PM response to truth-telling process 'hugely significant'

After five weeks and more than 900 kilometres, Travis Lovett delivered his message directly to the prime minister. (ABC News: Matt Roberts) After more than five weeks on the road, the national Walk for Truth has ended at Parliament House calling on the prime minister to support a national truth-telling process. The prime minister said he will work with First Nations people towards the goal of truth-telling. Link copiedShareShare articlePrime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to an impassioned call for truth-telling, as the national 'Walk for Truth' ended at Parliament House on Wednesday. Led by Kerrupmara and Gunditjmara man Travis Lovett the walk crossed regional Victoria and NSW to deliver an open letter burnt on kangaroo skin with the backing of more than 12,500 signatures. Close up of the letter, signed by more than 12,500 people that Mr Lovett delivered to the prime minister. (ABC News: Callum Flinn) As he addressed a crowd of hundreds, Mr Lovett put to the prime minister a "simple and serious" request: "That this nation establish a national truth-telling process, built in genuine partnership with First Peoples, strong enough to listen, brave enough to remember and honest enough to help this country heal," he said. Some of the Walk for Truth participants holding the open letter to the prime minister. (ABC News: Callum Flinn) The open letter was handed to the prime minister, along with Aboriginal message sticks, signed by thousands of people who joined the movement that began on April 19. The letter states that: The prime minister thanked Mr Lovett for making the journey of more than 900 kilometres. "It is unfinished business, the business of reconciliation," he said. "There are bumps in the road. It's not a straight journey, as progress never is." However, the prime minister did not commit to any specific actions. "We'll continue to have engagement and dialogue with you on how we continue to walk towards that objective which is in the interest not just of First Nations people but in the interests of uplifting all Australians," he said. Mr Lovett hands the traditional message sticks to the prime minister along with an open letter. (ABC News: Callum Flinn) In 2022, the prime minister committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full during his federal election victory speech, which included a Makarrata Commission to lead an official truth-telling process for the nation. The process is intended to create a more accurate picture of Australian history, that includes First Nations perspectives and addresses current and historical injustices. Four years on, there has been little progress. Mr Lovett with some of the participants heading for Parliament House. (ABC News: Callum Flinn) As the large crowd followed Mr Lovett to the steps of Parliament House, they were greeted by politicians and Indigenous leaders. After hearing the prime minister speak, many supporters said they felt optimistic and that it was "hugely significant". Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said it indicated "some positive moves from this government". "He has an opportunity to build this country to be something we can all be proud of and I think he should take that opportunity," the Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman said. Also in the crowd, was Wirdi man Tony McAvoy, the former counsel assisting on Victoria's Yoorrook Justice Commission. "I understand the value of that process in both telling of the truth … but the space it creates for better political discussions around remedying injustice, and we see that in Victoria. "It's not a divisive process and the government should embrace it," he said. For Gooreng Gooreng woman Rachel Sarra, who attended the final leg of the walk, she said it will be a moment she won't forget. "This means more than people will ever know," she said. "It's time that our country understands the truth." Mr Lovett was joined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner Katie Kiss and barrister Joshua Creamer. (ABC News: Callum Flinn) The culmination of the Walk for Truth comes on the first day of National Reconciliation Week, a national event that calls on all Australians to learn more about the history and culture of First Nations people. CEO of Reconciliation Australia Karen Mundine said the event was timely. "I can't think of a better way to start this week than to demand from our lawmakers, to demand from the people that say they support reconciliation, that we see change," she said The national Walk for Truth follows a long line of First Nations people like Wurundjuri leader William Barak and Anmatyerre, Maranunggu, and Tiwi man Michael Long, walking significant distances to advocate for important issues. Some of the many people who joined the last leg of the Walk for Truth to Parliament House. (ABC News: Callum Flinn) This isn't Mr Lovett's first walk stretching long distances to shed a light on Indigenous issues. In 2025, he walked 50

PM response to truth-telling process 'hugely significant'

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