Small but significant step paves way for Constitutional recognition
Historic change the first in 82 years
Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Madeleine Ogilvie has today welcomed the historic introduction of the Constitutional Amendment Bill into State Parliament which will finally give recognition to Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
Ms Ogilvie said it had been a long road to reach today’s debate on the Bill which had the support of all political parties in the House of Assembly.
“This is an historic day, a significant day and a day for everyone to celebrate – finally – recognition for our first Tasmanians,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“I am proud of this initiative and I’m proud of the fact that Tasmania could not have reached this stage in the Constitutional reform process without the full engagement across the three parties represented in the House of Assembly.
“Achieving Constitutional recognition for Tasmania is a small but significant step.
“However after all of the hard work that has gone into reaching this point, the government should have agreed to delay this debate to allow more representation from Tasmania’s Indigenous community.
“It was a shame the government did not provide adequate time for the entire community to be part of this historic occasion.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
