Step to reconciliation

INVASION day, our national day, celebrating the coming of whites to Australia when this country was invaded by the English. January 26 debates continue to haunt the political conscience. The Liberal Party conference agreed changing the date and restoring place names in lutruwita (Tasmania) with original names over the imposed English would not change the lives of Aboriginal people. This is true, but it is a much needed step towards reconciliation. Recognition and promotion of palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aborigines and education about its near loss, eventual retrieval and use by modern Aborigines would be a start to understanding and also admiring the resilience of pakana Tasmanian Aborigines. What was believed to be an event promoting winter is also described as a shock festival and while my critics scream, “hold on, it brings thousands of visitors and a heap of money into our economy,” others question it. Hence the criticism from my deputy, a doctor and lover of arts who has a close association with Mr Walsh. When a new council convenes in November, let’s hope they think carefully before saying yes every time the bells of Mona toll or Mr Walsh has a perverse moment. must be assessed on its merits. The antidevelopment stance being taken by council prior to a proposal is a very worrying development. It sends a message about other proposals. Ideology must not override the interests of the city. The capacity to balance development and conservation is an essential skill for an alderman.