Reconciliation and Closing the Gap require not so much a choice between symbolism and practical measures, but both, sayss Andrew Podger, professor of public policy, Australian National University, in the Reconciliation Australia lecture he gave today.
Reconciliation australia
Fred Chaney: COAG should not rush into closing the gap
The fundamental challenge for governments today is no different from the fundamental challenge we have faced over the last 30 years, how do we deliver on our good intentions? asks Fred Chaney.
Learning from Howard’s record on reconciliation
We should be optimistic, but we should not forget how the “sorry debate” came to be so big an issue for this nation. We should not forget how easy it is for Indigenous issues to become the ball in a game of dirty party politics. And we should not forget that most of the senior members of Howard’s cabinet those who so gutlessly acquiesced to the bitter agenda of a small man are still in parliament today, writes Chris Graham.
Errington: Too little, too late, Mr Howard
As was the case with the government’s intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities, the good intentions in John Howard’s speech last night have been met with justified cynicism in many parts of the community, writes Howard biographer Wayne Errington.
Chaney and Calma: Let’s tackle the invisible gorilla of indigenous affairs
Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Fred Chaney, Director of Reconciliation Australia, addressed the National Press Club yesterday. Their message: let’s talk long term.
