The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Attorney-General, the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and the Referendum Engagement Group today marked a significant moment in Australia’s history.
The group’s fifth meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, coincided with the historic introduction of the Constitution Alteration Bill into the Australian Parliament.
The Constitution Alteration Bill is the first formal step towards a referendum later this year to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution through a Voice to parliament.
The Referendum Engagement Group witnessed the introduction of the legislation from the Federal parliament public galleries. The group celebrated the step towards writing a new chapter in the country’s founding document and reflected on the decades-long journey towards constitutional recognition.
Ms Karen Mundine, CEO Reconciliation Australia, gave an update on the plans for Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June.
Professor Shane Hearn, CEO First Nation Media Australia, spoke with members of the Referendum Engagement Group about the importance of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through First Nations media organisations.
The Group will meet again soon to continue to discuss ways to further engage the community, including First Nations communities, on this historic reform.