Craig Hill
KC Hill
Paladin
Oracle of DelphiIndigenous Housing Needs Investment, Not Criticism
January 20th 2009 00:09
Former minister Gary Johns' comments on the need for harsher requirements for Indigenous housing funding are irresponsible and ignorant of cultural differences, say the Australian Greens.
"Over a quarter of Australia's Indigenous population live in overcrowded conditions, with inadequate, low-grade or otherwise substandard housing rampant," said Greens Housing Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.
"Forcing a 'no job, no house' scheme on Indigenous Australians will result in an enforced migration away from traditional communities and their traditional lands, and into town camps where there is already rampant unemployment."
"Evidence of an 'urban drift' of Indigenous Australians from rural and remote areas into cities that cannot cope with the increased population was presented to a Senate Inquiry in May last year," said Senator Ludlam.
"Dr John's solution of 'services and facilities to help Aborigines transition into mainstream economic life' reeks of an antiquated,
out-dated methodology - one more suited to colonialism than modern governance."
"The Government has a responsibility to provide equitable housing for all Australians, particularly those most disadvantaged. We need to be looking at the housing, education, health and infrastructure needs of Aboriginal Australians, both in the bush and in the cities," he concluded.
For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417 174 302
The Office of Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
15th January 2009
PERTH: Tel 08 9225 5799 | Fax: 08 9225 5599
GPO Box B58, Perth WA 6838
CANBERRA: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 03 6277 5821
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
"Over a quarter of Australia's Indigenous population live in overcrowded conditions, with inadequate, low-grade or otherwise substandard housing rampant," said Greens Housing Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.
"Forcing a 'no job, no house' scheme on Indigenous Australians will result in an enforced migration away from traditional communities and their traditional lands, and into town camps where there is already rampant unemployment."
"Evidence of an 'urban drift' of Indigenous Australians from rural and remote areas into cities that cannot cope with the increased population was presented to a Senate Inquiry in May last year," said Senator Ludlam.
"Dr John's solution of 'services and facilities to help Aborigines transition into mainstream economic life' reeks of an antiquated,
out-dated methodology - one more suited to colonialism than modern governance."
"The Government has a responsibility to provide equitable housing for all Australians, particularly those most disadvantaged. We need to be looking at the housing, education, health and infrastructure needs of Aboriginal Australians, both in the bush and in the cities," he concluded.
For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417 174 302
The Office of Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
15th January 2009
PERTH: Tel 08 9225 5799 | Fax: 08 9225 5599
GPO Box B58, Perth WA 6838
CANBERRA: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 03 6277 5821
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
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