Reconciliation Week division in Broken Hill as council votes to end Welcome to Country payments
Members of Broken Hill's Aboriginal community have criticised a decision by its local council to stop paying them for undertaking Welcome to Country ceremonies.
The conflict arose during Broken Hill City Council's (BHCC) May meeting where it voted to change its Civic and Ceremonial Functions and Representation Policy.
While most of the amendments were minor, one of them surrounded Welcome to Country services at official events.
Under the revision, Broken Hill's traditional owners, the Wilyakali people, would still be invited to perform the ceremony, but at no financial cost to the council.
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-02/broken-hill-city-council-ends-welcome-to-country-payments/102422570
Perhaps the Wilyakali people could dip into the AUD$30.3 billion if they are seeking payment for their services.
Verdict. Warren Mundine's statement uses the most accurate and up-to-date estimate of government spending on Indigenous Australians – about $30.3 billion, according to the Productivity Commission.
