his Order of Australia medal, a gesture that speaks volumes about his deep sense of sadness and disappointment following the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Howard, the renowned frontman of the iconic band Goanna, first captured the hearts of music enthusiasts 41 years ago with the anthemic hit "Solid Rock," a song that passionately decried the colonisation and Indigenous dispossession of Australia.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Australian Governor-General, Howard openly expresses his profound sorrow in the wake of the rejected referendum vote.
He wrote: "At this point in history, I can't be proud of my nation and feel honour-bound to return my Order of Australia medal."
This poignant decision resonates with the deep-seated desire Howard had when he penned "Solid Rock, Sacred Ground" four decades ago. “When I wrote the song, 'Solid Rock, Sacred Ground', 40 years ago, I wanted us to address the fundamental lie at the heart of our national story," he continued in the letter. "I dreamt of a country respectful of our ancient history and honest about our modern history. I wanted to be proud of my country.”
Howard, whose great-grandfather was famously arrested at the Eureka Stockade, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2016, honouring his significant contributions to the Australian music landscape. However, he now believes that the democratic principles his family fought for generations ago are facing an imminent threat.
In a recent interview with ABC Victorian Mornings, Howard discussed the motivations behind his decision to return his medal. He emphasised that he felt compelled to make his voice heard in a world rife with disinformation and divisive politics. In his own words, "What else can I do, I'm an artist."
Howard went on to share the distressing experiences he faced, noting that he encountered an alarming amount of abuse and racism on social media. "I copped an enormous amount of abuse that was very intimidating and at times, some stuff that was very, very racist through social media.
"I would say it’s the first time we saw the Brexit or Trump style politics at play in the Australian political landscape."
Howard's heartfelt letter to the Governor-General underscores his respect for the democratic process that led to the referendum's outcome. However, he is deeply concerned that Australians may have missed "an important historical moment of destiny."
His letter states that while he respects the democratic result, he fears Australians have missed "an important historical moment of destiny".
"I love my birth country deeply but until we lose our colonial shackles, engage in Treaty-making with our First Peoples, commit to truth-telling about our history and embrace a post-colonial republic, I cannot be proud of my nation,” he said.
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