Page 3077 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 23 August 2005
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We now have “welcome to country” signs at the main entrances to the territory and a dual naming process whereby, if possible, we will include the original Aboriginal name for geographic features and areas in the ACT alongside the names given to them mainly by the early settlers. For example, we have named the new Gungahlin nature park Goorooyaroo and in doing so have restored the original Aboriginal name for that general area. We have also allocated $100,000 to commission a public artwork to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. This artwork will be displayed in a prominent place in the territory.
As a constant reminder of our commitment to reconciliation between our indigenous and non-indigenous people, the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, ACT and Australian flags have flown side-by-side outside the ACT Legislative Assembly building. These are symbols of a more cohesive society and, importantly, a constant reminder of our commitment to reconciliation. These are all examples of the ACT government’s willingness to show leadership and the move towards reconciliation. I encourage the opposition to embrace these moves in a truly bipartisan spirit.
There are always going to be obstacles along the path to reconciliation. The abolition of ATSIC has been a significant stumbling block as it is a denial of the basic rights of the first people of this country to self-determination of their own affairs. It has been a monumental setback for reconciliation in this nation. However, all obstacles can be overcome. The ACT government will continue this work on the reconciliation process and from here we need to encourage leadership by governments to resource and support the community to address the disadvantage that presently exists between the non-indigenous community and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The ACT government proposal to establish a newly elected body that will replace the ATSIC regional council structure in the ACT area demonstrates our commitment to overcoming these obstacles. It is important for all of us to feel a part of our community, to have a sense of belonging. While there is still some way to go, I believe that the ACT community is making good progress towards a more inclusive and supportive society. The ACT government will continue to strive to improve the conditions and circumstances and to address the disadvantage of our indigenous community. We look forward to the day when we can acknowledge that the reconciliation process has matured and we have become part of a more cohesive society that truly respects our indigenous heritage.
This is an issue that demands attention from all sides of politics and all levels, and from all members of the Assembly. We must regain the momentum that the Australian community built up when thousands walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge five years ago and we must overcome the lack of leadership at the highest levels if we are to achieve real and lasting reconciliation.
MR SMYTH (Brindabella—Leader of the Opposition) (4.52): Mr Gentleman is right: leadership is needed. Somebody has to show leadership in this territory on indigenous issues because the minister for indigenous affairs has allowed indigenous issues here to languish for the last four years. I will give you concrete evidence of that, Mr Deputy Speaker.
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