Amnesty International welcomes the recommendations announced today by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meaningfully recognise the contribution of Australia’s First Peoples’ to the life of this nation. We welcome the Expert Panel’s work towards ensuring we have a Constitution that benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” said Sarah Marland, Amnesty International’s Indigenous Rights Campaign Co-ordinator.

“It is now imperative for the Government to adequately educate all Australians about the importance of modernising our Constitution.

“If the Government is serious about advancing reconciliation and giving this referendum every opportunity to succeed then it must be properly resourced to build the public’s awareness and education.

“It is also crucial for an issue of such national significance to continue having multi-party support, with our politicians working together to create a just society,” said Marland.

Amnesty International has consistently raised its concerns about provisions in the Constitution that allow for laws to be passed that negatively discriminate against Indigenous Peoples.

Various UN committees over the years have also recommended Australia reform its Constitution to remove racially discriminatory sections and to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“The suspension by Government of the “Racial Discrimination Act” when enacting the Northern Territory Intervention is just one example showing why the Constitution in its current form only provides limited human rights protections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“Removing the racially discriminatory parts of the Constitution would be a step forward in putting Australia in line with its international human rights obligations,” said Marland.