Responding to Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt’s address at the National Press Club today, Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said:
“Oxfam Australia warmly welcomes the Minister’s leadership in committing to developing a consensus position for a referendum on Constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Peoples within this term of government and we look forward to seeing multi-party support for this process.
“We know that many of Australia’s First Peoples want the Government to develop an ambitious proposal rather than a minimalist one that only addresses recognition. A deep and genuine commitment will be an important step in our national history.
“We welcome the Minister’s approach of co-design and his commitment to consult broadly, within Parliament and around Australia. The consensus option should respect and reflect the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for a Voice to the National Parliament, with a process of agreement.
“Oxfam Australia believes the Federal Government has a vital role to play in supporting and encouraging treaty processes to emerge and come to fulfilment. These agreements should not be left only to the States and Territories.”
For interviews or more information, please contact Megan Giles on 0433 028 567 or megang@oxfam.org.au
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