State of Reconciliation in Australia Report 2021 cover
2021 State of Reconciliation Report
State of Reconciliation in Australia
The State of Reconciliation in Australia Report tracks our progress against the five dimensions of reconciliation and defines some practical actions that need to be taken if we are to continue to progress reconciliation.
State of Reconciliation in Australia Report 2021

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Building Reconciliation

Reconciliation is based and measured on five dimensions: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity.

Reconciliation Research

Our research, advocacy, and policy and campaign support underpin knowledge and understanding of, and action on reconciliation.

Get Involved

Connect with state and territory-based reconciliation networks and see some of the campaigns we support.

Learn and understand the differences between these protocols

Get involved
ACT Ranger shows a spear to an attendee at Canberra's Reconciliation Day event.
Get involved
Reconciliation is everyone's business. It can be fostered in our homes, communities, schools, and workplaces. There are many different ways to contribute and start your reconciliation journey. Find out about how you can get involved.
Our history
Reconciliation Action Plans
20 Years of Reconciliation Australia
While officially established in 2001, the road that lead to Reconciliation Australia’s inception started much earlier—with Australia’s first formal process of reconciliation in 1991. Learn more about Reconciliation Australia's predecessor, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, and the movement that lead to where we are today.

Latest news from Reconciliation Australia

First Nations voices key to closing the gap

A new approach is needed after only 11 out of 19 socio- economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are improving and only four are on track to meet agreed targets.

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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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