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Vote for a fair go for all Australians

September 1998 - ENIAR Flyer - The fair go for all, that most Australian of values, is under threat from a rising tide of racism.

Since the Howard Government came to power in 1996, racial equality has been systematically undermined.

A number of public figures have promoted the idea that certain racial groups – notably Aboriginal Australians – should be denied the opportunities that other Australians take for granted.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been the most obvious exponent of this view. But what Ms Hanson has preached, Prime Minister John Howard has quietly put into practice.

Mr Howard's stance on race has damaged Australia both socially and economically. Not only has Australian society become more divided, but Australian jobs have been put at risk.

Exports and tourism are under threat because Australia is increasingly being perceived as a racist country - an unfortunate perception, with the Sydney Olympics fast approaching.

This month, at the Federal election, you will have the chance to turn the tide when you decide who will govern Australia.

Your vote is crucial

So please, take the time to use it. Because Australia can only be strong and united if everyone gets a fair go.

Over the last two and a half years, Mr Howard has:

• Deprived many Aboriginal Australians of their native title rights, by forcing through his so-called "Wik Bill";
• Refused to apologise to the "Stolen Generations" of Aboriginal Australians who were forcibly removed from their families and communities;
• Slashed Aboriginal funding by a third, despite the appalling outcomes which Aboriginal Australians continue to experience in health, housing, education and employment;
• Refused to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine in Kakadu National Park, even though the mine is opposed by the Park's Aboriginal owners.

You can cast your vote in person at the following Australian missions:

London 0171 887 5414
Australia House, The Strand, WC2.
Polls Open: 21 September - 2 October 10 am - 4 pm
Except: 26 September closing 2 pm
2 October closing 8 pm

Manchester 0161 200 1909
Chatsworth House, Lever St., M1.
Polls Open: 21 September - 2 October 10 am - 4 pm
Except: 26 September - 27 September closed
2 October closing 5 pm

Dublin 01 676 1517
Fitzwilton House, Wilton Terrace, D2.
Polls Open 21 September – 2 October 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

If you would like to cast your vote by post, or if you are not sure whether you are eligible to vote at all, please contact your nearest Australian mission.

Further information is available from the home page of the Australian Electoral Commission at: http://www.aec.gov.au

Further information: human rights issues page - includes news index and external links

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