Healing fund but no compensation for Stolen Generations
Patricia Karvelas; 17/6/08
A labour-dominated Senate committee has called for a “healing fund” to be established for members of the Stolen Generations. The Senate legal and constitutional committee yesterday delivered its report on a bill proposed by Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett that proposed compensation for the Stolen Generations. In February, Kevin Rudd delivered a national apology to the Stolen Generations, but ruled out financially compensating victims. The report says the federal Government should establish a national fund to cover health, housing, ageing, funeral and other family support services for the Stolen Generations. “The committee recommends that the national indigenous healing fund be incorporated within the ‘closing the gap’ initiative as an additional and discrete element of focus and funding,” the report says.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23876012-5013404,00.html
Leader alleges Aboriginal discrimination
16/6/08
An Aboriginal leader is calling for workers support for a civil disobedience campaign to fight racial discrimination. Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, (FAIRA) chair Les Malezer also wants a new national Aboriginal body set up to wrest money from the federal government so indigenous people can fix their own problems. “We are hoping the workers will get behind the Aboriginal peoples in Australia and start a bit of a movement,” Mr Malezer said in Adelaide, ahead of a SA Unions forum on Monday night. “I am talking about defying the laws in Australia which discriminate against Aboriginal people.
See: http://news.theage.com.au/national/leader-alleges-aboriginal-discrimination-20080616-2rcw.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Reconciliation