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Opinion

Extinguishing the Principle of Political Equality in Australia

Extinguishing the Principle of Political Equality in Australia
Kamilaroi artist Rhonda Sampson’s ‘Diyan Warrane’ artwork is projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House at dawn during Australia Day 2023 celebrations in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 26, 2023. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi
Gabriël Moens
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Commentary

Following the successful 1967 referendum, which empowered the Australian Parliament to make laws for “the people of any race for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws,” there was a general expectation that we would finally become a colour-blind society. A society where the distribution of societal burdens and benefits would not depend on a person’s race.

Gabriël Moens
Gabriël Moens
Author
Gabriël A. Moens AM is an emeritus professor of law at the University of Queensland, and served as pro vice-chancellor and dean at Murdoch University. In 2003, Moens was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal by the prime minister for services to education. He has taught extensively across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States.
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