Indigenous consensus key to recognition: Rachel Siewert

Greens senator Rachel Siewert is the latest politician to express concern over the Prime Minister’s stance.

Tony Abbott is facing continuing criticism over his failure to support a proposal for Aboriginal conventions ahead of a referendum on ­indigenous constitutional recognition.

Greens senator Rachel Siewert is the latest politician to express concern over the Prime Minister’s stance on the recognition movement. The West Australian senator has urged Mr Abbott to reconsider his decision.

“I believe there is a high level of community support for the constitutional recognition of Abor­iginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Senator Siewert said in a letter to Mr Abbott. “What is needed now is community discussion about what the ­actual changes will be.

“It is imperative that the ­proposed changes have the ­involvement and support of ­Aboriginal and Torres Strait ­Islander peoples.”

Senator Siewert said she was “deeply concerned” that Mr ­Abbott had rejected a proposal from indigenous leaders Patrick Dodson, Noel Pearson, Kirstie Parker and Megan Davis for a ­series of Aboriginal conventions, aimed at building support and achieving consensus, be funded by the government ahead of a referendum question being drafted.

“I believe that this proposal from key leaders in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community should be given government support and funding,” Senator Siewert said. “I urge you to reconsider this proposal.”

Her entreaty echoed that of Bill Shorten, who has also asked Mr Abbott to reconsider his rejection of indigenous conferences ahead of a 2017 referendum. It was revealed last week that Mr Abbott had written to Mr Dodson, Mr Pearson, Ms Parker and Professor Davis ­rejecting the need for indigenous-specific conferences. He believes such a process would be divisive and insists indigenous consultation can take place within a framework of all-in community conferences.

Senator Siewert said yesterday: “For the Prime Minister to turn down specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ­forums I think shows a misunderstanding on how constitutional recognition will be achieved.

“I have spoken to Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley, Alice Springs and around the country. The overriding message to the government is they want genuine conversations on the ­issues they care about.”