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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-06-05 Daily Xml
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National Reconciliation Week Breakfast

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about South Australia's annual Reconciliation Week Breakfast?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his question. I would be most pleased to do so. Once again, it was an honour to attend the Adelaide 2025 National Reconciliation Week Breakfast held at the Convention Centre. As always, it was a both powerful and moving occasion with, once again, another record-breaking attendance of almost 3,000 people. I believe 2,940 people came into the Convention Centre at 7am on the Tuesday of Reconciliation Week, making it—as it has been for quite a number of years—the biggest event of its kind anywhere in Australia during Reconciliation Week.

This year's theme, 'Bridging now to next', reflects on the ongoing connection between the past, present and future, making a call to step forward together, look ahead and continue to push forward as past lessons guide us. It was a theme that resonated throughout the morning and invited those who attended to reflect on where we have been, where we are now and the kind of future we want to shape together.

The event formally commenced with, as always, a powerful welcome to Kaurna country by Jamie Goldsmith, who does his ancestors and particularly his late father, Stevie, very proud in continuing a strong tradition of welcoming people to Kaurna country, as has happened for thousands of generations. Bianca Hunt was this year's MC. She is a Kamilaroi, Barkindji and Whadjuk woman and has cultivated skills in the media industry for over decade and did a fantastic job facilitating the early morning event.

This year's event was an impressive array of speakers and performers, who were deeply thought provoking. Each of the speaker's stories are often difficult to hear but important to share. In particular it was a privilege to hear from Dr Jenni Caruso, who provided reflections on National Sorry Day, which is held annually on 26 May, marking the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997. Dr Caruso spoke of the deep historical injustices, the loss and the pain that still linger today but also highlighted the resilience, pride and extraordinary strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Jackie Huggins, a Bidjara, Birri Gubba and Juru central and north Queensland woman and a strong advocate for reconciliation over many, many decades, from last century through to this one. This has included as a member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and currently co-patron of Reconciliation Queensland. Professor Huggins highlighted her journey in reconciliation and the milestones Australia has reached, her personal resonance with the theme 'Bridging now to next' and the importance of empowerment of Aboriginal women.

Attendees also had the pleasure of enjoying powerful performances from the Imbala dance group, the Iwiri choir and, absolutely bringing the house down at the end of the breakfast, Spinifex Gum. It was a great pleasure to once again speak as part of the breakfast on behalf of the government.

I would particularly like to pay tribute to the role of Reconciliation South Australia and its team for their unwavering leadership in often difficult circumstances. If the only thing the Reconciliation South Australia did every year was put on the breakfast, it would be quite a remarkable contribution. But of course, for the other more than 360 days a year, they do a remarkable job.

I would like to offer thanks to Reconciliation SA CEO, Jason Downs, and in particular co-chairs Helen Connolly, who will be ending a term of I think some eight years as a co-chair of Reconciliation South Australia, and Jeremy Johncock for all the great work they do, the time they give up and the momentum for this important organisation and movement.

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