Show respect to Aboriginal community

GIVEN the lack of respect being shown by conservative governments in Tasmania since the years of Ray Groom, Jim Bacon and Paul Lennon, it is difficult to see a way forward for not only the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, but the wider Tasmanian community.

The disrespect is continually being demonstrated by telling the public it will not change the date for celebrating Australia Day. Placing little value on Aboriginal heritage whilst having a much higher value on Australian heritage is another example, as is opening the tracks to allow four-wheel drives to run over Aboriginal heritage on the North- West Coast. Premier Lara Giddings refused to change re-route the Brighton Bypass road to ensure there would be no impact on an old weatherboard house, yet refused to stop the bulldozers going over our 42,000 years of heritage on the Jordan River levee. We have not yet heard from government, state or federal, as to what action they will take to reconcile with Aborigines. Our peaceful struggle has achieved far more than anyone could have expected, clawing our way out of extinction to being acknowledged as a living Aboriginal community with rights inherent in this status in just 25 years. However, since Groom, Bacon and Lennon, we have seen nothing but regression in resolving issues that will see a better way forward. Reconciliation Week is May 27 to June 3, and Aboriginal groups and individuals are sharing our culture to build understanding and relationships. This is made almost impossible when governments undermine possibilities for meaningful dialogue.

How can we sit at a negotiation table with a government that doesn’t respect us? Unless governments demonstrate that real respect is there for Tasmania, there is no way forward at all.