Reconciliation and Social Justice Library

Indigenous Social Justice Strategies and Recommendations - Constitutional Reform

The failure of current Australian policy regarding Indigenous peoples to meet contemporary international standards begins with our most fundamental document, the Australian Constitution. Although, since 1967, the Federal Government has had constitutional power and responsibility in respect of Australia's Indigenous peoples, in deference to State and Territory governments, it has exercised them modestly and reluctantly. Further, the Constitution itself is an inadequate basis for contemporary policy making.

In 1901, the `founding fathers', white, male and bearded, saw no reason to place the rights of Indigenous peoples on the Constitutional agenda. Indeed, Indigenous peoples were totally excluded from the process of forming the Constitution. As Australians approache the Centenary of federation, not only must we be mindful of the principles and powers we wish to lay down in our foundational document, we must ensure that the constitutional reform agenda recognises the active involvement of Indigenous peoples in the reform process.