Constitutional referendum on the cards: experts examine the need to protect Indigenous Australians in the Constitution

6 Oct 2011
A University of Melbourne forum will consider the need to better represent Indigenous Australians in the Constitution ahead of a possible referendum next year.

The public forum, which is part of the Courting Controversy series at the Melbourne Law School will be held on October 12.

The Australian Government has appointed an expert panel to investigate Constitutional reform to better represent Indigenous Australians. The panel will report to the Government in December, and their findings may lead to a national referendum addressing the shortcomings of the Constitution.

The forum will consider possible issues covered by the Government’s panel. Speakers at the forum include former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, and will discuss the Constitution, which in its current form neither recognises Indigenous people nor provides them with specific legal rights or protection.

"Currently, Australia’s Constitution contains provisions that may permit governments to racially discriminate against Indigenous Australians," said Professor Adrienne Stone, forum chair.

"The Australian Constitution sets the scene for all Australian Law," said Professor Stone. "It’s shocking that Australia’s Constitution still contains provisions that reflect outdated and racist views."

"It’s a matter of high public importance that this situation be addressed, and the Constitution reformed in line with the views of modern Australians."

As well as Mr Fraser, speakers include:

o Mark McMillan, a Wiradjuri man and academic from Melbourne Law School, whose research encompasses human rights and Indigenous rights;
o Professor Adrienne Stone, Director of the Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies and Professor at Melbourne Law School.

Melbourne Law School will reflect on issues raised by the Government’s expert panel in its Courting Controversy series, which provides an opportunity for the community to hear from public intellectuals who have taken a strong stand on the issue, from legal and social perspectives.

Public forum details:
Courting Controversy: Recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution
Date: Wednesday 12 October 2011
Time: 6.00-7.30pm
Venue: Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton.
To Register: Online registrations are essential and media are welcome to attend: http://www.law.unimelb.ed...