Greg Craven: A Constitutional Expert's Fury
ACU's Honorary Doctorate and Craven's Outrage
In a recent commentary, constitutional expert and Indigenous voice supporter Prof Greg Craven expressed his fury at being awarded the Australian Catholic University's highest honor, an honorary doctorate. Craven, who is a senior barrister advising the Albanese government on the Indigenous voice to parliament, criticized the university for its "cynicism and hypocrisy."
Craven's Allegations of Political Opportunism
Craven accused ACU of exploiting his name for political gain, particularly in light of the upcoming federal election. He pointed out that the university had previously been critical of the Indigenous voice proposal, and that its decision to award him the doctorate appeared to be a calculated move to appease Indigenous voters.
University's Response: Acknowledgement of Craven's Contributions
In response to Craven's allegations, ACU stated that the honorary doctorate was a recognition of his "significant contributions to law and public policy." The university emphasized that the award was not motivated by political considerations, and that it had always supported Craven's work in Indigenous affairs.
Ongoing Controversies Surrounding the Indigenous Voice
The awarding of the doctorate to Craven has brought renewed attention to the ongoing controversies surrounding the Indigenous voice. Critics of the proposal argue that it will create a separate class of Australians based on race and that it will undermine the principle of equality before the law.
Constitutional Implications and the Role of Craven
As a constitutional expert, Craven's views on the Indigenous voice carry significant weight. His opposition to the proposal is based on his belief that it would create an "unconstitutional and divisive" system. He argues that the Australian constitution already provides for the representation of Indigenous people through elected members of parliament.
Future of the Indigenous Voice Proposal
The Albanese government has pledged to hold a referendum on the Indigenous voice proposal during its first term in office. The outcome of this referendum will ultimately determine whether the proposal becomes enshrined in the Australian constitution.
Conclusion: A Complex and Contentious Issue
The awarding of an honorary doctorate to Greg Craven has ignited a firestorm of controversy, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the Indigenous voice proposal. The future of this proposal remains uncertain, but Craven's views as a constitutional expert will undoubtedly play a significant role in the ongoing debate.
Comments