Setting the tone
This morning we saw the historic apology by the Australian Government to the indigenous people who were forcibly removed by the Government, the Stolen Generation. I for one whole heartedly agree with this apology, I only wish the previous Government would have done it sooner [1]. As for compensation, I think the Government is ethically and morally obliged to compensate people for this action of forced removal.
If nothing else is achieved by this apology, it (and the opening of Federal Parliament with a traditional welcome to country) set the tone for this Government’s term. It sets the tone for unity over division, positiveness over negativeness and hope over fear (something I’m seeing parallels with in the US primaries).
May this be the first of many changes in the world for the better of all of its citizens.
[1] It’s telling that all living former Prime Ministers except John Howard were present in parliament.
I’m of the opinion that compensation should be in the form of services rather than money. Some may see this as removing the element of self-government, but I’ve seen the lure of corruption in how BHP pays the traditional owners of its mines , which introduced a disparity of wealth akin to Saudi oil sheiks.
In contrast, Argyle Mines provides goods, services, consultation and training to the traditional owners in the Kimberley. It aggressively pursues employment for local workers (up to 40% local employment, last I checked), as well as setting up community-run businesses like service stations and roadhouses. The social benefit to this approach was clear to me when I last visited there.
Frankly, I don’t care whether it’s called ‘compensation’ or ‘raising the standard of all remote communities (who just happen to be mostly aboriginal)’, as long as the money is effective and efficient.
Trent
13 Feb 08 at 5:10 pm