Page 4727 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
We are also not afraid to tackle some of the most harmful and damaging issues impacting on individuals, families and the Indigenous community: better and more holistic support for Indigenous people trapped in the justice system; common-sense solutions like having an Indigenous parole officer to provide more tailored case management; and developing a culturally appropriate alcohol and drug rehabilitation program.
The 18 policy initiatives that we released in March were an important step for us, just as this motion is today. But the work will not stop here. I am committed to continuing this work with my colleagues on areas such as child protection, languages, domestic violence, policing, and so many more.
Importantly, this work will not occur without support and guidance from the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. That is just one of the reasons that we are supporting this motion today. It shows that we are willing to learn and embrace their culture, and it shows that, together, we can work towards a bright and positive future. I commend this motion to the Assembly.
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (10.55): I thank Mr Rattenbury for bringing forward this important motion. As a migrant from Tonga, and with my father being from the ancient capital city of Tonga, I know the importance of understanding history, culture and language. Every time I visit my father’s ancient village, I feel like I am treading on sacred ground. Walking the land where my ancestors walked and lived is a privilege to me.
Likewise I am honoured to be walking on this sacred land. Our first people here in Canberra walked on and worked the ground. They had their own language and culture, one that I find fascinating and beautiful. It is wonderful that we can begin this pathway of recognising our first people’s language and teaching it to others. This is really exciting, because when you speak in a native language, you learn.
I am reminded that my Tongan relatives who live in New Zealand were taught how to speak the Maori language for many decades. When we have a reunion, they sing in Maori, not Tongan, and they perform the haka.
I know that, just as my family have embraced the New Zealand Maori language and culture, we here in Canberra will also embrace, love and adore our first native language here in Canberra. This is an exciting pathway and I cannot wait to see the outcome of it in years to come.
Congratulations to our Ngunnawal brothers and sisters. We may come from different lands but we are one human family. May your language prosper here in Canberra forever and ever.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
At 10.58, the sitting was suspended until the ringing of the bells.
The bells having been rung, Madam Assistant Speaker (Ms Lee) resumed the chair at 11.04.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video