The Tasmanian Government welcomes the formation of the Reconciliation Council of Tasmania, which aims to be an inclusive and consultative avenue to further progress reconciliation in our State
Reconciliation requires acknowledgement that there may sometimes be differences in our views, but there must be an overriding, unified commitment to work together to close the gap where outcomes for Aboriginal people in the important areas of health, education and employment are worse than for non-indigenous people.
We remain committed to achieving greater understanding and respect between Tasmanian Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal Tasmanians, and the Council will assist us in our efforts.
Last year we changed our State’s Constitution to formally recognise Aboriginal people as the first Tasmanians, which was a very important and powerful step forward in the journey of reconciliation.
I want to acknowledge the commitment and conviction of Mr Bill Lawson AM, in leading the work to establish the Reconciliation Council with the vision of all Tasmanians working together in the spirit of inclusion, consultation, truth, and reconciliation