When I read the comments by Frank Sartor (“Symbolism cannot solve
unemployment and social misery”, February 22), I had a chuckle and
thought to myself, “Which project is he talking about?” If I were
to rebut all the mistakes Mr Sartor made I would run the risk of
repeating myself ad nauseam. But I have to set the record straight
on the issue of consultations with the NSW Government.
The minister would like to give the impression that the
Aboriginal Housing Company is dragging its feet; however, for
2½ years the AHC worked hand in glove with the NSW Premier’s
Department on perfecting the social and urban planning for the
Pemulwuy project, before we were stabbed in the back and Mr Sartor
started making comments such as everything in Redfern is negotiable
but the Block.
The minister also seems to have conveniently forgotten that Mick
Mundine, my CEO, has briefed him twice in person since the racial
insult on Koori radio. The AHC has also briefed Redfern-Waterloo
Authority representatives about the project on many occasions over
the past six months. Most recently our team met the
Director-General of Planning to discuss how best to submit our
development application under the new Redfern-Waterloo Authority
planning guidelines. The government spin doctors are obviously out
in force.
Peter Valilis Aboriginal Housing Company Ltd Redfern