to THE AGE
The two recommendations of the Referendum Council for constitutional change should be rejected (‘One idea touted, but it leaves PM unsure’, 18/7). An advisory body for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders can be established without any need to tamper with our founding document; and the ‘declaration of recognition’ would be redundant.
The recommendations are being presented as minimalist, but the fact that the Leader of the Opposition acknowledges ‘a process for treaty and agreement making’ shows that they are really seen by their promoters as the thin end of the wedge. It will not be a ‘heroic failure’ if Australians reject them at a referendum, but just national good sense.
NJ, Belgrave, Vic