This is an extract from the foreword to the plan:
“Two Ways Together is a new way forward
for Aboriginal people and Government to work through partnership.
The NSW Government
will work with Aboriginal people to lessen and remove social disadvantage, and
to ensure that all citizens of NSW share in the benefits that the state has to
offer. The NSW Government recognises that Aboriginal people know best the needs
of their community. The new Aboriginal Affairs Plan establishes ways to make
sure that Aboriginal people have a strong voice in planning and deciding how
their needs and aspirations are met. . . .
This Government is
proud to establish this Plan as part of its continuing commitment to Aboriginal
people.”
When representatives of the NSW Ecumenical Council met with
the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Premier, it was pointed out in the
discussion that this policy is operating in all parts of NSW except the area
covered by the Redfern Waterloo Authority.
We reprint an open letter that Rev. Harry Herbert of
UnitingCare, which is the social service arm of the Uniting Church,
has written to both RWA CEO Robert Domm and Minister Frank Sartor.
An open Letter to RWA CEO, Robert Domm and Minister Frank Sartor
I write on behalf of
the Uniting Church
in Australia
(NSW Synod) to express concern that the Draft Built Environment Plan for
Redfern Waterloo imposes height and other restrictions on the Everleigh Street
precinct. One effect is that the project prepared by the Aboriginal Housing
Company would not be able to go ahead.
I urge you to
intervene and ensure that the Built Environment Plan for this precinct reflects
the NSW Government “Two Ways
Together” policy for dealing with Aboriginal Affairs in NSW.
This requires that the
plan and government policy reflect the aspirations of Aboriginal people, rather
than imposing land use restrictions on the land that they own. Reconciliation
requires, as an absolute bare minimum if it is to have any meaning, that Aboriginal
people determine the use of Aboriginal land.
We urge you to
intervene to ensure that there is consultation with all Aboriginal
stakeholders, using a process that they will recognise as reasonable and
providing them with an effective voice, and that any restrictions on the use of
Aboriginal land in Everleigh Street Precinct reflect their aspirations rather
than the imposed will of Government. Only as their aspirations are taken seriously,
will the policy of paternalism be truly ended.
Yours sincerely
Rev Harry Herbert
Executive Director
UnitingCare NSW ACT