Transcript Document
Why change the constitution? There is no recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their prior occupation and custodianship of land, waters and sea in our founding legal document There are clauses which permit discrimination against people on the basis of their race, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - sections 25 and 51(xxvi) How has this come about? The Expert Panel In late 2010, the Prime Minister appointed a panel of 22 community leaders, legal experts and MPs to advise how and STRAIT Torres Strait Islander peoples could WEon BELIEVE THATAboriginal ABORIGINAL & TORRES ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. be recognised in the Constitution. Recommendations Suggested amendments: • Repeal discriminatory sections 25 and 51 (xxvi) • Add three new sections: • 51A – new race power (including recognition) • 116A - prohibition on discrimination • 127A - languages WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Recommendations Other recommendations • Single referendum question • Only proceed if supported by all major political parties and majority of state governments • Properly resourced public education and awareness programme • Further consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples if different amendments are proposed WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Why is it so hard to change the constitution? The double majority “the people voting in a majority of the states; and a majority of people voting nationwide” Williams and Hume 2010 It can be done! In 1967, more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to: •Include Aboriginal people in the national count •Delete the exclusion of Aboriginal people from the Government’s power to make laws for people of any ‘race’. This was the most successful referendum in Australian history. It was a brilliant campaign Picture source: FCAATSI / MS 8256/11 in the papers of Gordon Bryant WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. How do we get there from here? • A sound model – developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people • Multi party support with strong political leadership • Community support – all Australians, all states, community and business • A winning campaign – a two year awareness and support campaign that brings this all together – target date mid-2015 What can organisations do? Some examples Adopt the Charter Excerpts from the Charter “We are organisations that support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution.” “We acknowledge the Expert Panel report contains recommendations that provide a sound basis for progressing the matter towards a referendum.” “We acknowledge other organisations within the Network may campaign broadly in support of recognition while not necessarily advocating the adoption of the recommendations of the Expert Panel and/or any specific model.” “We acknowledge that organisations may reassess their membership of the Network and support for constitutional recognition over time (for example) when a final model for a referendum is agreed by the Federal Parliament.” Support the Journey to Recognition WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 16 Ballarat WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 17 Crossing the Murray …. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 18 Into the Centre WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 19 Cycling leg – Alice Springs to Katherine – 1200kms WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 20 Arrival at the Garma Festival WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 21 KPMG wrapped support van WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 22 Transfield sponsored vehicle WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 23 Lend Lease sponsored cyclists WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 24 Port Power endorsement WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 25 Raise awareness in your organisation Get personally involved Sign up at recognise.org.au Questions & Answers We invite you to support the movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian constitution. Please visit RECOGNISE.org.au WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION.