Reconciliation Australia welcomes new minister

Reconciliation Australia congratulates Yanyuwa Garrawa woman Senator Malarndirri McCarthy on her appointment as Minister for Indigenous Australians.

“Senator McCarthy brings a unique and strong mix of political, media, cultural, and life experience to this key position,” Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine said.

“She has long encouraged all Australians to embark on the journey of reconciliation and consider how to work together to create a reconciled country that takes pride in 65,000+ years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and connection to Country.

“Her decades in public life show her strength and depth of understanding of issues when dealing both with communities and with the highest levels of government.

“Senator McCarthy played a core role in the ALP becoming the first political party to launch a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

“As the third Indigenous person to hold this Ministry, we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with Senator McCarthy as we work together in advancing reconciliation and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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