Labor welcomes the Prime Minister’s agreement today that an independent process of consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including a national Indigenous Convention will be undertaken.

This is a welcome change in the Prime Minister’s position.

The proposal put forward by Indigenous Leaders, Mr Patrick Dodson, Ms Kirstie Parker, Mr Noel Pearson and Prof Megan Davis will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples properly consider and debate models for Constitutional recognition.

We believe majority consensus from Indigenous Australians on a proposed model will provide a strong foundation for all Australians to support constitutional change.

Just as all Australians should be involved in the debate, it is important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are genuinely heard.

Together with the work of the proposed Referendum Council and the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, these mechanisms will be important pillars in achieving broad-based community support for constitutional change.

Labor will continue to work with the Government to achieve meaningful change that recognises our First Peoples in the Constitution.

THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2015