The other, of great relevance here, was a very significant increase in the proportion of Indigenous people living in our major cities. So, the increased numbers are there in your cities. Like anyone else, they are looking for decent housing, they're looking for adequate health and community services, for access to education, for jobs, and for a fair go from local and State authorities. Your Indigenous constituents are also looking for recognition and protection of their own cultural heritage. I'd like to make the point that urban Indigenous peoples also have a strong interest in preserving their heritage including, as far as possible, their links with land and waters.
Simple things can go a long way here.
One obvious example is the sensitive protection of sacred sites. Another simple measure is the adoption of protocols acknowledging the local or regional Indigenous heritage at official ceremonies. It was a significant and moving moment when, last year, the late Neville Bonner was invited to officiate on behalf of Queensland's Indigenous peoples at the opening of the State Parliament. I know quite a lot of local government authorities already adopt similar practices at some ceremonies and functions. It's a practice that the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation would like to encourage.