Apology a 'turning point'

Friday, 22 February 2008 10:16

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Federal Member for Leichhardt Jim Turnour has described last week’s events at Parliament House in Canberra as a turning point in Australian history.

Sworn in on Tuesday, Mr Turnour was present in Parliament as Prime Minister Rudd formally apologised to the Stolen Generations.

“Last Wednesday signified a turning point in Australian history and the way in which indigenous affairs are managed,” Mr Turnour said.

“The bi-partisan support shown towards formulating indigenous policy and developing solutions to improve the lives of the indigenous population is positive and inspiring.”

Mr Turnour said: “I am proud to be part of a government that took this necessary first step in healing the relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people”.

“Prime Minister Rudd’s political leadership has already taken us forward as a nation as we begin to write a new chapter in history.”

The apology was a promise the Labor Party made prior to the election.

Mr Turnour indicated he was very proud to be part of a government that delivered on its commitment to apologise, but is now very focused on tackling the practical issues.

“It is evident that the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous life expectancy is extreme. The infant mortality rate between indigenous and non-indigenous children is also alarming,” Mr Turnour said.

“Developing initiatives to improve these statistics and achieve positive health and education outcomes for our indigenous communities is paramount. I acknowledge this will be a difficult task, but it can be done if we work together constructively.”

A number of indigenous leaders from North Queensland including Cape York and Torres Strait were there to participate in the historic event in Canberra.

Dujon Niue has described Welcome to Country to launch the 42nd Parliament in Canberra last Tuesday as very emotional.

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Dujon, as a Torres Strait representative, played the drums for the dance sequence of Star Dance.

‘“It was very emotional; people started crying; there were lots of photographers; and we got to meet Prime Minister Kevin Rudd back stage and Leader of the Opposition Dr Brendan Nelson.”

Dujon said there were numerous dancers involved including the Yirraka community with Djakapura as the lead dancer; Albert David, from Hammond Island, who performed traditional and contemporary dance; Peggy Misi, Rita Price, Micaila Price and Michelle from the Baiwa Dance Group in Cairns; Vicki Van Hout and dancers from NSW,  Matthew and Troy Doyle from NSW and  Rachelle Wallace (NT).

Dujon then visited Brisbane as a vital member of  a project involving Ozdance and Griffith University which involves photographer taking shots of Indigenous dance around Australia.

Dujon, Gary Lang (Darwin) and Rachael Wallace (NT) have been chosen to work with the photographer on this project, the likes of which have not been attempted previously.