Justice

On the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, ANTaR urges consideration of a more inclusive national holiday.

“As we finally seek to address our Constitutional silence regarding the prior occupation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we should also reflect on the symbolism of our national day,” said ANTaR National Director, Jacqueline Phillips.

“January 26 is regarded by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Invasion or Survival Day, in recognition of their experience of dispossession and colonisation.”

ANTaR congratulates the Expert Panel on its extensive community consultation and detailed report and endorses its recommendations for recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia’s Constitution.

“The Expert Panel’s historic report presents a sound and practical proposal for bringing our Constitution into the 21st Century,” said Jacqueline Phillips, National Director of ANTaR.

Responding to media comments about proposed changes to the race power, ANTaR today urged all political parties to await the Expert Panel’s final Report in January before ruling out particular reform options.

“The Expert Panel has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to consult broadly with the community and to ensure that its recommendations have community support and are legally sound,” said Jacqueline Phillips, National Director,