Australian Reconciliation Convention, May 1997
Mr Neville Bonner AO, Chair, Queensland Indigenous Advisory Committee; Jagera Elder
I am aware that one of the aims of this conference is to enable Council to report to the Commonwealth Parliament on whether a formal document or documents will advance reconciliation. I support the concept of some form of document that would bind current and future governments to the continuing process of reconciliation.
Firmly, I believe that marching and demonstrations have their place. However, there is much to be said about indigenous participation in government, which provides an opportunity to talk with colleagues and get others on side, and then achievements can be made.
Having served this nation in the Federal Parliament for twelve years, I fervently hope, before returning to my Jagera (earth), I shall have the opportunity of congratulating a younger member of our indigenous peoples on entering the halls of power in Canberra. For then, and only then, will the indigenous voice again be heard at the highest level and... provide inspiration to other members of the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal races.
A motion which was carried unanimously by participants in this session was for the adoption of special measures to increase indigenous participation in government. The groups felt that there should be a report commissioned into the feasibility of reserved seats, and a funded mentoring process at all levels of government, to increase indigenous participation in government at all levels.
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