Post by Dr. Matthew Jennings

Dr Pat Anderson’s NAIDOC Week statement deserves a serious constitutional reply. The Uluru campaign is entitled to continue. That is democracy. But a continuing campaign is not the same thing as a continuing constitutional mandate. The Constitution is the “Big Law,” as Dr Anderson says. That is precisely why the referendum result matters. Australians were asked whether they consented to a constitutional Voice. They said No nationally, and No in every state. That does not prevent future advocacy. But it does mean consent was withheld from the proposal put to the people. Recognition is not the issue. Consent is. #ConstitutionalConsent #TheVoice #Referendum2023 #UluruStatement #SelfDetermination #EqualityBeforeTheLaw