Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

As a member of this committee, I would like to make a contribution in taking note of this report by the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Firstly, I would like to express both my thanks and my congratulations to Ken Wyatt and Nova Peris, who both, as chair and co-chair of this committee, did a wonderful job. It is such a pleasure to stand here and talk to a report that did receive consensus support from the members of our committee. Each member of our committee worked really hard to participate in this process to bring their passion and their commitment, and an open mind to listening to the evidence. We all went out into the community and spoke to a wide range of community members. As Senator Peris just said, we spoke to constitutional experts. We understand what a con-con is now—having a wide range of legal expertise but never getting the same piece of legal advice from more than one lawyer! They all differ.

One thing that we are now committed to is an understanding of the need for constitutional recognition. It was really clear from all the evidence we received that recognition has to be substantive recognition—it has to be. The message was really clear to us. We outlined this in our report at paragraph 5.22, where we say:

During its inquiry, the committee heard the strong view that if constitutional recognition were to be pursued, substantive reform should be achieved. Many witnesses rejected the idea of mere recognition, considering it to be 'tokenistic'. The committee heard that for it to be supported, recognition had to be combined with a provision preventing discrimination on the basis of race.

I am absolutely convinced that the only way we can progress with constitutional reform is to acknowledge that recognition is essential. But recognition, as we just said, has to go hand in hand with provisions preventing discrimination. We heard that over and over again. I would find it very hard to look into the eyes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and try to convince them that constitutional recognition without addressing issues of discrimination is worthy of support. This is why the committee has made a series of recommendations.

In terms of the wording for the recommendations, there are three options. Each of those options address not only recognition and largely the words of the expert panel but, in some form, the issue around discrimination. As a member of the expert panel, I am really proud that this committee also thought that the recognition words were largely worthy of support without much amendment, as did the community. That is reflected in the community voice. It is absolutely imperative that any words for constitutional recognition and reform have to have the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. That is why it is so important that the recommendation around the conventions is also taken up and that we make sure that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard.

It is quite clear from the consultation that people do support constitutional recognition. There are some who have some concerns, and that is acknowledged in the report. It is also quite clear that it is not the end of how we need to make sure that we are a reconciled nation. But it is very clear to me that it will substantially help us along the journey of reconciliation in this country.

While I am talking about the journey, I would also like to acknowledge the work that Recognise has done over the last couple of years in raising awareness around constitutional recognition. They have set off on a journey of recognition. On that journey, 20,256 people have participated. I was part of the first kilometre—and, in fact, a bit more—of that journey. I am really pleased to see that so many people have participated in that. They have been on the road for 262 days. They have visited 211 communities, walked 32,490 kilometres and participated in 271 events. That is a lot of engagement. We need, though, to keep that work going. We need to redouble our efforts to make sure that we are talking to Australia around constitutional recognition.

I, for one, and I know am representing the voice of all Australian Greens here, believe that our Constitution is not finished until we make sure we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution. I know a lot of people want to speak, so I am going to cut my comments short. Please hear Senator Peris's call for people to read and understand this report and engage in this discussion. And be ready for a referendum. Talk to people about these recommendations. The recommendation in this report on timing is very important. We need to go ahead with a referendum when the nation is ready. Please help us enable the nation to be ready for a referendum.