CHRIS Bourke says the ACT Government will start a discussion with the Canberra community on a proposal to celebrate Reconciliation with a public holiday.

“Reconciliation is an important topic for all of our country,” Chris said.

“2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, when Australians overwhelmingly supported a better relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“There has been a great deal of debate about Reconciliation and a dedicated public holiday would be a good way to keep this in the public consciousness.

“The ACT Government wants community feedback on a proposal to rename one of our existing public holidays – either Family and Community Day or the Queen’s Birthday public holiday – to Reconciliation Day. Feedback would also be sought on whether this should be on a new date, such as the first Monday after May 27, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum.

“The proposal will not mean an additional public holiday for the ACT.

“As Pat Dodson once wrote, ‘Reconciliation must transcend Australian political theatre and promote a sense of national unity. All Australians should feel, as a nation, connected to the tens of thousands of years of human occupation of the Australian continent and surrounding Islands’.

“I believe a Reconciliation Day public holiday would promote that sense of unity. It would be an important way to acknowledge and understand the history of settlement of Australia and recognise its effect upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“A Reconciliation Day holiday would also provide a focal point for the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights and ensure they are valued and recognised as part of our shared Australian identity.”

For more information on having your say about Reconciliation Day, visit communityservices.act.gov.au or email oatsia@act.gov.au

[Photo: Mr Rod Little, Chair ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body raises the Aboriginal flag. Photo by Silas Brown]