Released 14/09/2017
Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focused public holiday will be held in the ACT next year following the passage of the Holidays (Reconciliation Day) Amendment Bill 2017.
The first Reconciliation Day holiday will be on 28 May 2018.
Reconciliation Day will be held each year on the first Monday on or after the 1967 Referendum anniversary date of 27 May – the start of National Reconciliation Week.
I look forward to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans and the wider community as we consider together the best way to celebrate the first Reconciliation Day in 2018.
Canberrans should be proud to be part of a community where we can all come together to recognise and celebrate the important place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history in our city and nation.
I am particularly pleased that the Reconciliation Day bill was supported by all parties in the Legislative Assembly.
Reconciliation Day has been established without a change to the total number of public holidays in the ACT. The legislation removes the current Family and Community Day, with effect from 2018. Family and Community Day will be celebrated for the final time on 25 September this year.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases