Page 1705 - Week 06 - Thursday, 30 July 2020
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these important words. I thank you for your cooperation and I acknowledge the respect and commitment that you, too, demonstrate to the Ngunnawal people. That is something we all share. The fact that the motion that came before the Assembly in November last year was initiated by us but co-sponsored by all three parties, which was a first in the history of the Assembly, shows that, in spite of our political differences, on the issue of recognition of our local Aboriginal people, the Ngunnawal people, we are united, as we should be.
I look forward to continuing this journey, and hope that in the next Assembly, if not this one, more cultural awareness training is provided to members and more of us learn to pronounce and use these and other Ngunnawal words. I look forward to all of us regularly using at least the word “yuma” in our everyday vernacular, a simple “hello” in Ngunnawal language. It is the very least we can all do, especially when many of us know how to say hello in several languages other than English, such as Dutch, French, German, Tongan, or Korean. This is something we could all seek to bring into our daily practice. In doing this, we carry on the legacy of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, helping to keep language alive and relevant. This is one small way in which we recognise that connections to language are central to identity and culture.
Finally, Madam Speaker, I thank you again for the significant and symbolic action you have taken today. I trust that the Ngunnawal elders take pride in what has been achieved, and feel heard and respected by members of the Legislative Assembly.
MADAM SPEAKER: Given the significance and the importance of what has just occurred, I suggest we take a small break; the bells will ring in about 15 minutes.
At 10.16 am, the sitting was suspended until the ringing of the bells.
The bells having been rung, Madam Speaker resumed the chair at 10.38 am.
Ms Sue Salthouse
Motion of condolence
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (10.38): I move:
That this Assembly expresses its shock and dismay at the sudden and tragic loss of ACT Senior Australian of the Year and 2015 Canberra Citizen of the Year, Sue Salthouse, and tenders its profound sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues in their bereavement.
I rise to express great sadness at the passing of Sue Salthouse, who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident on 20 July. Sue was a passionate advocate for people with disability, particularly women with disability, and demonstrated a commitment to social justice issues throughout her life.
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