From ABC News website:
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Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser says the Federal Government has ignored most of a major report on the removal of Indigenous Australians from their families.
In the lead up to next month's 10-year anniversary of the 'Bringing Them Home' report, Mr Fraser has attacked the Government's handling of Indigenous affairs, saying it has regressed.
Mr Fraser says neither the Federal Government nor the Opposition is showing any real interest in Aboriginal affairs.
He says more money needs to be spent on health, and education has gone backwards.
Mr Fraser, who is a co-patron of the Stolen Generations Alliance, says there is no stark point of difference between the two major parties on Aboriginal affairs.
He says the Federal Government should follow the Canadian Government's example.
"The Canadians have shown a very real interest in resolving these problems," he said.
"The kind of interest that hasn't come from Canberra, [from] either party.
"I don't really believe has come from either of the major parties in the state arena."
Former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) chair, Lowitja O'Donoghue, has supported Mr Fraser's stand.
She says this is the worst time in Aboriginal affairs history.
---
Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser says the Federal Government has ignored most of a major report on the removal of Indigenous Australians from their families.
In the lead up to next month's 10-year anniversary of the 'Bringing Them Home' report, Mr Fraser has attacked the Government's handling of Indigenous affairs, saying it has regressed.
Mr Fraser says neither the Federal Government nor the Opposition is showing any real interest in Aboriginal affairs.
He says more money needs to be spent on health, and education has gone backwards.
Mr Fraser, who is a co-patron of the Stolen Generations Alliance, says there is no stark point of difference between the two major parties on Aboriginal affairs.
He says the Federal Government should follow the Canadian Government's example.
"The Canadians have shown a very real interest in resolving these problems," he said.
"The kind of interest that hasn't come from Canberra, [from] either party.
"I don't really believe has come from either of the major parties in the state arena."
Former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) chair, Lowitja O'Donoghue, has supported Mr Fraser's stand.
She says this is the worst time in Aboriginal affairs history.
Comments
I think Mike Carlton refered to him as former Liberal prime minister turned subversive left-wing anarchist.
Touché.
Philip, Melbourne
Glad you're enjoying my blog (although I do find it hard to get used to people I don't know reading it... it didn't start out that way, but hey, it's kinda flattering!)
Feel free to email me, i'm at munanga at bigpond dot com
Cheers,
Wamut.
Hmm, was that switch-reference?