I have, at times, viewed the circumstances of Indigenous Australians as an intractable, ‘wicked’ problem and despaired of the health, education, incarceration rates and other indicators, where for decades successive governments have tried to Close the Gap, with little or no success.
To me, the Uluru Statement was a kind of lightbulb moment, when I called to mind Einstein’s definition of madness – doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Surely, we should be looking for solutions in a different place. Surely those affected might have valid ideas to contribute. Our First Peoples think so; they can cite individual examples where taking ownership of solutions has resulted in significant improvements for communities. It’s a simple request. They are asking us for a voice that will be recognised and will be listened to; the right to advise the government on matters that affect them, the practical result of which, if our government listens, is greater success at Closing the Gap.
Who in their right mind does not want to see this happen?
It won’t be a silver bullet; There are generations of disadvantage and trauma to address. However, I believe it is a decent and honourable step in the right direction.
Surely, we should be looking for solutions in a different place. Surely those affected might have valid ideas to contribute. Our First Peoples think so; they can cite individual examples where taking ownership of solutions has resulted in significant improvements for communities. It’s a simple request. They are asking us for a voice that will be recognised and will be listened to; the right to advise the government on matters that affect them, the practical result of which, if our government listens, is greater success at Closing the Gap.
Who in their right mind does not want to see this happen?
It won’t be a silver bullet; There are generations of disadvantage and trauma to address. However, I believe it is a decent and honourable step in the right direction.