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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 8 Hansard (30 August) . . Page.. 2607 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

So, whilst I cannot stress too much that what Mr Stanhope is saying is absolutely necessary and it is entirely appropriate that we do it, and I would hope that it would happen quickly, we have to wait until agreement on these matters has been reached between all the relevant groups in the ACT. I think indigenous people have a right to expect that respect. We should work with them to work out what is appropriate.

We run the risk of a great injustice to the Aboriginal people if we agree to the current motion. The current motion effectively tries to railroad this process through without proper consideration for the people it is trying to serve. It is very important that we make sure that this process is inclusive; that it is reconciling these groups, often to themselves as well as to us, and us to them. It is for that reason that I have circulated an amendment in my name. I move:

I would like to reconfirm the government's commitment to reconciliation. This government is keen to ensure that the wider reconciliation process continues. I think that is evident in organisations we have been supporting, such as the Canberra Journey of Healing network and Australians for Reconciliation, to build bridges and to foster a shared understanding between indigenous and all other Australians. I think it is evident in the government's public and practical support of Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day and NAIDOC Week.

It was evident in the statement of reconciliation that the Chief Minister made at Corroboree 2000 on 27 May this year when she received the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation's document of reconciliation on behalf of the people of the ACT. I think it was also evident when the Chief Minister later handed over the ACT government's copy of the Australian Declaration Towards Reconciliation to Mrs Matilda House at a ceremony on 25 July this year. That was done so that the declaration could be circulated and displayed throughout the ACT community, to encourage people to think about what reconciliation means to them and about how they can contribute to that process. The government has also ensured that every ACT public library and every ACT government school can have its own copy to keep and to display.

Mr Speaker, in the future the Chief Minister will meet with Evelyn Scott, the Chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, to discuss in detail the ACT government's response to the council's document and our commitment to the process. I have met with Ms Scott as well and made her aware that this government does support reconciliation. The Chief Minister will also be meeting with the co-chairs of the Reconciliation Committee for the Australian Capital Region on 4 September this year to discuss the committee's views on how reconciliation should progress.

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