Democrats welcome Howard’s referendum pledge to recognise Indigenous Australians
Democrats Deputy Leader and Indigenous Affairs spokesperson, Senator Andrew Bartlett, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that he will seek to hold a referendum to formally recognise indigenous Australians within our Constitution.
"This is a very welcome development which is one step along the road to properly recognising and respecting the unique role the First Australians play in our nation’s past, present and future," Senator Bartlett said.
"The Democrats continue to reject the Prime Minister’s refusal to make a formal national apology to Indigenous Australians for past injustices inflicted on them, and will continue to push for this and other many areas of unfinished business to be acted on."
"It is a complete misunderstanding to see an apology as ‘repudiating’ the Australia of the past or ‘reinforcing a culture of victimhood’, as Mr Howard suggests."
"However, despite his continued misunderstanding about the nature and value of a formal apology, the Prime Minister’s announcement today is a very positive step and one the Democrats call on all political parties and the wider Australian community to work with and take forward with enthusiasm."
"It is time for the national conversation on this essential issue to commence, but it must be a debate led by Indigenous Australians, not constrained by politicians."
"Unless this process and the final wording for the referendum comes from and is supported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we will be missing a golden opportunity for our nation."
"hat Mr Howard has many negative legacies in this area should not cloud the positive opportunity he is now presenting Australia with," Senator Bartlett concluded.
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