What’s at stake in this year’s constitutional referendum?
Jan 25, 2023
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Mark McKenna, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Sydney and expert on Australian constitutional history, joins the discussion with Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens. They delve into the challenges facing the First Nations Voice referendum and the conservative disposition of Australians regarding constitutional change. The conversation highlights the historical lessons from the 1967 referendum and the need for inclusivity in Australia’s evolving identity. McKenna emphasizes the importance of addressing fears and uncertainties to foster a positive dialogue around potential reforms.
The upcoming referendum represents a historical opportunity to redefine the Australian Constitution by including First Nations perspectives in national governance.
The discussion highlights that successful referenda require broad, inclusive messaging that resonates with Australians' values, contrasting the current political climate's skepticism.
Deep dives
Introduction of a Referendum Year
The discussion centers around Australia's political landscape as it heads into a referendum year, specifically the upcoming 45th national referendum concerning the recognition of First Nations people. This referendum is positioned as a significant and historical moment, coming after a long history of referenda, most of which have failed. The hosts note that typically, referenda are procedural, yet this one seeks to create a new constitutional institution, which diverges from traditional expectations. This unique approach carries both potential and challenges, with less likelihood of bipartisan support expected compared to previous campaigns.
Challenges Ahead for the Voice to Parliament
The referendum aims to establish the First Nations Voice to Parliament, a proposed body intended to provide Indigenous Australians with a direct consultative role in decisions affecting their lives. However, the conversation highlights skepticism surrounding its chances of success, primarily due to historical failures of previous referenda and the current political climate. A notable concern is that this initiative lacks the procedural simplicity associated with successful referenda, as it attempts to fundamentally alter the constitutional framework rather than merely modify existing protocols. Given the divided political landscape, the odds of it receiving the necessary public support are viewed as slim by some commentators.
Historical Context and Lessons from 1967
The hosts delve into the 1967 referendum, which successfully amended the Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to legislate for Aboriginal people and eliminate discriminatory references. This moment is contrasted starkly with the upcoming referendum, as the 1967 campaign was marked by bipartisan support and a general sense of moral urgency among Australians. The key takeaway from that historical moment is the importance of framing the argument in broad, inclusive terms that resonate with national values and aspirations. Recognizing the fundamental principles of inclusion and equal rights was vital to that success, and similar strategies are suggested for the current campaign.
Constitutional Mechanism and Popular Sovereignty
A key theme in the conversation is the mechanism of the referendum itself, which is viewed as an expression of popular sovereignty, giving the electorate a say in their constitutional framework. The hosts argue that while the Constitution has been largely successful and effective, there is a need for it to reflect the rights and voices of all Australians, including Indigenous peoples. The difficulty in amending the Constitution is framed not merely as a conservative force but as a safeguard against impulsive changes that may destabilize national identity. Through careful and deliberate engagement with the electorate, the referendum could create a more inclusive narrative within Australian identity, one that honors both historical successes and the need for ongoing recognition.
Professor Mark McKenna discusses with Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens why any proposal to change the Australian Constitution must navigate Australians’ conservative disposition and underlying sense of national pride.
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