Given the controversy that was generated in the referendum debate, not to mention the racism and trauma that First Peoples were forced to endure, do we really think that bypassing the Australian people altogether would have been an acceptable method of altering the constitution? The backlash from those hostile to Indigenous rights would have been even more savage than that witnessed during the referendum campaign.

Peter Garrett to the rescue

Dear Editor,

Further to Peter Tregear’s recent article on the furore at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (ABR online), while the establishment of an ‘independent, external review’ into the MSO’s operations is laudable and the correct thing to do, Peter Garrett may not be the right person to lead it. Although it seems that there has been internal disquiet within the ranks of the orchestra and management for a long time, the catalyst for the departure of the managing director and the review led by Peter Garrett was the political ‘hot potato’ of a comment about the situation in Gaza. That is why it is imperative that the person who leads the inquiry must be, or at least be seen to be, as politically neutral as possible, and that is the complete antithesis of Mr Garrett. It is also unclear what knowledge and experience, if any, Mr Garrett has of the complex business of running an orchestra. I can think of many other more appropriate and well-respected arts leaders who would fit the bill perfectly.

Peter Taplin (former recording producer, MSO)