During Senior School Assembly this week, Human Rights Captain, Kaitlin Chan delivered a speech on the importance of education in making “effective strides towards reconciliation.” An extract of her Assembly Address is provided below.

“This Friday on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia’s history, as well as the bravery and strength of the Stolen Generation survivors, who were taken from their families and Aboriginal communities in the 20th Century and were placed in white society and deprived of their Indigenous heritage and culture.

Whilst we cannot undo history, Australia has sought to make many reconciliation efforts over the years, which is vital to rightfully recognise, respect, and honour the fundamental role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture have played in Australia’s history, as well as the contributions they make to our society today.  

One of these efforts is the ‘Voice to Parliament’ Bill.  

The ‘Voice to Parliament’ Bill was first suggested to the Australian public in 2017, however, was formally introduced to Parliament on 30 March 2023. It aims to give Indigenous communities a route to help inform policy and legal decisions that impact their lives.  

Later this year, Australians will be voting in a Referendum that asks them whether they agree with altering the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia, by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice.  

Whilst we do not know the outcome of the Referendum or the Bill yet, it represents a significant milestone in Australia’s journey to reconcile with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

I encourage you all to learn more about it, as education is key to making effective strides towards reconciliation, especially as the next generation of Australians who will be our next leaders and change makers that will continue this movement. “