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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-06-05 Daily Xml
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National Reconciliation Week

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:30): As Australians we have just observed national Reconciliation Week, a week in which we celebrate the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and all other Australians. It is observed each year between the same dates, 27 May to 3 June, and each of these dates commemorates a very significant event in Australia's history.

A federal referendum was held on 27 May 1967 which included a question as to whether to remove two references in the Australian constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal people. The passing of this referendum gave the commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people just as it could since Federation for every other Australian. The referendum also meant that they would be recognised in the national census for the first time.

The second significant date, 3 June, is the date in 1992 when the High Court of Australia delivered its landmark Mabo decision, legally recognising that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples have a special relationship to the land. The Mabo decision, as we know, paved the way for the Native Title Act in 1993 and overturned Terra Nullius.

Reconciliation Week, which follows immediately after the national recognition of Sorry Day on 26 May, is a time during which Australians of all backgrounds can come together to acknowledge past mistakes and commit to our shared future. It is important, however, that we do not just turn our thoughts, words and deeds to advancing the cause of harmony, the restoration of relationships and the reparation for injustice for only one week a year. Genuine reconciliation should be something we as community members and representatives strive to promote and achieve and as those involved with shaping and enacting the laws of this state, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to effect and foster change for the better.

The theme for Reconciliation Week this year was, 'Let's walk the talk!' focusing on turning past conversations into actions. As we know there is still so much to do. As with many things, it seems our school children can set a great example to the rest of the community to follow. Today I would like to highlight some of the contributions being made towards achieving reconciliation at several of the schools in my electorate of Torrens.

Last week I attended a special Reconciliation Week assembly at Dernancourt R-7 School, expertly hosted by the school's Aboriginal students and their 'buddies'. This was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and the planting of decorated hand shapes made by the students at the entrances to the school. Dreaming stories were also read in the classrooms throughout the week.

Located next to Gilles Plains Primary School, the Maringga Turtpandi Aboriginal Health Care Centre, extended an invitation to the school's students and teachers to be part of a campus celebration of reconciliation. Students from pre-school to year 7, along with little ones from North East Community child care and the onsite children's centre united to also decorate hand shapes. Their artwork formed a colourful sea of hands and will become a mural acknowledging the message of reconciliation.

At Hillcrest Primary School a special assembly was held in the Indigenous garden on Sorry Day, with Aboriginal students performing the Welcome to Country. Last Friday, an Indigenous performer visited the school with his didgeridoo and explained the customs surrounding the use of that instrument. Hampstead Primary School tied reconciliation observations throughout its school year, with each of its classes working on Acknowledgement to Country recognition and learning about the importance of the land to Aboriginal people.

On visiting Klemzig Primary School, I saw the results of older children working with younger children to make red, black and yellow loom bands. Also on display were their colourful 'sorry' posters with flags created from hand prints. At Northfield Primary School I heard about students participating in classroom-based reconciliation-centred activities, with the theme 'Let's walk the talk!' and I look forward to attending their assembly tomorrow at which classes will show their reconciliation work. I congratulate all of the school students and teachers who have worked together and demonstrated their commitment to reconciliation and who are indeed 'walking the talk' in our communities.

The Hon. T.R. KENYON: Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed:

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