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Almost on the fourth anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s high point as Prime Minister, a new call goes up for something that will make Aborigines feel better:

Australia is looking at changing its constitution to recognise the country’s indigenous peoples.

A government appointed panel, tasked with finding the best way to do this, has given its recommendations to Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

They include the prohibition of racial discrimination and acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as the first to inhabit Australia.

The opening line is more wishful thinking than reportage, but that does rather fit with the wider story of reconciliation. Always a hope, a demand – and then, after the expectation is fulfilled, a realisation that nothing much has changed.

It seems too convenient that this new idea is announced so close to the anniversary of Rudd’s apology. Which didn’t even mark the termination of the practice of removal.

Pat Dodson:

“This is the time when truth and respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples needs to be achieved, through the recognition in our constitution.”

Personally I wouldn’t rely on the Constitution to do anything of the sort. I doubt that Mr Dodson could find more than a handful of people who could explain the significance of Section 64, and that was an integral element in a certain political moment.

The feelgood faction are easily excited by gestures and symbolism. But they grow bored with their baubles eventually. When the silver paint wears off and the plain lead underneath becomes visible, it’s time for something new.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has expressed some support, but with reservations. He feels safe doing so, perhaps, knowing how poor the record is for success in constitutional change.

As for Joolya:

“It is going to take the deepest and the strongest sort of bipartisanship.”

Translation for foreign readers: If it fails, she’ll blame Tony Abbott.

(Acknowledgement to Vroom for the letter link.)

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