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STEP FOR RECONCILIATION
Chairperson Evelyn Scott today welcomed the parliamentary motion proposed by the Prime Minister and supported by Aboriginal Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway as an historic step forward for the reconciliation process.
"This motion reflects the broad-ranging elements of reconciliation which the Council has been striving to convey to the nation, and which we are asking all Australians to support," Ms Scott said.
"It recognises and owns our shared history, the good and the bad; it aspires to a fair and prosperous future for all; and it acknowledges the profound economic and social disadvantage of Indigenous Australians and the need for practical measures to redress these," she said. "Above all, it expresses deep and sincere regret for the injustices suffered by Indigenous Australians."
Ms Scott said that she was aware that some Indigenous people, and the federal Opposition, did not believe that the motion went far enough in this last respect. "However, personally I believe that the expression of regret in effect amounts to an apology, and is of great significance in itself. Moreover, taken as a whole, the motion is the most advanced commitment to reconciliation which federal Parliament has yet made," she said.
"The passing of this motion by Parliament will give new momentum to the reconciliation process," Ms Scott said. "However, none of us should rest on that laurel. Much remains to be done by all Australians of goodwill if we are to make reconciliation a reality in the everyday life of our communities, workplaces, organisations and institutions."
"With that in mind, I urge everyone to contribute to the current nationwide discussion about our Council's Draft Document for Reconciliation which is currently being discussed at public meetings across the country," Ms Scott said. "If we can achieve broad national agreement on a Document next year, and commitments by all Australians to implement it, then the nation will be able to truly celebrate the centenary of Federation in 2001."
CANBERRA 26 AUGUST 1999
Chris Ryan 02 6271 5292 or 0417 267 110