Now they have rejected outright one of the best ideas for advancing the way for indigenous Australians. From the recent Uluru gathering came the recommendation that as part of constitutional recognition of indigenous Aussies the practical way forward was to create an indigenous advisory body that the federal parliament calls upon when making legislation about indigenous affairs. They would be like honorary members of the parliament with a very special role. Some might even be members of parliament.
I am not one for self praise but I was thrilled when this recommendation was made as about two years ago I wrote a long letter to the relevant politicians suggesting that representatives from the various Aboriginal nations be elected to create such a body. The indigenous communities across Australia are not one body but a set of tribes or nations each needing its own voice close to the legislating politicians. This way the politicians hear the message from the grass roots and create ways forward that are not 'one size fits all'. There are some wonderful Aboriginal leaders out there some of whom work in their local communities, some of whom work in wider society as doctors, lawyers and elected politicians. I regard some of these great leaders as akin to the Philosopher Kings that Plato espoused.
Shame on the Federal Government for rejecting this recommendation. They know full well that such a body would recommend things that would make the MPs uncomfortable. Time for some, dare I say, political guts and bullet biting.
I had temporarily deleted this blog but resurrected it because of this latest shameful act. I just had to get it all out there and would love to be part of one great voice that pressures the government to get its act together. One voice, add another voice, add another voice and so on and the message becomes loud and clear.
May the Force be with you!
GD
