28. Truth-telling : Facing Australia's Colonial History on the Path to Reconciliation

What happens when we break the silence around colonial history? How does acknowledging the past help us heal and connect across communities? And who carries the responsibility for truth-telling—First Nations peoples or non-Indigenous Australians?

Through deeply personal reflections and bold insights, Lorena Allam, Kate Grenville, Lindon Coombes, Mariko Smith, and moderator Robynne Quiggin unpack the emotional, political, and cultural dimensions of truth-telling. If you’ve ever wondered “Where do we begin?” or “Why does truth-telling matter now more than ever?”—this conversation is essential listening.

In this special panel hosted at UTS, moderator Robynne Quiggin is joined by:

Lorena Allam

A multiple Walkley Award–winning journalist descended from the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay peoples of northwest NSW. Lorena has had a distinguished career at the ABC and The Guardian, where she was the first Indigenous Affairs Editor. She is now a Professor at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS. Her work has focused on truth-telling in media, Indigenous rights, and the legacy of colonialism in Australia 

Kate Grenville

One of Australia’s most acclaimed authors, Kate Grenville AO is best known for her historical novels including The Secret River, which explores the colonial frontier and its impact on First Nations peoples. Her work has won numerous awards including the Orange Prize and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. She has also written extensively on the writing process and Australia's colonial legacy 

Professor Lindon Coombes

A descendant of the Yuwaalaraay people, Lindon is the Director of the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS. He has over 20 years of experience in Aboriginal affairs, including leadership roles in government and community organisations. His work focuses on Indigenous policy, justice, and self-determination

Dr Mariko Smith

A Yuin woman with Japanese heritage, Dr Smith is the Strategic Lead, First Nations at the Australian Museum. She is a curator, academic, and interdisciplinary researcher whose work centres on Indigenous cultural resurgence, museology, and incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into creative and academic practice. She holds a PhD from the University of Sydney

Together, they share insights into how truth-telling can foster deeper understanding, connection, and a more just future for all Australians.

Recorded during National Reconciliation Week at UTS 4th June, 2025

Keywords: Reconciliation, Truth-telling, Aboriginal History, Indigenous Voices, Australia, UTS, Colonialism, First Nations, National Reconciliation Week