Having recently attended a Human Rights Coalition election forum held in
Adelaide a number of concerns I had in relation to the Federal Governments
NT emergency response legislation were realized upon having listened to
the forums, two key speakers from the Northern Territory.
I am without doubt that if this radically racist emergency response
legislation were being enforced upon others of some far off distant land
it would boil the blood and fuel the outrage of every fair-minded
Australian. Should it be any less so given that it is the democratically
elected government of Australia acting in your name that is perpetrating
these shameful human rights abuses upon the Aboriginal Peoples of
Australia, right here, right now?
Australia does not need to uncover a long lost forgotten past to see the
very same racist legislations and policies that were carried out for the
"good of the children" they are in fact, in living memory as are the
continuing legacies and consequences of those cruel and unjust policies.
If we have learned anything in this the 40th year of the 67 referendum, it
must be that the hard fought for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander rights and our continued struggle against racist policies
denying our rights. Has only ever been advanced and strengthened through
united and sustained actions.
It is clear that nothing short of a mass peoples movement not unlike that
which brought about the "successful" 67 referendum needs to be mobilized
throughout Australia if we are to have this radically racist NT emergency
response legislation abolished.
The Howard led Liberal government would tell us to "go for growth" whilst
frantically attempting to ring-bark Aboriginal culture with their 'back to
the future" policies. Whilst the Rudd led Labor government calls for its
futuristic "education revolution" having learnt nothing from Australia's
"past" racist policies and government sanctioned ill treatment of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples along with our supporters
must send a resoundingly clear message to Politicians of all persuasions
irrespective of who gains office in this coming election. That the people
of Australia speak with a strong and united voice in demanding the
immediate repeal of the NT emergency response legislation.
Should governments seek to support Aboriginal people in addressing issues
within our communities they must enter into respectful dialogue, consult
and negotiate with Aboriginal people in their communities consistent with
the Little Children Are Sacred report.
I pondered the prospect upon making my way home from that well attended
human rights forum. Whether future generations of Australians will look
back after having read Howard's standard school book version of
Australia's historical "blemishes" under the chapter entitled; "a new
paternalism". Will they too repeat the often-heard mantra that government
in the name of its people, in the national interest acted in good faith,
with only good intentions, that the end justified the means?
Will it be said; that you and I really didn't know any better? - Surely we
must?
In solidarity,
Karranjal John Hartley, South Australia,
16th November 2007
We Need A big gathering of the people across our land/nation to talk about our future and what we are going to do about it, one big voice one big spirit together, I see it has begun, go WARRIORS
Deidre Currie, NSW, 16th November 2007
The resources are long overdue but it is a return to paternalism and is not building on the acheivments that have been already made.
Elizabeth Moore, NT, 16th November 2007
I wholeheartedly believe in, support, admire and embrace the Women who make up the Women for Wik. As a young Indigenous Woman, I can only aspire to walk in the footsteps of these amazing Women. Such strength, such spirit, such solidarity. With continued regard and respect,
Nellie Green, WA, 16th November 2007
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