Aboriginal stand

By Nicole Williams
GREATER Dandenong councillors are divided over a decision to write to the Premier highlighting their frustration at his decision to make the acknowledgment of traditional indigenous land owners at official events optional.
Councillor Angela Long put forward the notice of motion to write to Premier Ted Baillieu to express ‘council’s extreme disappointment at his recent statement and decision that the State Government no longer supports the custom to acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal land owners at official events’.
Councillor John Kelly said he was unsure that Mr Baillieu had entirely removed his support for the acknowledgement.
“My understanding is that it is up to the individual (minister),” he said.
“Because of this, I cannot support this motion.”
Cr Long said the council had employed an Indigenous Community Development Officer to liaise with aboriginal groups and the council and it was important the council supported the indigenous community.
“As a council, we should express our extreme disappointment because of our local history here,” Cr Long said.
“This decision not to acknowledge traditional owners – it was never a forced thing – if you do it, do it with feeling, don’t do it because you have to.”
Although Councillor Peter Brown supported the motion, he said it was important public servants didn’t see the acknowledgement as a tiresome formality.
“I’ve been at events when the recognition of aboriginal owners of the land was tokenistic and insincere,” Cr Brown said.
“I’d hope the end result is people don’t just rattle it off as a formality.”
Councillors Long, Brown, Jim Memeti, Yvonne Herring Youhorn Chea, Loi Truong, Roz Blades, Maria Sampey and Pinar Yesil voted for the motion.
Councillors Kelly and Paul Donovan voted against.
Last week, David Dryden, from the Yorta Yorta tribe and chairman of the Aboriginal men’s group the Tjaegan Warriors slammed the Premier’s decision, saying it was a backward step for reconciliation.
“I am very disappointed as an Aboriginal man that it has even happened,” Mr Dryden said.
“It’s not about black or white, it’s about disrespect.”
He said it has taken a lot of years to progress toward reconciliation and this decision is a big step backward.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell said the Coalition Government respects Aboriginal culture and acknowledges the first people of this nation in both symbolic and practical measures.
“I and the Premier and other representatives of the Victorian Coalition Government will continue to acknowledge the first peoples of this nation – not because it is mandated, but because we choose to do so out of respect,” Ms Powell said.