Kalgoorlie MHR Barry Haase’s idea that the cost of education be the prime consideration in deciding the future of remote schools is to advocate the forced migration of thousands of Aboriginal people to large towns and cities.  

“Using people’s right to a good education as a herding stick is a short-sighted, callous approach,” said CEO Brian Wyatt.  

“You can’t snap your fingers and expect Aboriginal people to up stakes and move to big centres, whether it be Kalgoorlie or Perth , nor is it in the national interest for this to happen. They would experience massive relocation problems (housing, health services etc) and be ill-equipped for getting jobs, even if suitable jobs were available.  

“If this ill-conceived idea was pursued it would be another example of Aboriginal people being pushed from pillar to post at the whim of yet another change in government policy.  

“Having established remote communities and encouraged Aboriginal people to pursue that option, government must see it through. We must not baulk at providing basic services to those communities, so that in time the people will be able to make their own informed choices, free of pressure, about whether they stay or pursue different lives and careers elsewhere.  

“I am confident that in time many Aboriginal people will make that choice. Meanwhile, the forced migration approach must be rejected,” Mr Wyatt said.

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;    David Berry 0417 963089, 9263 8715