Haven't heard much from Labor but just heard a speech by Tony Abbott. Looks like he wants the great indigenous leaders like Noel Pearson to self determine the way forward. Not mad on the Libs but if Tony means what he says then good on him. Now he has to deliver!
It has taken the Libs a long time to be dragged kicking and screaming towards self determination. Prime Minister Howard would not even apologise for the wrongs of the past. In his speech Tony referred to the 1788 landing as the beginning of modern Australia which is a very debatable view. Shades of colonialism methinks. On the positive side Tony Abbott admitted the great wrongs that were perpetrated on the indigenous Australians from the time of the landing. He seemed moved in his speech. Let's hope he can get self determination up and running strongly. Part of the action plan has to be an enlightening of all Australians about the past and to build a deep respect for their indigenous brothers and sisters. All Aussies watch their TVs and I am convinced this is the medium for getting all Australians on board. This is a matter much more serious than can be handled by Twitter, Facebook or the internet in general, although they may have a role to play.
My deep-rooted personal view is that the advancement of indigenous Australians should be through a bipartisan approach by the Federal Parliament.
