Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s New Year Message

Jan 01, 2014

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has released a 2014 New Year Message in which he says he will “start the conversation” about recognising the first Australians in the Constitution.

In relation to indigenous recognition, Abbott said: “I will also start the conversation about a constitutional referendum to recognise the first Australians. This would complete our Constitution rather than change it.”

  • Listen to Abbott’s message (2m)
  • Watch Abbott (2m)

Text of media release from Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

If ever we should enter a New Year full of optimism, it is 2014. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Abbott, Audio, Constitutional Reform, Indigenous Tagged With: , , ,

Expert Panel Recommends Constitutional Recognition Of Indigenous Australians

Jan 16, 2012

The Expert Panel appointed by the Gillard government has issued a report which recommends recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution, the repeal of race provisions and a constitutional prohibition of racial discrimination.

The Panel, co-chaired by Patrick Dodson and Mark Leibler, was established in December 2010. Its report says: “It is now for the Government and the Parliament to take the Panel’s recommendations forward. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Constitutional Reform, Gillard, Indigenous Tagged With: , , ,