News Archive

Recognise Youth WA Ambassador Kimberley Benjamin, and Recognise Youth Campaign Coordinator Peter Dawson have called upon all Australians to support reform to recognise Indigenous people in the Australian constitution.

Speaking at the Indigenous Business, Enterprise and Corporations Conference at the UWA Business School, Dawson said constitutional reform should recognise the relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the land and water, as well as removing section 25 and section 51 (xxvi) - both of which permit racial discrimination by the government.

Recent surveys show between 60 and 70 per cent of Australians support constitutional change, with a further 15 - 20 per cent of Australians undecided.

Supporters of constitutional reform include Indigenous leaders, actors, the Australian Football League, and major companies such as KPMG and Telstra.

The federal government is expected to call a referendum on constitutional recognition of Indigenous people within the next two years.

The Indigenous Business, Enterprise and Corporations Conference is being held at the UWA Business School on 1-2 December.

Media references

Verity Chia (UWA Business School)                                                      (+61 8) 6488 1346
Emma Watton (IBECC Media Coordinator)                                            (+61 4) 31 936 397