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Pauline Hanson and One Nation senators criticised for turning their backs during Acknowledgement of Country

A silent protest by four One Nation senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum. The incident occurred during the ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday, when the traditional statement of respect for First Nations peoples was read aloud. Instead of standing in observance, the four right-wing senators from Pauline Hanson's party physically turned away from the proceedings, a move that Cabinet Minister Clare O’Neil slammed as “disrespectful and rude and childish”. “It’s disappointing that their actions became a point of focus, especially on a day when there were so many beautiful moments of unity during the Welcome to Country ceremonies,” Ms O’Neil said on Wednesday. “To treat people that way on the first day of parliament was absolutely appalling.” The protest has reignited debate around the role of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols in national life, which some conservative voices have recently branded “divisive”. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended her party’s actions, repeating her long-standing view that the Acknowledgement of Country has become “increasingly forced” and politically charged. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie offered a more nuanced take, saying that while she personally listened respectfully to the statement, others had a right to express differing views. “The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can’t express different views,” she told Sunrise. She likened the action to MPs who choose to walk out during morning prayers or decline to support the monarchy. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This afternoon in the Senate, every One Nation senator stood with me to turn our backs on the divisive and increasingly forced Acknowledgement of Country. I’ve made this protest on my own for years, but today, our whole team made it clear: we’ve had enough of being told we don’t… <a href="https://t.co/iUoZbiDqn6">pic.twitter.com/iUoZbiDqn6</a> — Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineHansonOz/status/1947576558287523975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2025</a></blockquote> But Minister O’Neil rejected that framing, arguing that First Nations guests had extended a hand of welcome to parliamentarians and deserved better treatment. “Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country, this was about showing respect,” she said. “We were being invited to reflect on 65,000 years of heritage that enrich our country.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, praising the ceremony as a meaningful way to open parliament and reflect on Australia’s shared history. “Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn’t take it for granted,” he said, adding that the Acknowledgement of Country “should not be controversial”. The incident comes amid growing tension around Indigenous cultural protocols, with recent flashpoints including the booing of a Welcome to Country address by a neo-Nazi group during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne. Despite the backlash, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to the practice, with Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also noting the symbolic importance of the ceremony. “It set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country,” she said. Welcome to Country ceremonies are conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Indigenous peoples and connection to land, and can be made by anyone, regardless of background. Images: 7 News / X (Fomerly Twitter)

Legal

Award-winning ABC journo passes away just one month after retiring

Veteran journalist and Walkley Award winner Peter Ryan has died at the age of 64, following a long battle with metastatic thyroid cancer. Ryan passed away in Sydney on Friday night, his family confirmed. The esteemed journalist spent 45 years reporting for the ABC, earning a reputation for his fearless reporting, deep integrity and generous mentorship. Diagnosed in 2014, Ryan continued to work through his illness, most recently serving as the ABC’s senior business correspondent before retiring in June this year to enter palliative care. He chose to spend his final months with his wife Marry Cotter and daughter Charlotte. Beginning his career as a cadet and copyboy at the Sydney Daily Mirror, Ryan went on to become a pillar of the ABC newsroom. His roles included head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Washington bureau chief, and founding editor of Lateline Business, which evolved into The Business in 2012. In 2017, Ryan won a Walkley Award for his investigative coverage of the Commonwealth Bank scandal, uncovering how millions of dollars flowed through the bank’s intelligent deposit machines to criminal syndicates. Five years later, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his service to journalism. Upon his retirement, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers described Ryan as an “absolute legend”. “If you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got the essential elements of what was happening in the economy, it would be Peter’s,” Chalmers said. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers across the country. Former ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland called Ryan “unrivalled” in his journalism, noting that he was both “courageous” in his work and a “generous mentor”. “He had a big impact on so many ABC careers,” Rowland said. “We’ve all lost a good one.” ABC News senior director Justin Stevens praised Ryan’s “significant legacy”, saying he touched the lives of many at the broadcaster through his mentorship and friendship. “Through his journalism, he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society,” Stevens said. “It was a privilege to know him and work alongside him.” Even as his career drew to a close, Ryan remained focused on nurturing the next generation of reporters. In his final words of advice, he urged young journalists to stay passionate and curious, to be prepared and kind. “Avoid cynicism – be passionate,” he said. “Show up early. Be kind and caring to people who need it.” Peter Ryan’s voice, insight and warmth will be deeply missed. Images: ABC

Caring

Aussie Vietnam hero finally awarded Victoria Cross after 60 years

More than half a century after risking his life to save his mates in Vietnam, Richard Norden has finally received the nation’s highest military honour: the Victoria Cross. It’s a moment veterans, families and history-lovers have long hoped for: recognition for a young man from Gundagai whose extraordinary courage in 1968 helped save lives and left an unforgettable mark on those who served beside him. Norden was only 19 when his platoon was ambushed during the Vietnam War. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, he ran straight into enemy fire – killing two enemy soldiers, rescuing his wounded section commander Joe Kelly, and retrieving the body of his mate Chris Nisbet with grenades in hand. "If it wasn't for Dick, there would have been more of us coming home in body bags that day," fellow veteran Stan Barrett told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-cross-awarded-posthumously-to-vietnam-war-veteran-who-rescued-wounded-comrade/2fe31b9a-4057-4552-9b30-5ee746d0e89a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. At the time, Norden was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. But even Sir Roden Cutler, himself a VC recipient and then-Governor of New South Wales, felt the recognition didn’t go far enough. For decades, friends, comrades and advocates continued the fight to have his bravery properly honoured. One of them was veteran George Hulse, who took on governments and the military until 2022, when the case for a Victoria Cross was finally accepted. "And (Cutler) said the words, ‘What does one have to do these days to get the Victoria Cross?’" Hulse recalled. In a cruel twist, Norden never lived to see the moment. After surviving Vietnam, he joined the Australian Federal Police, but tragically died in a motorcycle crash in 1972. He was just 24. On behalf of a grateful nation, Norden’s widow Robynn accepted the long-overdue medal in an emotional ceremony, honouring the love of her life and the hero he always was. For the men who served beside him, the recognition is bittersweet. But finally, Richard Norden’s name takes its rightful place in history. Images: A Current Affair

Family & Pets

Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

The cricket world is in mourning following the death of David “Syd” Lawrence, the pioneering fast bowler who became the first British-born Black cricketer to play for the national side. Lawrence, 61, passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, a diagnosis he received just last year. The former Gloucestershire star, remembered as much for his generosity and spirit as for his fearsome pace, was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recognition that filled him with pride in his final months. “It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name,” he said just last week. “I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.” Lawrence’s family confirmed his passing in a statement filled with love and sorrow. “’Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” they said. Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a “trailblazer” and a man who made an “indelible mark” on the sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected on his extraordinary legacy: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes... Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.” Lawrence’s international career, which promised so much, was cruelly cut short by a devastating knee injury during England’s 1992 tour of New Zealand. He played five Tests but left an unforgettable impression, not least for his fiery pace and unrelenting passion. His beloved Gloucestershire Cricket Club, where he played 280 matches over 16 years and later served as president, expressed their devastation. “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.” Before England’s clash with India at Headingley, the cricketing world paused to remember Lawrence, with stars including Ben Stokes joining in a minute’s applause – a small gesture to honour a giant of the game whose courage, charisma and kindness touched so many. Lawrence’s loss leaves a hole in the heart of English cricket – a reminder of a player who not only broke barriers but inspired generations. Images: England and Wales Cricket Board / X (formerly Twitter)

Caring

Bubsie rides again: A century-old journey retraced across Australia

A century ago, a humble 5-horsepower car named "Bubsie" made history by becoming the first motor vehicle to circumnavigate the Australian continent. Now, a century later, its spirit roars back to life as a devoted team of enthusiasts prepares to retrace its entire 17,500km journey – in a painstakingly restored replica of the original 1923 Citroën 5CV. The year was 1925. With little more than swags, spare tyres and unwavering faith, 22-year-old Seventh-day Adventist missionary Nevill Westwood and his friend Greg Davies set off from Perth in a tiny yellow car. They had a simple mission: deliver literature to the remote outback. What they accomplished was far more profound: a trailblazing voyage across Australia, at a time when roads were scarce and courage was the only constant. Through flooded riverbeds, makeshift tracks and across the sun-scorched Nullarbor, the young men pressed on. With knees jammed beneath the steering wheel, they bounced across the nation in what Westwood affectionately dubbed "Bubsie". The 5CV was small, simple and entirely unsuited for such a grand expedition – yet it carried them across six states, through monsoonal downpours and desolate plains, forging a path for motoring history. Now, exactly 100 years since that audacious journey, a new crew is preparing to retrace their route in a meticulously restored 1923 Citroën 5CV. The project, dubbed <a href="https://rightaroundaustralia.tij.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right Around Australia</a>, is led by the faith-based media group The Incredible Journey and has brought together passionate motoring enthusiasts from across the country. Warren May, a car restorer from Western Australia, joined the project in mid-2023 and quickly immersed himself in the mammoth task of rebuilding a vehicle worthy of the original Bubsie. After months of searching, the team found the perfect base: a rare 1923 Citroën 5CV owned by collector Paul Smyth. "It was 102 years old – and in rough shape," Mr May <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/bubsie-citroen-circumnavigation-1925-retraced-in-2025/105257744" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the ABC</a>. “We had to fabricate a lot of new panels because it was just so old.” The motor, miraculously, was still in good shape. But the bodywork was another story. What followed was a year-long restoration odyssey, with over 1,000 hours of labour, rust cut away and replaced, and every nut and bolt sandblasted and repainted. With the help of friends Colin Gibbs and Graham Tyler, the team brought the little French car back to life – ready to relive one of Australia’s great adventures. The replica has been touring Australia since early 2025, and this June, it will officially begin retracing Bubsie’s route. Starting from Bickley, Western Australia – where Westwood once lived – the car will travel thousands of kilometres, mostly by trailer but driving short stretches through regional towns and historic locations. “It’s about commemorating the courage and determination of those early explorers,” said event organiser Kevin Amos. “Nevill and Greg didn’t have highways. Sometimes they had no roads at all. They literally bush-bashed their way across the country.” Indeed, from the Kimberley to Mount Isa, their journey was defined by improvisation and grit. When they came to the Fitzroy River in northern WA, locals rigged a pulley system to carry Bubsie across. In the Northern Territory, they slid through mud and monsoon rains. They stopped to help others – including a stranded trio near the Nullarbor, who were out of water and near death. Westwood gave them water, fixed their car, and saved their lives. For the modern team, this centennial journey isn’t just about honouring history – it’s about reliving a story of quiet faith and mateship. Dr Laura Cook, curator at the National Museum of Australia where the original Bubsie now rests, said Westwood’s photographs and letters provide a vivid, almost daily account of the 1925 expedition. “His story is more than just a motoring milestone,” she said. “It captures the spirit of a generation who dared to push boundaries. These weren’t professional drivers – they were people of vision and courage.” By December 1925, after six gruelling months, Westwood rolled back into Perth – completing the first full circumnavigation of Australia by car. His companion Greg had returned home early to resume nursing studies, but Westwood pressed on alone. When he returned from overseas the next year, he tracked Bubsie down (it had been sold) and bought it back. Today, Bubsie is more than a car. It’s a symbol of Australia’s pioneering spirit. And as its modern twin prepares to hit the road once more, that legacy rolls forward – not in horsepower, but in heart. So keep an eye out for Bubsie's twin as it rolls through your town, and history comes alive. Images: National Museum of Australia / Right Around Australia

Domestic Travel

Incredible winners of the 2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

From thirsty camels and curious seals, to stealthy sharks and ocean-floor discoveries, these photos have been recognised as some of winners of the <a href="https://underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards</a>. More than 6,700 photos were entered into this year's competition by photographers from 28 countries, with the contest capturing all that lies beneath the surface of oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. The winner of this year's prestigious overall Underwater Photographer of the Year prize is Alvaro Herrero for his mesmerising shot of the "special relationship between a mother humpback whale and her newborn calf". Competition judge Peter Rowlands says of the winning photo, "This delicate yet powerful study of a mother and calf’s bond says all that is great and good about our world. We face our challenges, but the increasing populations of humpback whales worldwide shows what can be achieved." Image credits: Underwater Photographer of the Year Awards

International Travel

How Rex could become the next national carrier

The federal government could acquire Rex Airlines if a suitable private sector buyer can’t be found for the struggling airline. The government will be working with Rex administrators and shortlisted bidders to find a buyer committed to breathing new life into the regional carrier. If the plan falls through, the Albanese government will begin working on contingency plans, including preparations for a potential Commonwealth acquisition. This will be the second time the government has stepped in to help Rex, after they vowed to take on Rex Airlines' $50 million debt in order to keep the company, that collapsed on June 30th 2024, servicing regional Australia. “Regional Australians deserve access to quality and crucial regional aviation services,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “That’s why we’re taking steps to ensure the best possible deal for the sale of Rex.” Should Rex be nationalised, it would be the first time a federal government has owned an airline in three decades after Qantas was privatised in 1995. “When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities the government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education and critical connections,” federal Transport Minister Catherine King said. “We are recognising that today and stepping in to keep these routes in the air.” The government has also guaranteed Rex’s regional flight slots at Sydney Airport until October 2026. Image credits: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Readers response: Are there any celebrity biographies or memoirs you’ve read and loved?

We asked our reader if there are there any celebrity biographies or memoirs they have read and loved, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Sarah Hayse-Gregson - I have read so many, I just loved them all. The one that gave me a fit of the giggles was David Niven’s Bring on the Empty Horses. Marie Jones - Jimmy Barnes, what a life. Lorraine Henshaw - Sidney Poitier. I loved him! Michelle Carr - John Farnham, Jelena Dokic, Tina Turner. Margaret Hosking - Poirot and Me by David Suchet, and Margot Fonteyn: A Life by Meredith Daneman. Both excellent!! Janet Courtney - Sister Vivian Bullwinkle who survived being shot by the Japanese on Banka Island during WWII and being taken as a POW. Lindy Joso Kolega - Ahn Do, The Happiest Refugee. Val Goodwin - David Niven, The Moon's A Balloon. Lorraine Masters - Clark Gable, Kamahl, JOK, Sarah Henderson, Debbie Reynolds.....just name a few. I love biographies. Christine Conforth - Keith Richard’s was interesting. Image credits: Shutterstock

Books

Extraordinary winners of the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards

From fiery volcanoes and busy cities, to extraordinary mountains and underwater adventures, the winners of the 2025 <a href="https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sony World Photography Awards</a> have been announced. Over 419,000 images from more than 200 countries and territories were submitted to the 2025 contest overall, this year's awards "celebrate a great diversity of visual storytelling from across the globe". The National and Regional Awards program was set up by Sony and the World Photography Organisation to support "local photographic communities around the world", with the program winners capturing moments of a "crash-landing" penguin in Antarctica, a lava-streaked volcano in Indonesia and an underwater cave on a South Korean island. The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition featuring awarded works will take place in London between April 17th and May 5th. Image credits: Sony World Photography Awards

International Travel

Breathtaking winners of the Travel Photographer of the Year awards

From mesmerising glaciers and impressive lightning storms, to swarming stations and underwater adventures, the winners of the 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year (<a href="https://www.tpoty.com/tpoty-winners-galleries/2024-winners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TPOTY</a>) awards have been revealed. Both amateur and professional photographers from more than 150 countries submitted more than 20,000 images in this year's competition, with judges describing this year's entries as an "incredible visual journey around the world, capturing its breathtaking moods and colours". This year's overall winner is Piper Mackay, a U.S photographer who 'takes the unusual approach of shooting in infrared', who captured a photo of two Masai giraffes in Amboseli National Park in Kenya as a storm approached. Mackay, who is based in Kenya, says, "My philosophy has always been 'never let the photo dictate your experience, always let the experience dictate the photo'. This award completes my life's passion and work across Africa for more than two decades. There is no higher honour!" All image credits: Travel Photographer of the Year

International Travel

Few Australians know the second verse of our national anthem – or how out of date it is

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> There are two verses to Advance Australia Fair, but do you know the second? Probably not. It’s in our citizenship booklet, <a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview/our-common-bond">Our Common Bond</a>, suggesting Aussies know it and new citizens could be questioned on it in their citizenship test. Yet <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-anthem/australian-national-anthem-use-and-protocol">official protocol</a> makes singing it optional. And who’ll choose to sing both verses when thousands of sporting fans just want the game to start? There are living generations who never properly learnt Advance Australia Fair. Before 1984, <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-years-on-advance-australia-fair-no-longer-reflects-the-values-of-many-what-could-replace-it-226737">most school students</a> sang God Save the Queen. Schools today teach verse one, but whether we learn verse two is haphazard. If school students sing along to a pre-recorded accompaniment with two verses, we’ll learn verse two. If we sing along with a squeaking school beginner band, one verse is probably all we’ll endure. I suspect if we knew the second verse our common bond would be arguing about it. Australians <a href="https://theconversation.com/outrage-over-schoolgirl-refusing-to-stand-for-anthem-shows-rise-of-aggressive-nationalism-103160">acted passionately</a> when debating one word in verse one, yet verse two barely raises an eyebrow. It’s the controversy we need to have (after we’ve googled the lyrics). <h2>The birth of our second verse</h2> The problem with verse two comes from its origins. It wasn’t in Peter Dodds McCormick’s original 1878 composition. His <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62087415">second verse</a> championed gallant Cook sailing with British courage to raise old England’s flag, proving “Britannia rules the waves”. His third and fourth verses weren’t any more appropriate. So, before Advance Australia Fair became our anthem in 1984, the National Australia Day Council made shrewd edits. Instead of using verse two from McCormick’s original version, they turned to <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-165919018/view?partId=nla.obj-165919026">another version of Advance Australia Fair</a> written for federation in 1901. The federation version introduced a new commemorative verse, the only other verse the council kept: <blockquote> Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands To make our youthful Commonwealth renowned of all the lands For loyal sons beyond the seas we’ve boundless plains to share With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair. </blockquote> Next, the council fixed the gendered language in the federation verse. “Loyal sons” became “those who’ve come”. They deleted “youthful” with an uncanny premonition that age would become sensitive. (For verse one, Australians resolved the debate ingeniously in 2021 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/31/we-are-one-and-free-australian-anthem-to-change-in-attempt-to-recognise-indigenous-history">by replacing</a> “young and free” with “one and free”.) But that’s all the council changed in verse two. They endorsed the rest. <h2>What’s wrong with verse two?</h2> The federation verse, understandably, celebrated the politics of 1901. The lyrics begin mildly but repetitively, “Beneath our radiant Southern Cross we’ll toil with hearts and hands”. I’m not sure why we’re toiling in both verses. Perhaps Aussies have an exceptional work ethic. In the next line, the word “commonwealth” was included to mark federation. The forming of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 marked a transition from six British colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland) into one nation. On one hand, it celebrates unity and cooperation between colonies. But by singing the intended meaning of the verse, that the nation began when the colonies united, we disrespect the knowledge Australia already was many nations of First Peoples. <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=806&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/643701/original/file-20250121-15-cbyhoq.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1013&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Illustration: White Australia - the great national policy song" /></a><figcaption>The federation verse says Australia has ‘boundless plains to share’ – but many were excluded from this vision of Australia. <a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Australia_-_the_great_national_policy_song_.webp">Wikimedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></figcaption></figure> The second questionable lyric in verse two is “for those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share”. In 1901, Australia’s idea of sharing land was specific. We recruited enthusiastically for more British immigration, yet rejected migrants who weren’t white. <a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/immigration-and-citizenship/immigration-restriction-act-1901">The Immigration Restriction Act 1901</a>, one of our parliament’s first laws, allowed immigration officers to set near impossible dictation tests in any European language. In effect, this meant anyone could be excluded from immigrating by what would be known as the White Australia Policy. Australia’s 21st century approach to sharing with foreigners also draws media attention. The breach of human rights at <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-un-says-australia-violated-human-rights-law-but-its-unlikely-to-change-the-way-we-treat-refugees-247096">detention centres</a> and the limiting of <a href="https://theconversation.com/international-student-numbers-in-australia-will-be-controlled-by-a-new-informal-cap-heres-how-it-will-work-246318">international student visas</a> to stem migration suggest we have “bounds” after all. <h2>The way forward</h2> If the federation verse is theoretically testable for new citizens, then we should check if the values of 1901 and 2025 still match. Without checking, Australia is stagnating, not advancing. The way forward is in the last line of verse two: “With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair”. In 1901, that was a plea for spirit and cooperation between colonies when forming a national parliament. Yet, there’s a timeless truth in those words. By debating our anthem courageously, we can be united by challenge, enriched by diversity and ingenious at rewriting lyrics.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/246678/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, Senior Learning Advisor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> Image credits: Izhar KHAN/Shutterstock Editorial This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/few-australians-know-the-second-verse-of-our-national-anthem-or-how-out-of-date-it-is-246678">original article</a>. </div>

Music

The hilarious winners of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

The winners of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced, with this year's finalists showcasing the funniest parts of the animal kingdom. The contest, which has been dubbed the '"funniest and most popular photography competition in the world", featured over 9,000 images, with judges narrowing it down to their top 45 picks. Despite the extensive range of hilarious snaps, it was Milko Marchetti who was announced as the overall winner of the 2024 competition for his photo, entitled "Stuck Squirrel". The hilarious photo shows a red squirrel entering a tree, with its legs at right angles to the trunk. "I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels, in many situations over the years in Italy," Mr Marchetti explained. "But this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position, because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide." "Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explode with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!" The judges explained that Mr Marchetti's image really reflects the "enchanting" aspect of nature, as Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Europe, said, "We are thrilled to celebrate Milko Marchetti's outstanding achievement in the Nikon Comedy Photography Awards 2024." "His image, 'Stuck Squirrel', brilliantly captures the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting. This year's competition received a record number of entries, each one a testament to the power of photography in evoking emotion." "We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of wildlife photographers through these wonderful awards." Image credits: Nikon Comedy Wildlife / 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

International Travel

"Speaking up saved my life": Jelena Dokic's inspiring speech

Jelena Dokic delivered a heartfelt address at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the first tennis player to speak there since John Newcombe 40 years ago. The 41-year-old tennis great reflected on her journey from enduring the abuse at the hands of her father to inspiring others with her resilience. Dokic spoke from her heart, without using a teleprompter she recalled the story of her life, saying: “He took from me the time with my country, with my people, with my home." “Even when I came back a few years later, it was not the same. I was embraced but it was not the same up until my books and now the documentary where people can really see the power of it on screen. “But I don’t hate him. There is no hate, bitterness or resentment towards the media, even the trolls. I am not a hateful, bitter, resentful person. I went through what I went through, but I survived and I’m thriving today for a reason.” Dokic also revealed that after her tennis career ended, she hit rock bottom, battling severe depression and a lack of confidence. "Eleven years ago, I was in bed, unable to get up, deep in depression. I couldn’t string two sentences together. I couldn’t look people in the eye," she said. But with the help of a few people who believed in her, she managed to rebuild her life, writing her first book, Unbreakable, which gave her a platform to share her story. Over time, she built her confidence and transitioned to commentary, speaking engagements and now public advocacy. "Today, I can’t shut up," she joked. "At Channel 9, they say I can talk under water, and I’m proud of that because I couldn’t even form a sentence 11 years ago. Belief from others helped me get here, and now I want to be that person for someone else." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDbZT-bpILa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDbZT-bpILa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a> </div> </blockquote> Dokic, who is now a tennis commentator, said she strives to remain positive saying: "You will never hear me say a bad word about a player who loses 6-0, 6-0. I’ll always find something constructive to say." “I’ll say, ‘Not their day, it didn’t work out, got to look forward’. Always something like that, never criticise," she added. Her authentic and kind approach has helped her master her craft and connect with her interviewees on a deeper level. Dokic then went on to explain that she contemplated holding back from sharing parts of her trauma, but decided against it, saying: “I want that you see a person who has gone from victim to survivor, most importantly thriver." "Maybe another 13-year-old girl will think, ‘She did it. I can do it too.’" “I stood in the face of fear from my father to society to media. To come out and tell my story. I want to leave a legacy behind that I turned something bad into good, negative into positive, pain into power. And not even just for myself. But the ability to maybe help someone else." She urged the audience to create safe spaces and reject shame, stigma, and judgment, adding, "Speaking out saved my life. No silence, no shame, no judgment." Dokic concluded with a powerful plea for Australians to combat domestic violence and foster support for vulnerable individuals. “Most importantly the day that we stop talking about the most important issues in our society and we turn our backs to them, that’s when our world and our society ends. “So, if I could leave you with one thing — sharing my story, telling the truth, not being silent, and speaking up saved my life. No shame, no judgement, no stigma, but also no silence.” Dokic received a standing ovation at the end of her hour-long speech. Images: Jelena Dokic/ Instagram

Mind

Extraordinary winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards

A sneaky badger, a sleepy seal, monkey friends, and an erupting volcano have all been selected, amongst many others, for the People's Choice winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. In total, there are 25 contending photographs selected from more than 59,000 entries from 117 countries and territories, all selected by London's Natural History Museum and an international judging panel. Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said of the awards, "The People's Choice Award allows members of the public from across the globe to join the jury and vote for their winning image, inspiring everyone to connect with the natural world." "As always, this year's selection of images for the competition's 60th anniversary is truly exceptional, and we can't wait to see which one will be chosen as the public's favourite!" Fans can vote for their favourite photo on <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/peoples-choice?utm_source=enews-southken-20241127-lg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wpy60-peopleschoice" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">the NHM website</a> with voting closing on January 29th. Image credits: Natural History Museum - Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards

International Travel

Bindi Irwin's glam hotel receives huge award

A Queensland hotel owned by Bindi Irwin has been named the World's Best Nature Hotel for 2024. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, located in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, was given the honour at the Boutique Hotel Club Awards, which features the finest boutique hotels from across the world. Winners were announced across 18 categories, with 500-vetted nominees from 80 countries globally. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is named after Bindi's father, the late Steve Irwin, who as known as the original Crocodile hunter capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. Judges commented that the property "really feels like you're entering into relaxation mode." Speaking of the huge win, Bindi said she and her team were "honoured" to receive the recognition for their commitment to an exceptional guest experience. "These awards showcase our dedication to providing extraordinary accommodation at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, where guests can immerse themselves in the natural world, allowing them to reconnect with nature and one another," she said. The Boutique Hotel Club's panel of experts hand-picked a selection of destinations all around the world. They quality test over 400 gold standards of hospitality excellence to find exceptional stays. The title of the World's Best Boutique Hotel went to Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa. Images: Nine/ Bindi Irwin

Domestic Travel

Hero cop from Bondi Junction attack nominated for major award

The hero cop who brought an end to the Bondi Junction stabbing in April has been nominated for Australian of the Year. Inspector Amy Scott, who fatally shot Joel Cauchi during the April 13th attack, is up for the coveted award in New South Wales for her quick-thinking and courage during the terrifying ordeal. Scott is up for NSW Australian of the Year alongside the likes of former cricketer and charity boss Kath Koschel and youth advocate Daniel Principe. The nomination commends Scott for her "unparalleled bravery and dedication to service" during the horror attack, which killed six people and injured another 12. "Without hesitation or regard for her own safety, Inspector Scott responded with exceptional courage, not waiting for backup and choosing to face the threat head-on and alone, a decision that would define her heroism," the statement confirming her nomination read. <div> <div>"Her actions saved countless lives and showcased her unwavering leadership in the face of extreme danger. Inspector Scott's fearless and decisive actions are an inspiration to all Australians."</div> </div> <div> <div>The award recipients for the NSW Australian of the Year will be announced on November 13th.</div> </div> In October, Inspector Scott <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-cop-breaks-silence-on-westfield-bondi-junction-stabbing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke</a> about the horrific attack during an NRL event to honour emergency services, telling 9News, "The incident was obviously extremely traumatic for so many people so when people are so kind and acknowledge us in the way they have it's really helped the healing process I would say." Image credits: Nine

News

Missing woman found after 12 days in national park

Missing woman Lovisa 'Kiki' Sjoberg has been found alive after almost two weeks lost in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales. The 48-year-old photographer was last seen driving into the Kosciuszko National Park on October 15th and was reported missing six days later when she failed to return a hire car. After setting up a command post at the Kiandra Courthouse on the Snowy Mountains Hwy, police began an intensive search for the woman immediately. A wide-scale search was conducted involving the Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Rural Fire Service, a Surf Life Saving Helicopter and members of the public. On Sunday afternoon, the woman was found injured on the Nungar Creek Trail at Kiandra. She was treated at the scene by paramedics for exposure and what appeared to be a snake bite before being taken to a local hospital in a stable condition. Worried friends of Ms Sjoberg have expressed their relief and joy on Facebook about the news of her discovery, thanking the community for their support. Image credits: NSW Police / llawarra Police Rescue Squad

Caring

Maggie Beer wins top award while on the road to recovery

Maggie Beer has been honoured with a top award just days after opening up about her recovery following a fall last month. The 79-year-old Aussie chef won Best Host of a Format at the C21 International Format Awards in Cannes for her role hosting Maggie Beer’s Big Mission on the ABC. The leading awards recognises creativity and excellence across the global television industry. Beer was the only woman in the category, beating some of the television industry's biggest names including Jimmy Kimmel for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire US, Stephen Fry in Jeopardy UK, Alan Cumming for The Traitors US and Big Zuu for Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes in 12 Hours. Maggie Beer’s Big Mission was inspired by the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care in 2021, which exposed high rates of malnutrition in older adults living in aged care. In the show she led a world-first social experiment to transform the meals and dining experience at an aged-care home in Perth, WA. Beer and team of experts changed the menu, dining rooms and gardens using the "care model" to improve nutrition and wellbeing of residents. In a statement, Beer said it was a “privilege to actually live the experience in an aged-care home brave enough to show warts and all.” She learned what was acceptable to feed residents and what wasn't but “…most of all how to begin the journey of change to show the difference that is made to the happiness and wellbeing not only of the residents but the staff as well,” she said. “With her extraordinary leadership she has put older Australians first and given them a voice,” managing director of Artemis media, Celia Tait said. This comes just days after Beer opened up on her fall in August, where she suffered minor bone fractures and related injuries, telling her instagram followers that "even though I want to tell you how good I’m feeling now, I still have a way to go." “I will make a full recovery, and part of it is the care and the love that I’ve been given.” Images: Instagram

Food & Wine

Should King Charles apologise for the genocide of First Nations people when he visits Australia?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebe-taylor-1379975">Rebe Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/greg-lehman-18970">Greg Lehman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit Australia from Friday <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/from-bbqs-to-the-csiro-king-charles-and-queen-camilla-s-australian-itinerary-revealed-20240910-p5k9gb.html">on a five-day tour</a> of Canberra and Sydney. The king will be the second ruling British monarch to visit Australia, after <a href="https://theconversation.com/16-visits-over-57-years-reflecting-on-queen-elizabeth-iis-long-relationship-with-australia-170945">Queen Elizabeth II’s 16 visits over 57 years</a>. These visits showcase Australians’ evolving relationship with the monarchy and our colonial past. <h2>Changing attitudes</h2> An estimated <a href="https://theconversation.com/16-visits-over-57-years-reflecting-on-queen-elizabeth-iis-long-relationship-with-australia-170945">75% of Australians</a> greeted Elizabeth on her first tour in 1954, at events that celebrated Australia’s growth as a prosperous nation. Historical milestones remained central to the queen’s subsequent visits. In 1970, she attended the re-enactment of Captain Cook’s arrival at Botany Bay. This included depictions of shooting at First Nations actors. The queen’s 1986 visit included <a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/students-and-teachers/student-research-portal/learning-resource-themes/government-and-democracy/prime-ministers-and-politicians/queen-elizabeth-ii-signs-proclamation-australia-act-cth-1986">signing the Australia Act</a> that severed Britain’s formal powers over Australia. Her 1988 visit coincided with the Australian bicentenary of <a href="https://www.royal.uk/queen-marks-australias-bicentenary">the arrival of the First Fleet</a> carrying convicts and officials from Britain. But by this time, many Australians had lost their royal fervour. Her final tour, in 2011, came 12 years after Australia had attempted <a href="https://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/1999_referendum_reports_statistics/1999.htm">to become a republic</a> by referendum. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61585886">The queen’s death in 2022</a> not only reignited questions over the future of the monarchy in Australia, it instigated a public discussion over the monarchy’s role in imperial colonialism. <h2>Genocide in Australia?</h2> On the eve of <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9789/#:%7E:text=The%20Coronation%20of%20Their%20Majesties,Coronation%20in%20nearly%2070%20years.">Charles’ coronation in 2023</a>, Indigenous leaders from 12 settler states including Australia and New Zealand cosigned <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/indigenous-people-around-the-world-have-sent-kin/rbfzwoyav">a letter calling on the new monarch</a> to apologise for the genocides that British colonisation brought to their territories. Australia was settled in the name of the Kingdom of Great Britain. Did that settlement result in genocide? Recent research led by Ben Kiernan for <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/series/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/445A52F1E949DCB6CA8FC6BD09F04DE0">The Cambridge World History of Genocide</a> has investigated this question using the 1948 <a href="https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-1&chapter=4">United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide</a> as a framework. The convention defines genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”. The term “genocide” itself is modern; coined <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/general-editors-introduction-to-the-series/986A5AFB44203A21265FF31C96C0DE3B">by Raphael Lemkin in 1944</a>. The <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/genocide-in-van-diemens-land-tasmania-18031871/ED82A107B2C76801551EB3F51CA6179D">colonisation of Tasmania</a> by the British provided Lemkin with one of the clearest examples. The prosecution of crimes before 1951 is not permissible under the convention, but it provides a definitional framework to evaluate past events as constituent acts of genocide. The Cambridge World History of Genocide <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/the-cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/E60C05ADB875E63EE57B5D41EC4BA485">Volume II</a> and <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/24002BE3CC6F69B96F0C21356E6D9282">Volume III</a> demonstrate how settlers and government agents committed acts of genocide against First Nations Australians from the beginning of settlement to the late 20th centuries. All parts of Australia are considered. Acts conforming to the convention’s clauses include killing, forcibly removing children and inflicting destructive conditions. Australian historian Lyndall Ryan’s chapter, <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/frontier-massacres-in-australia-17881928/D1B285AF2125CA9586DBB1AFAF0CF70E">Frontier Massacres in Australia</a>, draws on her research for a <a href="https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres/map.php">Massacre Map</a> showing how British troops and settlers committed more than 290 massacres across Australia between 1794 and 1928. These massacres killed more than 7,500 Aboriginal people. Ryan found the massacres were not sporadic and isolated – they were planned and sanctioned killings, integral to the aims of the Australian colonial project. Rebe Taylor’s <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/genocide-in-van-diemens-land-tasmania-18031871/ED82A107B2C76801551EB3F51CA6179D">chapter on genocide in Tasmania</a> details a pattern of government-sanctioned mass killings in a colony where an estimated 6,000 Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) people were reduced to about 120 by 1835. <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/genocide-in-northern-australia-18241928/69106AF545B4C98486752DBA88575E05">Raymond Evans</a> shows how as colonisation moved northward in Australia, massacres increased in size. Evans documents killings that persisted into the 1940s, postdating <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/genocide-in-northern-australia-18241928/69106AF545B4C98486752DBA88575E05">the 1928 Coniston massacre</a> widely regarded as the last frontier slaughter. These findings are underscored by <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/very-british-genocide/78EB24782843ABFA05965F5E4C7562CA">Tony Barta’s insight</a> that colonists’ destructive actions constitute a record of genocidal intent “more powerful than any documented plot to destroy a people”. <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/australias-stolen-generations-19142021/9219A470B4665A643DC99CC5BBE699D0">Research by Anna Haebich</a> documents the taking of Indigenous children during the 19th century. <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/australias-stolen-generations-19142021/9219A470B4665A643DC99CC5BBE699D0">Joanna Cruikshank and Crystal Mckinnon</a> explain how these state-sanctioned removals in the 20th century were intended to eliminate First Nations people from Australia’s national life. The 1997 <a href="https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/projects/bringing-them-home-report-1997">Bringing Them Home</a> report, commissioned by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, <a href="https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/IndigLawB/1997/95.html">concluded</a> the “Australian practice of Indigenous child removal involved […] genocide as defined by international law”. <h2>A significant moment of resistance</h2> The colonial governor of Tasmania began to exile Palawa people from their land in 1829. More than 200 survivors of the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/tasmanias-black-war-a-tragic-case-of-lest-we-remember-25663">Black War</a>” were removed to Flinders Island and subjected to life-threateningly harsh conditions. High death rates were caused by ill-treatment, disease and insufficient care. In 1846, the Palawa <a href="https://indigenousrights.net.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/395794/f85.pdf">petitioned Queen Victoria</a> to honour the agreement made when they were removed: that in exchange for temporarily leaving their country, they would regain their freedom. In this bold petition, Tasmanian Aboriginal people initiated a historic appeal to the British monarchy. Aware of Queen Victoria’s sovereign authority across the vast British Empire, this action marked a significant moment in their continued resistance to genocide. <h2>An acknowledgement of wrongs</h2> British sovereignty over Australia was imposed without <a href="https://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/item-did-34.html">the required consent</a> of its First Nations. The result has been continued dispossession and suffering. Despite the <a href="https://www.royal.uk/the-role-of-the-monarchy#:%7E:text=Monarchy%20is%20the%20oldest%20form,resides%20with%20an%20elected%20Parliament">Crown’s deferral of power</a> to its parliament, the call for an apology from the king has immense symbolic importance. It is rooted in the desire for acknowledgement of wrongs. These include genocide and the continuing destructive effects of colonisation across Australia.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239092/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebe-taylor-1379975">Rebe Taylor</a>, Associate Professor of History, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/greg-lehman-18970">Greg Lehman</a>, Professorial Fellow, Indigenous Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-king-charles-apologise-for-the-genocide-of-first-nations-people-when-he-visits-australia-239092">original article</a>. </div>

International Travel

$22,000 fine imposed on Waratah thieves

A spate of thefts of one of Australia's most iconic native plants have prompted a furious warning from authorities. More than 20 Waratahs have "disappeared" from the Brisbane Water National Park on the Central Coast alone, according to NSW National Parks, and thieves can risk a potential fine of $22,000 for hacking the bright flower. “It is illegal to pick waratahs or any other plant in any area protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act,” an NPWS spokesperson told Yahoo News. Rangers can issue a $300 on-the-spot fine to those caught illegally picking the flower. “The maximum fine under the Biodiversity Conservation Act is $22,000. NPWS is keen to receive details of anyone illegally picking waratahs.” Over the long weekend, locals in the Blue Mountains have hit out at "selfish" tourists for "ripping" waratahs from their stems, with images of the act posted on social media. “Just went to check on a beautiful double header waratah in local bushland only to find someone, well prepared with their secateurs, has cut it clean off. Beyond disgusted!” environmental conservation organisation Wild Blue Mountains said. “This is just not on. They had been giving joy to everyone who passed them but now they’re gone due to one person’s selfish actions.” Last week, NSW National Parks had installed signage about “helping protect the Waratah” to deter culprits from taking them and they've even painted some of the stems with a “non-toxic blue paint”. “Waratahs need to go through their full lifecycle to produce seeds, so picking them deprives the ecosystem of a new generation of plants,” NSW National Parks said. “These flowers are more than just a pretty face, they also provide nectar for birds and other native animals. Please leave them be so we can all enjoy more of these beautiful flowers in years to come. “If you want to pick something in a national park, pick your nose instead!” Image: NSW National Parks/Instagram

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