Consensus statement on the Reform of the Tasmanian Constitution

This is a consensus statement by a range of constitutional practitioners from Tasmania and across Australia on the proposal to give state constitutional recognition to Tasmanian aboriginal First Peoples. We strongly support that aim. However, we consider the current Constitution Act 1934 (Tas) must itself be subject to reform to make that recognition meaningful. The Constitution Act preamble is out of date, a legacy of our colonial past and does not reflect the shared values and principles of contemporary Tasmanian society and Government. We urge the Government to refer the entire Constitution to the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute for public consultation, review and reform.