Taking the next step towards constitutional change

On the fifth anniversary of the National Apology, the Australian Government has taken the next step towards constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Today, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill passed through the House of Representatives, demonstrating the Parliament’s commitment to acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s unique and special place in our nation’s history.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said just as the National Apology of 2008 was an important first step towards healing and reconciliation, constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was another important step in that journey.

“On 13 February 2008 we said sorry to Indigenous Australians, in particular the Stolen Generations, for past wrongs,” Minister Macklin said.

“We apologised for the pain and suffering and hurt that successive policies had inflicted on Indigenous Australians for more than two centuries.

“That was the first step in laying claim to a new future for all Australians.

“Another step in the journey is the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution.”

The Australian Government has committed $10 million towards a campaign being led by Recognise, part of Reconciliation Australia, to continue to build support for constitutional change in the lead up to a referendum.

Under the Bill a review will be held 12 months after the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act commences to determine the readiness of the Australian public to support a referendum and what levels of support for constitutional recognition exist.

In line with advice from the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the Government believes a referendum should be held at a time when it has the most chance of success.