PRIME MINISTER1
8TAT~ ITBY TE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. XEATING. MP
NEWSOIPS SHAMEFUL SPEH
Dr Howson's address last night brought no credit to him
personally, or to his party. It was a shameful speech
confirming once again that the leader of the Liberal
Party believes Australians share his Incapacity to make
reasoned and principled judgements on major Issues.
Last night Dr Hewson sought to Incite anxiety where there
need be none, and attempted to play on fear and prejudice
for which the majority of Australians have no use and
which they have rejected throughout the Mabo debate.
He portrayed the Mabo challenge as something beyond the
reach of Australians' intelligence and goodwill.
Most disturbingly, he cynically traded in distortions,
misconceptions, untruths and downright lies.
Dr Howson says Australians should worry about their
homes and farms when he knows the Government
legislation provides security.
He says Australia's challenge is to respond to the
High Court yet he seeks to deny the Court's
.0udgement. He says we can't undo the past yet nobody is
suggesting that we try to. What we seek Is an
acknowledgement of * past injustice, but most
Importantly, a future built on justice.
He says we must recognise the ' possibility* of
Native Title yet he supports Premier Court's
legislation which will wipe out the possessory
rights of Aboriginal people.
He says we should respect our Constitution what he
really means is he will stand by and let a state
abolish Native Title.
He speaks of his visits to Aboriginal communities
but didn't have the courage to tell them he would
sell them out in the Parliamient.
3270O
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He cries crocodile tears about living conditions in
some Aboriginal communities then questions the
money spent to help improve them.
He says Mabo won't do anything about Aboriginal
education, health and welf are but Mabo is about
JAdA and the High Court decision, which Dr Howson
says our legislation goes beyond, Is about land.
He argues that States should have control of land
management when he knows the Government's
legislation specifically provides for States to
retain powers over the economic use of land.
He criticises the Governimt. s decision to provide
compensation for potential Mabo claim. on titles
Issued between 1975-93 does he want private
landholders to toot the bill?
He says land will be locked up from economic
development when he knows that nothing will be
locked up. The Bill provides for Ministerial
overrides to permit economic development to proceed
In the national and State Interest.
He says valid leases of pastoral land & ade prior to
1975 may be subject to claims for Native Title
when he knows this is a downright lie. The gill
specifically protects valid leases.
He says providing more land for Aborigines Is Omore
important' but criticises the Governmnt's
Intention to establish a land acquisition fund. If
more land 15 to be provided, how will It be done
without money?
He says the Commonwealth and States must work
together seven of the eight States and Territories
are working together with the Commonwealth.
He says the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people must be respected all rights, It
soe, except their right to land.
He decries the " handing over* of land he means
that land rightfully belonging to Aboriginal people
should be denied them.
IZATTLE, WASHINGTON
NOVUERt 18 1993 3 2711