Media Release – 15 February 2012
Download copy of Reconciliation Australia welcomes support for Constitutional Recognition
RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA WELCOMES SUPPPORT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chairs Ms Melinda Cilento and Dr Tom Calma have welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcement that Reconciliation Australia is to lead the campaign to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Constitution.
Delivering the Closing the Gap report in Parliament today, the Prime Minister said “This is an opportunity for the Australian people to get involved…To find practical information and solid ideas and to discuss them – in their homes and with their neighbours, in their community meetings and in their workplaces, in their trade unions and in their churches.”
In responding to today’s announcement Ms Cilento and Dr Calma said it was both a great honour and responsibility to be at the forefront of a national movement for constitutional recognition.
Ms Cilento said the work of the panel appointed by the Prime Minister to give advice on how constitutional recognition could be achieved, had established a strong platform to build public support through extensive consultations and research.
“As the peak national organisation building and promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, Reconciliation Australia is ideally placed to build on this work and lead the next phase.
“Achieving meaningful recognition in the Constitution was fundamental to achieving real reconciliation for the benefit of all Australians,” Ms Cilento said.
Dr Calma said Reconciliation Australia had long advocated for constitutional change to recognise the history, cultures and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
“Throughout our campaign, we have had remarkable support from a range of organisations, community groups and individuals. Working together we now have the opportunity to see this though to a successful referendum.”
“From today, Reconciliation Australia will be harnessing the good will and substantial influence of its support networks to make all Australians aware of the importance of constitutional recognition,” Dr Calma said.
This will include expanding the existing You Me Unity website so all Australians can access information, reports, videos and information about constitutional recognition.
Since its launch in April 2011 more than 167,000 visitors have engaged in 150 videos, over 60 blog entries, 250 tweets and hundreds of Facebook posts.
While conceding achieving a successful referendum will be challenging, the Co-Chairs are optimistic.
“We are confident we can build on the positive mood for change identified through the hundreds of consultations and thousands of submissions received by the constitutional recognition panel and we welcome the cross-party, in principle support for constitutional change,” the Co-Chairs said.
“We are also determined to enlist the abilities and experience of the constitutional recognition panel members. We see them playing an important ongoing role in the campaign ahead.”
For further information visit www.youmeunity.org.au or www.reconciliation.org.au
Media contact: Meg Dixon-Child 0400 520424
