Page 3720 - Week 10 - Thursday, 14 September 2017
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I want to thank Minister Stephen-Smith for bringing this proposal to the Assembly and would also like to acknowledge the work of the former minister, Chris Bourke, in progressing this idea. The ACT is a progressive jurisdiction, and the Greens welcome the ACT government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation through the establishment of this symbolic public holiday. As a nation and as a community we have come a long way in acknowledging the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures as part of our national story. And while there is still a long way to go, the introduction of Reconciliation Day is another step on this journey.
The reconciliation movement has its roots in the 1967 referendum, and this holiday will mark 27 May as a significant date in our history. On this date in 1967, more than 90 per cent of Australian voters chose “yes” to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and give the Australian government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It paved the way for a number of significant developments to address systemic disadvantage and provided Indigenous Australians with a symbol of recognition.
That is why 27 May marks the start of National Reconciliation Week, with the week ending on 3 June, on the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision. These are two crucial milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey and an important reminder of how far we have come. The addition of a Reconciliation Day public holiday on 27 May will be an opportunity for the Canberra community to come together to mark this important moment.
This date was chosen for its historical and cultural significance, and because on this day it is appropriate to celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is not a date linked to historical grievance or injustice, and while those days, such as Sorry Day, remain extremely important, they serve a different purpose. As a respondent to the public consultation said:
Having a Reconciliation Day public holiday would be a sign of the maturity of our community, to celebrate and to acknowledge the respect we want to achieve both now and into the future. It would give us time to reflect on what has been, acknowledge the history and find unity in moving forward.
It is also an opportunity to listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to understand how we can take the next steps in the reconciliation process. Reconciliation Australia has identified five dimensions for measuring reconciliation, which form the basis of the state of reconciliation report. The five dimensions are: firstly, race relations, where positive two-way relationships built on trust and respect exist between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians throughout society; secondly, equality and equity, where Indigenous Australians participate equally and equitably in all areas of life, and the distinctive rights and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and respected; thirdly, institutional integrity, where our political, business and community institutions actively support all dimensions of reconciliation; fourth, unity, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights are a valued and
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