Recognition Through Representation: the case for an Indigenous representative body in the Constitution

Over recent years, the Australian debate on Indigenous constitutional recognition has tended to focus on judicially adjudicated mechanisms for Indigenous rights protection. Representative, political and participatory forms of recognition have not been extensively explored. This thesis addresses that gap. It examines whether mechanisms for increased Indigenous representation, political participation and self-determination could form part of a revised package of reforms capable of engendering the necessary bipartisan political support for a successful referendum. It suggests that Indigenous recognition can indeed be achieved through representation, and makes the case for a constitutionally mandated Indigenous body to guarantee Indigenous peoples participation and representation in laws and policies with respect to Indigenous affairs.