[Greens-Media] UN Special Rapporteur vindicates Greens opposition to NTER

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

UN Special Rapporteur vindicates Greens opposition to NTER
Friday 28th August 2009

The Australian Greens were not surprised by comments from the United
Nations Special Rapporteur on Indigenous rights condemning the
discriminatory and paternalistic elements of the Northern Territory
Emergency Response (NTER), claiming they affirmed the Greens strong
opposition to the introduction of these measures.

"I met with Professor Anaya during his visit to Australia and was
impressed by the thoughtful way he engaged with issues concerning the
rights of indigenous Australians. I am not the least bit surprised by
his comments and findings," said Australian Greens indigenous
spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.

"It is good to see an independent outside voice that brings a wealth of
international experience of Indigenous development airing such strong
criticisms of where this ill-thought-out top-down intervention has gone
wrong. This may ultimately result in the Government listening."

"The Minister for Indigenous Affairs and both major parties need to sit
up and listen carefully," said Senator Siewert.

"Following the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur and
restoring the application of the Racial Discrimination Act to the NTER
is a simple process. The Greens moved amendments last year that would
have done exactly that - which were voted down by the major parties in
the Senate."

"It is time to put the much-needed resources of the NTER to better use -
by consulting properly with Aboriginal communities and backing
community-based programs with a proven track record," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180