First Australians

Assent has been received for the Constitution (Preamble) Amendment Act 2010 (Qld), which amends the Constitution of Queensland 2001.

The Act inserts a preamble to the state constitution -

The people of Queensland, free and equal citizens of Australia —

(a) intend through this Constitution to foster the peace, welfare and good government of Queensland; and
(b) adopt the principle of the sovereignty of the people, under the rule of law, and the system of representative and responsible government, prescribed by this Constitution; and
(c) honour the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Australians, whose lands, winds and waters we all now share; and pay tribute to their unique values, and their ancient and enduring cultures, which deepen and enrich the life of our community; and
(d) determine to protect our unique environment; and
(e) acknowledge the achievements of our forebears, coming from many backgrounds, who together faced and overcame adversity and injustice, and whose efforts bequeathed to us, and future generations, a realistic opportunity to strive for social harmony; and
(f) resolve, in this the 150th anniversary year of the establishment of Queensland, to nurture our inheritance, and build a society based on democracy, freedom and peace.

The Act also states that -

The Parliament does not in the preamble —

(a) create in any person any legal right or give rise to any civil cause of action; or
(b) affect in any way the interpretation of this Act or of any other law in force in Queensland.