Help ANTaR buy buying and wearing a Sea of Hands pin
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Native Title and Reconciliation
15 August 2001
The CPSU SPSF has a policy of supporting the justice inherent in the recognition of Native Title and the need for Reconcilation with Indigenous Australians. One of the groups working towards this is Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR)
Australians for Native Title and Reconcilation (ANTaR)
The Union is happy to support the work of ANTaR. We believe we need a formal agreement if Reconciliation is to become a reality. Many of our members want to see Australia turning away from past discriminatory policies and starting a new relationship based on equality and respect. The Union wants the detail of the new relationship to be negotiated fairly and put into a lasting, formal agreement.
At the historic Reconciliation Bridge Walks, Indigenous leaders reminded us again of the need to begin negotiating. ATSIC is now facilitating consultations on the issue with Indigenous communities throughout Australia, and is gearing up to provide the information they will need.
An informal public debate is already underway.
A unique and urgent opportunity now exists to ensure that this debate takes place in an environment where the general public has access to plenty of accurate and comprehensible information. People want to know what is being proposed and what the implications will be for them and for Australia. They will want to be sure that the negotiations proposal will open the door to lasting solutions to the profound social and economic disadvantage experienced by many Indigenous communities. They will want a process Which strides far beyond the present policy of "practical reconciliation", past all the failures inevitable in piecemeal strategies that don't properly address the "unfinished business" of Reconciliation.
ANTaR is helping in the vital Education process for the non-Indigenous community.
Sea of Hands
ANTaR is a voluntary organisation funded by public donations. You as a union member can help by buying, and wearing, a "Sea of Hands" lapel-pin from the Federal Office. All proceeds go to ANTaR. Badges cost $3. Send a stamped self addressed envelope to CPSU SPSF Federal Office, Level 4 160 Clarence Street Sydney. We will send you a colourful badge by post.
August 2001 contents
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