from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission of the NCCA

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) welcome the decision by the new Federal Government to support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Rudd Government’s commitment to this, and other issues of importance to Indigenous peoples, is a breath of fresh air that is blowing out the cobwebs of more than a decade of antagonist policies. The signing of Kyoto, the Apology to the Stolen Generations and now confirmation that Australia will support the Declaration, are positive signs that auger well for a much needed change in the relationship between Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

From the outside, Australia is regaining some of its credibility and lost reputation for fairness and inclusion. From the inside, Indigenous Australia is experiencing more hope than has been seen for a very long time. There is hope that these first actions by the new Government indicate a willingness to work together on fixing some of the pressing issues affecting Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. We urge the Rudd Government to continue the positive path on which it has begun.

Now, more than ever, is the time for all political parties to continue to rectify the wrongs of the past and ensure that they work together to proudly defend the rights of Indigenous Australians and support self determination into the future. All human beings have a right to self determination why should Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples be denied this right?

NATSIEC commends the Government on its decision to ratify the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Further, we encourage them to continue along the path they have commenced and continue to carry forward the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with proper consultation and respect.

For further comment: Graeme Mundine 0419 238 788