2017-11-06
I welcome the joint statement led by Fiona Stanley and ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie, and signed by over 1000 prominent Australians calling on Mr Turnbull to rethink his decision to reject the proposal by the Referendum Council for a voice to Parliament.
“This could be a moment that brings our country together, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
“The vast majority of Australians want to see progress and a positive way forward for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Referendum Council’s recommendation were the result of a huge amount of work, commitment and consensus building.
“It’s heart breaking to see this Government reject this landmark work out of hand.
“The lack of leadership is gobsmacking and incredibly damaging, their action reflects how out of touch they are.
“The Australian Greens call on the Government to reconsider their position and to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve constitutional reform to establish a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
Media Release Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues