2015-11-09
To progress the issue of Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is essential they have the opportunity to come together discuss the issues and determine what form of recognition they would support, said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
“I urge Malcolm Turnbull to immediately commit resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples conventions so that the path to Constitutional Recognition does not continue to stall.
“Constitutional Recognition cannot be achieved without the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, a clear step for Malcolm Turnbull is to show some good will and commit resources to the conventions and enable them to go ahead as soon as practicable.
“There has been a large amount of work to get things to this point. It would be such a shame to see it all dissipated.
“We have not seen any real signs from the Prime Minister that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues are high on his personal agenda, supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples conventions to get underway would show commitment to achieving Constitutional Recognition.,
“I wrote to Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott asking him to reconsider his position on these conventions and to fund the proposal from Aboriginal leaders. I will continue to call for these discussions, which must happen on the path to historic reform.
“For a referendum on Constitutional Recognition to be successful it must have the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, that is why these conventions are imperative”.