The Editor, The Age, Sir: In considering the crucial matter of self-determination and self-help in Aboriginal communities, it is important that we proceed from an understanding that a major cause of the present-day plight of the first Australians is the dispossession of traditional lands their ancestors held sway over for generations, without receiving just compensation free from paternalism.
Today, a conversation at the dinner table of well-settled, non-Indigenous families would most likely be about their private properties, shares, superannuation entitlements, their children`s inheritance and the help they receive from friends holding important positions in society. Whereas with many Aboriginal families, the conversation could well be about urgent housing needs, obtaining health treatment, getting the children to school, limited employment opportunities, their dependence on civil servants controlling the funds allocated for basic infrastructure, and the need for leaders who will give voice to their concerns.
When taking positive steps to overcome this vast gap of privilege and inheritance between black and white Australians, recent books such as ‘Due Inheritance’ by Ted Egan and ‘On Privilege’, by Julian Burnside, would be a useful guide.
Keith McEwan, CLA member, Bendigo, Victoria