Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader
National Sorry Day is an opportunity to reflect on the wrongs that have yet to be righted for the palawa/pakana people of Tasmania.
Today we say sorry for more than two centuries of injustice.
With a history that spans tens of thousands of years on this island, lutruwita, Tasmanian Aborigines are the true owners of this island, yet they remain dispossessed by successive governments.
While the Premier promised to ‘reset the relationship’ with Aboriginal Tasmanians, very little progress has been made, particularly on the return of lands and Treaty.
Land returns are central to true reconciliation.
Without a formal Treaty that lays out a respectful and shared path forward, positive reconciliation efforts will stall.
Tasmanian Aborigines need all parties to work together to achieve justice for the palawa/pakana.
On behalf of the Greens, I acknowledge the work of Aboriginal community groups that are fostering connections to culture and country and I commit to working collaboratively towards meaningful reconciliation.