This year’s National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3), themed ‘Let’s Take the Next Steps’, is an important reminder of the need for continued, concerted efforts toward reconciliation.
In recent years, our State has taken significant steps towards reconciliation through the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s agenda to reset the relationship with Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
The Reset process has included a changed approach to the way the Government manages eligibility for Aboriginal specific programs and services and has enhanced access for Aboriginal people across the state.
Last year an important milestone was reached with the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal people in Tasmania representing another major step towards reconciliation. This recognition was unanimously supported of the Tasmanian Parliament.
Further, the State Government acknowledges that education and awareness are key to achieving reconciliation and the Tasmanian Histories and Cultures Framework is being developed in partnership with the Aboriginal community. The Framework will inform the curriculum in Tasmanian schools, and lead to deeper understanding of Aboriginal peoples’ connection to country and culture – both from the past and looking to the future.
In last week’s State Budget, the Government committed funding to two new, important projects that will also help progress reconciliation priorities, specifically $278,000 to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania to develop the wukalina cultural walk project as an exciting new tourism venture on the East Coast and $250,000 per annum to increase the number of Tasmanian Aboriginal people in the public service. This is on top of previous commitments made by this Government through past Budgets.
There is more that can and should be done. The ‘next steps’ on the reconciliation journey for Tasmania include exploring new ways for Aboriginal people to connect to country and build economic opportunity through revised tourism opportunities and joint land management arrangements.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to taking these next steps towards reconciliation in partnership with the Aboriginal community, with a focus on recognition but also on achieving real outcomes.
More Media Releases from Will Hodgman
More Media Releases from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs