1. Reconciliation Policy Review 2015

2. I would like to acknowledge the Kaurna people who are the traditional custodians of this land upon which we are meeting tonight. I would also like to pay respect to the elders past and present of the Kaurna nation. Recognition of Country

3. Why is this policy being reviewed? The review of the Australian Democrats Reconciliation has been directed by the party’s National Executive. It was identified that there is opposition to the recognition of First Nations people in the Australian Constitution within Australia’s Aboriginal Community. Their concerns centre around how Constitutional Recognition will impact on Aboriginal Sovereignty. There are also a significant number that support Constitutional Recognition and treaties. The last time that the policy was reviewed was in 2001 and much has happened in this policy area since 2001.

4. Constitutional recognition (also in Constitutional Reform policy) Treaties Stolen Generations Stolen Wages Indigenous Health Education Strong Communities Self-Determination Issues

5. WARNING This following videos may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased.

6. The path to Reconciliation so far

7. Main Points Supports both Constitutional Recognition and Treaty. Increasing political representation of First Nations People. Greater recognition and protection of Native Title Rights. Closing the gap in living standards, life expectancy and health outcomes between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. Promoting a deeper understanding of the truth of our shared history through community awareness programs. Commitment to continuing the Reconciliation process Current Reconciliation Policy

8. Did you know that Our current 23 party objectives do not contain any mention of reconciliation? We can fix this oversight by coming up with a draft objective on this issue. Party Objectives

9. Voices against constitutional recognition

10. Panel discussion on Constitutional Recognition

11. Can we have both?

12. Discussion time

13. This presentation will be sent to each state to allow workshops to be held around the nation. A working committee will work on drafting amendments to our current Reconciliation and Constitutional reform policies. Research into the issues and policy approaches based on feedback from policy discussion will occur. An exposure draft will be sent to members of the Australian Democrats via National Journal once a draft is finalised. A call for feedback from members will be included. Feedback will be sought from Aboriginal organisations and support services across Australia. Feedback will be collated and considered by the working committee to present a final draft recommendation for the conduct of ballot to National Executive by the National Policy Committee. What happens next?

14. The United Nations Report, The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (2009) indicated Australia and Nepal have the world’s worst life expectancy gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Oxfam has been campaigning for: – The implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive National Action Plan (developed in partnership with Indigenous communities and health organisations) – meaningful partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and health services – improvements to Indigenous participation, control and delivery of health services – a commitment to provide adequate and long-term financial resources including strengthening of the Indigenous health workforce – a way to address critical social issues that impact Indigenous health (including poor housing, nutrition, employment and education) Indigenous Health