Writings

Kevin Rudd's Sorry Speech

It is possible, of course, to take issue.  In a 30-minute speech, it is always possible for individuals (and in large numbers!) to take issue with particular aspects.  I was a little disappointed at the occasional party-political barbs clearly directed at the Opposition.  Yes, there is intense frustration with the Liberal Party for its obstinate refusal to acknowledge the issues for the past decade.  Yes, it needs to be formally acknowledged that they are Wrong.  But I did feel the party-political stuff could have waited until tomorrow.

What most concerned me with Rudd's speech was his proposals for future action.  To pledge that all 4-year-olds be enrolled and attending schools, by itself, is no guarantee that the injustices of the past and present will not continue.  In my view, what he should have said on that issue was something like this:

"This government pledges that, within five years, all four-year-old Indigenous children will be enrolled and regularly attending educational institutions which cater for the child's own cultural life and background.  As well as learning the tools to get by in the modern 'western' world (education to which ALL children have the right) - the ability to read and write in English, the ability to do math, knowledge of ancient and modern international and national history - all Indigenous children have the right to learn about their own customs, their own culture, and learn their own languages.  Indeed, ALL Australian children, whether Indigenous or not, have the right to learn the Indigenous history, culture and language(s) of the place where they live.  It is not "them" who need to learn "our" ways; it is "us" who must learn from Indigenous people the values, traditions, customs and languages of this place."