This year’s Reconciliation Week, which runs from May 27 to June 3, celebrates 50 years since the 1967 referendum, which granted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a constitutional right to be counted in the census and vote in all elections. It was carried with the support of nine in every 10 Australians.
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Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has urged the community to take part in celebrating Reconciliation Week 2017 by attending events across the region or starting a discussion about reconciliation.
Mr Bromhead said Reconciliation Week is as important now as when it was first created.
“This week notes the many achievements made in knocking down barriers for Indigenous people, yet gives us a chance to reflect on how we can do better,” Mr Bromhead said.
“We have come a long way since 1967 in honouring Aboriginal people’s roles in shaping Australia’s past, present and future – yet clearly have a long way to go.
“Indigenous peoples still lag behind in many health and educational outcomes; improving community attitudes can be part of ensuring no one falls behind.
“Reconciliation Week represents an opportunity to strengthen the bonds in our community, and it reflects our commitment to closing the gaps that exist here in the region on a number of fronts,” Mr Bromhead said.
June 3 also commemorates the High Court of Australia’s landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land – a relationship that existed prior to colonisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title.
“I urge everyone in the Myall Lakes to join with our Indigenous friends in celebrating events, acknowledging past and current problems, and planning a future that’s better for all Australians,” Mr Bromhead said.
