Joe,
When Parliament makes laws and policies about the
First Nations of the Northern Territory, as they
did with the Northern Territory Intervention, the
First Nations of the Northern Territory should have
a fair say. Whether you agree or disagree that the
Intervention was necessary, there is consensus that
it was poorly implemented, without proper consultation,
and not as effective as it could have been. The
Intervention failed to achieve its aims.

Had local First Nations been empowered to take responsibility
in its formation, the Intervention would not have been
discriminatory. It would have been better accepted by
communities and more effective.

Government cannot solve people's problems.

The First Nations of Australia have a right to take
responsibility. They should be empowered with a
constitutional voice in their affairs, so they can always
participate in decisions made about them. As a
champion of responsibility, you should support such a
reform.

Hi there FOXY, TTBN, & LOUDMOUTH...

Hi Joe...

Thank you for acquainting me with some of the organisations representing our indigenous people. I must admit, I hadn't realised just how many there were. I wonder though, do all these various bodies discharge their functions & duties faithfully? Particularly those responsible for the distribution of benefits, both equitable and honestly? I've noticed on past occasions Joe, when Aboriginal people were part of the Topic, you seemed to know, a hell of a lot more about them than I do? I certainly could've used your knowledge, the first time I was sent to the bush. (Wilcannia) was my first job. Thank goodness, most of my crew there were very experienced.

G'evening to you TTBN...

I believe what you say is absolutely correct. Do you think perhaps they may have 'too much' representation, more so than any other cultural group, thereby causing substantial confusion among many of those who reside in isolated communities?

If so, I wonder if most of them believe their requests, outlining their many needs, are getting through to Government. And not being 'muddied' in the process by too many (paid) lobbyists? Or do you think a few self-interested individuals, who make extraordinary claims of having some remote connection to the Aboriginal community, only wish to get their noses far into the generous pot of goodies, strictly reserved for indigenous people? Or has it all been unfortunately lost in translation, accidentally or mischievously? It's trendy and often financially rewarding, to claim to have some Aboriginal blood?

Hi there FOXY...

Many thanks for your kind words. I couldn't agree more. Many of our indigenous black men acquited themselves bravely in times of war, and all theatres of war. My boxing coach for over three years (Vince BUNDA, an Aboriginal, M'Weight), was in the Military with me; I was 17, and you might say he taught me much — not only ring craft, but about life in general and being and acting maturely and responsibly with girls. An outstanding figure to model one's character upon.

o sung wu, I put this question to you, because I have had too many questionable answers in the past, but I will get the correct answer one day, I will find the correct question and ask the correct people, then, and only then, can I feel secure with the truth.
The question is;
How many of those 'claiming' to be Aborigines, are of true blood, where their mother and father are of true blood, or have NO European blood in their ancestry?
My reason for asking is that I and other aboriginal elders have commented that the wannabees stop calling themselves aborigine just to collect the benefits.
The underlying basis of the question is in line with this topic and why there is current or level of resentment and racism towards the blacks,in this country.
Other races are also represented in this context but for different yet similar reasons as the blacks.

Dear O Sung Wu,

Australia is a nation of three parts: its ancient
pre-colonial heritage, its inherited British
institutions and its multicultural achievement.

The Uluru Statement affords a unique opportunity
to embrace the most Australian part of ourselves,
and to do so in a way that upholds our successful
constitutional system.

This would be a belated recognition of the most
ancient part of our nation.

Formal inclusion of the First Nations would be a
deeply patriotic move, not a divisive one.

Indigenous peoples were the constituency left out of our
nation's unity pact. They weren't at the negotiating
table with the Founding Fathers, so they weren't
included in the compact. The Constitution recognised
neither their voice nor their rights.

Belatedly correcting this unfair omission by guaranteeing
the First Nations a voice in their affairs would be
a pragmatic inclusion, in keeping with our constiutional
culture and reality. A fair say in their own affairs.

As I've stated numerous times the Constitution still
enables parliament to take necessary Indigenous specific
measures. These measures are often not as effective as they
could be, and the gap between us widens.

Is it really asking too much for the Indigenous peoples
to have a voice in the constitutional compact, such that
their imput may improve such measures?

I guess the choice will be for the Australian voters to
make - if a Referendum will be held. We shall see what
kind of country and society we want to have.

Foxy, what you propose will not engender inclusivety, but exclusivity. You dare to hold one race above all others and yet you say we are multicultural.
We are no longer a country of singular values, yet we vote and move amongst each other as if we are.
If the blacks get what you propose, it will further widen an already wide rift and resentment for the blacks.
By your continual badgering and banging on about the poor hard done by blacks, you are only making things worse for them and thankfully so too the chance of them ever getting a special seat, for special treatment in govt.
Your are thinking of another place, this is not the UN.
Remember, we ALL have special needs!

ALTRAV,

I can see that we are going to have to agree to disagree
on this one. We are poles apart in our thinking.
Soon we will all decide if and how Indigenous Australians
will be recognised in the Constitution.

It will be up to the voters to decide.

Un abbraccio.