... and vote `no' to the preamble
The same does not apply to the proposed preamble to the Constitution, which is purely an exercise in hypocrisy and nationalism. Its adoption would not benefit the working class or the left in any way, and Green Left Weekly advocates voting “no” to it.
The preamble's purpose is bad enough: it aims to strengthen the “national spirit that binds us together in both adversity and success”. We're not interested in doing that. Green Left Weekly is implacably opposed to the idea that all Australians, whether they work in the factories, banks and offices, or own them, are “bound together” by common interests.
The preamble's references to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and their land rights have been condemned as insufficient and token by most indigenous groups. The final wording (“honouring ... kinship”) is a long way from what they demanded (which is at least “custodianship”, but preferably a legally binding treaty). The preamble is thus tainted with racism.
The remaining clauses state that Australia is “upholding freedom, tolerance, individual dignity and the rule of law”, “mindful of our responsibility to protect our unique natural environment”, “supportive of achievement as well as equality of opportunity for all” and “recognising the nation-building contribution of generations of immigrants”.
Given Australian capitalism's actual record -- white Australia, then “fortress Australia” anti-immigrant laws, the bulldozing of native forests, government and business conspiracies against democracy, and the scandalous prevalence of poverty, unemployment and homelessness -- the preamble is grotesque hypocrisy.
There's even a reference to “hope in God” -- and you thought there was official separation of church and state!
The only possible use for such a preamble would be if politicians could be jailed for breaching it, which would be several times a day. In the absence of such a law, this preamble should be opposed.
