Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Madeleine Ogilvie has strongly backed today’s motion to establish parliamentary hearings into proposals for Tasmanian Constitutional change to recognise state’s Indigenous people as the island’s traditional owners.
The motion passed the House of Assembly today.
“This is a solid next step in my proposal for Tasmanian Constitutional change,” said Ms Ogilvie.
“When we started working on a push for Constitutional Change, we quickly realised that it was going to require all parties to come together in a spirit of inclusion. I am pleased the Premier has taken up my proposal and I am looking forward to working with the committee on this most important matter.
“Tasmanian parliamentarians have a strong tradition and history when it comes to bringing forward ideas that have the capacity to positively benefit all in our community, but this is particularly so in Aboriginal Affairs. In the tradition of Paul Lennon, Jim Bacon, Sue Napier, Ray Groom and at a federal level Paul Keating and Gough Whitlam, our new approach aims to bring together the next generation of leadership on this issue.
“We also want to see the Federal Constitutional referendum succeed, to recognise Aboriginal Australians. For a ‘yes’ vote to succeed, the referendum must return a majority of votes in a majority of states. Tasmania is an important bellwether in that regard.
“The Tasmanian parliament has now taken a decisive step in the right direction. Our work on the Tasmania proposal will undoubtedly create a foundation for and momentum around the Federal campaign, but our key aim is to gather together, to listen and create a more positive future for all Tasmanians.
“I am humbled by the unanimous support for my proposal shown in the House today.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
