Progress on Constitutional Recognition for Tasmania’s First People

Today I introduced into Parliament amendments to the Tasmanian Constitution to recognise Aboriginal People as Tasmania’s First People.

Tasmania is the only state in Australia not to acknowledge Aboriginal people in its Constitution.

This amendment makes a clear and significant statement of acknowledgement and recognition of the First Tasmanians.

Constitutional recognition is part of our policy agenda to re-set our relationship with Tasmanian Aboriginal People, and to mark what is the first chapter in our state’s story.

The amendment to form part of the Preamble of the Tasmanian Constitution, reads:

“And whereas the Parliament, on behalf of all the people of Tasmania, acknowledges the Aboriginal people as Tasmania’s First People and the traditional and original owners of Tasmanian lands and waters; recognises the enduring spiritual, social, cultural and economic importance of traditional lands and waters to Tasmanian Aboriginal people; and recognises the unique and lasting contributions that Tasmanian Aboriginal people have made and continue to make to Tasmania.”
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Aboriginal Affairs