NSW has become the first state in Australia to pass legislation through parliament acknowledging the value and importance of language to “our country’s First Peoples” and to the cultural heritage of NSW.
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Gunnedah-based Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell called the passing of the legislation on Wednesday an “historic day for Aboriginal people in Australia”.
“The NSW government has worked tirelessly alongside Aboriginal communities, elders and language experts to develop legislation that acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal languages for past, current and future generations,” she said. “I am proud of how far we have come and I’m committed to working alongside Aboriginal people from right across the state as we continue on this journey to promote and reawaken languages.”
The legislation was developed following “extensive consultation” at 32 workshops held across NSW. It provides for the establishment of an Aboriginal languages trust made up of Aboriginal community leaders to oversee the development of a strategic plan to “protect and strengthen” Aboriginal languages. Ms Mitchell will work “closely with Aboriginal Affairs and community representatives” to establish the trust.
