Thursday, 19 October 2023

Voice to Parliament

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (09:45): I rise today to pay my respects to the Dja Dja Wurrung, the Wurundjeri and the Taungurung people who are the traditional owners of the lands that make up the electorate of Macedon. I acknowledge and offer my respect to First Nations communities and leaders in Macedon and across the nation who fought for yes with great courage and spirit, and I also acknowledge the many thousands of allies and volunteers, including many Labor members, who stood with them to assist throughout the campaign. I also want to acknowledge the real dismay and hurt that so many Aboriginal people are feeling right now, and I want to let community know that I respect the week of silence that many Aboriginal people and organisations are taking.

One of the great privileges of being an MP, one that we all share, is to be able to work so closely with traditional owners and with Aboriginal communities. I get to do this in my own electorate and of course across the state in my ministerial role. Being able to experience such significant sites as Budj Bim and Wil-im-ee Moor-ring with elders and to walk the Hanging Rock precinct with traditional owners has been a great honour – to really engage with and learn so much more about our country’s 60,000-year history. I know that our government will continue to find opportunities to grow this knowledge and understanding for all Victorians. Here in Victoria our work on voice, on truth, justice and treaty will continue.