The process was set in train with the unanimous support of Federal Parliament on 16 August 1991. The aim is to achieve concrete results by the year 2001, the centenary of Federation. The Federal Government appointed 14 indigenous people and 11 people from the wider community to the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, to oversee the process. The Council's aims to include promoting deeper understanding of indigenous issues and seeking to overcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage. The Council's Industry Committee includes Jennie George, Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions and Ian Spicer, the Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Reconciliation is a challenge to both unionists and employers.
Reconciliation cannot be achieved through the work of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation alone. We all need to become involved. The contribution of unions is a crucial part of the reconciliation process.