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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (17 June) . . Page.. 1615 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

A vital part of the reconciliation process is restitution, and any attempt to restore and seek justice for what has been lost or damaged in the Aboriginal culture must, I think, include land. Land is vital to nationhood. The struggles of the Kurds and the Palestinians are modern day examples of this truth. I appreciate the ACT Government's intention to negotiate land settlements in the ACT. I think this is a definite step in the right direction. My only caution to them is that I believe there is no need to rush to be the first in Australia to settle a native title claim. In that rush mistakes are bound to be made which could easily make settlements turn into meaningless gestures.

From my understanding, the Aboriginal culture requires negotiation with tribal elders, not with people elected to bodies established by white governments. I strongly urge the Government to make sure it goes about this process properly, because I am not convinced it is doing so at the moment. I appreciate that the Ngunnawal people are divided into three distinct groups in our region, but surely this is all the more reason to make sure that we get it right. The settlement of local land claims must be meaningful for all three groups. I might also note that, while restitution is so necessary, it is usually painful; but so were the hurts that are being laid to rest, hopefully, today. I do not know the full application of the law in this area; but I believe that land being handed back should also include the ability of self-expression and self-determination regarding that land, and not carrying the baggage of what we want done with it for our benefit.

Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, this apology today and the growing mood of reconciliation across the country are both encouraging and long overdue. Mr Howard's expression of deep personal sorrow that he gave to the Aboriginal people is the same deep personal sorrow that he would not accept as being good enough from the Japanese for their role in World War II. How unfortunate it is that he has displayed such absolute ignorance and so little integrity in front of his people. I trust, as we begin the process of reconciliation today, that the future of this country is one that gives honour, dignity, placement and participation to all Australians.

MR KAINE (Minister for Urban Services) (11.41): Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, it is of great importance to me that I have the opportunity today to participate in this historic and important debate on a motion which I support totally. It is regrettable, I think, that a similar opportunity presents itself to but a few in our community, and that is the few who happen to sit around this table.

The Chief Minister, in her opening speech to the Assembly, commented that the Australian Capital Territory is indeed fortunate to have a growing and vibrant indigenous community as a part of its structure and spirit. I agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment. Although not large, this community contributes in many ways to the quality of this society. A key attribute of this Government is its partnership with the indigenous community to work together cooperatively to improve the economic, social and political conditions of all Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders living here in the ACT. I would like to outline briefly to the Assembly a couple of recent noteworthy outcomes resulting from this partnership.

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