A 26 January commitment

The debate around 26 January is an important one to have. Regardless of whether it is thought of as Survival Day, Australia Day or Invasion Day, this day marks events that fundamentally impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and continues to do so. 

We have and are making progress. But the gaps in health, life expectancy, education, justice, opportunity and many more areas remain a national tragedy.

We have policies from government, many organisations have Reconciliation Action Plans, and these are important. But they are not enough.

True reconciliation requires individual commitment. Everyone who lives in Australia, regardless of where they and their ancestors come from, needs to hear about learn the history that has led us to this point, and to personally act on this knowledge – with respect, empathy and compassion.

So, with 26 January upon us, I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where I live and work, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and the Ngunnawal people who are the traditional owners of the land where I grew up.

I commit to learning more of their history and culture, and of the broader histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. And I commit to making a difference where I can, and where this is welcomed, through the work I do.