2017 is particularly significant as NRW2017 is book-ended by two significant anniversaries –  the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum that gave federal parliament the power to override state policies towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the 25th anniversary of the 1992 High Court Mabo decision that overturned the doctrine of “terra nullius” and recognised Indigenous people have been on this land for thousands of years prior to the early settlers.

Fifty years on from the referendum there is debate now around a further referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

A successful referendum is one that requires a double-majority, so not only a majority of Australian voters, but also a majority of voters in at least four states, must agree to the changes.

This is no easy feat.

Only eight reform proposals have been passed in the 44 referendums held since Federation.

The 1967 referendum was the most successful with the most ‘yes’ votes received.

The 1967 referendum occurred a little over a decade before I was even born.

But from people’s accounts that are handed down and from what is documented about the event, I believe the Australian people realised that there was inequality and that it didn’t sit well with them, which came through loudly with a positive vote.

Is it important for our first peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, to be recognised in the Constitution?

Of course there is a place for us to be part of the Constitution.

However for me, more important than constitutional change is to see real and substantial improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

I’m doubtful a referendum will deliver substantive changes required.

So back to National Reconciliation Week, which is a week that reminds us that big changes take persistence and courage, and is a time for us to reflect on how we can take the next steps.

by Christine Mann,

Director of Cultural Capability and Engagement,

North West Hospital and Health Service