[Greens-Media] Mal, please explain that again - Greens

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Mal, please explain that again - Greens

 

"Mal Brough's ongoing attempts to blame the continuing disadvantage
experienced by Indigenous Australians on ATSIC is pathetic," said
Senator Siewert today.

 

"The Howard government abolished ATSIC years ago, after years of cutting
their funds and tying them in red tape."

 

"It is quite breathtaking that Mal Brough should blame ATSIC in
responding to the latest report on Indigenous disadvantage."

 

During the period of its existence ATSIC was only responsible for a
small proportion of the money spent on Indigenous Affairs. It delivered
$1 to $7 supposedly delivered via mainstream services. It had no role in
the failure of health and education programs to deliver.

 

"Pretending ATSIC bore responsibility for the failure of mainstream
programs to help the lives of Aboriginal people has always been a
convenient fiction for the Howard government," said Senator Siewert.

 

"That line is simply not credible. It just won't wash."

 

"The Minister is trying to cover up the fact that this Government has
had 11 years to make a difference and Australia now has the worst record
on Indigenous health in the developed world" said Senator Siewert.

 

"Its time to stop kicking the ATSIC straw-man and get on with making a
difference"

 

                 

For more information or comment call 

Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

 

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au <mailto:senator.siewert at aph.gov.au> 

http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au <http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au/> 

 

RESCUE THE SENATE

 

 

Senator Rachel Siewert

Australian Greens spokesperson on Indigenous Affairs

 

Friday 1st June 2007