Mingaletta Friends launch petition

Friends of Mingaletta have launched a petition that calls on the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to put a referendum to the Australian people to change the Constitution.

The Government had already received a report from an expert panel which was set up to consult with the community across the country.

The panel recommended that the Constitution be changed so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were recognised as the first people of the country, along with their languages, cultures and heritage.

It also recommended that existing racial discriminatory provisions be repealed and racial discrimination be prohibited.

"These provisions are still part of the Constitution in the 21st century, and they must act to have them removed," said Friends of Mingaletta media officer Ms Barbara Kelly.

Ms Kelly said Friends of Mingaletta was disappointed with the Government's decision to not proceed with the referendum at the next election.

She said the group proceeded with its event because it was essential for a community awareness campaign get off the ground.

"Broad community support would be needed to ensure that any future referendum would be successful," said Ms Kelly.

Email, 25 Sep 2012

Barbara Kelly, Friends of Mingaletta