The Significance of Welcome to Country Ceremonies in the New Parliament
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has highlighted the importance of Welcome to Country ceremonies following one held at the official opening of the 48th Parliament. This event marked the beginning of his second term as Prime Minister after a decisive election win, with the Labor Party securing 94 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
The official procession entered the Great Hall of Parliament House before a Welcome to Country and traditional dances were performed. Indigenous Elder Violet Sheridan welcomed the politicians to Ngunnawal land, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with being on this ancestral territory.
“To walk on Ngunnawal country is to accept responsibilities. It is not just about being here. It is about caring for this land,” Ms. Sheridan said. She offered spiritual protection and safe passage, urging those present to walk gently, listen, and carry the spirit of the country with them. Her words reflected a deep sense of connection and respect for the land.
Following the ceremony, Albanese reiterated the significance of these rituals, calling them a “powerful way” to start the new parliament. He noted that while the ceremony was once controversial, it is now an accepted part of parliamentary proceedings.
“It is a respectful way of us beginning our deliberations here in Canberra, which of course means meeting place,” he said. Albanese emphasized that the ceremony serves as a reminder of why all Australians belong together, highlighting the strength found in unity.
He also spoke about the unique aspects of Australia, describing it as a youthful nation yet one of the world’s oldest democracies. The continent, he noted, is ancient but shares its land with the world’s oldest continuous culture.
“Consider the beautiful set of contradictions that make up who we are,” Albanese said. “A youthful nation, yet one of the world’s oldest democracies. An ancient continent but one that we share with the world’s oldest continuous culture.”
He described the privilege of being Australian and the pride that comes from the nation’s diverse facets. These elements, he explained, come together to form a unique whole, both on the ground and in the sky above.
Albanese pointed to the Southern Cross, noting that the star that twinkles most softly is a symbol of Australia’s identity. This star, recognized by the Wardaman people in the Northern Territory, represents a red dilly bag filled with special songs of knowledge. It is an Australian star, a reflection of the nation’s identity in the night sky.
“The Welcome to Country lets us touch the very beginning of the story, our story, the Australian story,” he said. Albanese urged everyone to embrace the grace and courage shown by First Nations people through their leadership.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also acknowledged the importance of the Welcome to Country, encouraging MPs to let it set the tone for the new Parliament. She emphasized that Australians share a unique story rooted in ancient culture, democratic values, and a modern nation shaped by diverse communities.
“As Australians, we share a story unlike any other, with an ancient culture, the oldest living in the world, rooted in land, language and story,” she said. Ley highlighted the belief that Australia offers a fair go and a chance at a better life for all.
