Uluru statement creates future based on respect and truth-telling

28 May 2017

NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Chair Roy Ah-See has called on all levels of governments to go beyond symbolism and ensure the historic Uluru statement delivers a new deal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Cr Ah-See said NSWALC - the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in Australia with more than 20,000 members - endorsed the Uluru statement as a roadmap to justice, truth-telling and self-determination.

"The Uluru statement is a statement from the heart of our nation's First Peoples.

"We now have a historic opportunity to place future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the driver's seat as we meet the opportunities and challenges of our great nation.

"But when it comes to recognising our rightful place in this country, we can't afford to be put into another holding pattern.

"Too many generations of Aboriginal peoples have waited too long to take their rightful place as equal partners in Australia.

"Our plea is for all levels of government to approach the Uluru statement as a voice to Parliament based on truth-telling, justice and self-determination.

"Australia cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity to heal the scars of the past and move forward with mutual respect."