The Welcome to Country ceremony is underway at Parliament House.

Ngunnawal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan is delivering the welcome:

To walk on Ngunnawal country is to accept responsibilities. It is not just about being here. It is about caring for this land. The waters and all living things as my ancestors have done for thousands of generations.

When we care for country, we pay respect for those who came before us and ensure that their legacy continues. Ngunnawal country is alive. It lives in our stories, our ceremonies, our language and our connections to this land.

It carries forward by our elders. Our young ones and all who walk with us. It is a culture of strength, of resilience and of deep wisdom. As part of this welcome I offer you spiritual protection and safe passage.

May you all walk gently, listen and carry the spirit of this country with you. May your journey on Ngunnawal country be of understanding, respect and shared purpose.

Guided by the values of care, connection and community, I would like to pay my respects to elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all First Nations people here this morning. I would also like to acknowledge all the non-indigenous people here as well. In keeping in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here once again to Ngunnawal country.