August 12, 2015

Recognition sleight of hand

In his opinion piece pertaining to indigenous constitutional conventions, published in 'The Australian', Wesley Aird states: "It is difficult to see how an indigenous-only process could work, given there is no way of knowing who would be eligible to participate. In any case, a referendum ought to be for all Australians." Pamela Nathan comments that Aird's arguments against indigenous constitutional conventions are a sleight of hand. If the process in the lead up to the referendum can be about recognition, consultation, discussion and the chance to have a voice and to be heard, maybe then it can also offer hope for reconciliation.