NTEU National Sorry Day Statement

National Sorry Day, and the Journey of Healing, have been important for all Australians. We have shared our sorrow for those stolen from their families, we have joined with each other in community organizations, at our workplaces, and in our schools and universities, to give support to the journey of reconciliation. At universities around the country, Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff will speak together today on the importance of continuing the journey of reconciliation.

On behalf of our members working in tertiary education institutions, NTEU expresses its profound disappointment that the Prime Minister continues to refuse to recognize the importance and deep significance of the journey of reconciliation. I call upon the Prime Minister and all members of Parliament to wholeheartedly and without reservation, support the \"Australian Declaration: Towards Reconciliation\".

For reconciliation to be real it must incorporate substantive political and legal recognition of Indigenous Australians rights and freedoms, and address economic and social rights important for all people, and which are acknowledged in International Conventions. As people working in education, we believe that it is the responsibility of all Australians to work together to redress injustices faced by Indigenous Australians every day of their lives.

NTEU gives its commitment to continue our partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, to learn with each other, and to understand our part in the process of reconciliation. As a trade union, we commit to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members enhanced representation in Union, industrial strategies to advance employment and career development, and offer our acknowledgement and respect for the many Indigenous knowledges that are part of the many nations with which non-Indigenous cultures co-exist.

NTEU members will be participating in March For Reconciliation and Justice across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, with union banners flying.

All members are urged to be ready to walk across the Bridge at 10.00am.

Dr Carolyn Allport
National President