SA regional council removes Indigenous recognition

A council in South Australia has voted to change its acknowledgement of country, omitting mention of Indigenous people or culture.

Transcript

00:00 It's the Narakorlisnau Council in the state's south east that have changed their acknowledgement

00:06 to country.

00:08 The previous acknowledgement mentioned the respect for the traditional owners of the

00:12 lands of the limestone coast and acknowledge elders past and present.

00:17 Mayor Patrick Ross suggested that the acknowledgement be changed so we acknowledge and respect our

00:22 complex history and we welcome everyone to build our future together.

00:27 His reason for the change was to keep statements as simple as possible.

00:33 He also said that the council acts on behalf of all residents and rate payers and that

00:38 a general acknowledgement of the history and an inclusive welcome was desired by the community.

00:47 That vote went to council last week and got voted up six votes to four.

00:52 Interestingly though, Mayor Ross actually voted against the very change that he suggested.

00:59 A prayer has also been removed from all formalities within the council.

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