ANTaR National has today cautiously welcomed improved protections against racial discrimination in the Northern Territory but argues there is a long way to go in the transition from intervention to sustained investment in community development.

PRESS RELEASE – For IMMEDIATE RELEASE 26^th May 2010

On Sorry Day and the eve of National Reconciliation Week, ANTaR Qld President, Kitty Carra, questioned the use of the word reconciliation in relation to Queensland.

THE only successful compensation case brought by a member of the Stolen Generations has been upheld by South Australia's highest court, sparking renewed calls for schemes to compensate Aboriginal people taken from their families as children.

It is unclear whether the South Australian government will appeal the decision to the High Court or settle other compensation claims by members of the Stolen Generations, because it remains in caretaker mode following Saturday's state election.

Australian states and territories should urgently introduce justice reinvestment programs to break the cycle of crime and escalating imprisonment rates experienced by Aboriginal people, according to Indigenous rights organisation, ANTaR.

Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) called on governments and community organisations to revisit the reconciliation process and in particular address the unfinished business.
 
“Despite the apparent resolve of governments to close the gap in health and wellbeing outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, progress is slow; our politicians and policy makers continue to scratch their heads and wonder why,”  ANTaR spokesperson, Dr Peter Lewis said today.
 

2009 was yet another big year for those working on the Rights, Justice and Reconciliation agenda in Australia.

For your interest we have collated a Year in Review via the Headlines and it reminds us of the ongoing battle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for basic equality, understanding and respect in this country, 365 days a year. It also highlights some of the wins including the Awards, the Activism, the Myth Busting and the International Lobbying.

We wish you all a wonderful silly season and look forward to working together again in 2010!