Commission Welcomes Constitutional Alteration Bill

Statement from Australian Human Rights Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM

"The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the Federal Government’s introduction of Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 to parliament. The Bill sets out the proposed wording in the constitution for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

"As Australia's National Human Rights Institution, the Commission considers the proposal for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament to be consistent with fundamental human rights principles, and with international human rights conventions that Australia has endorsed.

"There is clear international guidance that establishing representative structures to support self-determination and representation for Indigenous peoples is necessary to prevent and overcome discrimination.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have unique and inherent rights that arise from their distinct status as Australia’s First Peoples. The proposal for a Voice is consistent with the realisation of these rights, and with the rights of all Australians."

Ends.

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