I’ll open by saying I really have no idea what I’m talking about. I just think this may be a good idea, so I’m putting it out there.

For as long as I can remember, there has been an Indigenous Tent “Embassy” in Canberra, out the front of what is now the former Parliament House. Over the years there has been controversy, but I’m not going to get in to that, that’s not what this blog post is about.

What I’m wondering is, why can’t the tent embassy be made into a real embassy? Now I know there are many hundreds of Indigenous nations in Australia, and I’m not trying to say they all have to agree on every single issue, I’m seeing this more as a contact point, a bridge if you like, between people and the government.

The embassy could also be an education centre, for all Australians to learn more about the heritage of the place they call home. In my mind it would also give some validation (not that it should be needed) to the Indigenous people of this country, that they are fully recognised and respected as representatives of their nations.

I’m sure there is a lot more to the politics of this than I know of, but I like to keep things simple. If it’s a positive thing, and will help, then why not do it.