In May 2017, the Urbis Economic and Social Advisory team was engaged by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to support the Referendum Council in developing their recommendations for constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our work summarised the findings of a public submission process hosted by the Referendum Council, to explore the level of support for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A total of 1,111 submissions were received, via a structured online survey, as well as free form written submissions. This work was appended to the Council’s final report to the Prime Minister.
Our analysis found a very strong level of support for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with nine out of ten submissions in favour. Only 8% indicated they did not support the move, while 2% of submissions were unsure of their position. The strong support for recognition was based on a desire to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples acknowledged as Australia’s First Peoples, with an ongoing set of rights based on that legacy.
“It was an absolute privilege to support the Referendum Council on this important journey towards recognition.