Once more the apprentice of self interest has chosen to bore us once again with his antiquanted views on Aboriginal Affairs. With today's acknowledgement of past wrongs, the spirit of this gesture deserves and equally important gesture from us the Indigenous people of this country to work with our fellow Australians to become a great nation.

On that basis we should not be seeking seperate services run by Aboriginal self interested clan and family groups, or creating another form of elected officials like ATSIC which had only enjoyed the support of less than 10% of the Indigenous community and was a waste of money and time.

But rather Stephen and his supporters if he has any should be looking to mainstream politics to make a difference instead of sooking over past deeds that from today should be forever forgotten.

Its easy to criticise but it take a man to stand up and change things, are you up to it Stephen?

Yindin,

Well said.

This is the problem. Out of touch, Aboriginal academics. Stephen has displayed this common trait many times. for more info www.whitc.info/

Australian Aborigines are human beings, just like me. Equality of representation is the only appropriate way to go. No more, and no less. And perhaps they might have the politeness to say, "Thank you" for the benefits they have access to.

I read OLO because many of the views expressed there agree with mine but, unlike me, they are generally erudite. I am not well educated and often have trouble expressing myself in an unambiguous manner so, if what I have to say has redneck connotations, I apologise.
Theoretically the idea of separate aboriginal-controlled political representation is wondrous. Practically, it is disastrous as it merely amplifies the tacit mindset that aborigines are deserving of different treatment to other Australian residents. All other nationalities in this country live under one set of rules, why not aborininals?
Frankly I think that activists promote a "Poor bugger me" attitude and think that they represent all aboriginals when in fact they are merely squeeky wheels looking for their share of grease. The echoes of the didgeridoos had hardly died out when Mr Dodson mentioned the word "Compensation" which has now moved to the top of some agendas now that "Sorry" has rightfully been neutralised.
Australia took the moral path and apologised for the harsh treatment of the past, now let the aboriginals fall in line and live by the same rules as everyone else before sympathy turns to pity and then to distain.

Thanks ALB for the link to http://www.whitc.info/ . Haven't had as good a laugh for ages.

And then you tell us that Stephen Hagan is out of touch....

Enkew,

Your views are well expressed. While I don't necessarily agree with them it is great to see you enter debate honestly. For that is the way we have had for generations and has led to us becoming more informed and often enabled our adaption to change... not only of others but also ourselves. Well done.

I strongly support Stephen Hagan's suggestion for stronger indigenous representation in the political arena.

However I feel that it is at the community level that strong leadership is more important. Rudd's plan to give all four year olds pre-school education is a good beginning in closing the gap, but totally worthless if the child goes home after school to be neglected or abused.

Unless communities have some form of respected body to see that the virtues of sharing and hospitality are not abused, that all who behave in ways that will strengthen the community are rewarded and destructive behaviour is not tolerated, intervention will have no effect.

I think the women I read about who care for, nurture and protect children, regardless of their blood relationship, are worth far more to the flourishing of indigenous culture than another politician.

As a middle-aged, middle-class white Australian, I don't see that having organisations specifically to represent indigenous interests is any more divisive than having a Disability Services Commission, an Office of Women's Interests or free English classes for migrants. There's a gap between my class and many indigenese in education, health and lifestyle. I hope I live to see and Australia where there is no need at all for an ATSIC or Native Affairs. It's do-able.

Diana

Jonji, May be you would prefer the “ Indigenous People's Congress “ or IPC, motiff or motto, quote “ It is an Undeniable, Indisputable and Inescapable fact of Life, that the Values Ethics and Ideals of this White Australian dominated Society has brought this Country to the Brink of Social Economic and Enviromental Dissaster.” As National Director of the IPC, an organisation created and developed by me and Loraine Mafi Williams at Suffolk Park, and now, deactivated ( by me ) I authoured and published all IPC materal, including this. But in the name and spirit of Reconciliation, we are now ' Tomorrow will not be sacraficed! Critisize or deride, but My home page is my genuine and honest contribution and activities to a true and just reconciliation. And nothing else.

Johnj, May be you would prefer the “ Indigenous People's Congress “ or IPC, motif or motto, quote “ It is an Undeniable, Indisputable and Inescapable fact of Life, that the Values, Ethics and Ideals of this White Australian dominated Society has brought this Country to the Brink of Social Economic and Environmental Disaster.” unquote. As National Director of the IPC, an organisation created and developed by me and Loraine Mafi Williams at Suffolk Park, and now, deactivated ( by me ) I authored and published all IPC material, including this. But in the name and spirit of Reconciliation, we are now ' Tomorrow will not be sacrificed! Criticize or deride, but My home page is my genuine and honest contribution and activities to a true and just reconciliation. And nothing else.