Politicians unite on Indigenous recognition vote

Reported in abc.net.au, the House of Representatives has passed legislation recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first inhabitants of Australia.

The Bill (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012) is considered an interim step on the path towards an eventual referendum for constitutional change.

Its passage through the Lower House this morning (13 February 2013), came on the five-year anniversary of former prime minister Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has described the legislation as a "sign of good faith" that Parliament is committed to righting the wrongs of previous actions.

She told Parliament:

"No gesture speaks more deeply to the healing of our nation's fabric than amending our nation's founding charter.

"This bill seeks to foster momentum for a referendum for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."

The legislation passed with unanimous support.

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