Aboriginals of Australia: New constitution to recognise Aboriginal people as the original custodians
In his speech at the ALP state conference in Melbourne today, Premier Steve Bracks said he would introduce the Bill in the next session of parliament.
Altering the Victorian Constitution requires the consent of
three fifths of the members in both state houses of parliament.
"I call on the Liberal Party and the National Party to ensure that this
Bill passes through both houses of parliament to support our government in making
sure we recognise indigenous Victorians in our Constitution also," he said.
"The constitutional amendment will acknowledge that Victoria was established
and the Constitution passed without proper consultation, recognition or involvement
of the Aboriginal people of Victoria.
"Importantly it will also recognise that the Aboriginal
people were the original custodians of the land and have a spiritual, social,
cultural and economic relationship with their traditional lands and waters within
Victoria."
Source: AAP
