Mr Harrison has welcomed a Ballarat forum on the approaching National Referendum for Constitutional Recognition of Australia’s First Peoples. 

Lead by the city’s Koorie Engagement Action Group and Reconciliation Victoria, the open panel will delve into the pros and cons of any constitutional changes.

The conversations will be lead by Doctor Peter Lewis, Indigenous policy advisor at Oxfam Australia, Co-Chair of KEAG, Sissy Austin and Jamie Lowe, Koorie education coordinator at the Department of Education and Training.

The campaign for a new referendum calls for a section recognising indigenous people and their languages in the constitution. It will also look to remove a section which says the states can ban people from voting based on their race.

Mr Harrison said the recognition of indigenous people in the constitution would show that there was no division.

“It simply reinforces what people have always known, that indigenous peoples have been at the forefront of this country,” Mr Harrison. “It’s recognition of our achievements as people and acknowledgement we are equal to everybody else.”  

Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates who sits on the city’s Koorie engagement committee said it was symbolic the debate would be held at M.A.D.E, the historic site of the 1854 Eureka stockade. 

Cr Coates said she hoped the forum would provide a space for robust debate on the issue and educate the community to form their own opinion on the issue.

"I think a lot of people in the community are open minded about the idea at this stage," Cr Coates said.

"This forum will provide an opportunity for the community to hear both sides of the case for it. There are some very interesting reasons why people are in favour and also why they may be cautious about any changes."

The forum will be held next Tuesday night from 6pm at M.A.D.E 102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat. Entry is free. For details, call 5320 5831 or email fionamachin@ballarat.vic.gov.au