Warren Mundine backs Malcolm Turnbull for recognition’s future

Warren Mundine says he believes Malcolm Turnbull will successfully deliver constitutional recognition for indigenous Australians.

Warren Mundine has been retained as the new Prime Minister’s indigenous adviser. Picture: Kym Smith

Warren Mundine believes Malcolm Turnbull’s experience as head of the republican movement will help him successfully deliver constitutional recognition for indigenous Australians.

Mr Mundine, who has been retained as the new Prime Minister’s indigenous adviser, said he believed Mr Turnbull’s experience prosecuting the failed “yes” campaign in the lead-up to the 1999 referendum could help him forge a consensus on constitutional recognition.

“I am sure he has learnt the lessons of the republican debate,” Mr Mundine said.

“I expect he will take up the leadership on this and he will work with the indigenous community to make sure we get the right question together because it has to be the right question.

“I think Malcolm has got the skills and goodwill to bring the Australian public along.”

The Indigenous Advisory Council was established by Tony Abbott when he came to office in 2013, as he pledged to be a prime minister for indigenous affairs and moved responsibility of the portfolio into the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Mr Turnbull last night said he would be the Prime Minister for “all Australians”, which included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. “I want First Australians, our indigenous Australians, to have the same opportunities as everyone else, that includes a good education, work opportunities, living in a safe environment, so yes, I do see myself as the Prime Minister for indigenous affairs,” he told ABC radio last night.

Since becoming leader, Mr Turnbull said he had spoken to Mr Mundine and indigenous leaders Noel Pearson, Tanya Hosch, Mick Gooda and Patrick Dodson about the challenge of achieving constitutional recognition of First Australians.

“I have had good discussions with all of them,” he said. “I am not unfamiliar with the challenges of achieving constitutional reform.”

Mr Turnbull has previously expressed support for constitutional recognition, advocating a need to recognise “the original inhabitants of this country” and remove section 25, which says states can ban people from voting based on their race.