Page 1830 - Week 05 - Thursday, 16 May 2019
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MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Hanson for the question. To assume that because there are investigations there are inevitably also failures prejudges the fact that there are, indeed, investigations going on. Therefore, it is inappropriate for me to assume, as Mr Hanson may well have done, that there is a failure that has led to the investigations. The investigations have come about as a result of complaints. They will be investigated and then we will know what it is that we may need to do.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—Reconciliation Day preparations
MS CODY: My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Minister, can you please update the Assembly on preparations for Reconciliation Day on Monday, 27 May?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: As Ms Cody has said, the ACT will indeed mark its second Reconciliation Day public holiday on Monday, 27 May. Reconciliation Day is a day for truth telling. It aims to recognise our shared history and help build a stronger future together. The ACT Reconciliation Council has again adopted the national Reconciliation Week theme which is “grounded in truth, walk together with courage”.
Reconciliation in the Park will again be held in Glebe Park from 10.30 am on the day. The event will showcase national and local talent, including the Merindas, Johnny Huckle, Kulture Break, the Wiradjuri Echoes, the Woden Valley Youth Choir and Grace Obst, a young Canberran whose powerful original song about the Stolen Generations, quite simply, takes your breath away.
Canberrans will have the opportunity to learn more about reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by talking directly with Ngunnawal elders and other members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Cultural activities will include language workshops, painting, basket weaving and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language map.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to leave a message in the reflection forest. A number of sporting clubs will also be at the day, including Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander basketball team, the Warriors, Cricket ACT, Netball ACT, the Brumbies and Volleyball ACT.
I want quickly to take this opportunity to thank the Reconciliation Council, co-chaired by Genevieve Jacobs and Dr Chris Bourke, for their hard work, advice and wisdom in delivering Australia’s second Reconciliation Day.
MS CODY: Minister, what is the government doing to ensure that community groups can get involved in Reconciliation Day?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cody for her supplementary question. For our newest public holiday to succeed in driving forward a community commitment to reconciliation it needs deep commitment from Canberrans in all walks of life and in all regions. One way for local community groups, non-government organisations and individuals to get involved in Reconciliation Day is through the Reconciliation Day grant program and the activities that it supports.
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