Speaker's
Media Release

Procedural Change to Open Spring Session of Parliament

The Parliament of Victoria will acknowledge the traditional owners of the Parliamentary Precinct with the inclusion of an additional prayer tomorrow - Tuesday, 26 August 2003.

Judy Maddigan MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, has advised all Party Leaders that she will acknowledge the traditional owners of the land following the reading of the Lords Prayer, on the first sitting day of each Autumn and Spring parliamentary sitting session.

Mrs Maddigan said;

"In late June, I met with Joan Vickery, Chairperson of the Koori Heritage Trust, to discuss with her the appropriate wording for an acknowledgment. It was decided that, following the reading of the Lords Prayer, I would read,

"The Parliament today acknowledges the land of the tribes and nations of the Aboriginal people of Victoria".

Work is also being undertaken for the installation of a significant piece of Aboriginal artwork to be permanently displayed in the main foyer of the Parliament building in coming weeks.

Mrs Maddigan said;

"The Koori Heritage Trust have kindly agreed to display significant works of art from local artists. The idea is to change the artwork every six months to coincide with the start of each sitting session, complimenting the direction the Parliament has taken."

"This is the Parliament of Victoria's way of adding to the important issue of Aboriginal reconciliation on behalf of all Victorians.", said Mrs Maddigan.

For further information please call Judy Maddigan MP on 9651 8575.