The October Budget will deliver on the Albanese Labor Government pledge to jointly fund a world-class Aboriginal Cultural Centre for Western Australia.
The Commonwealth is partnering with and matching the McGowan Labor Government’s commitment to this important project with each Government contributing $50 million after jointly funding the feasibility study.
A Terrace Road site as the preferred location has been chosen primarily for its connection to the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), Heirisson Island (Matta Gerup) and Kings Park (Katta Koomba), all places of cultural significance to the Noongar people.
Planning for the project with extensive engagement is underway with Aboriginal people and communities across WA, under a Cultural Authority Framework.
This Framework is embedding Aboriginal-led community engagement and cultural decision-making processes in the development and ongoing operation for the centre.
This extensive state-wide consultation with Aboriginal people and communities will help shape the vision and key functions of the centre.
The centre will be an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the world's oldest continuous living culture and share it with the nation and the world.
As a centre of global significance it will celebrate the diversity of WA’s Aboriginal communities.
The Albanese Government is committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full and the Prime Minister has outlined a possible question and amendment to the constitution for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
A referendum on The Voice will be held in this term of Government.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
“We committed to delivering $50 million for the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and as promised, that money will be in this week’s Federal Budget.
“An Aboriginal cultural centre is an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the world's oldest continuous living culture and share it with the nation and the world.
“My Government remains committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, and will hold a referendum on the Voice to Parliament in this term of Government.”
Quotes attributable to Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians
“The world class Aboriginal Cultural Centre will be built on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people.
“It will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate Indigenous culture and promote a deeper understanding for visitors from across the county and the globe. “
Quotes attributable to Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Member for Perth:
“This is the big, visionary project that Western Australia needs.”
“This funding ensures the Federal and State governments can work together to deliver a major cultural and tourist attraction for all Australians.
“It is now time for private and philanthropic contributors to get behind this project.
“I encourage all Western Australians to think on how we design and build this visionary addition to Perth’s skyline.”