FOR MEDIA 13 DECEMBER 1990
JOINT STATEMENT WITH THE MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS,
THE HON ROBERT TICKNER NP
The Government has given in principle support to a framework
for advancing a process of reconciliation between Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people, and the wider community.
The Government wishes to consult with the opposition and the
Australian Democrats before releasing full details of the
proposal. Under the proposal, the Government would establish a Council
for Aboriginal Reconciliation composed of prominent
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. The Council
would play an educative and leadership role in bringing
about a deeper understanding of the history, culture, past
dispossession and continuing disadvantage of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people.
The Government believes there is considerable agreement in
Australia that there needs to be a process of reconciliation
between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. We believe
such a process could lead to an instrument of reconciliation
giving formal recognition to the place our indigenous people
should hold in Australia. The Council for Aboriginal
Reconciliation would initiate extensive community
consultation on this matter and, most importantly, ascertain
whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people believe
the reconciliation process would be advanced by the
development of a formal instrument.
The Government's desire is that the process of
reconciliation and the issues involved be considered
thoroughly and thoughtfully by all Australians. We have
sought to remove party politics from the Aboriginal Affairs
portfolio and foster a bipartisan approach on Aboriginal
issues so these important matters can be considered solely
on their merits. The Government is pleased that the move
has been strongly supported by political leaders across
Australia, as well as by church and community groups.
In honouring its commitment to work co-operatively on this
issue, I have today contacted the Leader of the Opposition,
Dr Hewson, and the Leader of the Australian Democrats,
Senator Powell-, seeking consultation on the detail of the
proposal for a process of reconciliation. The Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs will conduct these discussions on behalf
of the Government.
2.
He will then initiate further consultation with the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and leaders in
the wider community before final decisions are taken by the
Government. The Government believes these proposals can build greater
bridges of understanding between the first Australians and
the wider community. We believe they can forge a better
future for all Australians, but a future recognising and
respecting the special place in this country of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people.