Australia to hold referendum on indigenous rights

Photo: BBC

Australia has set October 14 as the date for a referendum to amend the constitution and ensure greater political participation of the country’s indigenous communities. If approved, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would be recognized in the constitution and a permanent body would be established for them to provide input on laws. According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, this would be “a committee of Indigenous Australians, chosen by Indigenous Australians, giving advice to government so that we can get a better result for Indigenous Australians".

Proponents of the referendum say that it is an important step towards reconciliation and addressing past injustices, while those against the proposed amendment claim that it will further exacerbate racial divides.

More information about the referendum can be found on the BBC.