provisions (see Appendix B). Few have had such national importance riding on a successful vote. is a great moment we've got. This is a great opportunity Australians have “This got to do something that's right, that's decent and that will bring unity and help to create a greater level of pride amongst us all”. The recognition of our first peoples in the Constitution carries with it a moral imperative. The continued journey toward reconciliation relies on the restorative power of this referendum. A failed referendum cannot be contemplated. Indeed, the risk of anything but a resounding national ‘yes’ vote is difficult to comprehend. Fundamentally, the proposition to be put forward also needs to be legally sound and ensure that the Constitution remains true to its purpose. At the same time, the Panel suggests that we have gone past the point of ‘no return’. Recognition has been contemplated for much of the past decade and has been a live issue for the past eight years. For many Indigenous Australians, the path towards recognition has been too long and delays frustrating. Many stakeholders told the Panel that not going to a referendum at this point in our history will have implications that are almost as damaging as a ‘no’ vote. The pre-conditions for referendum are clear and generally well known. As Williams and Hume succinctly argue, a successful referendum requires: bipartisanship; popular ownership; popular education; a sound and sensible proposal; and a modern referendum process. In the context of this referendum, popular ownership requires both an increase in awareness and the wide support of Indigenous Australians. Meeting each of these pre-conditions is ambitious but achievable, and provides the best chance of success. All are necessary, but not of themselves sufficient. The Panel considers that each element is within reach. Leadership and multi-party support Any referendum proposal must secure resounding and unequivocal multi-party support across governments (Commonwealth, state and territory) before it is put to the vote. There can be no difference between parties on the issue. Any attempts to politicise the
provisions (see Appendix B). Few have had such national importance riding on a successful vote. “This is a great moment we've got. This is a great opportunity Australians have got to do something that's right, that's decent and that will bring unity and help to create a greater level of pride amongst us all”. The recognition of our first peoples in the Constitution carries with it a moral imperative. The continued journey toward reconciliation relies on the restorative power of this referendum. A failed referendum cannot be contemplated. Indeed, the risk of anything but a resounding national ‘yes’ vote is difficult to comprehend. Fundamentally, the proposition to be put forward also needs to be legally sound and ensure that the Constitution remains true to its purpose. At the same time, the Panel suggests that we have gone past the point of ‘no return’. Recognition has been contemplated for much of the past decade and has been a live issue for the past eight years. For many Indigenous Australians, the path towards recognition has been too long and delays frustrating. Many stakeholders told the Panel that not going to a referendum at this point in our history will have implications that are almost as damaging as a ‘no’ vote. The pre-conditions for referendum are clear and generally well known. As Williams and Hume succinctly argue, a successful referendum requires: bipartisanship; popular ownership; popular education; a sound and sensible proposal; and a modern referendum process. In the context of this referendum, popular ownership requires both an increase in awareness and the wide support of Indigenous Australians. Meeting each of these pre-conditions is ambitious but achievable, and provides the best chance of success. All are necessary, but not of themselves sufficient. The Panel considers that each element is within reach. Leadership and multi-party support Any referendum proposal must secure resounding and unequivocal multi-party support across governments (Commonwealth, state and territory) before it is put to the vote. There can be no difference between parties on the issue. Any attempts to politicise the
Final_Report_Aboriginal_Torres_Strait_Islander_Act_of_Recognition_Review_Panel.docx