Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) | Hansard source

On 7 July, NAIDOC Week begins across Australia, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of our First Nations peoples. I would like to start by acknowledging and paying my respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Elders of the Canberra region, where parliament gathers, and to traditional Elders all around Australia. The theme for this year's NAIDOC Week is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. Fire is a symbol of connection to country, to each other and to the traditions and cultures that define our First Nations people. To celebrate NAIDOC Week in Warringah, there will be First Nations music, dance, art and storytelling workshops, as well as film screenings run by local councils.

Whilst last year's result for constitutional recognition was disappointing, we cannot further our national journey of reconciliation if we do not listen, engage, and reflect. I know that Warringah takes this issue to heart, as our community overwhelmingly voted in support of that constitutional recognition. My office continues to progress reconciliation by implementing a reconciliation action plan. It will focus on four core pillars to provide tangible benefits to our First Nations people in the electorate of Warringah: relationships, respect, opportunities and governance. I encourage all businesses, other parliamentarians and organisations in Warringah to do the same and enact a reconciliation action plan.

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