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 Essentials for Social Justice: The Future
Presented by Tom Calma,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Social Justice Commissioner
at the Hawke Centre University of South Australia
12 November 2008
Excerpts of this talk:
I would describe the performance of the new government on Indigenous affairs as follows:
• First, some terrific initiatives that have broken away from the problems of the past;
• Second and related, some hefty commitments that are bold and that promise much –
but on which we need to wait and see if the action matches the intent;
• Third, some very mixed messages – where some actions contain serious and worrying contradictions;
• Fourth, on some issues a level of inaction in moving beyond the rhetoric and on others, a lack of thought,
yet alone action, on critical elements of reform that are necessary if we are to truly shake up the status quo.
[A] major concern is the rapid development of new policies but the absence of significant engagement and participation of Indigenous peoples.
Major reform processes have been announced, as well as numerous inquiries that will impact significantly on Indigenous peoples, with very limited engagement with Indigenous peoples.
I am constantly being told by Indigenous peoples that they are overwhelmed by the level and the constant nature of change occurring in their communities.
The challenge for the coming eighteen months is to ensure that credible Indigenous representative mechanisms are put into place and are respected by the government.
The development of a national Indigenous representative body is crucial in this regard and requires all the efforts of Indigenous peoples to make it robust.
I simply cannot see the type of change that is needed coming without a high profile, dedicated national representative structure for Indigenous peoples.
If we establish this – progress in addressing the remaining challenges will flow.
To view the complete talk visit http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/2008/20081112_future.html
Intervention: unintended consequences
Background Briefing Radio National, Sunday 16 November 2008
While remote Aboriginal communities are safer, everyday living is more complicated. There's a 600 dollar cab fare to town, and then Centrelink has to approve toys
for your kids. Lorena Allam reports from Katherine in the Northern Territory.
In this report, Lorena captures the essence of the struggles that many aboriginal communities (particularly women) face when having to deal with the rules imposed on them by the Government.
To listen to the podcast go to http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2008/2416248.htm
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