The protest was part of a campaign held at Centrelink
offices nationwide, protesting against the Federal government’s continuation of
the Howard-era intervention laws passed
in August last year.
“This dehumanising process of using ration cards is
demeaning for the Aboriginal community,” said Greg Eatock of the Aboriginal
Rights Coalition. “It shows a lack of political will and is inconsistent with the
Labor Government’s election platform about [Indigenous] self- governance.”
The intervention laws, passed in August last year as the
Northern Territory Emergency Response Bill 2007, included bans on alcohol and
X-rated pornography in 73 Aboriginal townships, the takeover of Aboriginal
community leases and quarantining of Aboriginal welfare payments in the
Northern Territory.
Activists were concerned at the implication the welfare
reforms would have for welfare rights in general. “I think the racist nature of
this policy and the extreme punitive nature of this policy has implications for
all of Australian society,” said Paddy Gibson.
Others were concerned that the failure to repeal the Northern Territory
intervention laws was contradictory to Labor’s promises in the apology. “One
month ago I watched in awe as our Prime-Minister issued a heartfelt apology to
the Stolen Generations. I wanted to believe we can heal… As I stood in the
Press Gallery on 13 February I wanted to believe all of these attacks on our
humanity would end,” said Nicole Watson of the Jumbunna Aboriginal Education
Centre.
“These reforms are very similar to the protectionist reforms
our grandfather’s fought…Our people will continue to fight and defeat the very
government that seeks to deny our humanity.”
A Centrelink spokesperson declined to comment on the welfare
expansion.
“Centrelink’s position is that we encourage people to have
freedom of speech. Our only concern is that we can conduct our business in a
peaceful manner,” said Paul Creedon, a spokesperson for Centrelink.
Photo: Andrew Collis
– Greg Eatock, Alex Bainbridge and Darren Bloomfeld
Source:
South Sydney Herald April 2008 – www.southsydneyherald.com.au