28th May 2003

Time for healing on reconciliation

In marking Reconciliation Week 2003, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) have called upon the Prime Minister to ensure that the next Governor General is a person capable of a healing role in relation to reconciliation.

ANTaR National President, Phil Glendenning said: "What Australia does not need is a Governor General with a capacity to divide the community, particularly a Governor General who has a record of being divisive between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. That includes any person who sees the solution to the valid Native Title rights of Indigenous Australians as 'bucket-loads of extinguishment'".

"The current constitutional difficulties thrown up by the Hollingworth affair also should remind Australians of other difficulties associated with Australia's constitution, most particularly its lack of recognition of Indigenous Australians in the life of the nation", Mr Glendenning said.

"Whilst overcoming these ongoing constitutional anomalies will take time, it is clear that there remains a significant role for the Governor General in engaging the Australian people in a constructive conversation about our nation's past, it's current challenges and its hopes for the future."

"There is no more important a challenge facing this nation than that of reconciliation and justice for Indigenous Australians", Mr Glendenning said.

"The Australian people still regard the position of Governor General as significant for the nation. What's more, they know when they are being dudded by appointments based on political motives rather than worthiness."

"The Prime Minister needs to consult over this appointment and we urge him to make sure that Indigenous Australians are not left out of the equation."

"In fact, there are a number of Indigenous Australians who would be ideal candidates for the position." Mr Glendenning concluded.

For interviews - please contact Mr Glendenning 0419 013 758; or David Cooper 02 9555 6138.