[Greens-Media] Greens welcome bold new Aboriginal plan for NT

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Tuesday 10th July 2007

Greens welcome bold new Aboriginal plan for NT

The Australian Greens welcome the release of a plan to tackle child
abuse by the Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the Northern
Territory, applauding it as "a comprehensive and considered response."

"This is the kind of analysis and planning that the government should
have done," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"It outlines a range of practical measures that embrace best practice
and build on the knowledge base already available to Government,
including the recommendations of the Little Children are Sacred report,"
she said.

"It plays to the strengths of the communities and culture of the
territory in a way that will ensure successful and cost-effective
programs that deliver long-term results."

Senator Siewert called on the Federal Government to have a close look at
the plan and to rethink their current approach.

"The Aboriginal organisations are offering Howard and Brough a genuine
way forward. They have the opportunity to sit down with them and agree
how to tackle these problems in partnership with Aboriginal communities.
It's a win-win situation," said Senator Siewert.

"Mr Howard must inject substantial resources into health, education and
housing for Aboriginal children and work in partnership with the
Aboriginal communities of the territory." 

"Its time for the government to forget about the land grab, put aside
their ideological opposition to the permit system, and concentrate on
what is needed to strengthen child protection and tackle the underlying
causes of poverty, disadvantage and family breakdown," concluded Senator
Siewert.

	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens spokesperson on Indigenous Affairs