Page 497 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 21 February 2018
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independent observer, would simply need to go and look at the single largest donation by an individual in ACT political history to understand why it is that those opposite hold the opinion they do. Follow the money!
MS CHEYNE: Chief Minister, what were the main findings of the CTP report about the merits of the process?
MR BARR: The reviewer was very positive about the process that the government has undertaken and the importance of such deliberative democracy. This is a very useful process. I know that those opposite oppose it. They will continue to do so, and they do so because of their significant financial donations from a particular—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR BARR: The single largest donation by an individual in ACT political history was made to those opposite on this issue.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—Reconciliation Day
MS CODY: My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs: can the minister update the Assembly about the recently announced Reconciliation Day grants?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cody for her question and her interest in Reconciliation Day. The Reconciliation Day public holiday on 28 May will be a nationally significant event, with the ACT being the first jurisdiction in Australia to gazette a public holiday recognising the culture and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our collective responsibility for the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
I was pleased recently to join with the Chief Minister to announce funding of $50,000 for community organisations through the 2018 Reconciliation Day grants program to enable grassroots organisations to participate fully in the celebrations, ensuring that Reconciliation Day has a strong community focus. These grants are available to assist organisations or individuals to conduct, coordinate or participate in Reconciliation Day events in the lead-up to or during the Reconciliation Day public holiday weekend.
The Reconciliation Day grants program aims to support community-organised events with a strong focus on: promoting understanding and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, for example, how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are connected to their country, including through arts, music, languages and other cultural activities; promoting understanding of the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of past policies and historical events, such as forced removal and the stolen generations; allowing opportunities for Canberrans of all ages and backgrounds to be involved and have the ability to participate in community events and to have a voice about what reconciliation means to them; or, for example, holding seminars or panel discussions about the importance of reconciliation with the aim of raising the threshold of understanding collectively across the ACT.
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