LAURA JAYES, HOST: Let's go live now to Assistant Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy. It's a pleasure to have you on the show this morning. It's Australia Day. Do you celebrate Australia Day or is that too strong of a word?.
MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY: Look, I certainly, acknowledge the many different views today, Laura. In particular, firstly, congratulations to our Australia Day nominees and, those who've won in particular Yalmay Yunupingu from north east Arnhem Land, incredibly proud of her achievements and others. But it's also a day where, we do look at the injustices for First Nations people. And I'm very conscious of the rallies and different protests that will take place across the country. But one of the things I do enjoy about Australia, on this day, Laura, is... this wind is blowing my hair all over the place. But, aside from that, we are a democracy. And that, you know, we can peacefully, say all these things, and put forward our opinions knowing that there is still, unfinished business, if you like, in terms of the history of our country.
JAYES: How do we make this day one that we can all celebrate together?
MCCARTHY: Well, I think we actually do that by having the diversity in the community today. I don't think that should be something we should be ashamed of. I think that we should actually, commend the fact that we, as all Australians, and those of us who want to mourn this day, who want to show powerful demonstrations about the injustices that still occur with First Nations people, those who want to celebrate, Australians, including First Nations people who are doing such commendable, things across the country- I think it shows that, we are very capable of, actually coming together through our diversity.
JAYES: Should we all be proud to be Australians? And do you think? You know, there is a little bit of hesitation for people. Australians being loud and proud today because of what you just mentioned there.
MCCARTHY: I'm certainly very proud to be a Yanyuwa Garrawa woman in Australia today. I'm very proud of my family's, our clan groups, First Nations families and our endurance and survival. I'm proud of my father's heritage as a descendant of the Irish. And, you know, our ancestors on the McCarthy side came aboard on the Palestine, here in Sydney. And then, the McCarthy side of the family moved up to the North coast. So I don't think it's actually about being ashamed of being Australian. I think what we're very good at is reflecting on who we are as a people today, and where we want to go forward. That's actually what I see the 26th of January as all about.
JAYES: Oh Malarndirri it looks like a cyclone has made its way all the way to Sydney. You're feeling the effects there? I know that you went above and beyond to be with us today. So thanks so much for your time and happy Australia Day.
MCCARTHY: No worries. Thank you Laura.
JAYES: Malarndirri McCarthy there live from Sydney, this Australia Day and Happy Australia Day. Hope you're having a great day.