Indigenous voice in constitution consistent with fair go concept, Anthony Albanese says
Anthony Albanese says the enshrining of an Aboriginal voice in the constitution is “vital”.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has described the enshrining of an Aboriginal voice in the constitution as a “vital change” for the nation that is consistent with the Australian concept of a “fair-go”.
Speaking on ABC’s Insiders this morning from the Garma festival in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Mr Albanese said the constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians would make for a more united Australia.
“Let’s be clear about what First Nations people are asking for,” he said. “Their ask is modest. It is simply that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be consulted on matters that affect them. I think common sense tells you that is perfectly consistent with the Australian concept of a fair go.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is pursuing a model for indigenous recognition, but has ruled out supporting the enshrining of the voice in the constitution and has suggested the body could be legislated instead.
Critics have also suggested the proposed change could threaten the sovereignty of the parliament.
But Mr Albanese downplayed concerns, saying just as Kevin Rudd’s historic apology to the stolen generation had courted controversy in the lead-up, once an Aboriginal voice had been enshrined, “people would wonder what the fuss is about”.
He said Mr Morrison should heed calls from indigenous, legal and business groups to advance constitutional recognition.
Former High Court chief justices Robert French and Murray Gleeson have also thrown their support behind the voice.
When asked whether Labor would be prepared to support an approach to the voice that wasn’t included in the constitution, Mr Albanese said Labor wouldn’t support a measure that wasn’t supported by First Nations people themselves.
“We need to advance Aboriginal reconciliation — until we have that we won’t truly be a whole nation.”
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