[Greens-Media] Australia ignores Indigenous rights

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Australia ignores Indigenous rights 

The Greens representative on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Affairs, Senator Rachel Siewert today called on the Government to
reconsider its position on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples.
"Australia should be strongly supporting this declaration" said Senator
Rachel Siewert.

"Comments by Mal Brough, who yesterday indicated the government would
not support the UN declaration, show how far Australia is now out of
step with the rest of the world".

"Failing to support this declaration shames us on a world stage, and
shows us the Government real opinions of our Indigenous people," she
said.

Whilst the Declaration is not legally enforceable, it is a historically
important document that sets out ideals and benchmarks for the treatment
and future of Indigenous peoples.

"After his intervention set aboriginal rights back a century, how could
the Minister say anything else?" 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