The Referendum Council’s Uluru Statement, arising from the National Constitutional Convention attended by more than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates last week, calls for:
- Constitutional reforms to “empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country”
- The establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution
- A Makarrata Commission “to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history”.
Federation has been a long-time supporter of the people’s movement, Recognise, which is campaigning for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Constitution.
Following the Uluru Statement, Recognise joint campaign director Mark Yettica-Paulson wrote to supporters of the campaign:
“The work of Recognise has always been to raise awareness of these principles and prepare the nation for a successful referendum — the only way to change the Australian Constitution. That work will continue.
“While we have remained neutral on the model needed to achieve change, we have provided information on all of the options on the table. We will continue to do so, while the nation awaits the final report of the Referendum Council and a response from the Parliament.”