BREXIT REFERENDUM OUTCOME PLACES PRESSURE ON AUSTRALIA …

…. ABORIGINAL PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO BE PART OF WHITE AUSTRALIA WITHOUT AGREEMENT

Aboriginal leader Michael Mansell believes the Brexit referendum outcome has a spill over effect on the relationship between Aboriginal people and Australia. Mr Mansell said, “The UK referendum on Brexit is about the people choosing to be part of a political system or independent of it. The British Prime Minister has made it plain that although he personally wanted the UK to be part of the EU, he would respect the wishes of the people who do not.

In Australia, we Aboriginal people have never been given a chance to say if we want to be politically separate or part of Australia. Australia has to follow the lead of the UK and give us a choice.

Already the Opposition Leader Mr Shorten has raised the issue of a treaty. That treaty could settle the political relationship between Aboriginals and Australia. If we are to remain part of Australia, let the treaty terms spell out the benefits for us.”

Mr Mansell believed the Recognise campaign was “ an absolute waste of energy and resources. Even if it was passed at a referendum, nothing will change. It has so far had millions spent on it and a referendum will cost a further $150m.

That money would be far better spent on developing a treaty between Aboriginals and Australia. We want the same right of decide that has been exercised by the people of the UK.”
Michael Mansell Secretary