A sad reflection

"I'm thinking, in terms of humanity, how could this happen?" she said ...

... With fresh tears sprouting, Aunty Delmae said she didn't like to suggest it, but she feared that she was a victim of racist stereotyping.

"Everyone was treating me as a freak, like I was a drunk or something," she said.
"But I was wearing good clothes.

"I've never drunk or smoked in my life and I've always been a peacemaker."

Why was this incident, that beggar’s description, allowed to happen in a public place in an affluent democratic country?

What is the government doing to address the appalling racist attitude that more and more Australians are exhibiting towards Indigenous Australians? Where is the “ANZAC spirit” that I hear so much about: of Aussies looking out for each other, especially in times of crisis?

When a devastating tsunami or earthquake strikes our heavily populated Asian neighbours, Australians gladly donate billions of dollars to alleviate their hardship and discomfort and send over medical personnel to ensure our great international reputation is maintained (for the “picture paints a thousand words” photo opportunity).

And yes I did see the 60 Minutes programs on the hard working army medical staff in Indonesia and Pakistan and I commend them for their service and dedication in the face of trying times.

But what about the billions of dollars that Indigenous Australians are crying out for to address our appalling social problems? Why our children should have to wash their faces, under the government’s shared responsibility agreements, to get community petrol bowsers, swimming pools or, for heaven sake, air-conditioners in their scorching class rooms is beyond my comprehension.

I think Peter Charlton, national political editor of The Courier-Mail explained John Howard’s term in office very succinctly when he wrote on March 2, “For the past decade, Howard has governed with one single precept in mind: what is best for John Howard and the Liberal Party. He has had a huge influence on the country by appealing to the lesser angels of our national character. As a result, Australia is a meaner, diminished nation.”

Peter Garrett, Labor Member for Kingsford Smith, offering further unflattering words on the Howard years adds:

Since 2000, the Government has made many changes to the way it provides Indigenous services. It has abolished ATSIC and talks of sharing responsibility with communities. There is already widespread concern that the way it applies the idea of “mutual responsibility” may not achieve the necessary results.