“We have not yet had true reconciliation, and a country that is not truly reconciled is not truly whole,” says Anthony Albanese at the Garma Festival.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Anthony Albanese says an Indigenous Voice must be enshrined in the Constitution, making it difficult to see how he and Scott Morrison will be able to agree on a referendum question.
The Queensland treaty process is still in the early stages and negotiations will not begin for several years. But it’s still a historic step forward for Indigenous communities.
Tracey Nearmy/AAP
Queensland has become the latest state or territory to embark on an Indigenous treaty process. But for lasting progress to be made, the federal government cannot shirk its responsibility.
The government has announced its plan to put a referendum this term to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Michelle Grattan speaks with University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini about the government’s plans to put forward a referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.
The government’s proposal for a referendum will only happen if it can get consensus on the content of what would go into the constitution, and there’s a high probability of a favourable outcome.
Dan Peled/AAP
It would be another miracle if the Morrison government managed to have a referendum passed to give Australia’s Indigenous people constitutional recognition.
In his first major policy address, Ken Wyatt noted how previous governments have failed Indigenous Australians with a ‘top-down, command and control approach.’
Rohan Thomson/AAP
Ken Wyatt’s promise of a referendum on constitutional recognition within three years marks a dramatic shift from the Turnbull government’s rejection of the Uluru Statement of the Heart.
Ken Wyatt proposed plans for constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians during this parliamentary term.
Rohan Thomson/AAP
Ken Wyatt on constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians
The Conversation, CC BY27 MB(download)
Ken Wyatt says he is "optimistic about achieving [constitutional recognition] because...Australians will generally accept an opportunity to include Aboriginal people" and that he will work with "naysayers".
The Morrison government has begun seeking the counsel of Indigenous leaders on the best way forward on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
AAP/The Conversation
Ken Wyatt, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, announced plans to hold a referendum to enshrine constitutional recognition of Australia’s Indigenous peoples during this parliamentary term.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt with Prime Minister Scott Morrison after the Coalition swearing in at Government House in Canberra.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Geoff Crisp speaks with Michelle Grattan about the week in politics.
The appointment of Ken Wyatt as the first Indigenous minister for Indigenous Australians is a significant moment in the nation’s history.
AAP/Lukas Coch
While the new minister has the chance to make a real difference, unrealistic expectations of him should be tempered- real change will take not just the whole government, but the nation.
MP Pat Dodson could be the next minister for Indigenous Affairs if Labor wins the federal election, a first for a First Nations person.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Few First Nations candidates have succeeded in getting elected to parliament, but it is clear that when they do, they can make a substantial difference.
Treaties are formal agreements, reached via respectful negotiation under which both sides accept a series of responsibilities.
AAP/Joe Castro
No treaty between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians has ever been recognised, but developments at the state level suggest this may soon change.
Ken Wyatt watches as House of Representatives Speaker Bronwyn Bishop accepts a boomerang from Cairns local Norman Miller.
AAP/Alan Porritt
The parliamentary committee on constitutional recognition of Australia’s first people has put forward three possible propositions for change. It has also said the vote should be “at or shortly after the…
Liberal MP Ken Wyatt became the first Indigenous member of the lower house in 2010 in the WA seat of Hasluck. Will he be returned this time?
AAP/Alan Porritt
The outer suburban Western Australian seat of Hasluck moved centre stage during the last federal election for two reasons. First, the tight result meant that it was not decided until late in the count…