Senator LINES (Western Australia—Deputy President and Chair of Committees) (20:12): The last fortnight has seen some celebrations in this place, including National Reconciliation Week and the anniversary of the Mabo decision. It was fantastic to have the government table the Mabo statement today and to have of Senator Patrick Dodson respond to that statement on behalf of Labor in this chamber. We have also had the anniversary of the Bringing them home report and the 20th anniversary of the Healing Foundation and, of course, the all-important the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. Today in this place with some mixed emotions we have been debating the Native Title Act. For me and for those claimants who appealed that decision in Western Australia and who have largely been forgotten by people in this chamber—instead the native title stuff is focused elsewhere—what we are seeing with that native title claim, particularly in relation to Western Australia, is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this country continue to fight from a legacy created through injustices. But I want to focus tonight on the celebrations of Mabo, the Bringing them home report, the 20th anniversary of the Healing Foundation and particularly the 1967 referendum. All of these events have played a part and continue to play a part in the recognition, the healing and the hope for our future, as we recognise and respect our first nations people as first Australians. The first significant step started, in my view and in the view of many, with the 1967 referendum. The referendum was the result of a prevailing movement for political change, to make change in the laws that had for almost a century discriminated against or not recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The referendum received the highest yes vote ever recorded in a federal referendum. Almost 91 per cent of Australians voted for change—something we can all be proud of! Tonight, in the spirit of reconciliation, I am proud to read a poem written by Nola Gregory in April this year. Nola and I share something special in the love of Charlee Chmielewski, our shared 'granny'. Nola grew up in Geraldton and has family ties to the Kija and Bardi people in the north of Western Australia. Nola is passionate about poetry and each year she writes about the different themes for National Reconciliation Week. When former PM Kevin Rudd gave the apology to the stolen generations, Nola wrote the most beautiful, heartfelt poem about that apology. Nola believes that poems are the way into a person's spirit and can deliver messages that sometimes we all fail to do. Nola wholeheartedly believes the 1967 referendum is an issue all Australian's need to be aware of. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still struggle to be recognised, and Nola hopes the poem encourages positive change in our community and nations. This is Nola's poem: Sailed their boats Up to our shores Aimed their guns And made their laws No man’s land Was what they said Did not want to count One single head As flora and fauna We were seen Did not have a say In our own dreams British subjects Was the term they used? Wasn’t even asked For our important views Alien citizens On our own sand Treated as foreigners By treacherous hands Our rights were shunned Our lives controlled We watched in sadness Saw it all unfold Then came a sound Like a rushing tide Throughout the land It rolled far and wide And one by one The voices all rose In an almighty crescendo We watched them grow A referendum A deciding vote To take count of us Bring healing and hope Set the wheels in motion And opened the door "The Aboriginal question" The changing of laws The scars run deep Within our lives But we will fight on For justice with pride And hope one day soon We will stand hand in hand As we press for equality In our Great Australian Land Thank you, Nola Gregory.