Racism not acceptable
OUR community is reeling from the absolute shock of the tragic deaths of four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers.
My deepest sympathy goes to their families, regardless of what the circumstances are that caused this tragedy; this is a time for grieving not blaming.
These young people are daughters, a son, sisters, brother, cousin and friend. Their black lives mattered!
It is unbelievable that such a dreadful tragedy could occur just hours after the inspiring, peaceful, socially distanced
Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday, where we gathered at the beautiful Strand Park to say that Black Lives Matter.
All of the speakers told of their daily experience of racism, both overt and covert, and the impact that has on their lives.
The young women who spoke are the leaders of the future and they deserve and have the human right to be listened to and treated with dignity and respect.
I also pay my respect to the first responders who were tasked with the gut wrenching clean up of the crash. They too will have to live with this tragedy and the impact it will have on them and their families.
I also recognise that the driver and his family will be deeply traumatised by the consequences of his actions.
This week also delivered the results of an ANU survey of 11,000 Australians that revealed three in four Australians hold anti-aboriginal bias.
This is just not acceptable, so let’s be honest and own that there is racism in our community and Australia, let’s not say that the Black Lives Matter movement is unjustified.
Let’s learn from history and remember that Townsville was one of only two cities in Queensland that voted no in the 1967 Referendum.
Yes, we have come a long way since 1967 but we also have a long way to go to achieve constitutional recognition, a voice to parliament, truth telling and the implementation of the 1991 royal commission to black deaths in custody.
At this time of tragedy let’s focus on a self-determined way forward that will enable a thriving society for Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people, who have made a significant contribution to building our North Queensland communities and industry.
United and committed, we can walk alongside our First Nation Peoples as they lead us to positive and workable solutions for the future.
Let’s work together and learn from each other as we strive to heal our community and country.
CATHY O’TOOLE, Aitkenvale.