Sussan Ley says 'time and place' for Acknowledgement of Country after National Press Club speech
Sussan Ley has said Acknowledgements of Country should not become a box ticking exercise, and that there is a 'time and a place' for the declaration during her first major speech as Opposition Leader.
Her words were a departure from the stance taken by her predecessor Peter Dutton, with acknowledgement of country statements notably missing from major Liberal Party events and speeches during the election, like the official campaign launch in Western Sydney.
Speaking to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Ms Ley began her speech 'acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today'.
Asked on Thursday if her speech 'settled' the debate on Acknowledgements and Welcome to Country, Ms Ley said neither should be overused.
'Look I think Acknowledgements of Country have their place, but in significant moments like yesterday was one of those places,' she told ABC radio.
'And as Environment Minister and Health Minister, I listened carefully and I participated in what I would describe as meaningful Welcome to Country ceremonies that involved the circumstances of Indigenous Australians with respect to our natural environment and their own health that were relevant and important.'
Continuing, she said: 'I don't think it should be ticking a box on a teams meeting'.
'I don't think it should be at every work meeting, because I think that actually diminishes the value of what it is.
'So there is a time and a place, and it's about striking the right balance.'
Her comments follow a factitious election campaign where Mr Dutton avoided giving Acknowledgement to Country statements, said Welcome to Country ceremonies were overdone and went as far to say he didn't support Welcome to Country ceremonies on Anzac Day.
Speaking to the Opposition party room in Canberra on Thursday, Ms Ley said the Coalition needed to 'rebuild with humility' and represent a diverse range of groups following the 'sobering' election loss.
'Our job is to present that alternative narrative for Australians so they look at us and know that we're a party that respects, reflects and will represent modern Australia, and we can restore their faith and trust in us,' she said.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urged the party to 'come out swinging'.
'So while it's, it's humbling and it's, it's disappointing the election result, you can do one of two things: you can get in the foetal position, give up, or you can come out swinging,' he said.
'And being from western Queensland, we always take the latter.
'So let's come out swinging. Let's hold this government to account, and let's show Australians that we are here for them and we have the solutions for them.'
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