2. Why change the constitution?

3. There is no recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their prior occupation and custodianship of land, waters and sea in our founding legal document There are clauses which permit discrimination against people on the basis of their race, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - sections 25 and 51(xxvi)

4. How has this come about?

5. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. The Expert Panel In late 2010, the Prime Minister appointed a panel of 22 community leaders, legal experts and MPs to advise on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples could be recognised in the Constitution.

6. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Recommendations Suggested amendments: Repeal discriminatory sections 25 and 51 (xxvi) Add three new sections: 51A – new race power (including recognition) 116A - prohibition on discrimination 127A - languages

7. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Recommendations Other recommendations Single referendum question Only proceed if supported by all major political parties and majority of state governments Properly resourced public education and awareness programme Further consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples if different amendments are proposed

8. Why is it so hard to change the constitution?

9. “the people voting in a majority of the states; and a majority of people voting nationwide” Williams and Hume 2010 The double majority

10. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. In 1967, more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to: Include Aboriginal people in the national count Delete the exclusion of Aboriginal people from the Government’s power to make laws for people of any ‘race’. This was the most successful referendum in Australian history. It was a brilliant campaign Picture source: FCAATSI / MS 8256/11 in the papers of Gordon Bryant It can be done!

11. A sound model – developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Multi party support with strong political leadership Community support – all Australians, all states, community and business A winning campaign – a two year awareness and support campaign that brings this all together – target date mid-2015 How do we get there from here?

12. What can organisations do? Some examples

13. Adopt the Charter

14. “We are organisations that support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution.” “We acknowledge the Expert Panel report contains recommendations that provide a sound basis for progressing the matter towards a referendum.” “We acknowledge other organisations within the Network may campaign broadly in support of recognition while not necessarily advocating the adoption of the recommendations of the Expert Panel and/or any specific model.” “We acknowledge that organisations may reassess their membership of the Network and support for constitutional recognition over time (for example) when a final model for a referendum is agreed by the Federal Parliament.” Excerpts from the Charter

15. Support the Journey to Recognition

16. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. 16

17. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Ballarat 17

18. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Crossing the Murray …. 18

19. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Into the Centre 19

20. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Cycling leg – Alice Springs to Katherine – 1200kms 20

21. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Arrival at the Garma Festival 21

22. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. KPMG wrapped support van 22

23. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Transfield sponsored vehicle 23

24. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Lend Lease sponsored cyclists 24

25. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Port Power endorsement 25

26. Raise awareness in your organisation

27. Get personally involved

28. Sign up at recognise.org.au

29. WE BELIEVE THAT ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA'S CONSTITUTION. Questions & Answers We invite you to support the movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian constitution. Please visit RECOGNISE.org.au