Reconciliation Australia welcomes commitment to Constitutional recognition of First Australians
Media Release – 9 August 2010
Reconciliation Australia has welcomed the commitment from Australia’s political parties to recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s past, present and future, through the Constitution.
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chairs Professor Mick Dodson and Mr Mark Leibler today provided full support for this long-sought important recognition, which is a vital element in the process of reconciliation.
“With such strong political will existing across the spectrum there is no better time to recognise the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in shaping and defining our unique national identity. We look forward to supporting this process through education and community engagement to achieve the support needed to pass such a referendum”, Professor Dodson said.
As the foundation of our legal framework and giving powers to the Commonwealth, the Constitution must embody our values, heritage, identity and aspirations. It also shows what we value, what makes us unique and how we protect and develop those things.
Professor Dodson commented that “recognition of Indigenous Australians in both the preamble and body of the Constitution would promote principles of equity, non-discrimination and respect.”
Recognition of Indigenous peoples throughout the world takes place through the constitutions of several countries including Canada, New Zealand and the United States.
For more information about Indigenous Australians and the Constitution read our factsheet
Media Contact: Kylie Thompson 0418 633 277 or kylie.thompson@reconciliation.org.au
