2018 GARMA THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH TELLING Congratulations to the Yothu Yindi Foundation on 20 years of the Garma Festival on the sacred grounds of the Yolngu people. For two decades the Garma Festival has been a collaborative platform of policy ideas and a celebration of culture. The 2018 theme of Truth Telling will bring forward many ideas and views about the best ways to discuss our nations history. Just over a year ago the nation received the Uluru Statement from the heart. At the core of that statement is truth telling. Facing the truth of our history, the consequences of historical actions, moving into the future while reconciling with our past. If we are to be a united Australia, we first have to engage in truth-telling about our history. It is an enormous task, and Labor is working to ensure the aspirations of truth telling, a voice to parliament and more equitable future for First Nations people can be delivered.