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White Australia policy continues. Dodson

3 December 2006 - Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson has fired a salvo at the Federal Government, accusing it of a "virulent strain of assimilation" aimed at continuing the goals of a white Australia policy.

long walk london 2005

Mr Dodson today said the Howard Government was becoming increasingly bad at engaging with Aboriginal indigenous people.

"It is obviously getting far worse than it has been. I have never seen a virulent strain of this brand of assimilation in my life and I have been involved in indigenous affairs for over 40 years now," Mr Dodson said in Melbourne.

"This particular strand of assimilationist policies is aimed directly at the essence of what constitutes the nature of the indigenous societies and the psyche of the indigenous people.

"It is to absolutely conclude what was proposed in 1901 under the white Australia policy - that we become nothing more than a replica of the non-indigenous people of this country and that is an absurdity."

Mr Dodson was speaking before the Long Walk around Albert Park, an annual event that simulates part of Aboriginal activist and former AFL footballer Michael Long's walk to Canberra in 2004.

Mr Long said he wanted today's event to bring people together.

"The first walk was about bringing people together ... The Long Walk is about that. It is about change ... positive change," he said.

A letter Mr Long wrote to Prime Minister John Howard at the time of the original walk was also made public today.

In the letter, Mr Long told the PM indigenous Australians wanted the same chances as other citizens.
"We wish you to see the appalling conditions of Aboriginal people improve and we want to play our role in achieving outcomes through self-determination," he said in the letter.

Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman also spoke ahead of today's event.

"I think the most important thing is being able to tap into people's hearts and minds, so this is a peaceful demonstration. We are very passionate about what we are here for today," Ms Freeman said. About 5,000 people had registered to take part in today's walk.

Sourse: The Courier Mail

related links :

• Dream team assembled for footy's Dreamtime at the 'G
• Howard meets Aboriginal star
• Long walk to freedom starts with a single man

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