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INFORM-A^CTION

Issue Number 44 - June 2002

"Property is more important than people"

Aboriginal Australia Graphic The above words were used by one of the Brisbane Aboriginal Elders, Aunty Ruth Hegarty, in responding to the Queensland Government's offer to compensate for wages and savings taken from Indigenous people and held by various Queensland Governments since the1897 'protection' legislation.

Aunty Ruth was expressing what many in Indigenous communities feel about the way in which an offer of compensation had been made to them by the present Government. Between $2,000 and $4,000 per person is on offer - with the amount to be finalised depending on the age of each individual. While the Premier, Mr Beattie, is trying to find a solution to a grave historical injustice, the arbitrary amount being offered is not a 'just' settlement for many. Many Indigenous people feel as if the Government is still controlling their lives and not willing to consult adequately on a suitable compensation arrangement.

This is all part of another sorry story of the colonial past. The wages that many Indigenous people earned were under the control of the State Government. They were given a small amount for pocket money and the Aboriginal 'Protectors' looked after the rest. Various accounts were set up by the Government as savings accounts to be used for the betterment of Indigenous people. However, at times when Government resources were low this money was used for general purposes. No other citizens were treated in this way and denied access to hard-earned income. This is another factor in the poverty experienced by generations of Indigenous families.

As Indigenous people see the Queensland Government spending millions on sporting facilities, bridges and industry subsidies, it is not surprising that Aunty Ruth Hegarty has observed that "property is more important than people".

For more information contact the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA) on (07) 3391 4677.

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		INFORM-A^CTION Issue Number 44 - June 2002 *"Property is more important than people"* The above words were used by one of the Brisbane Aboriginal Elders, Aunty Ruth Hegarty, in responding to the Queensland Government's offer to compensate for wages and savings taken from Indigenous people and held by various Queensland Governments since the1897 'protection' legislation. Aunty Ruth was expressing what many in Indigenous communities feel about the way in which an offer of compensation had been made to them by the present Government. Between $2,000 and $4,000 per person is on offer - with the amount to be finalised depending on the age of each individual. While the Premier, Mr Beattie, is trying to find a solution to a grave historical injustice, the arbitrary amount being offered is not a 'just' settlement for many. Many Indigenous people feel as if the Government is still controlling their lives and not willing to consult adequately on a suitable compensation arrangement. This is all part of another sorry story of the colonial past. The wages that many Indigenous people earned were under the control of the State Government. They were given a small amount for pocket money and the Aboriginal 'Protectors' looked after the rest. Various accounts were set up by the Government as savings accounts to be used for the betterment of Indigenous people. However, at times when Government resources were low this money was used for general purposes. No other citizens were treated in this way and denied access to hard-earned income. This is another factor in the poverty experienced by generations of Indigenous families. As Indigenous people see the Queensland Government spending millions on sporting facilities, bridges and industry subsidies, it is not surprising that Aunty Ruth Hegarty has observed that "property is more important than people". For more information contact the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA) on (07) 3391 4677. Next Newsletter Article Newsletter Index