CAR 224
Chairperson Evelyn Scott today corrected media reports regarding her position about the reconciliation process and the Council's Draft Document for Reconciliation.
"Media reports about the forum of 60 Indigenous representatives this week have presented inaccurate and distorted versions of the outcomes of this meeting," Ms Scott said.
"Among the inaccuracies were suggestions that the Council's Draft Document for Reconciliation is in fact the Government's statement of reconciliation and that the Government has determined the timetable for the reconciliation process.
"Neither is correct," Ms Scott said, "both the Draft and the timetable are the Council's, an independent statutory body.
"Among the distortions, I was reported to have said that I did not think we could achieve a document of reconciliation by the centenary of Federation.
"In fact, I was asked: `So you're saying that you don't think the Document of Reconciliation will be passed into law by the end of 2001?' and I replied ` I don't believe so'," she said.
"There is a clear distinction between the document and any legislation which may flow from it.
"My position is that I sincerely hope, and from my experiences of a wide cross-section of people's views so far, I have reason to believe, that we can achieve broad national agreement on a document of reconciliation by the end of 2000 as a significant step towards a more substantial reconciliation. The Council has always seen it that way.
"But I don't think such a document could be enshrined in law within two years."
Ms Scott said that the reconciliation process and the process of a national document of reconciliation have not been "torpedoed" by the Indigenous leaders' summit.
Ms Scott said she welcomed the Indigenous leaders' contribution to the Draft Document, just as the Council welcomed all the views flowing from people across Australia during the consultation process which is in full swing around the country.
CANBERRA 16 SEPTEMBER 1999
Media contact: Chris Ryan 0417 267 110