Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

The passage of the Act of Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the House of Representitives is an important marker on the road towards a Referrendum on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Act of Recognition is an important part of the move towards Constitutional Recognition, something to which the Australian Greens remain strongly committed. This is an important step towards full Constitutional Recognition, but we can’t stop here.

The Act recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait People as traditional owners, their language, culture, connection to land and water, however it doesn't lock the Government into any action. It also sets out a review, to be undertaken in 12 months time about the best way to achieve a successful referendum.

Now it is time for politicans and the Australian people to demonstrate that they are ready to vote yes, by getting behind the recommendaitons of the Expert Panel and continuing to support this important campaign.

Read our Fact Sheet to learn more about Constitutional Recognition.

The Greens have a long standing commitment towards Constitutional change, and we've been working hard to deliver progress in this area.

Senator Rachel Siewert was a member of the Expert Panel which provided advice to the Prime Minister on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Senator Siewert now sits on a Joint Select Committee, which is tasked with building on the work already undertaken to develop cross-party political momentum in favour of Constitutional Recognition and improve understanding and awareness of this issue in the wider community.

The work of the Expert Panel and Joint Select Committee is based around comprehensive national consultations, meetings with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, public submissions, advice from respected constitutional lawyers, discussion among panel members and extensive research.

The journey towards Constitutional Recognition will be challenging, but it is an important step towards true Reconciliation.

For information on how you can help Australia take the important step of Constitutional Recognition, visit Recognise and YouMeUnity.

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