Page 825 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
It goes on to say:
The Canberra community is fortunate in that it is both enriched and strengthened by its diverse and multicultural population.
In celebrating a multicultural city, we need to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which we live.
The original owners have contributed to our region for over 20,000 years and we need to acknowledge this ongoing contribution to Canberra and its region. We need also to pay our respects to their elders past and present.
That is something that I take great pride in when I am at events—acknowledging the traditional owners of this land. The strategy also says:
The very nature of our multicultural Canberra was created on the foundation of the gentle and inclusive nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This strategy also goes to how we strengthen our multicultural Canberra. It notes:
The ACT is strengthened when people of multicultural backgrounds have equal access to opportunities for social, economic and political inclusion. This is achieved through protective laws, enabling policies and community connectedness.
The strategy says:
The Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT) and the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT) are key protective laws. These laws provide rights for all Canberrans.
Within the law, in the ACT all individuals have the right to:
• participate and contribute socially, culturally and economically;
• equitable access to quality ACT Government services and programs; and
• practice and maintain faith, language and cultural heritage.
With these rights come individual responsibilities, which include:
• accepting the rights of others …
As Dr Bourke said in moving his motion, ACT citizens are more directly and comprehensively protected than the citizens of any other jurisdiction, through our strong human rights framework. We will continue to protect our citizens from racial discrimination while also protecting their rights to freedom of speech, to hold opinions, to express opinions and, most fundamentally, to have respect and regard for others in our community.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video