Noel Pearson Praises The Australian’s Coverage Of Indigenous Issues In 50th Anniversary Speech

Noel Pearson, the Cape York Partnership chairman, has praised The Australian’s coverage of indigenous affairs over the past 50 years.

PearsonPearson spoke at a Gala Dinner to celebrate the anniversary of the paper’s founding on July 15, 1964.

Pearson said: “The Australian brought indigenous affairs into the mainstream of national reporting and policy debate. Ever since The Australian declared Eddie Mabo its Australian of the Year in 1992, following his historic and controversial victory in the High Court, the paper’s coverage of native title, reconciliation and the fundamental reassessments of indigenous policy of the past dozen years was newspaper campaigning at its relentless best.” [Read more…]


Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s New Year Message

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has released a 2014 New Year Message in which he says he will “start the conversation” about recognising the first Australians in the Constitution.

In relation to indigenous recognition, Abbott said: “I will also start the conversation about a constitutional referendum to recognise the first Australians. This would complete our Constitution rather than change it.”

  • Listen to Abbott’s message (2m)
  • Watch Abbott (2m)

Text of media release from Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

If ever we should enter a New Year full of optimism, it is 2014. [Read more…]


Abbott Establishes Indigenous Advisory Council

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced the composition of his Indigenous Advisory Council.

The Council will be chaired by Warren Mundine, the former ALP president who has now left the party.

The Council’s membership includes indigenous representatives, the heads of Westpac, Rio Tinto and Carey Mining, and the former Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Department, Peter Shergold.

Statement issued by the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.

I am pleased to announce the membership of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council.

I want a new engagement with Aboriginal people to be one of the hallmarks of my Government and the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council is an important part of that.

The Council will be chaired by Mr Warren Mundine. Joining him will be a mix of leaders with a broad range of skills and experience, including in business and the public sector. [Read more…]


Noel Pearson’s Whitlam Oration: In Honour Of The Old Man

Noel Pearson has tonight delivered a stunning Whitlam Oration, honouring “the old man” who led the reforming government of 1972-75.

Pearson

Pearson called not just for Indigenous recognition in the Australian Constitution but elimination of the race power in Section 25 and the insertion of a provision outlawing racial discrimination. [Read more…]