This afternoon I met with a representative of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah to sign the Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation. The document reinforces my commitment to working towards an inclusive society that provides opportunities for all all people, including indigenous Australians.
Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah is one of two local groups that aim to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Australians. Like Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation, Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah aims to to educate the community about the need for reconciliation and to raise awareness of Indigenous cultures and communities.
A copy of the statement and covering letter is available within this post.
Dear Councillor Alex Makin,
‘Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah Inc. would like to invite you to sign onto a Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation developed by ANTaR Victoria & Reconciliation Victoria. By signing this statement, you are publicly stating your commitment to Indigenous rights.
Local government plays an important role in promoting reconciliation in Victoria. As the Toomnungi study (2002) says, Local government is “the tier of government closest to the community” and “is in a pivotal position to lead community initiatives in respect of its Indigenous people”. One of the most important steps local government can take is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land they are on. By entering agreements such as the Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) with Traditional Owners (a voluntary agreement between native title groups and organisations such as local government), their traditional rights and responsibilities are recognised. This acknowledgement of the traditional owners can then pave the way for the establishing and fostering of relationships between local communities and Koorie communities.
In Victoria alone, there are around 80 local government areas and while many are involved in pursuing reconciliation issues, there is still much to be done for Indigenous communities. Reconciliation does not just involve recognising Traditional Owners, it also entails recognition of their heritage, implementing agreed protocols for cultural recognition and welcomes to country and the promotion of employment opportunities for Indigenous people amongst others. It is through working together with Koorie communities that the real aim of reconciliation is achieved.
According to the statistics shown in the 2002 Toomnungi study, 74% of local councils had no plans to assist or promote the employment of Indigenous people in their organization. And while 17% of the local councils were taking initiatives in assisting Indigenous people who wish to stand for election as councillors, more councils should be involved in encouraging Indigenous people to run for elections. These statistics provide a brief insight into the current situation of Indigenous communities and local government and accentuates the importance for local government to communicate and collaborate with Koorie communities. The participation of local government in ILUAs brings Traditional Owners one step closer to regaining recognition and involvement in decision-making with regards to land and resource management.
We recognise the commitment already put in by Maroondah City Council in supporting and working towards reconciliation. However there is still much to be done to support the Indigenous community in Victoria. Show your support and commitment to reconciliation and sign onto the Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation.