by Leanne Wood on 28/10/2011 2:21 PM
As you may be aware, the Panel on the Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (the Panel) has been conducting consultations around the country to talk to as many Australians as possible about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples could best be recognised in the Constitution.
With the task of gathering the views of Australian people through consultations, submissions, letters and posts on the website www.youmeunity.org.au having concluded on 30 September 2011, the Panel is now considering those views, but as yet has not formed its views on the options it might recommend to government.
The Panel is specifically seeking your further views by COB 8 November 2011 on the range of ideas arising from consultations and submissions. The Panel will assess these ideas using the following four criteria. The option must:
- Contribute to a more unified and reconciled nation
- Be of benefit to and accord with the wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples
- Be capable of being supported by the majority of Australians
- Be legally and technically sound.
To let the Panel know what you think, follow the link www.youmeunity.org.au/surveys/constitutional-recognition and complete the online survey. The survey will ask you to identify if you are or are not of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and if you are or are not a member of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. It will also ask how strongly you agree or disagree with particular ideas.
Your response to the survey will help the Panel in its deliberations about what it will recommend to the government. Please feel free to encourage other people to have their say.
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