Indigenous recognition a regression to a racist Constitution
MEDIA RELEASE
5 August 2021
Recognising indigenous people and enshrining a voice to Parliament would be a regressive step for a Constitution which has been colour-blind for more than 50 years.
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson today told Parliament her party opposed the ‘divisive and racist’ campaign for indigenous recognition and enshrining an indigenous voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution.
“This isn’t progress,” Senator Hanson said. “It’s regression.
“Since the historic 1967 referendum which removed all specific references to indigenous people, the Constitution has been colour-blind. That’s the way it should be.
“Indigenous people are already recognised in the Constitution without being mentioned specifically. It has many references to ‘the people’ and ‘electors’, which today means every Australian voting adult regardless of race.
“Those proposing indigenous recognition and a voice to Parliament in the Constitution are taking a backward step, making it a racist document again by singling out a particular race of people to be treated differently from other Australians.
“Parliamentarians backing the voice to Parliament seem to forget there are already 227 voices in Parliament representing indigenous people, including several who identify as indigenous themselves.
“One adult, one vote – it’s the only way that’s free and fair.
“Parliament’s focus should be on practical measures which make a real difference in improving outcomes and empowering indigenous people – not as a race, but as individual Australians – to fully participate in the national economy and Australian society. We don’t need more of the same failures like ATSIC. We don’t need more of the same useless symbolism.”
