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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 6 Hansard (24 May) . . Page.. 1722 ..

MS TUCKER (continuing):

The other issue Mr Moore raised was about what document we are talking about here, I guess. My understanding of Mr Stanhope's motion is that we are here supporting what is on the Internet and is available for people to look at, and they could have looked at, which is the original document that came out of the council. That is what I have understood this motion to be about, and it has been available. So if Mr Moore has not found the time to look at the document, that is not a reason to oppose the motion, unless he wants to see Mr Howard's version with the amendments; but that is not what this motion is about, to my understanding.

MR QUINLAN (8.08): Mr Speaker, I understand Mr Rugendyke's concerns for young people but I have a little problem in wrestling with the concept that you can grow out of justice. It is unjust. If mandatory sentencing is unjust to young people it is unjust for everybody, and I think Ms Tucker has made a very good point.

For the benefit of those members here who are interested in the content of the Australian Declaration Towards Reconciliation, I would like to use the rest of my time to read it in the interest of resolving this debate. It is one page. So, with your indulgence, Mr Speaker, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation's Australian Declaration Towards Reconciliation reads as follows:

We, the peoples of Australia, of many origins as we are, make a commitment to go on together in a spirit of reconciliation.

We value the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of lands and waters.

We recognise this land and its waters were settled as colonies without treaty or consent.

Reaffirming the human rights of all Australians, we respect and recognise continuing customary laws, beliefs and traditions.

Through understanding the spiritual relationship between the land and its first peoples, we share our future and live in harmony.

Our nation must have the courage to own the truth, to heal the wounds of its past so that we can move on together at peace with ourselves.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts and minds of all Australians. Many steps have been taken, many steps remain as we learn our shared histories.

As we walk the journey of healing, one part of the nation apologises and expresses its sorrow and sincere regret for the injustices of the past, so the other part accepts the apologies and forgives.

We desire a future where all Australians enjoy their rights, accept their responsibilities, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

And so, we pledge ourselves to stop injustice, overcome disadvantage, and respect that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the right to self-determination within the life of the nation. Our hope is for a united Australia that respects this land is ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.

That is a fairly simple statement. I now trust that everybody can, at least, address it. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

MR MOORE (Minister for Health and Community Care): Mr Speaker, I ask for leave to make a very short statement.

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