TO Jill Polkinghorne,
We must be reading different dictionaries.
The “Collins New English Dictionary” definition of “indigenous” is as follows: “Born or originating in a country”.
I was born in this country, three generations before me were born in this country – I am indigenous and proud to be an Indigenous Australian.
I would like to remind Ms Polkinghorne that the referendum to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament was a resounding no in all states.
People like yourself need to accept this result and move on.
Sounds like sour grapes to me.
You should ask yourself, what has Linda Burney as Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs done or is doing for her “people”?
The crime rate in Alice Springs particularly is mainly due to Aboriginal youths out of control, the state of Queensland is suffering the same problem.
Ask yourself.
We have an Aboriginal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and what is she really doing to close the gap?
Has she met with Aboriginal Elders in these troubled areas?
Does she listen to anyone but herself?
What makes you think that if Aboriginals have a voice to Parliament would make any difference?
If they were working with and visiting these areas, elders and youths, the problems may be minimised greatly.
Who knows, have these parliamentarians been to the areas and discussed the problems with elders, property owners, shop owners etc?
I think not.
I would also like to remind you that the standard of living and democracy that we all share today is due to colonisation of our and your forefathers.
I do agree that many Aboriginals need help, but so do a lot of other Australians.
As we are now a multicultural society, I feel that most of your comments are racist, you are taking account of less than four per cent of Australia’s population only and closing your eyes and mind to the rest of the multinational people who call Australia home.
I am a proud Indigenous Aussie, proud to fly the Australian flag, and proud to call Australia my home.
Surely, in this great country, we should all be proud to be called Australians.
Tony Pethick,
Gawler
