Last updated on March 20, 2024
The Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, has released a proposed preamble to the Constitution.
Kennett’s preamble, or declaration, follows the Howard government’s release of an Initial Bill that contains a draft preamble.
Text of the Kennett Preamble.
We commit ourselves to the Commonwealth of Australia as a sovereignty founded on the values of equality and dignity.
We hold inviolable the rights of a free people – to speak freely and make our own choices in the pursuit of knowledge, opportunity and fulfilment.
Australia’s distinctive identity and lifestyle are to be prized and cherished.
We celebrate difference, and are united by the heritage of a harmonious indigenous and international culture and the custodianship of an ancient, fragile land.
The future is our frontier and our destiny is to claim Australia’s place in the world.
Our democracy is vested in every individual and confers the protection of the rule of law; and government serves the common good.
In this spirit the Constitution defines Australia’s charter for all generations.
