Consitution in Leibler’s sights

JEWISH community stalwart Mark Leibler has been appointed by the Prime Minister to the expert panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians.

Leibler, who is the senior partner in leading Australian law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler and co-chair of Reconciliation Australia, was appointed as co-chair of the new body by Julia Gillard last month.

Leibler said he was looking forward to working for a cause he so strongly believes in.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to participate in a matter as vital to  the nation’s wellbeing as securing
the rightful place for indigenous Australians in the country’s foundation document,” Leibler said.

The expert panel, which was formed as part of the Government’s commitment to progress the recognition of indigenous peoples in the Constitution, will advise the Gillard Government on options for constitutional change. It hopes to submit a report by the end of this year.

A prominent leader of the Australian and international Jewish communities, Leibler said he is looking forward to working with co-chair Professor Patrick Dodson.

“This is an exciting project for Australia and it’s a great honour and privilege to be asked to play a central role,” Leibler explained.

“The establishment of this panel is an important part of building mutual respect, which will figure prominently in the way the panel operates, its broad national consultation and community engagement, and its key recommendations to Government.”

CASSILEE KAHN