Premier puts clock back- Wurrundjeri elder Murrundindi says the acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land shows recognition and respect. 65088

By Kath Gannaway
Wurrundjeri Ngurungaeta (leader) Murrundindi said the move was a disgrace, and an insult to Aboriginal people.
The traditional acknowledgement has become a part of many state and local government and community events, but it will now be up to individual government representatives how and when they use the acknowledgement.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell moved to clarify the initial announcement late last week saying the Coalition Government believed such acknowledgements may be diminished if they become tokenistic – and had never been mandated.
Murrundindi, who has for more than two decades shared his Aboriginal culture at Healesville Sanctuary and at schools including many in Yarra Ranges shire, said it was more than a token gesture.
“All the schools I go to always acknowledge the Wurrundjeri people at their assemblies.
“People use it with respect … and the responses I get from people who say that that acknowledgement and recognition of the first inhabitants of the land has changed their attitudes, makes it more than a tokenistic gesture,” he said.
Liberal MPs Christine Fyffe (Evelyn) and Cindy McLeish (Seymour) told the Mail they would continue to make the acknowledgement as they always had.
“I won’t be changing the way I make that acknowledgement, acknowledging the traditional custodians, and recognising (Indigenous) people in particular if they are present,” Ms McLeish said.
Ms Fyffe said she too would continue the practice – out of respect.
“I have a strong and warm relationship with the Aboriginal elders in the community, and everyone in the Yarra Valley has a deep respect for the Aboriginal peoples,” she said.
“I will continue to acknowledge the first peoples of this nation, not because it is mandated,” she said “but because I choose to do so out of respect.”
Brad Battin, Liberal Member for Gembrook said he believed compulsory recognition had become something that was done by rote, rather than being a true acknowledgement.
“Acknowledgements will now be relevant and genuine,” he said.
Mr Battin said he would continue to acknowledge the Indigenous custodians of the land at official events “when appropriate”.
Murrundindi said acknowledgement was an important part of reconciliation.
“It makes you feel that you are wanted, and that they (the people offering the acknowledgement) are respecting us,” he said adding that he believed the move by the premier would be a set back to Reconciliation.