National Reconciliation Week

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-105580

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

National Reconciliation Week

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong) (12:13:41):

I move:

That this House:

(1) Celebrates National Reconciliation Week 2019.

(2) Acknowledges National Sorry Day, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, and the anniversary of the High Court Mabo decision.

(3) Commits to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation based on historic truths.

Every year National Reconciliation Week focuses on a different theme. This year it is "Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage". I will read an extract from an article written by Joanne Luke on 25 January 2019 called "Truth-telling to reimagine our nation(s) histories". I believe it is important that we hear directly from an Aboriginal person on this issue. She said:

Each and every Australia Day, I, like many Aboriginal people are made to feel excluded. We are told to "get over" or "forget" our history and experiences. Unlike many of the dominant culture who are able to celebrate "their" Australia, it is clear to us that not all Australians believe that our survival is worthy of celebration and our history worthy of remembrance. Despite in recent years an increasing acknowledgment that the 26th of January causes hurt to Aboriginal people, there still remains a lack of understanding around why the celebration of Australian nationhood is problematic to Aboriginal people.

Instead there is persistence that we celebrate an imagined Australia. Through the lens of colonialism, we are presented with a palatable history of war heroes, bronzed white bodies, engineering feats, cattlemen and pioneers. Through ongoing exertions of a white nation founded on white successes the nation suppresses the lived experiences of all others and distorts our true identity and histories. We forget our nation's truth. We forget our nation's brutal and ongoing violence inflicted on Aboriginal people in the territories claimed as Australia from 1901. We forget the rapes, the murders, the deprivation of liberties, the frontier wars, the imprisonments, and the theft of land and children. Other heinous crimes against humanity in the 20th Century are remembered as such and are afforded a rightful remembrance that recognises the tragedy of the lives destroyed. In contrast Australia forgets.

To escape these limiting imaginations of nationhood we need truth-telling. To recognise the humanity of lived experiences of Aboriginal people we need truth-telling.

Truth‑telling is what this Reconciliation Week is about. The Reconciliation Barometer survey, conducted by Reconciliation Australia every two years, shows attitudes shifting in support of some of the key aims of the reconciliation movement. The reconciliation barometer survey asked respondents, for the first time, about truth‑telling in order to "acknowledge the reality of Australia's shared history". The results showed 80 per cent of people considered truth‑telling important. Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine summed up well the importance of truth‑telling when she said:

It's telling the stories of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the relationship between First Nations people and other Australians.

She went on to say:

I think what we're hoping to do is start the conversation. Let's start identifying what are some of those truths that we want to talk about and what would it take for us to come together around those conversations.

Many of us believe that one of the best ways to advance truth‑telling is by the establishment of a treaty. Australia remains the largest Commonwealth country without a treaty with its Indigenous population. I recognise that Victoria is the first State making concrete moves towards a treaty, and for that it should be commended. At a local level, truth‑telling is already helping heal communities. I attended the site of the Myall Creek massacre in the Northern Tablelands electorate where the process and conversations have led to descendants of both parties coming together annually to conduct a ceremony for those who died at the site of the infamous massacre. Aunty Sue Blacklock, one of the Elders who were instrumental in that story of reconciliation, summed up the goodwill this has already generated when she said:

I hope in the future we stop talking about the massacre and talk about the healing that has happened since.

While we often disingenuously debate our history, more Indigenous people are ending up in jail and an increasing number of children are being placed in out-of-home care due to the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma. A formal truth-telling process could go some way to healing some of the wrongs of the past that have contributed to the trauma of today. We have come a long way, and I acknowledge that in this State, on both sides and in a bipartisan way, we have done many good things in relation to most of these issues, and that is good.

We now have to take the next step. We now have to consider whether we must make a treaty or an agreement and whether we tell the truth about the past in our education system so that our young people learn about this history. History does not necessarily repeat itself but it can certainly rhyme. Truth‑telling is a way to ensure it does not happen again. On Sunday I attended an event with the member for Gosford at the Gosford Regional Gallery. I spoke of the stories of the Stolen Generations, explaining that most of the Australian population do not know that history and what was done to those people. Members of Parliament know of it because we are close to it, but the general population does not. Prior to the last election Labor announced a policy to develop a treaty process. I encourage the Government during this session of Parliament to look at a treaty and truth‑telling as a way to continue the journey and attempt to heal the wrongs of the past.

Mr JUSTIN CLANCY (Albury) (12:20:45):

This week thousands of Australians across the country, including many here in New South Wales, are coming together to commemorate and celebrate a number of significant events and milestones which make up and neighbour National Reconciliation Week. Firstly, National Sorry Day: On 26 May we commemorate the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families and communities as a result of past government policies of assimilation. The effect of those policies shattered the ongoing lineage of the oldest culture on our planet. We wish to recognise the grief, suffering and loss endured by the Stolen Generations as individuals and families, and we must also recognise their resilience and perseverance.

Unfinished Business

The first National Sorry Day was held in 2008. It became the first public recognition of the Stolen Generations. This Government understands the need to work with and support members and families of the Stolen Generations. I am proud to be part of a Government that is leading the way by providing $73 million in funding in response to the parliamentary inquiry report into Stolen Generations reparations, . This includes the Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme that commenced in 2017, providing monetary reparations to Aboriginal people removed from their families under official policies of assimilation.

This week the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council retold stories he heard earlier this week from survivors of the Kinchela Boys Home, located just outside Kempsey. From 1924 to 1970 the Kinchela Boys Home housed boys forcibly removed from their homes, their families and their culture. I was so pleased to learn this Government has continued its support of First Nations people through heritage grants to assist in the truth‑telling of the site. The grants included $150,000 to the owners of the site, Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council, for necessary conservation management building works; and $70,000 to the corporation for heritage interpretation and healing space.

Our acknowledgement of the past will help these men and their families to heal. I ask that all members reflect on the fact that these acts of assimilation occurred during the lifetime of many in this place. There are members of the Stolen Generations who have yet to find and reconnect with their families and culture. Support from this Government is the perfect example to show it is already in tune with this year's National Reconciliation Week theme "Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage". We acknowledge the occurrence of past atrocities and we are walking with and supporting Aboriginal Australians as they heal. We understand it is a pathway we walk together, all Australians. Secondly, we move on to the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. It is marked by the anniversary of the 1967 referendum on 27 May each year. The 1967 referendum is nationally significant not just to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians but to all Australians. Fifty-two years ago, a majority of Australians made a clear decision for change. The 1967 referendum asked the question:

Do you approve the proposed law for the alteration of the Constitution entitled "An Act to alter the Constitution so as to omit certain words relating to the people of the Aboriginal race in any state so that Aboriginals are to be counted in reckoning the population?"

While it may now seem to have been awkwardly worded, the sentiment was definitely in the words and in the outcome. The changes sought to hand over to the Commonwealth the power to make laws with respect to Aboriginal people wherever they lived in Australia. It also sought to include Aboriginal people in national censuses. Prior to this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were not counted among the rest of us. For decades Australians who were born here and whose families had been here longer than any others were restricted in where they could live—even how they could live.

We owe respect to those lesser‑known individuals who helped to hand out "vote yes" pamphlets, to the names immortalised in our nation's history, and to those who simply voted "yes". I acknowledge all of those who helped make the 1967 referendum the highest "yes" vote of any referendum in this country's history. I also acknowledge the campaign and ongoing fight in the lead-up to the 1967 referendum by so many. In 1965 one of the largest campaigns and examples of activism seeking change were the "freedom rides" that spread across this State. The Student Action for Aborigines organisation drove across the State visiting regional towns and collecting data and information for their studies while fighting against injustices faced by Aboriginal people. They questioned the treatment of Aboriginal ex-servicemen and the banning of Aboriginal people from the town pools in Moree and Kempsey.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were denied access to RSL clubs and ceremonies across the country even though they fought—and died—for this country. The bookend to National Reconciliation Week falls on 3 June. It is the anniversary of the High Court's historic Mabo decision. Eddie Mabo, Father Dave Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and Celuia Mapo Salee banded together and fought for recognition of their traditional lands on Murray Island, in the Torres Strait. The High Court decision overturned the doctrine of terra nullius. The High Court found that the Meriam plaintiffs did indeed have what we would consider native title rights over their traditional lands as they had proven an ongoing connection and use of their land prior to colonisation.

Following the High Court decision the Commonwealth introduced the Native Title Act 1993. The Act grants the opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to apply to the Federal Court to have their traditional land, water rights and interests recognised. On this side of the House we understand the importance of promoting economic development opportunities for New South Wales residents and our great cultural heritage. "Giilang" means "story" in the Wiradjuri language. I ask members to listen to, respect and acknowledge giilang, the story of our First Nations.

Ms JODI McKAY (Strathfield) (12:27:56):

I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land, and pay my respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. I am honoured to speak to this motion acknowledging National Reconciliation Week. It is an important week for all Australians to pause and reflect on the history of our First Nations peoples. National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June. These two dates have significant historical weight and meaning. It is important to acknowledge that in this Parliament. Indeed, 27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and 3 June marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 High Court Mabo decision. I am reminded, as are all of my colleagues, that these events are still very recent in historic terms. More recent still is the national apology to the Stolen Generations delivered by Prime Minister Rudd just over 10 years ago as the first order of business of his new government.

Whilst it is important to celebrate these milestones, we must also recognise that there is so much more work to be done. This week is a time to learn about Aboriginal people's history, culture and achievements and to reflect on how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation. What I love about this week is that it is recognised in schools across the country. The theme of this year's National Reconciliation Week is "Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage". During this week we are able to celebrate more than 65,000 years of Aboriginal culture, history, stories and traditions, yet we must also acknowledge and recognise the hard truths of our history no matter how painful or uncomfortable they may be. It is important for us to acknowledge and reflect on the pain and trauma faced by Aboriginal people and communities during our shared history. Once we acknowledge our history, grounded in truth, we will be able to walk together to forge a positive and inclusive future for our First Nations people.

I acknowledge the presence in the advisers area of Aunty Norma Ingram, who is respected and loved by all members of this place. I thank our shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris, who has been an outstanding advocate for Aboriginal people and communities. The Labor Party will always be a party that supports and empowers Aboriginal people. We will also be a party that acknowledges the injustice of the past and works to right those injustices. When I announced that I will run for leadership of the New South Wales Labor Party I noted that, whilst there will be policies of our party that will be reviewed and changed if I am successful in my bid to lead the party, something that will never change is Labor's commitment to a treaty with Australia's First People. We know that a treaty is an important step towards reconciliation. The negotiation of a treaty will be a complex process and one that should be handled with care and consideration. In this process we know that it is important to bring the community together in order to take this important step towards reconciliation. As we celebrate and reflect on this week, I am reminded of the words of Paul Keating during the delivery of his now historic Redfern speech. He said:

… there is nothing to fear or to lose in the recognition of historical truth, or the extension of social justice, or the deepening of Australian social democracy to include indigenous Australians. There is everything to gain.

It is when we can understand each other's stories—stories that are grounded in truth—that we are able walk forward together. This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Mr MARK TAYLOR (Seven Hills) (12:32:05):

I commend the member for Wyong for moving this motion about National Reconciliation Week. He is an honest and passionate advocate for Aboriginal issues not only in this place but also in the wider community. This week all Australians are celebrating National Reconciliation Week. Local events around the country are being held to celebrate reconciliation and Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and its place in our nation's identity. In New South Wales we celebrate the Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of land and waters and pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging. In this place we acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and acknowledge their continued history with this place. As well as commemorating National Sorry Day and the anniversaries of the 1967 referendum and Mabo High Court decision, we also celebrate the anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander flag.

On 29 May we celebrate the flag designed by Mr Bernard Namok and its representation of the Torres Strait Islands. The flag is symbolic. The two green lines represent the mainlands of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The blue represents the ocean and waters. The black lines represent the Torres Strait Islander people. The centre symbol is a dhari representing the culture of the Torres Strait Islander people. The five-pointed star is representative of the five major island groups and nautical navigation. Torres Strait Islander Australians have a strong cultural connection, and many live in New South Wales. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people of New South Wales as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters, as well as the Aboriginal people who have moved into our wonderful State and the Torres Strait Islander Australians who help make our State culturally diverse.

This Government is proud to support a number of initiatives and programs that support Indigenous Australians as we reflect on this year's theme, "Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage". I am proud to work for a government that is working towards remembering and healing the past while striving for better outcomes for our current and future generations. As my friend the member for Albury indicated when he spoke in elegant terms about the importance of the memorable Mabo case and native title, it is important to recognise that native title has been granted over more than one million square kilometres of Australian land and waters, representing approximately 15 per cent of Australian territorial lands and waters. There are currently 629 registered Indigenous Land Use Agreements, which are voluntary agreements between a native title group and others about the use of land and waters.

Prior to entering Parliament I had the privilege of working in the justice system in areas such as Kempsey, Macksville, Walgett and Bourke, all of which are home to a high proportion of Indigenous people. This work was a wonderful experience because I saw firsthand local communities working with outstanding workers in the areas of health, education and justice. I saw what can be achieved when a community comes together to work on programs and projects to make this State the wonderful place that it is. We need to work together for the betterment of those who will follow us.

Ms LIESL TESCH (Gosford) (12:36:15):

I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as well as the Darkinjung people and the Guringai people. I am a representative of all those people in this Parliament. From the Derebin River in the south to Lake Macquarie-Awaba in the north, I am proud to speak of Aunty Bronwyn Chambers, who is a resident elder at the Central Coast Campus of the University of Newcastle and the author of the Darkinjung dictionary. This dictionary enables me and many others in our community to speak this language. I live in an area with more than 7,000 Aboriginal sites—possibly the second most dense incidence of Aboriginal sites in Australia. What an absolute honour to represent that area in this Parliament.

2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer, Reconciliation Australia's community survey

This year we recognise the importance of walking together towards reconciliation and sharing the journey. This year's theme, "Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage", goes to the heart of the national conversation about reconciliation. It is about coming together. I think every week I am in this job it is National Reconciliation Week for me. It is about building relationships and creating a world and a narrative around trust and truth as a way to have strong and fair conversations in the reconciliation space. Trust and truth are vital if we are to address the history of this nation and why, to this day, we are fighting for reconciliation. The , showed that Australians were firmly onside with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's call for a comprehensive process of truth‑telling about Australia's colonial history.

We are now more aware of the realities of our past and the atrocities that befell, and continue to befall, our Aboriginal population. We need to address those realities so that we can walk towards a unified future of respect and understanding. Today in the New South Wales Parliament I acknowledge my Aboriginal brothers and sisters who developed the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I commend them for their action in taking this conversation to the Federal Parliament. The Uluru Statement from the Heart states:

Proportionally, we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are alienated from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future. These dimensions of our crisis tell plainly the structural nature of our problem. This is the torment of our powerlessness.

Today in the New South Wales Parliament I acknowledge all the amazing Aboriginal people and organisations that are so very important in my community in moving towards a better space of being together and being courageous: the Darkinjung Local Area Land Council, and I welcome and congratulate its young chairman, Matt West, and chief executive officer Geoff Scott; and Mingaletta and the fabulous community there—Aunty Di, Aunty Elaine, Aunty Robyn, Aunty Anita, Aunty Colleen and Aunty Pam, who are amazing women. I reach out to Aunty Del and Aunty Lila. I thank all the Aboriginal education consultative groups across New South Wales and all their volunteers, who are primarily Aboriginal people. They are working to build and strengthen our communities to give young people so much power.

I thank the men's and women's groups, our Aboriginal leaders, the didj and dance groups, and Uncle Gavi, Uncle Phil and Uncle John,who are the leading voices in our community. I thank our emerging leaders, Stuart McMinn and Bruce, whom I am proud to know. I give a shout-out to my Federal colleagues—my heroes—Uncle Pat Dodson, Linda Burney and Malarndirri

McCarthy. I say happy birthday to Audrey Henessey—a proud young Yaegland and Wakka Wakka woman, who lives with us—for yesterday. May you live long. I know you are grounded in truth and we will continue to walk together in courage.

Ms MELANIE GIBBONS (Holsworthy) (12:40:28):I also acknowledge and celebrate National Reconciliation Week.Indigenous Australians have had an ongoing connection to this country since before colonisation—something proved in the landmark Mabo High Court decision on 3 June 1992. I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and their culture are an important aspect of our history and Australia's identity.We have seen magnificent authors, scholars, engineers, leaders of industry and business owners who have given so much to New South Wales and Australia.

I congratulate and welcome Mr Acting Speaker to the Speaker's panel.

I pay homage to those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who work in our frontline services around the country—whether they be nurses, doctors, teachers, police officers or servicemen or women. Many serve the community while others serve their country. It was incredibly telling to have our first Aboriginal Federal Minister sworn inthis week. It is noteworthy that today Indigenous service men and women serve in our Defence Forcewhen only a few decades ago so many of them were excluded from local, State and national events for returned personnel. They were even denied entry to RSL clubs and sometimes made to purchase drinks from the back window and were not able to sit with their fellow servicemen.

Today I acknowledge and thank the close to 2,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women serving in the Australian Defence Force. What an act of reconciliation that, althoughstill plagued withdisadvantage, Indigenous Australians have chosen to stand and fight for our country. This is despite the fact that prior to the 1967 referendum they were not counted along with all other Australians and their relatives may have been forced away from family, friends and culture and displaced under the policy of assimilation. Preserving Aboriginal culture is important to ensure that Indigenous customs, stories and traditions are carried forward into the future.

I am proud of the many local groups that help to continue to preserve this culture—especially the Liverpool-based group KARI. KARI is one of the largest Aboriginal foster care agencies, whichaims to ensure that its community has access to culturally specific foster care services.Additionally, it gives young Aboriginal people opportunities to flourish by providing foster care, early intervention, cultural connectivity and capacity‑building activities. It also offers local Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous organisations the opportunity to work together, with initiatives designed to close the gap and support Indigenous advancement.

KARI offers many different initiatives, including Indigenous consulting, Indigenous art programs and Indigenous education programs. It also runs the KARI Foundation, a cultural unit and the KARI Clinic. It is a very important group in our local community. One beautiful thing it does is hold a debutante ball for young Aboriginal girls, who are partnered by our local policemen. It is a lovely event and a sweet way to break down communication barriers that may exist in our community. I thank the governance board of KARI for its work, including Mr Gary Potts, chairman; Ms Isabelle Phillips, director; Ms Anne Martin, AO, director; Ms Casey Ralph, chief executive officer; and especially Mr Paul Ralph, director, who was integral to the founding of KARI.

We acknowledge the past, as we must. I am glad that our Government is working to heal past wrongdoings and working towards a reconciled future. Employment opportunities and reduced gaps in education and health will help to significantly reduce the disadvantage faced by so many.I am proud to be part of a government that is leading the way by providing $73 million in funding in response to the parliamentary inquiry report into Stolen Generations reparations,Unfinished Business. That is just one of the ways this Government is not shying away from the past. I look forward to working side by side with our Indigenous community into the future.

Mr STEPHEN BALI (Blacktown) (12:44:44):By leave: I too acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. I also recognise the custodians of the land in Blacktown, the Darug Nation. Blacktown was aptly named after the Aboriginal community in 1812 on the Blacktown Native Institution site. National Reconciliation Week is taken extremely seriously by Blacktown City Council, which supports local communities. The Reconciliation Walk and Gathering, which started in Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt, and concert took place on 18 May. It was supported by the member for Mount Druitt, who is a former Blacktown councillor and is involved in many Aboriginal issues. Ed Husic also took time out of his busy schedule to join that important walk and support reconciliation events in Mount Druitt.

There were 10 stage performances and stalls in the area. The Kildare Road Medical Centre runs a program called "Deadly moves for kids", which encourages dance and culture. The centre should be commended for focusing on providing the best primary health care tailored to the Aboriginal community. Also present on the day were Danny Eastwood, a legendary Aboriginal artist; Kims Art; and representatives from the Aboriginal Legal Service and Yenu Allowah Aboriginal Child & Family Centre. It was great to see so many different service providers get together to support and help people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait heritage move forward.

I highlight a very important ceremony that occurred on Monday 27 May called the Healing Feeling Gathering, which was coordinated by Jie Pittman from Liven Truth Productions. Many members have talked about bringing communities together so that our youth understand their heritage and the challenges of past mistakes. Jie Pittman should be commended for putting together school programs that enable children to understand and practise their culture. It is so important for them to understand and live their culture. If we want to truly reconcile, we must recognise Aboriginal culture. I hope that the Government takes up this program, which involves 12 schools, something like 350 students, aunties and uncles, and various community representatives who attended on 27 May.

Uncle Wes conducted the smoking ceremony and Uncle Greg Sims did the welcome to country. Aunty Jacinta Tobin, a fabulous musician and songwriter, was also present. Aunty Rita Wright told an impassioned story about the sad effects of her experiences as part of the Stolen Generation. She talked about the future and how we need to walk together and give young Aboriginal children who are growing up in our area the opportunity to recognise, live and be proud of their culture and move forward. It is important for the Government to support programs such as this. The program is unsupported and the local council should not be left to run it. I ask the Government to get on board and support this program.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (12:49:05):Bringing them Home

By leave: Congratulations, Mr Temporary Speaker, on your promotion to that role. The referendum of 1967 and the apology to the Stolen Generation were certainly turning points. That apology came out of the 1997 tabling of the report in the Federal Parliament. We have come a long way since then. The theme of the 2019 National Reconciliation Week is "Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage". It is important to explore this year's theme of walking together by focusing in part on how we—as government bodies, local communities and the Aboriginal community as a whole—can walk together to encourage, empower and support our Indigenous community. It is important that across local, State and Federal government we work with Indigenous communities to form strong and equitable relationships. Unfortunately, unless we begin to work together to heal the wounds from our past, we cannot build a stronger future together.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us all of the many generations who have fought hard and persevered to ensure meaningful change, but is also a stark reminder of how much there still is to go. For example, recent findings by Reconciliation Australia show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people believe more must be done by government departments and all levels of government to close the gap in areas of disadvantage, including in our health system, justice system, educational opportunities and employment. Indigenous people are getting into the education system earlier and are staying for longer, which is a huge improvement on past statistics, providing a whole new generation with the building blocks—the very basics—for a brighter future. We are also witnessing similar trends in the workplace, but more can always be done. I look forward to the day that we can walk together hand in hand with our Indigenous community and when our Indigenous people have similar average life expectancies instead of the stark 10-year difference, on average, that currently exists.

Recently I attended the Georges River Council's National Reconciliation Week 2019 event and watched a documentary about reconciliation put together by the council and members of our community. I congratulate the council on the launch of the documentary, which is now on its website and in every major library in the Georges River Council area. As I said previously, we have come a long way since the referendum of 1967, but there is certainly more to be done in our community.

Mr JIHAD DIB (Lakemba) (12:52:18):

By leave: Congratulations, Mr Temporary Speaker. I think this is the first time I have seen you in the chair. I wish you the very best in your role. We will behave always. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and pay my respects to elders past and present, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and the Wadigal people in my electorate of Lakemba. I have spoken a number of times about the fact that there are two Australian stories. The Australian story does not start in 1770; the Australian story starts way back, 60,000 years ago. That story begins with the first sunrise, when people came here as the original custodians of the land—the First Nations people. The Australian story after that became a migrant story. But the history of Australia is a wonderful one.

Before 1770

What is even more wonderful about Australia—when I think we got better—was recognising that there was a history prior to 1770. Recently I watched a documentary entitled made by a gentleman called Sheikh Wesam Charkawi from the Auburn area. Many members will know him as he runs Sydney Youth Connect. He ran a program for some Muslim youth and took them to Cape York, where 500 years earlier a group called the Makassans from Indonesia used to trade with the Wundall people from the Cape York area. After all these years there was recognition that trade had occurred, which is another example of the connection that existed before 1770.

Once upon a time I was a history teacher. It was great. I love history; it is amazing. Of course, the curriculum told teachers to teach colonial Australian history. We were not able to teach the whole Australian history because we did not talk about it as much as we now do. However, in teaching history, particularly post‑colonisation history, we focused on the challenges facing Australia's Indigenous and First Nations people when colonisation took place and the impact it had. There was complete dislocation of their society and history of 60,000 years. Their culture, faith, practices and languages were lost. That was a tragic moment in Australia's history. But the theme today is reconciliation and moving forward together, which is so good to see.

I join members in acknowledging the presence of Aunty Norma Ingram in the advisers area. I acknowledge Uncle Harry from Lakemba RSL. I also acknowledge, in her absence, Linda Burney—one of my local MPs—and Senator Pat Dodson, who was also involved in part of the Makassans trip that I talked about earlier. We need to walk together as a nation, recognising all our stories. Every single one of our stories is important. Our Australian history cannot be defined only by what happened before 1770 or by what happened post-1770 or by what has happened in the past 15 years. Our Australian history is one long narrative that started 60,000 years ago and keeps going. Every single one of us, adding our own personal flavour, is part of the great Australian story.

People sometimes talk about symbols, but when I see an Aboriginal flag it is more than just a symbol to me. It is a first step. When I see a smoking ceremony happening at a school, that is not a symbol; it is a sign of respect. When I see governments and oppositions make genuine efforts to move forward together then I consider that to be a step in the right direction. When I see programs that are focused on increasing the educational outcomes, health outcomes, life expectancy outcomes and job prospects of First Nation people, that is not a symbol. Together, we can make things much better—and we do that when we do it together. I thank the member for Wyong for bringing this motion to the House.

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal) (12:56:17):Colours of Country

By leave: I start by showing my respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, who are the traditional custodians of the land upon which this Parliament is located, and also pay my respects to the Darkinjung people of the Central Coast, where my electorate of Terrigal is located. As other speakers have noted already, this week is National Reconciliation Week. This week we celebrate Indigenous arts and culture, including on the Central Coast. A number of events are happening across our community this week. The Gosford Regional Gallery features contemporary Indigenous arts and culture. The exhibition showcases a collection of works from local Aboriginal artists. At The Entrance, the Central Coast Council is hosting its annual Indigenous arts and culture showcase, with a visual and storytelling program for young Indigenous people aged three to 18 years. The community can also take part in a number of free workshops on visual storytelling and traditional basket weaving.

I am proud to be a Central Coast member. The area is ably represented by the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council, which is the pre-eminent Aboriginal authority on the Central Coast and is highly respected. I come from South Australia and I had never experienced a welcome to country. Taking part in Gavvy Duncan's welcome to country is inspiring—it is a beautiful moment. The people of the Central Coast have embraced the Darkinjung culture. Whether it is National Reconciliation Week or the Five Lands Walk, which notes the whale migration during the winter solstice, the Darkinjung people play a huge part in the Central Coast community. I am proud that the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association [NAISDA] is located at Mount Penang on the Central Coast. It is the first time in 40 years that NAISDA has had a permanent home.

I also highlight the historic levels of support that the Liberal-Nationals Government is giving to the Darkinjung people on the Central Coast. The Darkinjung, as I said before, are our local Indigenous representatives and they are also the pre-eminent Aboriginal cultural authority for our region. Earlier this year I was incredibly proud to jointly announce a suite of pioneering planning policies that will help the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council to better utilise its land. Indeed, it is the largest private landholder across the Central Coast region, totalling more than 3,700 hectares of land. The Darkinjung Delivery Framework will bring greater self‑determination to the Darkinjung community. I cannot stress that enough. It encourages better social and economic results from land. Part of the framework includes a State Environmental Planning Policy, known as a SEPP. I cannot emphasise how significant that is for helping our region move forward. As the then Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts said:

[This initiative includes] revised planning processes, legal changes, ongoing collaboration and education between the NSW Government and Darkinjung that are unprecedented in their depth and breadth.

He added that the package sets the precedent for:

… future roll out to other Local Aboriginal Land Councils, enabling Aboriginal communities across New South Wales to better achieve economic self-determination from their lands.

I thank former Minister for Planning for his work and the new Minister, Rob Stokes, who is present in the Chamber. I look forward to welcoming him to the Central Coast to see the great work that the Darkinjung community is doing. I also compliment Matthew West, Chairman of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. His dynamic leadership in the area is unsurpassed. Matthew is a passionate man who wants to see the Darkinjung progress. The SEPP will provide that framework. I congratulate him on playing an active role in this process. I commend this motion to the House.

Ms LYNDA VOLTZ (Auburn) (13:00:31Bringing them Home

): By leave: I congratulate the member for Wyong on moving this motion today. It is important to have a process in Parliament to talk about reconciliation and truth-telling. Reconciliation Week starts with Sorry Day, which commemorates the report and what happened to the Stolen Generations. Unfortunately, when it comes to truth-telling, much of that history has been lost. In my inaugural speech I spoke of my grandfather's brothers and sisters who were recorded to be at Mount Olive, also known as St Clair Aboriginal Mission Reserve, in Singleton. My grandfather would have been too young to have his name recorded at the time. The only reason there was a record was that all the Aboriginal children had been kicked out of the local public school and sent to the mission and they did not have a teacher. The mission was trying to establish some kind of educational facility on what was essentially a rubbish tip.

I do not know what happened to my grandfather because there are no records. He said that at times he was raised by a Church of England priest. I do not know why he ended up with a Church of England priest. I do not know how he got separated from his brothers and sisters. And I will never know. That is the reality for many Aboriginal families. The truth of what happened to them is lost in time. His mother was Aboriginal and his father, who was white, left the mission and went off to World War I. My understanding is that because there was trouble in Walcha, he did not feel safe leaving the Aboriginal family there. On his enlistment papers for World War I, the mission has been crossed out and Singleton is recorded as his place of enlistment.

The records were changed and therefore do not acknowledge the existence of those missions and what was happening there. As the member for Holsworthy acknowledged, many Aboriginal people served in the First World War and Second World War. We should certainly acknowledge them. Much of that history has been lost. My uncle Keith, who worked on the Thai-Burma Railway, was captured in the fall of Singapore. I have sent his records and they are starting to put them together. At least six or seven Aboriginal soldiers worked on the Thai‑Burma Railway. When I sent Uncle Keith's records I noted that he had a particularly bad service record. He was on charges every day. I notice Aunty Norma laughing at that. He was a bit of a rascal anyway so that would not have been unusual. Apparently Aboriginal soldiers were quite often on charges day after day. They were not used to a military life, coming off places like missions and having been brought up in other parts of the world.

That is the truth of what happened to the Aboriginal people and how much history has been lost. That is why a treaty is important. Australia should not be afraid of the treaty. As imperfect as it is, New Zealand has long had the Treaty of Waitangi. Its underlying framework has at least allowed a mechanism for land rights and the rights of Indigenous people to be recognised in New Zealand. Australia has always lacked that insight and that is why the Mabo decision is an important piece of history for the Aboriginal people. Quite frankly, I have always felt that if we wanted a national day of recognition, then we should recognise Mabo Day and Mabo's birthday. My view is that we should abolish the Queen's Birthday public holiday—I am sure the monarchists would be jumping up and down about that—and replace it with Mabo Day. That is a personal view; it is not necessarily party policy but we might keep working on that. It is time we recognised the Indigenous people. The acknowledgement of their right to their land is a good place to start.

Ms SOPHIE COTSIS (Canterbury) (13:04:51

): By leave: I will be brief but I also want to add my voice to this important debate. First, I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging. I acknowledge my very good friend Aunty Norma Ingram, who is in the Speaker's gallery today. I thank her for the amazing work that she has done, for her love and hard work, and for sharing her life story. During the 2019 election I learnt a lot about her life story and what she had to do when she and other people like Linda Burney were not recognised. That is a big black spot—a big shame—for our nation. I want Aunty Norma and everyone to know that I will do whatever I can, not only as a member of Parliament but as one of millions of Australians. The time is now. We can no longer wait. I also acknowledge the shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs, David Harris, who has done extensive work in this area. Since he has been responsible for the portfolio he has travelled extensively across our great State. As members know, I was on leave due to ill health but I was heartened to learn about some of David's important work. He took some very good policies to the 2019 election.

National Reconciliation Week has an important message about fostering better relationships between the broader Australian community and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We have a long way to go with respect to health, education, jobs and transportation for Aboriginal people. In my responsibility as shadow Minister for Women I know that many Indigenous women have chronic disease and others are not getting screening for breast cancer or cervical cancer. It distresses me that screening rates for diagnosis among Aboriginal women are still very low. I am passionate about improving that. I have spoken previously about it and I will continue to work hard to put plans in place. I am happy to work with the Government, the crossbench, our stakeholders and our Indigenous sisters about how we can increase the rates of screening. As other members have mentioned, we are also commemorating the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision. They are two significant historical milestones. My children, George and Cassandra, often ask me why it is such a big deal. They say, "We don't have reconciliation, Mum." They make a very good point. The time has come. We have to act now.

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong) (13:08:36

): In reply: I thank the Government for allowing this motion to proceed. That was a good bipartisan show for the community that we are united on this issue. I thank the members representing the electorates of Albury, Strathfield, Seven Hills, Gosford, Holsworthy, Blacktown, Oatley, Lakemba, Terrigal, Auburn and Canterbury for their contributions. I also acknowledge Aunty Norma Ingram in the Speaker's gallery. I wish Aunty Norma was here delivering this speech. One day that might be the case.

It is great that everyone acknowledges special times like Reconciliation Week and the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee [NAIDOC], but acknowledgement is not enough; we need to start living these things. We need to start demonstrating through our actions every single day the importance of this issue. I am reminded of a good friend, young entrepreneur Cheree Toka, a young Kamilaroi woman, who had the dream of flying the Aboriginal flag permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. She said eloquently at the time that here, in the so-called birthplace of this nation, there is no visible permanent recognition of the First Nations people. Anyone coming via cruise ship to Sydney or flying over in an aircraft will see nothing to show that our First Nations people were here. She has made the simple request that the Aboriginal flag fly permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

We can tunnel underground, we can build metros and massive freeways but apparently we cannot put one extra flagpole on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to fly the Aboriginal flag. It is really sad that we cannot have something that recognise the First People. The statement has been made that it is just symbolic: that it will not change health or education. That is 100 per cent correct, but we should have something that recognises the whole community. I was so angry when some right-wing commentators came out and attacked that concept, calling it divisive. It would bring the nation together. Reconciliation is about acknowledging our whole history, not just parts of our history and hiding the bits we do not like.

Acknowledgement of country should be standard and many members acknowledged it this morning. I note the campaign run by Councillor Ryan Tracey to have acknowledgement of country at The Hill Shire Council, but it has been voted down on several occasions. Council does an acknowledgement of the pioneers, which is fair enough, but it continually votes down a motion to acknowledge the First Peoples. Members cannot talk in this place about reconciliation and say sorry when we cannot even do the easy actions, the low-hanging fruit, the things that could be done simply. All members have expressed great sentiments this morning. I hope they go away and think about our history and what National Reconciliation Week means. It is not a holiday or something special that celebrates art and culture, although that is important. It is about our history and making a difference.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Gurmesh Singh):

The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Motion agreed to.