Ken Wyatt promises an Indigenous recognition referendum within three years

Australians could vote on a proposal to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution within the next three years. In his first major address since becoming the first Aboriginal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt has pledged to bring forward what he's calling a "consensus option" during this term of parliament.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra. Wednesday 10 July 2019 Source: AAP

As communities across the country celebrate NAIDOC Week, the first Aboriginal cabinet minister for Indigenous Australians is pushing to recognise Australia's First Peoples in the nation's founding document.

Ken Wyatt's commitment comes two years after the Turnbull government rejected a proposal for an Indigenous Voice to the parliament to be included in the Constitution, an idea embedded in the landmark Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Turnbull government cited concerns a 'Voice' would represent a third chamber of parliament, but the Morrison government says a 'Voice' could be an option, and is pledging to work with all sides of politics on the issue.

It could mark the first Indigenous-linked  change to the Constitution since 1967, when the nation voted overwhelmingly to include Australia's First Peoples in the census.

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