Panel To Recommend Australia Constitution Be Changed To End Racism
A Labor appointed panel is recommending changes to the Australian constitution to promote national recognition of Australia's indigenous people and ultimately prohibit discrimination.
The 22-member panel, said to be culturally and politically diverse, are expected to propose their recommendations to the Gillard government in January 2012.
While the recommendations are yet to be made public, critics expect the panel will propose changes to existing sections of the constitution that many argue are outdated and racially discriminatory.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
One of the most criticized subsections is that of s 51, which allows for lawmakers to make different laws according to race.
Lawmakers have previously argued in favor of s 51, saying it is actually beneficial and protects Aboriginals.
Critics however have for long countered against it, saying it is oppressive and promotes racial segregation throughout society.
The panel reportedly consulted with members of the general public over a long period of time, inviting suggestions and opinions with the goal of creating publicly favorable changes.
The panel are expected to ask for the recognition and the protection of indigenous cultures and languages, and suggest that racism be outlawed once and for all, according to The Age newspaper.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin reportedly supported the idea, telling newspapers that the proposed changes are ''a significant step towards building an Australia based on strong relationships and mutual respect'."
The revolutionary proposal for change comes three years after former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made his controversial “sorry” speech, which was an apology directed at indigenous people.
It also comes four years after Australia initially voted against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous people, while under Liberal Prime Minister John Howard's leadership.
In 2009 after Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was voted into power, the country voted in favor of the declaration, gaining international applause.
Although Aboriginals account for less than 3 percent of the nation's population, panel members believe the proposed change is not only moral, but long overdue.
Co-chair of the panel, Patrick Dodson, also expressed the need for change.
''We'd fundamentally debunk the White Australia Policy and the white Australia mentality if we get this up," Dodson said.
