Commission – General
I was first approached by one of your Committee to speak tonight on a topic which sounded an easy one: "talk about your experiences in consensus judgments and how committees of more than one function". I shall amplify why that would be an easy topic in a moment.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Between December 2007 and April 2008 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, will deliver a series of key speeches setting out an agenda for change in Indigenous affairs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
I would like to begin by acknowledging the Nyoongar people, the traditional owners of the land we are meeting on today. I pay my respects to their elders past and present. I thank you Kim Collard for your warm welcome.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
I’d also like to thank the Minerals Council of Australia for inviting me to speak today and I acknowledge all distinguished guests and participants.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
I would normally begin my speech with an acknowledgement of the traditional owners – but today I need to first express my thanks to Jackie for stepping in to give me voice.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners, [the Gum-bay-ngg-irr people] whose land we are meeting on and thank them for welcoming us to their country. I congratulate AIATSIS and NSW Native Title Services on organising this conference and thank everyone gathered here for your efforts to make this a successful conference. I am honoured to be invited to address you today.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
The ultimate conclusion that the Commission has reached in the submission is that the Commonwealth government's response to the recommendations of Bringing them home to date has been inadequate and inappropriate. The Commission particularly notes that the government's submission to this inquiry constitutes a fresh response to many of the recommendations of Bringing them home, which rejects several recommendations of the report on the basis of flawed arguments and poor reasoning.
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