Big decision for a constitutional change
JENNY WARE MP
FEDERAL MP Jenny Ware says as the representative of the Hughes electorate in the Federal Parliament, the collective views of her community are the most important driver of her role in Canberra, enabling her to effectively serve her constituents.
"l recently hosted a Women's Roundtable alongside Jeanne Zweck, President of the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber, with a group of women from our community," Ms Ware said.
We had a collaborative discussion around contemporary issues facing Australian women and how we can begin to address them. The discussions were predominantly around women's financial security, housing and safety, the leadership and education of our younger boys and girls, mental and physical health, as well as women in sport, business and the arts.
The Albanese Labor Government won the last Federal election on May 21, 2022. Prime Minister Albanese committed to holding a referendum to decide the indigenous Voice to Parliament during this term. When I return to Parliament in May, I will be required to vote on the Voice Referendum.
“I have long been a constitutional conservative. Changes to our foundational document should only be done in exceptional circumstances." Ms Ware said constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians first received bipartisan support under Prime Minister John Howard in 2007.
"The question, as currently framed by the Albanese Labor Government, in my view is problematic." She said. "The Albanese Labor Government has asserted this question:
A Proposed law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?
"The proposed addition to the Constitution will read as follows:
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples; The parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
"The retention in the question of potential review of Executive Government decisions leaves open decisions that can be made by every bureaucrat; it leaves open to potential High Court challenge every decision from submarines to parking tickets.
I am consulting widely within my electorate before I finalise my position and will be holding mobile offices. If you can't attend write to me at Jenny.Ware.MP@aph.gov.au or go to my website www.jennyware.com.au."
Published by The Leader Newspaper on 19 April 2023.