Australia

This is a rare chance to make a fundamental difference to Indigenous rights in this country....

The Constitution is the basis for our laws and political system. In 1967 the Federal government had a referendum which resulted in Indigenous people being given the right to vote. But that did not change some restriction of rights of Indigenous people still currently enshrined in the Constitution. These include:

Section 25.

For the purposes of the last section, if by the law of any State all persons of any race are disqualified from voting at elections for the more numerous House of the Parliament of the State, then, in reckoning the number of the people of the State or of the Commonwealth, persons of the race resident in that State shall not be counted.

Section 51.

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: - (xxvi.) The people of any race, for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws.

The Federal government is conducting public consultation about constitution so that Indigenous People's rights and cultures can be written into the Constitution. By 31 December 2011 the Panel appointed by the government will be proposing a change through public referendum. So far 91% of people have responded that Recognition should be given, not only in the preamble, but also in the body of the constitution.

Actions you can take:

You can make a submission about the form of constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You have till 30 September.

Or

You can simply put your suggestion / recommendation for change on-line to the Panel at http://www.youmeunity.org.au/

For any further information or clarification on this matter, please feel free to contact:

"INDOOROOPILLY" means "gully of running water" and is the land of the Turrbal & Jagerra people.

"Jingi, Walla Wallu Ngin."