A Committee advising federal and State government on how to observe the centenary of Federation in 2001, has recommended changing the Constitution to give explicit recognition to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

Headed by former Victorian premier Ms Joan Kirner but including representatives of many shades of political opinion, it suggests the recognition could be included in a preamble to the Constitution or a statement within it.

To be launched by Ms Kirner at the National Press Club today, the report of the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee is based on consultations around Australia. It says that reconciliation between black and white Australian was raised more often than perhaps any other issue.

Australian placed a high priority on changes to the Constitution to address the issue of previous ownership of the country by Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

Other proposals it makes on reconciliation include:

• A national indigenous radio and television network.
• A “national keeping place” for the remains of indigenous people who cannot be traced to an identifiable group of descendants.
• An “avenue of nations”, probably in Centennial Park where Federation was proclaimed, to combine the Aboriginal concept of group totems with the European tradition of a memorial avenue.
• A public awareness campaign throughout Australia to promote Aboriginal culture, history and the contribution to Australian life.

Sections of the report on reconciliation, obtained by The Australian, says that while Aborigines in South Australia enjoyed British citizenship and were entitled to vote last century, this ended with Federation, which formally excluded indigenous peoples.

“The entire story of Federation must now be told, not simply the version of history written by the dominant forces of the time,” the report says.

“We are not suggesting that history be rewritten or airbrushed but that the paradigm shift in attitudes be recognized and endorsed. Between now and 2001 the missing people will need to be invited in.

“Achieving shared ownership and understanding of Australia’s 60 year history and the celebrationS of nationhood are tasks which will require sensitivity and understanding.

“While many Aboriginal people have told the committee that they do not wish to make contemporary Australians feel guilty over the sins of the past, they do believe that there can only be full reconciliation with an open, honest and complete airing of the lives and suffering of indigenous Australians since the coming of the Europeans and a redress of disadvantage.

“While the High Court’s Mabo decision has done much to encourage Australians to address the issue of previous township of Australia by Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, recognition in the Constitution is seen as a high priority by many people who put submissions to the committee.”

Although there had been “predictable hostility” by indigenous people to the Bicentennial celebrations, they were now showing considerable willingness to negotiate participation in the centenary of Federation.

They had argued to the committee that the celebrations should focus on their recognition in a revised Constitution but also involve material conditions such as health, justice, education and jobs.