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Then they go on to say, all still in the preface, that the reference here is to breaking 'the usual political and societal norms … [and hope their report will lead to a breakthrough for changing the constitution].'
One of the most common criticisms of the Uluru Statement is that its proposed parliamentary voice will somehow demonstrate two different laws, and some even say apartheid. I think this is a gross exaggeration.
Official policy suggests that reconciliation between Indigenous and other Australians needs to live in the hearts, minds and actions of all, for the nation to move forward.
The false claim that up to 100,000 were stolen has had the unfortunate effect of making today's authorities very reluctant to take measures in cases of neglected Indigenous children.
Every nation has a skeleton or three in its history cupboard. Australia is no different, except that in recent decades we have not only proclaimed our culpability to the world but have also exaggerated our crimes.
For many Australians, Pascoe's book is a 'must-read', speaking truth to power. For such readers, Dark Emu seems a breakthrough text. Not so, in Sutton and Walshe's estimation. Nor mine.
There seems to be an absence of belief or intention on partnering with Aboriginal people to develop employment and training opportunities in communities in the Territory.
While section 17 of the current Act makes the destruction, damage or altering to an Aboriginal site a criminal offence, Section 18 provides a route of dispensation for the aspiring cultural vandal.
