House debates

Thursday, 27 May 2021

Statements by Members

National Reconciliation Week

1:47 pm

Photo of Melissa McIntoshMelissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. With over 6,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in my electorate of Lindsay, this is an important occasion. Reconciliation is more than a word; it takes action. Before I entered politics I worked in local community housing. We did a lot of work connecting with our local Indigenous community and acknowledging occasions such as this. From there, my passion in this area has only grown. The Minister for Indigenous Australians knows this well, having met with many of our local organisations, both in person and virtually, over the last two years since I came in as the member for Lindsay. Our action is committing to genuine partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations, because that is when the best outcomes occur. Our goal for reconciliation is a country where all children have the same opportunities, choices and quality of life. Together we can achieve this. I encourage people in Lindsay and across Western Sydney to get involved in National Reconciliation Week events and strengthen the relationships with our wonderful community. You can find out about an event near you at reconciliation.org.au.