Burton DeRose, Ms S.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:26): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council on the recent passing of Aboriginal leader Ms Sylvia Burton DeRose?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:26): I thank the honourable member for his question. It is with sadness that I rise today to speak of the recent passing of Ms Burton DeRose, also known as Sylvia 'Ebony' Benson DeRose, a remarkable Aboriginal language interpreter, translator and community leader for Anangu Tjuta. Ms Burton DeRose passed away peacefully on 5 September 2024 at the age of 67 in the community of Amata in the central part of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands in the far north-west of South Australia.

Ms Burton DeRose's life was one of extraordinary service and dedication to community and to the preservation of Aboriginal languages. Born in 1957, just across the border in Blackstone in Western Australia, she lived the vast majority of her life in the central desert region spanning Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Her professional achievements were truly outstanding. Ms Burton DeRose was the only National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters certified practitioner in Australia with dual certification in the Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjatjara languages. Her work in translation was extensive and impactful, including her involvement in the Bible in traditional language projects and the creation of a Ngaanyatjarra language dictionary.

Ms Burton DeRose's commitment to her community extended beyond her linguistic work. She served as a member of the APY Executive Board, the NPY Women's Council and the Ngaanyatjarra board. Her leadership was characterised by an unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to improving community conditions.

In 2021, at the age of 64, Ms Burton DeRose established Kurranyukutu Mapitjalayini, a community-based language department aimed at empowering professionals and the next generations in Aboriginal interpretation and translation. This initiative exemplifies her dedication to ensuring the continuity and recognition of Aboriginal language skills.

Her recent work included translating materials for the Australian Electoral Commission for the recent referendum and a 100-page translation project for White Ribbon addressing domestic violence, demonstrating her commitment to addressing critical issues affecting Aboriginal communities.

As the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I have been fortunate to have known Ms Burton DeRose over many years. In my early days as a regular attendee of the APY lands, both as a Chief of Staff to a former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and then as the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ms Burton DeRose regularly helped out on ministerial visits as an interpreter and provided welcome support and no-nonsense advice on complex matters outside her interpreting role.

Ms Burton DeRose's passing is a great loss to her family, her community and to South Australia in general. Her legacy as a linguist, community leader and advocate for Aboriginal languages and Aboriginal people and culture will continue to guide others for many years to come. Vale Ms Burton DeRose.

The PRESIDENT: Time having expired for asking questions without notice, I call on the business of the day. But just before I do, honourable members, this chamber is very generous in regard to supplementary questions, probably more so than any other jurisdiction in Australia, and it always has been. However, a supplementary question does not have an explanation. So if your supplementary question does not start with the word 'can', 'will' or 'why', and then 'given'—it is not a hard thing.

Occasionally, I get sick of the Government Whip staring at me when we do not ask a supplementary question in the right way. Occasionally, the Hon. Mr Hunter's death stare is quite formidable. So can I ask members: can you just be mindful? If you are going to ask a supplementary question, it has to start with a question. Then, if you happen to say, 'Given that,' well, so be it.