Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Elizabeth Park Primary School Elizabeth Park Primary School The Hon. J.E. HANSON Legislative Council Elizabeth Park Primary School The Hon. J.E. HANSON (16:03): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about his attendance at the Elizabeth Park School cultural showcase? The Hon. K.J. MAHER Legislative Council Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Attorney-General Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Special Minister of State Elizabeth Park Primary School The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (16:04): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in this area. I recently had the great pleasure of attending the cultural showcase at Elizabeth Park Primary School, alongside the Minister for Education, the member for Wright, the Hon. Blair Boyer MP. The showcase was an impressive event that clearly had a sense of great pride amongst the students, parents and teachers at the school. The students have been diligently immersing themselves in Aboriginal culture, stories and perspectives. It was inspiring to see how they translated their learning into artworks and storytelling. The presentations were not only thoughtful and creative but also delivered with a lot of heart and respect. This kind of learning is incredibly important, and it's a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. This sort of cultural education, focusing on Aboriginal perspectives, is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. When young people engage with Aboriginal culture in such a meaningful way, it goes beyond simply learning historical facts. You could see the beginning of the development of a deeper understanding of the world around them, their place within it and the rich heritage of our nation's first peoples. What culminates in a showcase is actually the by-product from the process of learning that helps to break down stereotypes, build empathy and forge stronger connections between individuals from all backgrounds. The positive ripple effect of these school programs extends far beyond the classroom walls. I want to extend congratulations to the students, staff and entire community at Elizabeth Park Primary School. What is being done here is truly important. The dedication of the teachers and the enthusiasm of the students is a testament to the power of this sort of education. The students, the teachers and the community are making a difference not just in the lives of their students but in the life of our wider community. The seeds of respect and understanding that are being planted today will grow into a stronger, more prosperous and more empathetic South Australia.