ID :
45308
Thu, 02/12/2009 - 15:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/45308
The shortlink copeid
No action on `sorry` rhetoric: Dodson
Kevin Rudd promised to write a new chapter in Australia's history following last
year's apology to the stolen generations but the page remains blank, Pat Dodson
says.
On the eve of the first anniversary of the formal apology, the so-called father of
reconciliation attacked the federal government for failing to back up its rhetoric
with decisive action and genuine partnerships.
On February 13 last year, the prime minister told parliament it was time for the
nation to bring the first two centuries of settled history to a close and begin a
new chapter.
"Let us turn this page together: indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,
government and opposition, commonwealth and state, and write this new chapter in our
nation's story together," Mr Rudd said.
But a year on, nothing much has changed, Mr Dodson says.
"When the prime minister made the apology he talked about writing the next chapter,"
the Yawuru man said.
"Well the page is still blank as far as I can see.
"The new words, intentions and institutional and structural ways of developing our
relationship have not hit the page yet."
Mr Dodson said there was a desire to do the right thing and a lot of goodwill, but
that had not been harnessed.
As a result, frustration was growing among indigenous communities across the country.
"There's a high level of frustration," he said.
"They (the government) are not interested in empowering indigenous people to manage
their own affairs."
Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner Tom
Calma said that while there was still plenty of hope, people were itching for action
to follow Mr Rudd's "fine words".
"One year on, we must continue to hold that hope high and continue to work with
governments around Australia to put flesh on the bones of the national apology to
move forward," Mr Calma said in a statement.
Labor had done some great work, including pledging to achieve equity in health by
2030, holding a forum on indigenous healing and providing additional funds to help
reunite separated families.
It had also promised to establish a new national representative body by year's end,
Mr Calma said.
"However, there remain areas where we must move swiftly beyond the rhetoric," he added.
Mr Rudd was expected to deliver a report card on the government's efforts to close
the gap between black and white living standards on Thursday.
But it was delayed because of the Victorian bushfire crisis and will instead be
handed down in a fortnight.
In recognition of the anniversary on Friday, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander flags will be flown beside the Australian flag at parliament house and
government buildings.
Almost 10,000 schools across Australia will receive a calligraphy copy of the
apology motion.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said she hoped schools would permanently
display the artwork and text and incorporate it into celebrations.
"The apology prompted a new spirit of cooperation between indigenous and
non-indigenous Australians to work together to make a difference to the lives of our
most disadvantaged people," Ms Macklin said.
year's apology to the stolen generations but the page remains blank, Pat Dodson
says.
On the eve of the first anniversary of the formal apology, the so-called father of
reconciliation attacked the federal government for failing to back up its rhetoric
with decisive action and genuine partnerships.
On February 13 last year, the prime minister told parliament it was time for the
nation to bring the first two centuries of settled history to a close and begin a
new chapter.
"Let us turn this page together: indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,
government and opposition, commonwealth and state, and write this new chapter in our
nation's story together," Mr Rudd said.
But a year on, nothing much has changed, Mr Dodson says.
"When the prime minister made the apology he talked about writing the next chapter,"
the Yawuru man said.
"Well the page is still blank as far as I can see.
"The new words, intentions and institutional and structural ways of developing our
relationship have not hit the page yet."
Mr Dodson said there was a desire to do the right thing and a lot of goodwill, but
that had not been harnessed.
As a result, frustration was growing among indigenous communities across the country.
"There's a high level of frustration," he said.
"They (the government) are not interested in empowering indigenous people to manage
their own affairs."
Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner Tom
Calma said that while there was still plenty of hope, people were itching for action
to follow Mr Rudd's "fine words".
"One year on, we must continue to hold that hope high and continue to work with
governments around Australia to put flesh on the bones of the national apology to
move forward," Mr Calma said in a statement.
Labor had done some great work, including pledging to achieve equity in health by
2030, holding a forum on indigenous healing and providing additional funds to help
reunite separated families.
It had also promised to establish a new national representative body by year's end,
Mr Calma said.
"However, there remain areas where we must move swiftly beyond the rhetoric," he added.
Mr Rudd was expected to deliver a report card on the government's efforts to close
the gap between black and white living standards on Thursday.
But it was delayed because of the Victorian bushfire crisis and will instead be
handed down in a fortnight.
In recognition of the anniversary on Friday, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander flags will be flown beside the Australian flag at parliament house and
government buildings.
Almost 10,000 schools across Australia will receive a calligraphy copy of the
apology motion.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said she hoped schools would permanently
display the artwork and text and incorporate it into celebrations.
"The apology prompted a new spirit of cooperation between indigenous and
non-indigenous Australians to work together to make a difference to the lives of our
most disadvantaged people," Ms Macklin said.