This is a special time of year, isn't it? That time after Christmas but before we return to work, we happily lose track of what day it is, make the most of leftovers and let out a collective sigh as we end yet another orbit around the sun.

I'm one of those people who uses this time to think about what the past 12 months have been like and what I want to take into the year ahead.

So with that in mind, let's count down my top three highlights for 2022.

1. Anthony Albanese's Speech at the Garma Festival.

I've listened to Anthony Albanese a fair bit since he became Manager of Opposition Business in 2006 to Kevin Rudd. In Parliament, he always speaks with a command of the chamber, kind of like Paul Keating but without the salty cutting edge.

Then I heard the Prime Minister's speech at Garma.

Then I read it. Several times.

Australian political leaders have never really been known for their landmark speeches. We've never really seen a Churchillian "fight them on the beaches" or Obama's "a more perfect union" speech.

Then along came Mr. Albanese and his speech at Garma. This is some of what stuck with me:

To see Australia answer that gracious, patient call for respect and truth, and unity.

The Uluru Statement is a hand outstretched, a moving show of faith in Australian decency and Australian fairness from people who have been given every reason to forsake their hope in both.

The language, the sentiment, and the nature of what the Prime Minister is seeking to achieve are summed up in a way that is nothing less than beautiful and powerful in his command of vision. No matter how you feel about the Voice, what the PM said at Garma is worthy of your attention.

2. Funding for the Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Western Australia.

In August, the West Australian and the federal government announced that more than $102 million would be spent on building a world-class cultural centre on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).

This is a long overdue project. Tourism survey after tourism survey shows that 80% of international visitors coming here want an Aboriginal experience, but only around 20% get that.

The cultural centre will not only reflect on and celebrate our Aboriginal culture but will also firmly cement it as an intrinsic part of our state's identity going forward.

I hope the centre becomes our Met or Guggenheim and that there is an opportunity for as many corporates and even families to financially contribute to its construction.

Recognition in particular should go to Patrick Gorman, the ALP Member for Perth and Assistant Minister to the PM for getting this commitment funded.

We have a real opportunity here to build something that isn't just a gift to WA alone, but rather to the nation and the world. If done well, this won't just be a museum but rather it will be a monument and a place for everyone to learn and enjoy the culture of our First Nation's people.

3. The 47th Parliament.

The federal election saw a change in PM from ScoMo to Albo, the incoming Teal bloc, and a change in direction for the country. Aside from how you might feel about the result (I voted Liberal), you can't help but celebrate that the 47th Parliament has seen the most Indigenous people elected in our nation's history.

That's a big deal. Especially in the senate where there are now eight Indigenous senators making up over 10% of the upper house.

Here's hoping the 2022 election doesn't become a ceiling, but rather a floor for the number of Indigenous representatives going forward.

2022 has been a year of many good outcomes but also many terrible events for Indigenous people and the country as a whole. The deaths of Uncle Jack and Uncle Archie, the killing of young Cassius Turvey, yet more deaths in custody, the crisis of extreme violence against Indigenous women, the yet-to-close Gap in quality and length of life, and Banskia Hill Detention Centre all come immediately to mind.

My hope and wish for us all in 2023 is that we build on the good from this past year and use it to come together, more united in helping each other and building a better future. Happy New Year.