Legislative Assembly Speaker Acknowledges Traditional Owners
11 December 2001
The Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly, Wayne Berry has acknowledged the traditional owners of the Territory at the opening of the spring session of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Mr Berry’s acknowledgement follows consultation with Assembly members and indigenous elders in the lead up to today’s Assembly sitting.
Opening today’s sitting Mr Berry said:-
‘At the beginning of this session of the Assembly I acknowledge that we are meeting on the lands of the Ngun(n)awal people, the traditional owners.
I respect their continuing culture and the unique contribution they make to the life of this area.’
Mr Berry said later, "Reconciliation is one of the most important issues facing our nation and it makes me proud to have made a contribution on behalf of the Territory.
"I welcome the support of Assembly members and the Ngun(n)awal people for this move." Mr Berry concluded.