Discussion and debate about constitutional recognition and the outcome of last week’s Uluru convention of hundreds of Aboriginal community leaders will continue to build as Australia decides whether or not to have a referendum, and what the referendum will be asking. The following article, published in ‘The Age‘, provides some really useful explanations and background information.
By Fergus Hunter, published in ‘The Age‘, 31 May 2017
Australia is on the verge of taking big, historic steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous people. But there are some potentially contentious and confusing elements. Here’s what it all means.
Hundreds of Aboriginal community leaders met at Uluru in late May to find common ground on a way forward. This capped off a dozen regional meetings around the country.
They then released a “Statement from the Heart”, which called for:
Broadly, it is the formal acknowledgement of continuous occupation of Australia by
people for 50,000 years or more before European colonisation.
Indigenous people are largely rejecting such minimalist change, instead urging substantive action. Advocates of a First Nations Voice contend it is the form of recognition they want.
Advocates for significant change argue it is the only thing Aboriginal people support and the only thing worth doing. Others contend that any change should be minimal if it is to gain the support of the Australian public.
The constitution is the foundation document that underpins all laws made by the Australian government.
The exact form of the proposed Indigenous representative body is still to be decided.
It would likely sit separate to the Parliament and not have veto powers over legislation, but offer advice to governments.
Cape York leader Noel Pearson has suggested it could be made up of delegates elected from tribal groups across the country. He favours broad language in the constitution enshrining such a body but leaving the details to the Parliament.
University of New South Wales law professor and Cobble Cobble woman Megan Davis cites international examples to argue structural representation of Indigenous people results in better long-term outcomes in health, education and employment.
Treaties are legal agreements between Indigenous groups and governments that can formally recognise sovereignty over land, outline reparations and settlements, establish rules about coexistence and formalise the provision of services like education and health.
An agreement signed between the Western Australian government and the 30,000-strong Noongar people is considered by many to be a treaty. The Victorian and South Australian state governments are in the process of striking treaties with Aboriginal groups.
Australia is the only Commonwealth country that does not have a treaty with its Indigenous citizens.
It’s important to note that treaties and constitutional recognition can co-exist. Some experts have actually observed that constitutional change is required for treaties to be viable.
“Makarrata” is a Yolngu word that means the coming together after a struggle, facing up to past wrongs and committing to peaceful relations.
In overseeing treaties between Aboriginal people and government, a Makarrata Commission would seek to perform the role of a truth and reconciliation commission. These have been conducted in South Africa and Canada as part of healing processes.
A full report will now be finalised by the nonpartisan Referendum Council advisory group and delivered to the Parliament, which will then decide how to proceed. This will be handed over on June 30, after which the council will be dissolved.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have maintained a bipartisan approach, although Mr Shorten has indicated more openness to bold change, including a treaty. Mr Turnbull has expressed caution, pointing to the low success rate for referendums.
This council’s report will take into account a 2011 expert panel report, 2015 findings from a bipartisan parliamentary committee and the outcomes of the Uluru convention.
Australia recently marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, which removed two provisions in the constitution: one that prevented Aboriginal people from being counted in the Australian population; the other that excluded Aboriginal people from the Commonwealth’s power to make special laws for the people of any race.
Recognise – The official, government-funded campaign founded in 2012 to rally public support for constitutional change. It has been criticised as unrepresentative by Aboriginal figures
Referendum Council – A bipartisan advisory body established in 2015 to inform the progress towards a referendum. It is chaired by respected Aboriginal leader Pat Anderson and high-profile lawyer Mark Leibler
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples – A non-government, representative body for Indigenous people
Reconciliation Australia – Non-government organisation established in 2001. It oversees Recognise
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