• You Me Unity

Read the full text

Website image: You Me Unity

20 May 2011This paper has been written to encourage all Australians to express their views on how to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution. In the coming months the Australian people will be consulted on a range of ideas for recognising Indigenous peoples in the Constitution. People can participate by attending one of the public meetings, by writing a letter or email, or by lodging a written submission. The Panel will also conduct surveys to capture the views of people not directly participating in the consultation process. Drawing on the results of these consultations, surveys and expert advice, the Expert Panel will make recommendations to the Prime Minister in December 2011 on options to change the Constitution which could be put to the Australian people at a referendum.

This paper aims to provide a starting point for this national conversation. It discusses the importance of constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, provides general information on Australia’s Constitution and the process of constitutional reform, and poses some questions designed to promote public discussion.;