Statements
Constitutional Recognition for Tasmania’s First People
The Hodgman Liberal Government is proud to have introduced and passed through the House of Assembly amendments to the Tasmanian Constitution to recognise Aboriginal People as Tasmania’s First People.
These amendments will address the missing chapter in Tasmania’s story.
In its current form, the Tasmanian Constitution has done a great disservice to Aboriginal people as Tasmania’s first people given there is over 40,000 years of continuous Aboriginal occupation in Tasmania.
While I accept there is not universal agreement; this amendment to the Constitution brings us up to speed with other states which acknowledge and honour Aboriginal people as the first people and traditional custodians of their lands.
I thank those who have engaged and continued to be engaged in such a positive, constructive and informative process.
I now look forward to the Bill being considered by the Legislative Council next week.
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Aboriginal Affairs