The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has congratulated the South Australian Government on its consultation process to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples in the South Australian Constitution.
The SA Government has introduced legislation into Parliament regarding amending the Constitution that will be voted on early in 2013.
LGASA President Mayor Kym McHugh said he had written to the Premier and the Time for Respect Advisory Panel offering local government support for recognition along similar lines to the support previously offered for recognition in the Australian Constitution.
“The LGA’s Policy Manual already recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples as the first people of Australia, including their customs, traditions and spiritual relationship with the land,” Mayor McHugh said
“We also recognise the loss and grief felt by our Indigenous communities for the alienation from their traditional lands, loss of lives and freedom and the forced removal of their children,” Mayor McHugh said.
“It is fitting that similar recognition is given in state and Commonwealth governing documents.
“In April delegates to the LGA General Meeting considered the issue of recognition of Indigenous Australians in the Australian Constitution and resolved to support appropriate recognition,” he said.
“In September, the issue of a similar recognition in the State Constitution received the support of the LGA State Executive Committee and this was endorsed at the LGA AGM in October and our Policy Manual will be amended accordingly.”
