To ask the Minister for Health (for the Premier): In relation to the Premier’s announcement that the government has moved away from an expectation that Members of Parliament will formally acknowledge the traditional owners of land at official events:
(1) Did the Premier consult with the indigenous community before making the announcement.
(2) Does the Premier acknowledge that leaders of the Victorian Aboriginal community have taken deep offence and have stated that they are profoundly distressed by his announcement.
(3) How is the decision to downplay the acknowledgment of traditional Aboriginal landowners consistent with the coalition’s commitment to promoting and educating indigenous and non-indigenous Victorians about Australia’s shared history and the importance of indigenous culture and respect.
ANSWER:
I am advised that-
The Premier comprehensively dealt with this matter in the response to the matter raised on the adjournment by Mr Scheffer, which was tabled in the Legislative Council on 15 June 2011.