Greens say NO to abolition of ATSIC

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

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24.05.04

Greens say NO to abolition of ATSIC

Greens Senator Kerry Nettle, speaking at a rally of Indigenous
Australians at Parliament House today, reaffirmed The Greens opposition
to the Government's plans to abolish ATSIC and replace it with an
appointed advisory board.

"Indigenous Australians have been ignored, vilified, and now
disenfranchised by the federal government," Senator Nettle said.

"The Greens will oppose this legislation in the House and in the Senate.

"The Greens reject this government's arrogance and call for the findings
of the ATSIC review to be pursued.

"The impending abolition of ATSIC is a slap in the face for indigenous
self-determination in this country.

"Self-determination has been shown overseas to be the best policy
approach to deliver improved health and education outcomes for
indigenous people.

"All Australians benefit from a strong national indigenous leadership.
ATSIC can and should be reformed to allow it to provide such leadership.

"The government's approach to indigenous governance is based on a
discredited, arrogant assimilationist model and must be rejected.

"The development of genuine indigenous self-determination is vital to
the health of our nation, just as it's vital to the future of indigenous
culture and communities.

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146



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