International Day of the World's Indigenous People Highlights Issue of Recognition
9 August 2011
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chair Professor Mick Dodson is calling on all Australians to get involved in the national conversation about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our Constitution.
As we celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous People today, Professor Dodson has reminded us that Australia is still lagging behind other countries.
“While Australia has now endorsed the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, we still need to bring this home—we need to abandon our settler past, reset the relationship and align it with global standards,” Prof Dodson said.
Professor Dodson’s comments come as a panel of leading Australians appointed by the Government continues to consult with the Australian community about the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Expert Panel on the Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Peoples has been holding consultations in cities and towns across the country discussing ways to recognise First Australians in our country’s most important document.
“I would encourage all Australians to reflect on our shared histories and achievements and talk about how we can strive towards building a more unified country,” Prof Dodson said.
Following the release of the review into the Federal Government’s Indigenous expenditure, Professor Dodson also highlighted the importance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be consulted in government processes.
“As the review shows, when there’s engagement with communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to take better control of their own lives and have better outcomes.”
“This isn’t always going to happen straight away—and a lot of work is going on all of the time around the country to advance reconciliation, help create an environment of change and ultimately improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.”
Media Contacts: Rebecca Gallegos 0411 483 707 Rebecca.Gallegos@reconciliation.org.au or Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 Kylie.Kluger@reconciliation.org.au
