Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Recognition debate has become an embarrassment

By Gary Johns - posted Wednesday, 22 April 2015


Most voters are pragmatists, and they want to know the answer to one simple question.

What is it that proponents (inside or outside the Constitution) want to recognise?

Proponents are reluctant to ­reveal what it is Aborigines want recognised. The deception ­inherent in the recognition debate is immense.

Advertisement

Let me inform you what sensibly could be recognised: that an Aboriginal people existed in Australia before European settlement. Such a statement could sit in a preamble to the Constitution, literally and figuratively preceding the Constitution.

The following formulation was contained in the Gillard government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2013.

“The people of Australia, recognises that the continent and the islands now known as Australia were first occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ­peoples.”

They were here first. Beyond that, there should be nothing.

The people who now constitute Australia have come from 180 or so countries. There is no ­“people” other than Australian citizens.

Australians no longer share a common heritage (British) or race (Anglo-Celtic). Australians share the history of the place called ­Australia, an official language, the law and civic traditions. Substantive equality before the law is guaranteed, especially following the 1967 version of recognition. There is no guarantee that every person will thrive: for those who cannot, there is welfare.

Advertisement

The treaty is a trick. It will not help a single Aboriginal child get to school, study, pass exams and get a job.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All

This article was first published in The Australian.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

6 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Gary Johns is a former federal member of Parliament and served as a minister in the Keating Government. Since December 2017 he has been the commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Gary Johns

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Gary Johns
Article Tools
Comment 6 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy