The Greens will be supporting changes to the NSW Constitution that are being introduced to the Parliament today to recognise Aboriginal people as the first people of the State.
"These changes are long overdue and will finally acknowledge the unique place that Aboriginal people have in the history of this State" NSW Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
"NSW will now join Victoria and Queensland in recognising within their Constitutions that Aboriginal people were the first people of this land.
"I am pleased that the Government listened to the comments that were made during the consultation period and have now agreed on wording that NSW can be proud of.
"The changes to the NSW Constitution will now reflect the spiritual, economic, social and cultural connections that Aboriginal people have to the land and waters of this State.
"This is an important part of building the bridges of reconciliation between the people of NSW and will further strengthen the case for similar changes to be made at a Federal level.
"The Greens have long supported the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians and have secured a commitment from the new Australian Government that a referendum on this issue will be held within the next three years.
"It is my hope that the acknowledgement of Aboriginal people that we are about to see in the NSW Constitution will soon be reflected across our nation" said Mr Cohen.
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