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Next step towards Reconciliation
Image: The Guardian
supplied by Minister Scullion’s office 29 March 2014
T
he Australian Government has established a panel to conduct a review into public support for Indigenous constitutional recognition. Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, announced the review in accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2013, which passed unanimously through the Australian Parliament last year. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the first inhabitants of this nation, and recognising them in our Constitution presents an historic
opportunity to acknowledge their unique culture and history, and their enormous contribution to this nation,” the Minister said. “This would complete our Constitution. “The panel comprises former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon John Anderson AO, Deputy Campaign Director of ‘Recognise’, Ms Tanya Hosch (pictured), and Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Richard Eccles. “The review panel will work with the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to progress the Government’s commitment towards a successful referendum. “The Joint Select Committee,
chaired by the first Indigenous Member of the House of Representatives, Mr Ken Wyatt AM MP, was formed by the Government to work towards a parliamentary and community consensus on referendum proposals and report on steps that can be taken to progress towards a successful referendum. “The Government will work with all parties across the Parliament to build support towards recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution.” The review panel is required to provide a report to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs by 28 September 2014. The Government will announce a draft amendment to the Constitution for public consultation in late 2014.
National NAIDOC Poster Competition and nominations for the National NAIDOC Awards are now open. Forms are available online at www.naidoc.org.au or at your nearest Indigenous Coordination Centre. Poster competition entries close Friday 28 March. Award nominations close Wednesday 23 April.
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