Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier this month, our nation celebrated NAIDOC Week. I was absolutely delighted to attend various events and ceremonies in my electorate, including at Palm Beach Currumbin High School and with Kalwun Development Corporation at the senior services property in Bonogin.

I also had the great experience of taking part in a Jellurgal Walkabout tour of the Burleigh Headland to learn more about our local Indigenous history and culture. It was just sensational. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do encourage all visitors to the Gold Coast to take that tour.

While Australians have differing opinions and concerns about the constitutional change being proposed by this government, what we can all agree on is that our nation's Indigenous achievements, culture and history should be understood and recognised. It was very heartening to see the practical work being done in my own community to improve outcomes and share and celebrate culture.

I join with others, in this place, in my hope for a respectful debate on the issues surrounding constitutional change. I have made it clear that I can't support the proposal in its current form and that I will personally be voting no, but I will continue to stand—every time—in support of practical policies that will improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, promote unity and ensure a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and culture.