” The Labor-initiated Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition has today released its interim report, putting calls for a Voice for First Nations people back on the national agenda.

 More than a year after the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Final Report of the Referendum Council, the overwhelming evidence to this Committee is that First Nation’s people want a Voice, and a more meaningful say in the issues that impact their lives.

Nine months ago the Prime Minister rejected the Uluru Statement and the proposal for a Voice to Parliament through the Referendum Council, labelling it ‘undesirable’ and ‘unwinnable’ – characterising the Voice as a ‘third chamber of Parliament’.

Despite this, Labor fought to establish the Committee to keep the issue of constitutional recognition on the agenda of the Parliament. Labor has worked hard through the committee to get cross party support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Labor is pleased the interim report puts all options back on the table, including constitutional change and the establishment of regional Voices “

Senator Dodson’s Labor Party Press Release in Full Part 2

Download Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition HERE

 Interimreport

The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples has presented its interim report to the Parliament.

The report centres on the proposal for a First Nations Voice, which arose from the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The report considers evidence in relation to the constitutionality, structure, function, and establishment of The Voice, and examines past and existing advisory bodies and new proposals that might inform the design of The Voice.

The report also considers other proposals for constitutional change and proposals for truth-telling and agreement making.

The Committee acknowledges the high level of interest in its inquiry, and wishes to thank the many individuals and organisations who made submissions and met with the Committee. The Committee will continue to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.

The Committee is seeking additional submissions examining the principles and models outlined in the report, and addressing the questions posed in the final chapter. Additional submissions should be received by 17 September 2018.

The Committee acknowledges the frustration caused by the length of time taken to advance constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Committee is hopeful that, through this inquiry, it can play a constructive role in developing proposals for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Committee is due to present its final report to the Parliament on 29 November 2018.

The interim report is also  on the Committee’s website at: www.aph.gov.au/jsccr.

Part 2 Senator Dodsons Press Releases

The Labor-initiated Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition has today released its interim report, putting calls for a Voice for First Nations people back on the national agenda.

More than a year after the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Final Report of the Referendum Council, the overwhelming evidence to this Committee is that First Nation’s people want a Voice, and a more meaningful say in the issues that impact their lives.

Nine months ago the Prime Minister rejected the Uluru Statement and the proposal for a Voice to Parliament through the Referendum Council, labelling it ‘undesirable’ and ‘unwinnable’ – characterising the Voice as a ‘third chamber of Parliament’. Despite this, Labor fought to establish the Committee to keep the issue of constitutional recognition on the agenda of the Parliament. Labor has worked hard through the committee to get cross party support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Labor is pleased the interim report puts all options back on the table, including constitutional change and the establishment of regional Voices.

The Committee is an opportunity for the Parliament to work together to give First Nations people a Voice to Parliament and push forward a Makarrata commission to oversee truth-telling and agreement-making.

Labor remains committed to working with First Nations people, the broader community and the Parliament on this task. Labor has always supported the Uluru Statement and remains committed to working with First Nations people to ensure their voices are heard – including through a voice to Parliament. It is time for the Prime Minister to reverse his position and back these calls.

Over the next few months the committee will be undertaking further consultations, traveling to other parts of Australia to speak with both First Nations and the broader community before delivering a final report in November.

In the absence of cross party support necessary to achieve constitutional change Labor has promised in government to legislate for a voice to honour the aspirations held in the Uluru statement, whilst not losing sight of the need for constitutional guarantee.

We will work to build support for a referendum. For the honour of our Nation, for the respect of all Australians, for the sake of equality and fair treatment – constitutional recognition of First Nations people must happen.

It will happen