PM Transcripts

' MME MN ST. R
FOR MEDIA TUESDAY, 11 MAY 1982
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
I have written today to all State Premiers and the Chief
Minister of the Northern Territory seeking their views on the
desirability of holding another session of the Australian
Constitutional. Convention. If States and the Northern Territory
support the holding of another session, timing would be discussed
at the June Premiers' Conference.
The Constitutional Convention consists of representatives from
the Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory Parliaments as
well as from local government and the Australian Capital
Territory. It has met in four plenary sessions: 1973 ( Sydney),
1975 ( Melbourne), 1976 ( Hobart) and 1978 ( Perth). At the last
session, it was agreed to hold the next session in Adelaide
at a time to be determined after the views of the Premiers'
Conference hadf. been obtained.
The Constitution has served Australia well. It has proved
capable of being adapted to suit changing social, political and
international circumstances. It is, however, accepted by all
pGlitical parties that there are areas where some change is
desirable. The Convention provides the opportunity for
representatives of the three tiers of Government and from the
major political parties to consider such areas and to make
recommendations for change where appropriate.
While the Australian electorate has traditionally been cautious
about constitutional change, experience in 1977 would indicate
that where there is a wide measure of agreement between the
Commonwealth and the States, and across the political spectrum,
the prospects of amendments being carried are good, especially
where proposals have been thoroughly considered and endorsed by
the Convention. Each of the 1977 referendum Questions arose
substantially from the deliberations of the early sessions of the
Convention.
A successful meeting of the Convention requires a spirit of
co-operation from all sides based on agreement that there are
available substantial proposals sufficiently well developed for
meaningful discussion. Since the last Plenary Session, a Standing
Committee, chaired by the Common.: ealth At-ori-ev-General, has been
examining a number of questions such as the Senate and Supply
and the term cf the Parliament. The Cormiittee is now in a position
to report on some matters and others are substantially developed.
The Commonwealth's action in raising the cquestion of a further
session at this time reflects its commitment to the Convention as
a continuing forum for the consideration of possible changes to
the Constitution.