Uluru’s heartfelt statement was widely criticized during an episode of Q + A that addressed issues related to indigenous rights, on the 30th anniversary of Mabo’s historic ruling.
Key points:
- Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney says she would listen to concerns over the Uluru Declaration
- Tent Ambassy janitor Gwenda Stanley harshly criticized the statement
- Ms Stanley accused some indigenous communities of being “concentration camps”
Audience guest Gwenda Stanley, a Gomeroi woman and caretaker of the Aboriginal tent embassy, discredited Uluru’s statement when she expressed concern that she, Mabo and the native title have done nothing for the natives. of Australia.
“When will this Australian government address the Holocaust and genocide in this country?” she said
“We do not support Uluru ‘s statement.
“I was one of those delegates who was left out of the constitution summit meeting.
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“I would like to know what is in this constitution and how it will benefit us as aborigines in this country.
“Does anyone else know why they vote because the last time I sat in a Labor women’s base? [meeting] last year and none of those Labor could tell me what was in the constitution.
“And you’re just in the Crown’s interest. Where’s our interest as Indigenous Australians?”
Her scathing comments were answered by newly sworn Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney, who said she would listen to people like Ms. Stanley, who disagreed with the Uluru Declaration and wanted a change. .
“It will be my job as Minister for Indigenous Australians to bring people together, listen to people who disagree with the Uluru Declaration, listen to people who agree and try to find common ground. “Ms. Burney said.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“I would like to think that in a direct answer to your question, that if we can change the Australian Constitution … it will address the issues of social justice for our people because there will be a group of elected officials who will have a voice on the laws. affecting the aborigines “.
Accusation of “concentration camps”
When asked why she believed the Uluru Declaration had failed, Ms Stanley said she wanted the rights of Indigenous people to be credited in Indigenous terms and not in terms of the Australian Government.
“We’ve been reconciling for 30 years, 232 years since we’ve been reconciling,” he said.
“Why are we still trying to integrate into a system that systematically oppresses us?
“We need open dialogue. We need more grassroots communication, not hand – picked selective representative bodies that are still controlled and dictated by the government.
“We have to get to the table, come to the aboriginal tent embassy, sit with us and take it to the people.
“People are still living in concentration camps; in these communities, they are actually concentration camps in this country.
“The Holocaust happened here in Australia and needs to be addressed.
“And we do it by reaching an agreement on our terms, not on government terms.”
Other panel members agreed that indigenous peoples should see practical results, not just symbolism.
Audience member Josh Kirsh asked how the painful experience of LGBTQ groups could be avoided during the same-sex marriage plebiscite during the indigenous rights debate.
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Panelist Chris Kenny, a journalist and member of the Indigenous Voice’s main advisory group, said he believed this would not be the case, as the issue was not divisive.
“I think it’s worth remembering how close we are together as a nation in this,” Kenny said.
“Don’t believe those who say this is a terribly divisive issue.
“Right now, all the arms of this country’s politics support indigenous recognition of the constitution.”
Ms Burney said she believed a consensus would be reached under the Albanian government. But the last word was for Gail Mabo, who is the daughter of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo.
Ms Mabo said she had no idea of the specific timetable, but called for all parties to be heard, including Mrs Stanley and the Tent embassy.
“Actually, we all have to look at it all,” Ms. Mabo said.
“And as Linda said, start having these conversations and bring people to the table.
“Maybe it’s time for parliament to invite people from the Tent embassy to have a conversation with them. Because their voice needs to be heard.”
Watch the full Q + A episode at iview.
Posted 2 Hours, 2 Hours ago, Thu, June 2, 2022 at 1:15 PM, last updated 1 Hour, 1 Hour ago, Thu, June 2, 2022 at 2:24 PM