ATSIC ABOLITION 27 May 04

[Clark, Allen (M. Organ, MP)]

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ATSIC ABOLITION A NATIONAL DISGRACE

The Greens will oppose the government's move to abolish the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Commission Cunningham MP Michael Organ said
this morning.

"The government's claim that abolishing ATSIC will deliver improved
outcomes to indigenous Australians is breath-taking in its hypocrisy",
Mr. Organ said.

"There has been no consultation with Aboriginal people, who are stunned
that the government could be so ruthless in its dealings towards
indigenous people."

"Many in the Aboriginal community believe that abolishing ATSIC is the
most discriminatory 'white-out' of the limited democratic rights to
representation ever effected against a particular group of Australian
citizens, and who could blame them?"

"Mainstreaming services is a return to the days of assimilation and will
do nothing to advance the health, welfare and well-being of Aboriginal
people."

"The government is ignoring the advice of its own review by taking this
retrograde step."

"The Greens call on the government to immediately open a dialogue with
Aboriginal people and allow them to determine their own future", Mr.
Organ said.

More from:
Michael Organ MP 02 6277 4366, 0439 442 550
Allen Clark (Media Adviser) 0439 464 439
www.michaelorgan.org.au - where you can subscribe to all the Greens
media releases with Greens media



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