As Australia’s 48th Parliament prepares to start its legislative program, Reconciliation Australia urges a return to non-partisan support in progressing reconciliation and justice for First Nations peoples.

We are pleased that both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition applauded the sentiments in Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan’s Welcome to Country during the opening of Federal Parliament on 22 July.

Sussan Ley’s comments that the Welcome to Country should “set the tone for the next parliament”, and the Prime Minister’s suggestion that the ceremony is an opportunity for parliamentarians to “embrace and show a profound love of home and country” are hopeful signs that the rancorous division seen during the 2023 Referendum and this year’s election campaign may be waning.

The Parliament must reflect the strong support for reconciliation and truth-telling in the Australian community. Our 2024 Australian Reconciliation Barometer (ARB) found that 85% of Australians believe the relationship between non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is important.

The ARB also found that 71% of Australians believe that truth-telling is important.

Among young Australians and multicultural Australians support for reconciliation and justice is even stronger.

Informed by the high level of community support this parliament must take decisive action to progress reconciliation, close the gap in First Nations outcomes, and advance a formal national truth-telling process.

It must show determined leadership in Australia’s reconciliation journey and ensure this journey is framed by unity and strength, not division and hesitancy.

A real understanding of our shared history will provide a solid foundation for a more unified and cohesive society.

Australians want nothing less.