| 8 July 2008 |
This media statement is listed on behalf of the National Native Title Council of which the GLSC is a member
Aboriginal communities need time |
The WA government should take a 100-year view when
considering the future of remote Aboriginal communities.
“Any decision as early as January 2009 to close
communities would be disastrously premature,” said Chairperson Brian Wyatt.
“The consequences of an overnight relocation of large
numbers of people from remote communities to regional centres, which are mostly
unprepared for such impacts, would be calamitous for the towns, society at large
and the lives of the individuals concerned.
“Let’s not forget that many indigenous communities
function well. Plus, many exist so that the people can get away from their local
towns that don’t want them there anyway.
“Instead, governments – state, territory and
federal – should open a window of transition of up to 100 years for remote
communities. This would provide time for new generations to equip themselves
with the education and skills required for lives in the outside world and adjust
to the pain that living away from one’s traditional country and culture can
bring.
“It is overdue for Australian society to draw a deep
breath and reflect on 200 years’ mismanagement of Aboriginal affairs. The
clear message is that quick fixes devised without genuine consultation with
indigenous people never work.
“During the period of transition, even small homeland
communities would be entitled to expect quality ongoing services such as health,
education and housing.
“As education standards rise and opportunities in the
outside world open up, it is inevitable that the cost to taxpayers of
communities would fall as many closed of their own accord.
“Government also needs to be more accommodating of
Aboriginal people’s need to maintain strong links to their traditional
country. Granting of native title or agreed settlement of claims, ownership of
reserves and joint management of conservation reserves have all progressed too
slowly thus far.
“Maintaining links to traditional country is vital
for the well-being of indigenous people. The ability to go back to country must
extend forever, way beyond a 100-year period of transition,” Mr Wyatt said.
The National Native Title Council is the voice of
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