19 March 1999
UN CERD decision requires a serious response
The Australian government must appropriately respond to today's report by
the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) if it
hopes to be taken seriously in international forums, ATSIC Chairman Gatjil
Djerrkura said today.
"This is an important day for indigenous rights in Australia," Mr Djerrkura
said.
"I urge the government to reconsider its response. Attorney-General Daryl
Williams is wrong to dismiss the importance of the findings of a committee
that is highly regarded internationally for its moral and legal standing and
its impartiality.
"This decision reinforces the need for ATSIC to maintain its presence in
these international forums as an advocate of indigenous rights.
"Just as Australia believes we have the right to comment on international
issues, so we must listen and respond with care to the comments made about
us.
"Just as we value our international reputation in the areas of sport and
trade, so we must value our reputation for the administration of the rights
of our citizens.
"CERD has found that the changes to the native title legislation are 'at the
expense of indigenous title'. It has called upon the government 'to suspend
the implementation of the 1998 amendments and re-open discussions' with
indigenous representatives to find solutions that are acceptable to
indigenous Australians and that comply with Australia's obligations under
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination.
"Until this happens, Australia will remain in breach of Articles 2 and 5 of
the Convention. This is a very serious state of affairs.
"Australia signed the Convention in 1966 and ratified it in 1975.
"Do we now say to the world that Australia lacks commitment to the
principles laid down in international law? What government would be content
to leave untouched this stain on its record?
"In the past, the government has acted promptly in response to matters
raised in the UN - as in the Toonan case from Tasmania.
"Indigenous rights deserve no less consideration. I urge the Prime Minister
and his Attorney-General to take seriously the recommendations in the CERD
report.
"We've invited the world to come and admire us next year. Let's hope the
government acts to ensure that we are worthy of admiration by then."
Media contacts: Brian Johnstone
0419 010 687
Martin
Freckmann 018 631 045
Craig Sproule
Craig Sproule
Office of Public Affairs
Ph: 02 6289 3450
Fax: 02 6282 2854
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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