ARM Media Statement - 20 October 1999

Aboriginal Land Councils support republic YES vote

Supporters of a Yes vote at the November 6 republic referendum today welcomed a resolution by 45 Aboriginal Land Councils meeting near Darwin in the Northern Territory to support and advocate a Yes vote and the November 6 referendum.

The meeting of Land Councils resolved that indigenous reconciliation could well be furthered by having a Head of State who is an Australian. They also resolved to provide advice to their members on why they should vote Yes, as well as the context of their decision.

The support of indigenous Australians for a Yes vote now includes many Land Councils and leading indigenous figures such as Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue, Yes Committee Member and delegate to the 1998 Constitutional Convention, and leading human rights activist Patrick Dodson.

Other well known indigenous Australians who have indicated they will be voting Yes on November 6 include world class athletes and former Australian of the Year recipients Cathy Freeman and Nova Peres Kneebone.

Many indigenous Australians are joining a growing number of their fellow citizens in advocating a Yes vote on November 6 so that an Australian, chosen by Australians, can be our Head of State. At the moment, no Australian can be Head of State of their own country.

Authorised by Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Republican Movement, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000