Federal election 2016: Hanson must be heard, says Stan Grant

Pauline Hanson’s views must be assessed on their merits, according to journalist and indigenous leader Stan Grant.

Indigenous journalist Stan Grant at the National Archives in Canberra yesterday. Picture: Ray Strange

Pauline Hanson is a lightning rod for disenfranchised voters, but her views must be assessed on their merits, according to journalist and indigenous leader Stan Grant.

Grant, 52, will address a forum with Cape York Institute academic Shireen Morris on Saturday to mark Constitution Day celebrations at the National Archives in Canberra.

As a member of the government’s Referendum Council on ­indigenous recognition in the Constitution, Mr Grant will speak on the history of the struggle for recognition, and what may lie ahead.

In preparation, he yesterday viewed the original copy of the constitution, which became law in the British parliament on July 9, 1900, when Queen Victoria signed the Royal Commission of Assent, as well as the 1967 amendments, which granted Aboriginal people citizenship. He says he realises his mission is not without challenges during what he describes as a “chaotic” and “fractious” time in Australian politics.

Grant, a Wiradjuri man from Griffith in NSW, took a calm and realistic view about the role the resurrection of racially divisive senator-elect Pauline Hanson might play in the struggle for constitutional reform.

He said Ms Hanson was a voice, and she would have a place in the Senate where her voice would be heard. “There are also more indigenous people in our parliament now than we’ve ever had before,” Grant said.

Labor senator Pat Dodson will be joined in the Senate by Nova Peris’s replacement, Malarndirri McCarthy, and Labor MP-elect Linda Burney will join Liberal Ken Wyatt as the first indigenous woman in the lower house.

“There’ll be a range of voices that’ll be brought to bear on this, and that’s as it should be,” Grant said.

“I don’t think we silence voices. We want to hear from people. There will always be people ­opposed to the recognition of indigenous rights. There will also be a lot of people who are supportive.

“There will be people across the spectrum in the indigenous community as well. It’s not about shutting anyone down, it’s not about being afraid of that.

“If we’re going to successfully prosecute a case for a referendum, then you need to look at the political reality, and you need to be able to build a case that is persuasive and inclusive.”