A very costly wedge
Some observers rightly commented that the legislation (the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Bill) contained plenty of things that should have provoked the ALP, especially the proposed changes to the permit system, the changes to the Northern Territory Land Rights Act and the attempt to subvert and override the Racial Discrimination Act. But Kevin Rudd and his opposition colleagues didn’t blink, not being drawn into making an Indigenous issue a wedge issue. While some will admire his political astuteness to outsmart Howard’s usual pre-election tricks, the Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory are going to be paying a high price for this politicking.
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I am an Australian citizen (although with no Aboriginal links) who abhorrs Howard’s policies. I am disappointed in our mainstream media, who have simply treated the action as a valid response to a real problem (real problem, invalid response!!). Even more, I am disappointed in the Labor Party, for whom I would have liked to vote (as an alternative to the current abhorrent regime) for simply going along with this ridiculous charade of an overexcited policy response to a problem that has existed for many years without the attention of the government.
I feel very drawn to opting for a green vote (despite the fact it would probably not provide a rep.) as I cnanot align myself with any major party and their (so called) beliefs.
Jacqui Smith
As each new aspect of the NT ‘intervention’ by the Coalition becomes evident I am more and more flummoxed about what to do.Apparently Women for Wik is reforming but I have found no email address for them.
In regard to Labor’s inaction I have been told that they put forward four substancial amendments to the legislation but failed to get them through
Parliament.
Rudd, if he gains power must throw out these abhorrent and corrupt new laws which shame us all and decive no one as to their true motivation.
I fear Larissa Behrendt is right.
I am very disappointed in Labor over this. It’s all well and good to avoid wedge politics, but in parliament, they demonstrated that they’re willing to give up all attempts to inject some justice back into these despotic law. Their amendments are blocked by the government, despite being sensible suggestions, yet they vote for the bill anyway.
The debate is moot though; the government makes it very clear that it won’t allow any floor-crossing, and this issue is no different. So there was never any question the bills would pass. Still, it would have been nice to see some actual debate and democracy.
Jill, Women for Wik have a website.
I applaud Professor Behrendt’s splendid article on the iniquities of Howard’s “national Emergency intervention”.She has covered the shortcomings of this appalling act brilliantly. There are other aspects of this nasty act, however. Howard always has tricky agenda behind anything he does. He has always sought to destroy native title, secure land for his backers in the mining industry, and, of course, retain his job, and this bill was designed to do all three. The opposition to knew their amendments would be rejected and by voting against the bill they would be falling into a cunning trap allowing Howard to drive his favourite weapon, the wedge, firmly into the gap. How could the opposition vote against saving little children from violence? You know how it goes. Like them, or not, the opposition is the only party that could repair the damage this bill has done. Removing control of the Senate from either party is vital to bringing back the fair go to all Australians.