Australia Day Council of South Australia’s Post

Kevin Rudd – Former Prime Minister of Australia – National Apology Transcript 2008 Mr Speaker, I move: That today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history. We reflect on their past mistreatment. We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations – this blemished chapter in our nation’s history. The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future. We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again. A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity. A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed. A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility. ~ • ~ Acknowledgement is one step. Ongoing inclusion, dedication, collaboration, courage, the implementation of First Nations People overseeing supports and deep listening is required to see this through. Allyship is a powerful way forward. #closethegap #courage #heart #awareness #create #change #journey #strength #wellness #spiritual #connection #inclusion

Our Executive Director Nick Dyrenfurth's Australia Day Curtin's Call. Become a JCRC supporter to receive Curtin's Call each morning. curtinrc.org/support "My belief is that the date should be extended and not simply changed. The latter is too divisive and simply cannot garner widespread popular support. By extension I am hearty agreement with indigenous leader Noel Pearson. Writing in 2018 in The Australian, Pearson argued for marking Australia Day across January 25-26 as a “noble” compromise between old and new: “The observance of Australia Day could commence on January 25 — the eve of the proclamation of British sovereignty over the east coast of the continent — and continue into January 26. This would straddle two sovereignties: the sovereignty of the First Nations that possessed this continent since time immemorial, and the crown’s sovereignty that commenced when the British flag was raised at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. The announcement of Australian of the Year is already made on the evening of January 25.  … Linking January 25 and 26 would be a noble compromise between the old and the new. It would bring together honour and empathy, remembrance and celebration … Trying to erase January 26 is denying the very history we want Australians to face up to. There is no other relevant time or date other than those 24-48 hours when ancient Australia passed into the new Australia. This will require a national leadership that is currently derelict, but I believe we will reconcile a new Australia Day long weekend when we have leadership and we all do the necessary work of building trust and common ground.” Sounds like a eminently reasonable proposal to me. And which Australians – new and old – would vote against enjoying an extra public holiday?

Question: Do you know who Australia’s Head of State is? Answer: King Charles III We had some fun on ‘The Jury’ on Sky News Australia this week talking about Australia’s Head of State and Australian Republic. Only trouble was, we ran into a major hurdle - head of the monarchists, Eric Abetz tried to pretend that King Charles is not Australia’s Head of State! Even producing the appropriate clause in the Constitution wasn’t enough. Truthfully, it wasn’t a suprise. Attempts to avoid conversation about the monarchy’s suitability to represent contemporary Australia are understandable, since over 75% of Australians believe that Charles does not represent us, or our culture. Nonetheless, as I pointed out on the show, our intention is not to demonise Charles, or Australians who love the monarchy. Quite the opposite. We want to be honest but respectful of our history and all those who have contributed. We’re all Australians and can all work together to find the right path to our full independence as a country and will continue to let all Aussies know, we respect you and your views. Yes, including Eric. It’s less about Charles, and all about us. In future though, perhaps we can ground the conversation in reality, and stick to the book called the Australian Constitution?

What “culture” are you arguing for Craig Foster AM ? According to your regime, there is no Australian culture proper, just seperate minorities competing for an arbitrary ideal. The Crown is precisely what unites the diversity of culture (by a mere thread) in this country and other Commonwealth nations. There is a pervading anti-nationalist sentiment being promoted and adopted in the country thanks to public figures like you, consequently, assuming an already dismantled national identity. A “democratically” elected head-of-state is hardly going to magically invoke a sense of nationhood. On the contrary, Republicanism is simply ‘kicking the can’ further down the road into cultural oblivion because its ‘well-meaning’ ideology is built upon a fractured cultural foundation.

Semper ad Meliora - parting words on leaving Austrade Any commercial diplomat or trade and investment commissioner will tell you that Australia’s position in the World is dependent on our ability to compete in world markets. In the hands of determined leadership, economic diplomacy can be a splendid instrument, staffed by knowledgeable, discreet, and energetic individuals. There are countless examples of commercial success driven by entrepreneurial men and women across the service who have championed Australian goods and services in some very remote places indeed as well as the hyper competitive markets of the United States, Western Europe and Asia. Trade and investment facilitation is a team sport that rewards loyalty and gives the prize not to those who are ‘clever’ but those who are good at providing confidence and reassurance, conveying control and mastery, even when they are pedaling furiously to keep afloat! Success in this context is not about technical skills (market knowledge, financial literacy), it is about building relationships, being adaptable, staying informed about global developments and the ability to identify patterns in events or opportunity in trends. #internationalbusiness #australianexports

Bates Smart affirms its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the establishment of a First Nations voice enshrined in the Australian Constitution. We believe the Voice is a simple, sensible and positive step in the process of righting the wrongs of the past and building a more equitable Australia. We encourage everyone to take the time to learn more and stand up in support of this important reform. https://lnkd.in/gr8GtrPh https://lnkd.in/gzmTKkma

On 2 December 1972, Gough Whitlam ushered in a new era of Australian politics, breaking nearly 25 years of conservative rule. His government, marked by ambition and reform, reshaped Australia's future, but not without facing its share of turmoil and challenges. From the infamous 'Dismissal' to landmark policies like free university education and the abolition of the White Australia policy, Whitlam's tenure was nothing short of historic. Explore the highs and lows of his revolutionary three years in office in our latest blog post. Discover how Whitlam's vision, intellect, and determination steered Australia towards progress, despite the headwinds of an economic crisis and internal opposition. 👉 Dive into the compelling story of Whitlam's leadership and its enduring impact on Australia: https://lnkd.in/gjCM3gs8