Question: For several years, there has been discussion of constitutional recognition of Australia’s first peoples in the Commonwealth Constitution (CC). A Referendum Council was established to advise...

Question:

For several years, there has been discussion of constitutional recognition of Australia’s first
peoples in the Commonwealth Constitution (CC). A Referendum Council was established to
advise the Commonwealth government. The Council Report was released recently. It includes the
“Uluru Statement from the Heart”, a statement by a group of indigenous people resulting from a
consultation process. Research and comment on the desirability and feasibility of:
1. Addition of a preamble recognising the first peoples;
2. Amendment of s25, s51(xxvi) and possible insertion of new sections;
3. Incorporation of Native Title in the CC;
4. Establishment and possible enshrinement in the CC of a First Peoples’ Voice advisory
body to Parliament;
5. A treaty or “Makarrata” not involving amendment of the text of the CC.