‘Optimism’ as Walk for Truth ends despite no formal commitment from PM
Prime 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:
“Truth-telling is not about blame. It is about healing.“
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.
PM response ‘hugely significant’
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.
“Truth-telling wasn’t part of the education system in this country, so people were told lies. We need to flip that now and allow the truth to be told.“
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.”
‘Optimistic’ about the future
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 500km with thousands of supporters to mark the end of Victoria’s formal truth-telling process.
Mr Lovett said the shadow of the failed referendum “put an end to the First Nations’ question” and was part of the driving force behind the national walk.
Despite the government making no detailed commitments, Mr Lovett said he is feeling “encouraged” and “optimistic” about the possibilities after a private meeting with the prime minister.
As he reflected on his long journey from Melbourne to Canberra, he became emotional about the widespread support he received.
“We’ve done it together … alongside non-Aboriginal people about how we move forward,” he said.
“We want everyone to be proud to have the oldest continuous living culture in the world.”
