3 years ago
GOVERNMENT DENIES OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THE TRUTH
SENATOR PATRICK DODSON
The Government’s refusal in the Senate yesterday afternoon to establish a joint select committee on Makarrata shows a lack of real commitment to vital elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Labor supports the Uluru Statement in full: a constitutionally enshrined Voice to the Parliament; as well as a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of truth-telling and agreement making.
Labor’s motion to establish a committee was non-threatening and had no downside policy implications for the Government.
Yet the Government has decided to turn its back on an opportunity to educate Australians and explore options to move the country forward.
Labor’s proposal would have brought order and sense to a conversation which we must have, and would have allowed all interested parties to air their concerns.
The Government’s argument that these are matters for states and territories is a sham.
While some state and territory jurisdictions are progressing matters of truth-telling and treaty, this Government should be taking a lead, rather than sitting on its hands. We are, after all, a Federation and national leadership is critical.
Labor has already shown its support for the Voice, but is determined that the other important pillars of the Uluru Statement are not sidelined.
Labor supports the Uluru Statement in full: a constitutionally enshrined Voice to the Parliament; as well as a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of truth-telling and agreement making.
Labor’s motion to establish a committee was non-threatening and had no downside policy implications for the Government.
Yet the Government has decided to turn its back on an opportunity to educate Australians and explore options to move the country forward.
Labor’s proposal would have brought order and sense to a conversation which we must have, and would have allowed all interested parties to air their concerns.
The Government’s argument that these are matters for states and territories is a sham.
While some state and territory jurisdictions are progressing matters of truth-telling and treaty, this Government should be taking a lead, rather than sitting on its hands. We are, after all, a Federation and national leadership is critical.
Labor has already shown its support for the Voice, but is determined that the other important pillars of the Uluru Statement are not sidelined.