“Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stuns with historic Acknowledgement of Country at National Press Club, defying Peter Dutton’s stance.”
Acknowledgement of Country, National Press Club address, Sussan Ley leadership, 2025
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In a significant departure from her predecessor, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley made history by performing an Acknowledgement of Country in her first National Press Club address. This move is a powerful symbol of respect for Australia’s Indigenous peoples and their connection to the land.

The Acknowledgement of Country is a traditional custom that recognizes the traditional custodians of the land on which an event is taking place. By acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, Sussan Ley is showing her commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous culture.

This gesture is particularly noteworthy given the contentious history of Indigenous rights in Australia. Sussan Ley’s decision to perform an Acknowledgement of Country signals a shift towards greater inclusivity and recognition of Indigenous voices in Australian politics.

The move also sets Sussan Ley apart from her predecessor, Peter Dutton, who did not perform an Acknowledgement of Country during his time as Opposition Leader. By breaking from this tradition, Sussan Ley is signaling a new approach to leadership that is more attuned to the diverse cultural landscape of Australia.

The significance of Sussan Ley’s Acknowledgement of Country extends beyond symbolism. It sends a message to Indigenous Australians that their voices are valued and their contributions are recognized. This gesture has the potential to foster greater understanding and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

As a leader in the political sphere, Sussan Ley’s decision to perform an Acknowledgement of Country also has broader implications for the national conversation on Indigenous rights and reconciliation. By publicly acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, Sussan Ley is setting a precedent for other political leaders to follow.

In a time when issues of Indigenous rights and reconciliation are at the forefront of national discourse, Sussan Ley’s Acknowledgement of Country is a timely and important gesture. It demonstrates a willingness to engage with Indigenous communities and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Overall, Sussan Ley’s Acknowledgement of Country in her first National Press Club address is a significant moment in Australian politics. It represents a step towards greater recognition and respect for Indigenous Australians and signals a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has performed an Acknowledgement of Country in her first National Press Club address as leader, breaking from the position of her predecessor Peter Dutton.https://t.co/PbwkLlD0k9

— Sky news Australia (@SkyNewsAust) June 25, 2025

In a significant shift from her predecessor, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley made headlines recently for performing an Acknowledgement of Country during her first National Press Club address. This move marked a departure from the stance of former leader Peter Dutton and has sparked discussions across the political landscape.

The Acknowledgement of Country is a traditional way for Indigenous Australians to pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land on which an event is taking place. By acknowledging the traditional owners, individuals recognize the ongoing connection of Indigenous peoples to the land and their unique cultural heritage.

Ley’s decision to include this acknowledgment in her address demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and a recognition of the importance of Indigenous culture in the fabric of Australian society. It sends a powerful message of inclusivity and respect for the First Nations people, highlighting the need for greater recognition and understanding of their history and contributions.

This move by Ley has been praised by many as a positive step towards reconciliation and a more inclusive political discourse. It sets a new precedent for leaders in the public sphere to actively engage with Indigenous issues and demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of First Nations peoples.

The acknowledgement of Country is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a way to honor the traditional owners of the land and acknowledge the injustices and dispossession that Indigenous peoples have faced throughout history. By incorporating this practice into her address, Ley has shown a willingness to listen, learn, and engage with the Indigenous community in a meaningful way.

It is important to recognize that gestures like this are just the beginning of a much larger conversation around reconciliation and Indigenous rights. While symbolic acts of respect are important, they must be accompanied by concrete actions to address the systemic inequalities and injustices that continue to impact Indigenous communities.

In her address, Ley also outlined her vision for a more inclusive and diverse Australia, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding across different cultural backgrounds. By embracing diversity and multiculturalism, she hopes to build a stronger and more cohesive society that values the contributions of all its members.

The significance of Ley’s acknowledgment of Country extends beyond the political realm and into the broader social consciousness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. It also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s Acknowledgement of Country in her first National Press Club address is a powerful symbol of her commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity. By breaking from the position of her predecessor and embracing Indigenous traditions, she has set a new standard for political leadership in Australia. This gesture sends a clear message of respect and solidarity with the First Nations people and sets the stage for a more inclusive and understanding society moving forward.