2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer

Summary

The 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer shows us that, since the research was last done in 2016, more Australians, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australians, believe it is possible for us to become united, and that all accept key facts about historical realities and Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Most people surveyed also agree that past government policies are responsible for many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. An overwhelming majority of respondents believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes in Australia.

2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer report cover.

2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer: Summary report

2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer report cover.

2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer: Full report

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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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