The Minefield cover image

The Minefield

What’s at stake in this year’s constitutional referendum?

Jan 25, 2023
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.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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