Rainbow nation offers clues for Australia’s indigenous healing (Sydney Morning Herald)

14 Sep Rainbow nation offers clues for Australia’s indigenous healing (Sydney Morning Herald)

The current political situation might provide motivation for advancing some critical indigenous issues. Photo: Michael Mucci

PERHAPS one of the most promising commitments to emerge from the extended political negotiations to establish minority government was the agreement that our indigenous nations be recognised in the constitution.

Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, endorsed by the majority of independent MPs, would demonstrate, in the words of reconciliation co-chairman Mick Dodson, “what we value, what makes us unique” and “promote principles of equity, non-discrimination and respect”.

The recognition would also go some way to addressing international criticism of our treatment of indigenous Australians. In 2010, it seems unthinkable that our democracy, based on principles of egalitarianism and tolerance, has again attracted international censure for our discriminatory treatment of indigenous Australians and refugees. …Go to article.