Can Australia afford not to be reconciled?

In this reconciliation process, we have the liberating potential to forge a unique national identity and purpose for all Australians – one that rises above the tragedy of our colonial and racist history, making respect for cultural diversity a cornerstone of our nation’s existence.

It is vital that our dialogue in the lead-up to the referendum calls upon all of us to participate with wise heads, listening hearts, and the courage to confront our fear of our history.

If, as a nation, we can conduct ourselves in this way throughout this dialogue, then we will be well served, and future generations will not be left wondering why we were so unable to confront the truth of our history and to deal with that truth accordingly.

As the Dalai Lama has suggested:

“When we face problems or disagreements we have to arrive at solutions through dialogue. Dialogue is the only appropriate method. One-sided victory is no longer relevant. We must work to resolve conflicts in a spirit of reconciliation and always keep in mind the interests of others. We cannot destroy our neighbours! We cannot ignore their interests! Doing so would ultimately cause us to suffer.”

It is my belief that we have all suffered long enough. Because, in the words of the great Aboriginal songman Archie Roach, “we have been too far apart.”