Recently we saw a major win for the Cabbage Tree Island community. I had the chance to question the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris on the dispossession of the Cabbage Tree Island community. 

In response, the Minister committed to reviewing calls for a “future on the island” for the Aboriginal residents.

The NSW government also committed to an urgent review of their decision to deny Cabbage Tree Island residents the chance to rebuild their homes. This may well be very welcome news.

The former Liberal National government had promised funding toward a rebuild of the homes on Cabbage Tree Island – but this August, the new Labor government announced they would not financially support a return to the Island.

Earlier this month, I took the Minister to meet with the Aboriginal residents of Cabbage Tree Island, who overwhelmingly want to return to their homes and live on Country. It’s fantastic to hear that the government may be willing to acknowledge that wrong decisions have been made, and potentially change course.

As the Member representing the Cabbage Tree Island residents in parliament, I will be working closely with the NSW government to ensure that all possible pathways back to the island are explored.

Click here to watch the Minister’s full response to my question.