Pearson points way to indigenous transition
25.05.2000

indigenous children was the key to moving them out of welfare dependency and into real society, Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson said last night.
Mr Pearson said the Beattie Government's acceptance of a ``partnership'' between government and Cape York communities would initiate change that was necessary for real gains to be achieved in the lives of Aboriginal people.
He told a sell-out audience at the Brisbane Institute that over the past 30 years a dependency and passivity mentality had been developed where people sat back and waited for government and other agencies to provide services and facilities.
However, what also happened was that government took over social responsibilities such as the raising of children, which in turn eroded families and family units.
``There has also been a problem where governments and people make decisions for Aboriginal people have been bogged down in what is called consultation,'' Mr Pearson said.
``To some people that means consultation with everybody, when what should be going on is negotiation -- explaining the options to people affected by the decisions, and allowing them to decide what they want for themselves.
``Consultation has traditionally meant that the ultimate decision neither involves negotiation nor free choice. In a democracy, it is a necessary part of the process. There needs to be a free exchange of information, ideas and opportunities.''
The ``Partnership Plan'' adopted by the Queensland Government picks up on a theme outlined last year by Mr Pearson -- where services to all Cape York communities are co-ordinated.
No decisions are made for communities by bureaucrats, but are arrived at through meetings with people those decisions affect.
Mr Pearson reiterated the need for reciprocity -- for indigenous people to deliver on their side of the partnership -- and thereby helping themselves to a better life instead of having things done for them.
``Consultation is the one right of the miserable people on the ground,'' he said.
``They do not have the right to be negotiated, only to be consulted. We have countless consultative committees and legions of bureaucrats running up to consult us with things they want to do to help us. Under the partnership, we will be doing those things for ourselves.''
Cape York Development Association CEO Jim Petrich also addressed the institute and said that rebuilding community was critical to Australia's real future wealth.
``Governments, no matter what persuasion, should embrace a core goal -- to aim for a quality of life unsurpassed by any other society on earth, and one that delivers tangible and intangible equity for all,'' he said.
``The adversarial system we have inherited, and continue to embrace, promotes a `them and us' mindset. If we are truly an egalitarian society, then surely there is only us.
``Those members of the Australian family who suffer injustice or any disadvantage should be assisted as you would a member of your own family.
``If that means the investment in some family members needs to be greater at various times in order to gain equity, then so be it.''