South Australian peak body for Aboriginal health
Friday, May 19, 2006
Mr John Singer, Chairperson of the state peak body representing Aboriginal community controlled health services, substance misuse services and Aboriginal Health Advisory Committees in South Australia and nationally, the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc., has today demanded that governments work with national and state Aboriginal bodies on child abuse and family violence issues.
“We are extremely concerned about the claims of abuse within our communities. This doesn’t just happen in Aboriginal communities, it is a problem in non-Indigenous families as well and yet the recent publicity has sensationalised it to be an ‘Aboriginal problem’. And, it is not just happening in the Northern Territory, the issue is widespread across Australia in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
“Our members agree with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation that these issues are symptomatic of neglect, racism and inequity. Stripping Aboriginal people of our culture and tradition, and removing our children, is not the answer. This just causes despair and a sense of hopelessness that fuels the abuse. Governments have known about this problem for years but have failed to deal with it in a coordinated way. Australian governments must work with Aboriginal communities to allow us to deal with these issues in a mutually acceptable and culturally responsible manner,” said Mr Singer.
Oppostion Leader, Mr Kim Beazley said accusations of sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities had nothing to do with Indigenous customs. “Let it be stated and documented that Aboriginal people DO NOT CONDONE child, women, family or any other abuse in any form. In fact, these acts are not tolerated by traditional culture and, if allowed to deal with them in our way, are subject to much more severe penalties than Australian governments would deliver.
“If Australian governments would just listen and come to a mutually acceptable way of dealing with these issues, then these issues would be resolved. Prime Minister Howard said “law enforcement, not money, is needed to combat violence in Aboriginal communities” but this law enforcement should come from laws which our people are familiar with and respectful of, otherwise there will be confusion and the problems will fester.
“Let it further be stated that Child Protection is the responsibility of governments. For years, Aboriginal Health Services have dealt with issues of abuse, along with very complex health issues, more often than not with very little support, resources or recognition from funding bodies and policy makers.
“Treasurer Peter Costello says that at-risk children should be taken out of their local communities and that fears of creating another Stolen Generation should not prevent this. This is NOT the answer - it is the very issue at the core of family dislocation, drug and alcohol abuse and the root of mental health and well being issues. Removing children ostensibly ‘for their own good’ is just rubbing salt into the wound.
“Government has poured millions into services which reunite members of the Stolen Generations with their families as well as counselling services to tackle the widespread trauma caused by removals. These services are just a bandaid when governments continue to remove children under the guise of the Social Welfare Act. They are just funding solutions to the problems they create in the first place - multi-generational issues of trauma, grief and loss, anger, poverty, lack of parenting skills, abuse, a high level of incarceration and mental health issues.
“Governments should take time to reflect on whether removing Aboriginal children from their families has helped or just perpetuated the problem. You can’t fix a problem by creating another,” Mr Singer said.
The Howard Government intends to call an urgent summit of state and territory leaders to design a radical plan to end violence and abuse of Aboriginal children and women. “We welcome this move says John Singer, but we demand a cooperative and joint decision based on both Australian and traditional Indigenous law to deal with these issues. The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc. is here to take responsibility for our communities’ problems and to eradicate violence and abuse.
“End the black and white war now – we call on Australia’s governments to work with us to endorse a suitable and effective solution for all’’, said Mr John Singer.
For further information contact: Mrs Mary Buckskin, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc., 08 8132 6700.
