June 9, 2105
Queensland’s 17 Indigenous councils want to be invited to attend a special meeting to discuss preparations for a referendum to formally recognise Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution.
The Indigenous Leaders Forum, which met on Palm Island recently, passed a resolution calling on Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to include the “democratically elected leaders” of Indigenous communities in the July 6 meeting in Sydney to discuss the referendum.
The meeting will involve about 40 Indigenous representatives but there is no indication that Queensland’s Indigenous councils will be invited.
Local Government Association of Queensland President Margaret de Wit said Indigenous councils should be represented at the meeting.
“They are democratically elected by their communities to speak and act on behalf of their communities. Their voices should be heard at such a crucial meeting,” Cr de Wit said.
