The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre has hit out at the Federal Government’s decision to appoint Murray Gleeson to the special council to drive Indigenous constitutional recognition, saying he should resign from the position.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced The Referendum Council consisting of 16 members to oversee the consultation process towards a referendum on constitutional recognition. The former Chief Justice Murray Gleeson has been included in the cross-party special council. 

Spokesman for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Palawa man, Michael Mansell says Mr Gleeson’s ability to contribute in a meaningful way to the council is tainted by comments he made while sitting on the bench as a judge. 

Image: Courtesy of the ABC