Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise in the House today to acknowledge the 15th anniversary of the apology to the stolen generations by former Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr Kevin Rudd. This significant and powerful apology delivered just down there at that box recognised the atrocious and shameful policies of past governments that ostracised and that harmed our Aboriginal brothers and sisters.

This year, Australia will be presented with a choice, a unifying opportunity on the path to a reconciled nation. Australians of all walks of life will be asked whether they support First Nations recognition in our Constitution, acknowledging our Indigenous brothers and sisters as the original custodians of the land and culture that has continued to exist for over 60,000 years. Australians will also be asked to establish a voice to parliament, a body to provide advice to government on areas and policy that will affect First Nations communities.

So, as a Wiradjuri man living on Darkinjung young country and speaking on the land of the Ngunnawal and the Ngambri: vote yes for reconciliation, vote yes for unity and vote yes for progress.