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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-05-19 Daily Xml
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:55): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Why is it important to observe the protocol of acknowledging traditional custodians at public events?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (14:55): I would like to thank the member for Ashford for her important question. An acknowledgement of country of the traditional custodians is a way that all of us can show respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage and the ongoing relationship that traditional custodians have with their land. Very simply, it shows respect.

The media reports today suggest that the new Premier of Victoria believes this practice may be too politically correct. Since when is being respectful political correctness? There is no doubt that the acknowledgement of country is a symbolic gesture, but that is the point: symbols in our community are extremely important. That is why we bow to you, Madam Speaker: it is a mark of respect as we enter this place. That is why we wear a red poppy, for instance, on Remembrance Day.

We know the acknowledgement of country is important because Aboriginal people have told us it is, and that is because it recognises—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, the member for Bragg!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: That is because it recognises that the story of Australia goes further back than the 220 years of white settlement. It is important because if we are ever, as a community, to overcome racism and its ongoing effects, we must acknowledge our nation's history, as complex as it is. Here in South Australia, this government has for many years had protocols in place to acknowledge the traditional custodians, particularly at public events. We are very proud of this practice and we will continue to do this.

We are not alone in doing this. Local governments, the private sector and universities are all undertaking this practice. That is why I am deeply disappointed that the new Premier of Victoria has basically given permission and his endorsement for this practice to be scrapped in Victoria. This government is as committed as ever to maintaining this practice in South Australia because we need to, as a community, if we are ever to deal with our history in our community.

I urge all members in this place to reaffirm this commitment to the process of reconciliation, especially as we find ourselves on the eve of Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day. I also urge the Leader of the Opposition, who is not even bothering to listen to this important question, to set herself apart from her Victorian colleagues and publicly repudiate her Victorian colleagues. I ask the Leader of the Opposition to publicly repudiate Ted Baillieu, but she hasn't got the guts.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Have you got the guts?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Got the guts, Isobel?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! There are a lot of people wandering around. The member for Unley.

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