2 June 2004
A BACKWARD STEP IN RECONCILIATION WEEK?
Once again white Australia is to decide how the voice of Aboriginal people is to be heard in their own country.
Legislation introduced into the Parliament, ironically in Reconciliation Week, will abolish the national ATSIC (Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Commission) body on July 1st and all ATSIC regional councils by July of 2005. Contrary to the recommendations of its own review the government will not replace ATSIC with a structure that permits greater decision making by indigenous people at the local level.
Condemned by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) and the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC) the decision represents a major turn around in policy, a rejection of the principle of self determination and a return to the failed paternalistic policies of the past.
The only hope of preventing this happening is if the Senate blocks the legislation later this month.
Whilst Labor precipitated this debate by its decision to abolish ATSIC and replace it with a new indigenous elected body it has so far failed to give a firm commitment that it will block the legislation in the Senate.
Those concerned with this issue are asked to URGENTLY write to ALP parliamentarians in particular, urging them to vote against the legislation to at least allow time for a proper debate before a decision with such far reaching consequences is made.
Further information including a statement of principles, a draft letter, and a petition are available form the ANTaR website. (Click on the link “Axing ATSIC – What it means”)
Legislation introduced into the Parliament, ironically in Reconciliation Week, will abolish the national ATSIC (Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Commission) body on July 1st and all ATSIC regional councils by July of 2005. Contrary to the recommendations of its own review the government will not replace ATSIC with a structure that permits greater decision making by indigenous people at the local level.
Condemned by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) and the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC) the decision represents a major turn around in policy, a rejection of the principle of self determination and a return to the failed paternalistic policies of the past.
The only hope of preventing this happening is if the Senate blocks the legislation later this month.
Whilst Labor precipitated this debate by its decision to abolish ATSIC and replace it with a new indigenous elected body it has so far failed to give a firm commitment that it will block the legislation in the Senate.
Those concerned with this issue are asked to URGENTLY write to ALP parliamentarians in particular, urging them to vote against the legislation to at least allow time for a proper debate before a decision with such far reaching consequences is made.
Further information including a statement of principles, a draft letter, and a petition are available form the ANTaR website. (Click on the link “Axing ATSIC – What it means”)
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