Listen to the news

Australia announced today that it plans to hold a referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, Reuters reported.

The idea is to put the question in the referendum whether the Australian constitution should recognize the right of these groups to vote on matters affecting their destiny.

If the initiative is supported by voters, it will lead to the creation of an advisory committee in Parliament, whose role will be to voice the position of Aboriginal and Islander people on important policy issues.

The intention to hold a referendum was announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who urged his fellow citizens to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.

"For many, this is a long-awaited moment," Albanese said at a televised news conference attended by indigenous community leaders.

Thousands of Australians protested against racism and in support of Aboriginal people

"Nevertheless, these people have shown patience and optimism throughout this process, they have shown a spirit of cooperation and dialogue marked by thought and respect, which is of great importance to the fact that we have reached this point united," the Australian leader said.

The referendum is planned to be held in October, November or December this year.

Aboriginal people make up about 3.2% of Australia's population of 26 million.

The British colonizers isolated them from political life and the Australian constitution says nothing about them.

They received voting rights only in the 1960s, notes Reuters.

Australia

human rights

referendum

aborigines