The Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has been criticised for describing the formal acknowledgement of traditional owners of land at functions as tokenistic.
Tony Abbott says acknowledgement of traditional Aboriginal owners of land can fall into formalism and tokenism if it is overused.
Labor backbencher Steve Gibbons says the comments are mean spirited.
“They’re taking the redneck line in a cheap attempt to try and win some votes,” Mr Gibbons said.
Brisbane Indigenous activist Sam Watson says the practice is important.
“It’s a sign of respect and it’s acknowledgement of history of the land,” he said.
But an Alice Springs based native title body says it agrees with Mr Abbott’s comments.
The CEO of Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, Darryl Pearce, says there has been a hollowness in the gesture when made by politicians on some occasions.
“But I think the other side of it is when Aboriginal people are welcoming people to country there is some really heartfelt and truthful performances in terms of encouraging people to share our country,” he said.
“So I guess in one sense it’s kind of now asking the politicians to match us with actions rather than just words.”
Mr Pearce says he welcomes the debate.