18 June 1998

The Prime Minister must give assurances that he supports advancement of Aboriginal people in Australia through Reconciliation, says a spokesperson for the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Action (FAIRA).

"The popularity of the Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party in Queensland is a clear sign that a significant proportion of the white population of Australia supports oppression of the first peoples of this country," Les Malezer said.

"The Prime Minister has criticised Aboriginal rights but has avoided any statement of his government's goals for indigenous outcomes for the future.

"The Australian Government and the Queensland Government lead the attacks on legal Native Title and this has tempted blatant racism in the community," he said.

FAIRA calls for the Prime Minister to make a significant statement on Reconciliation which will give clarity of the government's commitment and outlook.

"The Prime Minister must show real opposition to racism, must reveal his awareness of the nation's unjust treatment of Aboriginal people, and give a commitment to reparation," says Les Malezer.

"We call for a credible indication of concern from the Prime Minister, preferably in a statement to the national Parliament."

Contact: Les Malezer, phone (07) 33914677, fax (07) 33914551

FAIRA Aboriginal Corporation
Phone +61 7 3391 4677 • Fax +61 7 3391 4551 • email letterbox@faira.org.au
Post Office Box 8402 Woolloongabba Q 4102 Australia
37 Balaclava Street Woolloongabba