An editoral in the Sydney Morning Herald of Monday 24 April was
entitled 'Support builds for black pact.'
It begins, ' The Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Mr Robert Tichner,
is correct to suggest that "the rights of indigenous people are
going to be much more in the international human rights spotlight"
in the years ahead.
Then, 'Both Mr Hawke and Mr Tichner have made it clear that the
instrument of reconciliation will not be a "treaty" in the normal
sense of the word. Nor will it be an agreement that implies
separate Aboriginal nationhood, or that has any effect in
international law. Monetary compensation for past injustices -
including dispossession - has even been ruled out of negotiations
over the compact. So has the issue of land rights. Those
limitations may disappoint Aboriginies.'
So what's left? 'It can represent a formal recognition that
Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders have a unique position in
Australia as first custodians of the land, and special
entitlements to protect their traditional lifestyles. That can
help to build self-esteem among blacks.'
More importantly, 'Such an instrument of reconciliation will also
add substance to the claim by white Australians that theirs is a
truly multicultural society.'
And if this extremely generous gift from the First People of
Australia to could be wrapped up and delivered for the centenary
year of Anglo-Australian federation in 2001, so much the better
thank you very much.
Oh, and could you forget about the extent of institutionalised
racism against Aboriginal people until after Anglo-Australia has
secured and staged the Olympic Games for the big turn of the
century downunder party.