Marion Scrymgour (Lingiari, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A little over a week ago I had the honour of attending the 35th anniversary of the Barunga Statement at the 2023 Barunga Festival. It was beautiful to see people from all walks of life and all over the Territory come together to celebrate Aboriginal sports, culture and heritage. White fellas, black fellas, the multicultural community, old people, young people—everybody came together to pay their respects and have a good time.

Barunga is a place of deep history in the Territory and indeed for the nation. Thirty-five years ago the Northern Land Council and Central Land Council presented the Barunga Statement to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke. I was humbled to sit in the community with the Minister for Indigenous Australians and Assistant Minister Senator McCarthy to listen to over 200 elected representatives of Aboriginal communities that came together to endorse the Voice.

I want to thank all of our land council representatives for their vote of confidence in the Voice and for their tireless advocacy for our grassroots communities. It was one of those moments that send shivers down your spine—the opportunity to be part of history in the making. This year, all Australians have the opportunity to make history. We have the chance to vote yes for the recognition and respect of First Nations people. Let's not miss this opportunity, Australia.