YOUR SAY
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What measures do you think need to be taken to close the gap?
What measures do you think need to be taken to close the gap?
Should the Wild Rivers legislation be overturned?
"Wild Rivers is being imposed over 80% of all Aboriginal Land on Cape York. This is unjust. The le..."
Should the Wild Rivers legislation be overturned?
"It seems quite obvious that there is confusion amongst the indigenous communities- and it seems t..."
Should the Wild Rivers legislation be overturned?
"There are very few healthy rivers surviving in Australia, in WA we only have the Deep River It..."

'from the beginning' 'ab origine' 'the original inhabitant' the word aborigine is greek in origin and was adapted to define Australias Aborigines a European definition. A simple idea and perhaps one thought of by others too. A name originating from one of the many Aboriginal language groups to encompass all our 'original inhabitants' may help to elevate their status and self respect in the way that Maori people are recognised. Perhaps more than a flag a name change may give more identity with a land pre-occupation. Perhaps a name embodying 'people of the Dreaming' translated from one of the many language groups? but only Aboriginal people can define themselves.
A serious commitment, in terms of money, resources and people needs to be made to ensuring the next generation get an education - whatever field it is in. Whether academic, arts, trades, sports etc - opportunities must be created for young people in isolated communities as well as in cities to acheive their dreams. Real mentors, real teachers with empathy and understanding, real jobs and training opportunities need to be provided. Housing must also be upgraded and people in isolated areas need to have input into the type of housing they actually want that will work for them.
Snatching children to improve society has failed miserably. Infact has earned more enmity than gratitude. Education. free education, one-laptop-per-kid education, deeply committed education, is the only answer to create good citizens and prevent kids gravitate towards terrorism. Poverty and ignorance earn cadre for terrorists just as both did for communism. Thank you.
Urgent action to address the Wallaga Lake asbestos issue MUST be taken if we are to believe Governments have a genuine commitment to improving the health of Indigenous people.Also how can Indigenous health can be improved when the non-implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody means people such as respected community member, father of 5 and Elder, Mr. Ward, will continue. Families
Education: Embedding Indigenous Perspectives into the educaton system must continue and it must be mandatory.
Aboriginal people need to be in control of the solutions with the support of governments and the rest of the community. Corporates and community organisations can play a role too.
First of all Indigenous issues must stop being relegated to the back burner.