APPENDIX G: KIRRIBILLI STATEMENT

We note the guiding principles laid out by the Expert Panel that constitutional recognition must: Contribute to a more unified and reconciled nation; Be of benefit to and accord with the wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Be capable of being supported by an overwhelming majority of Australians from across the political and social spectrum; and Be technically and legal. [...] On this basis, the meeting participants: Emphasize the importance of leadership from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to ensure that: Constitutional recognition is progressed in a non-partisan manner; and 1 88 Final Report of the Referendum Council APPENDIX G: KIRRIBILLI STATEMENT that the debate shifts to discussion of concrete proposals for reform to avoid the process stalling. [...] Request that the Government and the Opposition identify the parameters of what they will support in relation to constitutional recognition, based on the issues identified by the various review processes to date, as well as their willingness to consider further measures to address the specific circumstances faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [...] Process issues Call for the following process moving forward: a) An ongoing dialogue between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (via a referendum council, steering committee or other mechanism) and the government and parliament, based on the significant work already completed, to negotiate on the content of the question to be put to referendum; b) Development of accessible and useful inf. [...] The recommendations of the Joint Select Committee were endorsed, noting that further engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is 2 89 Final Report of the Referendum Council APPENDIX G: KIRRIBILLI STATEMENT required in relation to Recommendation 5 and in relation to a proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory body and proposed Declaration.