Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the plaque on the statue of Captain James Cook in Hyde Park, Sydney, states that Cook 'discovered this territory – 1770', and

  (ii) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples had lived in Australia for at least 65,000 years before the arrival of Captain Cook; and

(b) supports discussions with Aboriginal communities to seek their advice regarding whether the monument should be corrected to better reflect Captain Cook's role in Australia's history.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government acknowledges the history and contribution of Indigenous Australians to our nation. Monuments like the statue of Captain James Cook are also part of our history, and we should respect and preserve them. The coalition government is proud of our nation's rich history. We will not support motions that attempt to rewrite this history. We won't change the flag, nor will we shift Australia Day and nor will we be tearing down statues.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to indicate that Labor will support this motion today; however, we would like to note that we do have concerns with the prescriptive language that is contained in part (b) of this motion as it stands. We would like to put on the record that Labor value truth-telling in the reconciliation process, but we also acknowledge that words alone will not close the gap, end Indigenous disadvantage or bring about a more prosperous future for Indigenous Australians. The best use of our time and energy is focusing on the future and on a better deal for jobs, housing, health and justice for the First Australians, not on statues.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Rhiannon be agreed to.

Question agreed to.