7 August

New Democrat Senator, Aden Ridgeway, only the second indigenous Australian to be a member of the Federal Parliament has told the Prime Minister that he objects to the word “mateship” in the draft preamble to the Constitution because “it is not word that captures a sentiment that includes all Australians. Historical reflection sheds light on the fact that it is largely exclusive to Anglo-Celtic Australians, actually Anglo-Saxon Australians. It has historically been exclusive of others, even Catholics, but also Asians and, particularly, indigenous Australians.” WfaAR supports Senator Ridgeway’s comments which reflect our view to the Referendum Taskforce last April on the use of the word “mateship” in the draft preamble in addition to our objection to this word on gender grounds.