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About reconciliation
What reconciliation is
Reconciliation may mean different things to different people. To the Queensland Government, reconciliation means acknowledging our history and taking action to build a better future.
The Queensland Government recognises the inherent rights of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people, and their entitlement to enjoy and express such rights. The Queensland Government's reconciliation activities are based on the following principles:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the traditional owners of Australia
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have unique cultural relationships to the land, sea and waterways
- some past Government policies have led to present-day social problems in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- we must recognise the past
- we must build a better future
- there is no place for racism or discrimination in Queensland
- everybody can and should contribute to make Queensland a great place to live.
Reconciliation has both symbolic and practical elements. Positive attitudes, a spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and recognition of the effects of white settlement on Australia's first people, form the symbolic cornerstones of the reconciliation effort.
On the practical side, working towards an improved quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in the areas of health, education and employment, is essential if we are to achieve true equality for all Queenslanders.
Reconciliation milestones
Reconciliation week
Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year.
Mabo Day
June 3 is Mabo Day, the anniversary of the 1992 High Court decision that overturned the principle of "terra nullius" or "vacant land" that the British claimed when they first arrived in this country.
In the 1990s the Australian people rejuvenated a new energy and commitment to overcome the disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, and to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous citizens.
The Queensland Government adopted a reconciliation action plan based on a number of important commitments.
Significant commitments
- In 1991, the Commonwealth Parliament established the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation
- In 1998, the Queensland Government introduced reconciliation into the Queensland Parliament through the New Directions Statement
- On 31 December 2000, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation completed its 10-year term citing significant achievements, but identifying that much work still needed to be done.
- The Council established Reconciliation Australia as the non-government, not-for-profit foundation to continue the national focus on reconciliation.
- In November 2000, the Queensland Government joined with governments across Australia in affirming their ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
Social and economic benefits
The Queensland Government recognises that there are direct social and economic benefits for all Queenslanders in working towards true reconciliation. These benefits may include:
- more harmonious living in multicultural communities
- the realisation of true 'equal opportunity' with regard to employment and access to services
- healthy economic flow throughout the State as more people participate as employees and consumers. This benefits business, industry, communities and individuals
- a greater recruitment pool for employers
- attitudinal changes amongst employers that can result in increased employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- equality of opportunity and quality of life
- an increase in community patronage, to businesses that promote reconciliation
- new industries and businesses may emerge from joint ventures with Indigenous communities
- an increased sense of community pride from constructively working through issues in our history
- a greater acceptance of the need to recognise past injustices and make appropriate reparations
- the opportunity to experience Indigenous culture through lifestyle activities such as food and the arts
- a greater ability to work together and share responsibility for a better future
- a richer 'collective identity' for Queensland and Australia.
