QCCL Position on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and constitutonal recognition

Motion passed at the Council’s AGM on 25th November 2018

This meeting approves the decision of the Executive at its meeting on 4 July 2018 that the Council endorses the Uluru Statement from the heart and the passage of an amendment to the constitution as recommended by the Expert Panel on Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution as follows:

Section 51A Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Recognising that the continent and its islands now known as Australia were first occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

Acknowledging the continuing relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their traditional lands and waters;

Respecting the continuing cultures, languages and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

Acknowledging the need to secure the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Section 116A Prohibition of racial discrimination

(1)The Commonwealth, a State or a Territory shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic or national origin.

(2)Subsection (1) does not preclude the making of laws or measures for the purpose of overcoming disadvantage, ameliorating the effects of past discrimination, or protecting the cultures, languages or heritage of any group

Both as appropriate and necessary measures to secure the rights and liberties of this country’s indigenous peoples.