This article provides an overview of why it is proposed that the Australian Constitution be changed to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It then establishes what changes are needed to the Constitution.
Conclusion:
The Australian Constitution fails to recognise Indigenous peoples, and still enables discrimination against them. This provides a sound case for changing the document.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Mental health benefits in constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. Media Release, 25May2011.
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Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Recognition of Indigenous People in the Australian Constitution. Position Statement No. 68, September2011.
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Quick J Official record of the debates of the Australasian Federal Convention: 1891–1898, (Convention Debates), Melbourne, 3March1898, p.1784.
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Kartinyeri v Commonwealth (Hindmarsh Island Bridge Case). Transcript of Argument, High Court of Australia, 5February1998.
7.
Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Parliament of Australia, Interim Report, 2014, p.29.
