Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012 

The St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia actively engages in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

The Society endorses the recognition of Australia's First Peoples within the Australian Constitution and supports this Bill.

The Society emphasises the importance of acknowledging Indigenous Peoples' historical occupation of the land, their enduring relationship with it, and respect for their cultures, languages, and heritage. In examining the Bill, the Society is concerned by Clause 5 which is a sunset provision that terminates legislation within two years of enactment if a referendum has not occurred. The Society argues that this sunset clause might jeopardise the momentum for meaningful change and therefore proposes an alternative approach.

The Society recommends a mandatory review by the relevant Minister if a referendum on constitutional recognition does not occur within the two-year period.

The Society argues that constitutional recognition is a pivotal step in acknowledging the injustices of the past, and the ongoing legacy of Australia’s First Nations into the future.  

Read our submission - pdf file