Minister for Indigenous Australians
Today is the start of Reconciliation Week around Australia (27 May to 3 June), when all Australians have the opportunity to remember the significant milestones in Australia's journey towards reconciliation and consider how we can work towards a better future.
The Australians Government is calling on everyone to reflect on the significance of this year's theme: Now More Than Ever.
Following a difficult 2023 for many First Nations people - Now More Than Ever is a reminder to all of us, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will continue.
From William Cooper and Eddie Mabo, to Faith Bandler and Lowitja O'Donoghue: we walk in the footsteps of giants who were fearless in their determination to build a better future for First Nations Australians.
Reconciliation requires us to understand our history, recognise the injustices of the past and work towards a better and more just future.
In the spirit of Reconciliation Week, all Australians are encouraged to come together and play a part in our journey towards a unified Australia, one that has achieving better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at its heart.
For a list of events in your community during this year's National Reconciliation Week, visit: Reconciliation Australia(link is external)
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney
"Each year, Australians have an opportunity during Reconciliation Week to reflect on the past and take action towards a more reconciled Australia.
Now more than ever, it's time to make progress towards reconciliation.
Now more than ever, the next generation of young Australians can grasp the opportunity to move this country forward to a more united future.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McCarthy
"Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians to embark on.
As Patrick Dodson said - reconciliation is the 'unfinished business' of Australia.
Each of us has a part to play in advancing this journey and I urge every Australian to consider how to work together to create a reconciled country that takes pride in 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and connection to country."
