Critics of Abbott’s new role are wasting time
THE insane idea that only Aboriginal people can understand or do anything for Aboriginal people must end. Former prime minister Tony Abbott’s detractors should use their words to do some good, writes Anthony Dillon.
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IT WAS encouraging to read in The Daily Telegraph this week that Prime Minster Scott Morrison has set down clear expectations on what Tony Abbott’s role will entail as special envoy on Indigenous affairs.
Support from the top should allow Abbott to get on with the task of ensuring that all Indigenous children get what most of us take for granted for our own children — a world class education that prepares them for their adult lives.
But for this to happen, children must attend school, and the schools must be such that Indigenous children will want to be there because they feel cared for, enjoy learning, and feel safe.
Without good education, far too many Indigenous children and their communities will continue to suffer.
The clear mandate from Morrison for Abbott to come up with ideas that will be “game-changers” and that he has the authority to act as an independent advocate for Indigenous education, should enable him to address many of the barriers that could be expected in taking on such an ambitious task.
However, even before Abbott is able to start work, he is almost engulfed by negativity from too many of the usual suspects.
The response to Abbott’s appointment from some sectors has been typical of the bile that too often infests Indigenous affairs.
This kind of reaction from headline grabbers who are more passionate about attacking Abbott than improving the lives of Indigenous people only continues the suffering of Indigenous families.
In an online article on the ABC (no surprises there) we read: “Anger over Tony Abbott’s Indigenous envoy role: ‘Haven’t we been punished enough?’”
The article’s authors then quote Indigenous author and activist Jackie Huggins: “Tony Abbott has a track record in terms of denying Aboriginal people their rights to social justice, but also to self-determination. There’s almost that notion of chief protector has come back to re-visit us. We’re all very dismayed at the outcome.”
Naturally, the article’s authors do not quote any evidence that Jackie may have to support those vague claims.
Is the article assuming that Indigenous people need protecting from Abbott? Who is playing the role of modern-day protector here?
Continuing the chorus of doom and gloom, Rod Little, co-chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, stated on ABC radio: “We certainly don’t have any faith or hope in that this envoy and this role will make the slightest bit of difference.”
Adding to the attacks, Aboriginal academic Professor Marcia Langton was reported in The Australian to have said the appointment was a “punch in the guts for indigenous Australia.”
Further, Roy Ah See, who is on the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council, was reported as saying: “We asked for a voice to the Parliament so the Parliament could hear directly from us, and instead we got a non-Aboriginal envoy to interpret our needs and the solutions we bring.”
Is there something wrong with an envoy who is not Aboriginal?
Surely it is about time that this insane idea that only Aboriginal people can understand or do anything for Aboriginal people was thrown in the dustbin of history where it belongs.
Let’s be clear, Indigenous affairs is everyone’s business, if indeed they are interested.
Compassion, competence, and character are what should qualify a person for a role in Indigenous affairs — not colour.
These Indigenous critics have all done well for themselves.
But here’s the problem: one group of Indigenous Australians languish, while another group flourish.
Rather than attacking Abbott, why don’t those who are flourishing, the ones criticising Abbott, tell the nation how they achieved success? Share with your Indigenous brothers and sisters how you have been able to achieve greatness.
I want to see all Aboriginal people have the same opportunities these critics and myself, have had. And I am sure Abbott feels the same.
He has for many years visited Indigenous communities, sat with the people in the dirt and listened.
He has seen their suffering but also seen the great potential they possess. Abbott’s message of the need to focus on education, along with employment and safe living environments, is exactly what is needed.
The last thing Indigenous affairs needs are prominent individuals blundering around attacking those who are trying to make a real difference.
It is a sad state that we live in an age where all it takes for a public figure’s image and reputation to be spoiled, is another public figure to attack their character.
And once their image is spoiled, their ability to influence change is greatly compromised.
Offer criticism by all means, but keep personal attacks to a minimum. Such continued personal attacks by the “Hate Abbott” team only reflect their own perceived personal inadequacies and insecurities.
If Abbott’s critics have a great track record in improving the lives of Indigenous people, then let’s hear about it. I am sure Abbott would welcome hearing their stories.
While the character assassinations and hate campaigns continue, far too many Indigenous Australians continue to suffer. And for as long as Indigenous Australians are diminished, all Australians are diminished.
We know what needs to be done, so there can be no more excuses.
Anthony Dillon is a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University and identifies as part-Aboriginal.