Editorial Opinion

Have Welcomes to Country and Acknowledgements of Country moments overstayed their Welcome? Some newspapers suggest they have. This criticism may have a kernel of truth, and some concerns are worth considering.

At the Garma Festival last fortnight, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a policy to use renewables and critical minerals to economically empower Aboriginal communities. Critics accused him of performing a sleight of hand, retreating from commitments to the Makarrata Commission and truth-telling by offering this new policy instead.

As the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9 approaches, I feel deeply connected to this year’s theme, ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.’

With National Reconciliation Week behind us, we were all challenged with the theme of 'Now More Than Ever', reminding us to double down on the future of reconciliation despite the crushing defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023. The referendum result dealt a significant blow for many, highlighting the need to address underlying issues and create an inclusive and impactful pathway forward.

Recently, the Queensland Government announced its leadership in its inaugural Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry. The inquiry aims to deepen our understanding of Queensland’s shared history, support healing and contribute to Closing the Gap. They’ll have their work cut out for them.