Page 2683 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 21 September 2022
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Torres Strait Islander agreement and impact statement, as well as actions towards a treaty in the ACT.
Labor governments have consistently led the way in advancing the rights of First Nations people. A defining moment in our country’s reconciliation process was the national apology in 2008. Core to the speech was a recognition of harm and a commitment to ongoing truth-telling. Fourteen years on, we are still in a position where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are victims of systemic injustice. To address such injustice, we must all commit towards the goal of truth-telling and reconciliation.
The recently elected Labor federal government is making positive inroads on the continued path towards reconciliation, with the Prime Minister making a very clear commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, as well as many other initiatives which will benefit reconciliation across Australia for all Australians.
The upcoming referendum on the voice to parliament is a significant step. Having direct Indigenous input into law and policy making is essential to ensuring decision-making is informed by people with a deep understanding of the communities that it will affect. Indigenous communities must be able to take control of their own futures.
The commitment to ongoing truth-telling and healing through the Makarrata commission at the national level is a process that will awaken the Australian consciousness to the realities of our past. This will be a difficult process but a necessary one for reconciliation. There is no treaty, no voice, without truth-telling.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart offers a genuine partnership and a real chance for reconciliation. It calls for three things: voice, treaty and truth. I look forward to seeing this implemented and collaborating with First Nations people in the ACT and across the country. We need a shared sense of pride in and understanding of our history and our shared future, and implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart will go a long way towards this.
We are making progress, but we have a very long way to go. There are many Australians who have made important contributions and have gone above and beyond in creating significant change towards reconciliation, and who continue to do so, in both our community and across the country.
The amendments in this bill legislate that those Australians can be recognised. I hope that these amendments go some way towards encouraging and inspiring others to do more in the space of reconciliation in our community.
I am grateful to the community members who have helped to advise me on these amendments, especially Paula McGrady, the Deputy Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. Her advice has been invaluable. When we spoke, it was clear how much these amendments meant to her and her community. As she cannot be here today, I will read a quote from her. She said:
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