MEDIA RELEASE: LABOR COMMITTED TO A PATH FORWARD ON CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION

01 March 2018

Labor has again demonstrated our willingness to work with the Government on constitutional reform. But we are absolutely clear that we will not wait for them.

Labor is committed to working with First Nations People to ensure their voices are heard including through a constitutionally enshrined First Nations voice. This was the number one priority from the Referendum Council and the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Labor will do all we can to make these a reality.

By contrast, Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed the views of First Nations People. Labor will participate in the new Joint Select Committee in the hope that the Government will reconsider its position and join Labor in a bi-partisan push for constitutional change.

Labor has been calling for a Joint Committee since the 2017 Garma Festival, to find a way forward on this important national issue.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee will deliver an interim report in June and a final report in November.