The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has submitted a proposal to a parliamentary inquiry into racism against Indigenous Australians, calling for a new national Indigenous representative body and advocating for the abolition of Australia Day. The submission has been met with criticism, with some arguing it risks reigniting divisive debates and playing into the hands of political figures like Pauline Hanson.
The ACTU's submission proposes the establishment of a national Indigenous representative body, which could be constitutionally entrenched, legislated, or established as a 'treaty negotiating assembly.' It also calls for 'truth-telling architecture,' a revised school curriculum, and the abolition of January 26 as a national day, citing its reinforcement of 'structural racism.'
Critics contend that these proposals, particularly the reintroduction of the Indigenous Voice debate and the push to change Australia Day, are politically miscalculated. The Indigenous Voice referendum, held just three years prior, was overwhelmingly rejected by voters nationally and in every state. The ACTU's stance is seen by some as disregarding this outcome and showing contempt for voters.
Peter van Onselen, writing for the Daily Mail, argued that the ACTU's submission provides fertile ground for Pauline Hanson and her One Nation party, whose support is currently surging. He suggested that the union body's focus on these issues diverts attention from core workers' rights and alienates a significant portion of the electorate.
The submission has also drawn criticism for its potential impact on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His government has, since the failed referendum, shifted its Indigenous policy focus towards economic empowerment as a means to close the gap. The ACTU's renewed emphasis on structural issues and constitutional changes could undermine this pragmatic approach.
Concerns have been raised that by pushing for a representative body through legislative means if constitutional amendment is not possible, the ACTU is demonstrating a refusal to accept the referendum's 'No' vote. This aligns with warnings from Voice skeptics about potential legislative follow-ups.
The push to alter Australia Day is also seen as particularly politically damaging. Critics argue that framing the national day as perpetuating colonial violence is provocative rather than persuasive, allowing figures like Hanson to position themselves as defenders of national pride against perceived elite moralizing.