Students embrace reconciliation

07 September 2009

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch has praised the efforts of school children in promoting reconciliation.

Speaking at the Our Place in Reconciliation program for primary school students at NSW Parliament today, Mr Lynch said the Year 5 and 6 students were setting a great example for others.

"These young Australians are in a good position to be our next leaders in righting the wrongs of the past," he said.

"We must listen to young people's ideas about reconciliation and work together with Aboriginal people to strengthen communities and close the gap in health and social outcomes," Mr Lynch said.

The students were from the following schools:

• Sanctuary Point Public School
  

• St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox College, Mr Druitt
  

• St Therese Primary School, Sadlier
  

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Waterloo
  

• Rainbow Street Public School, Randwick
  

• Willmot Public School
  

• St James Primary School, Forest Lodge • Bonnyrigg Public School
  

• Holy Innocents' Primary School, Croydon
  

Mr Lynch said the venue of today's convention - the NSW Parliament - was the scene of two significant events in reconciliation.

"In 1997, New South Wales Parliament was the first in Australia to apologise for the Stolen Generations," he said.

"And in 1983, an Act of Parliament was introduced that forms the basis of the land rights system in New South Wales," Mr Lynch said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Williams 0408 602 936

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