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Tuesday 23 November 2004, Media Release

NSWALC SUPPORTS LONG MARCH TO CANBERRA.

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council has called on Aboriginal people throughout the State to support the march of AFL legend Michael Long to Canberra to protest the Howard Government's policies on Aboriginal Affairs.

We would urge all Aboriginal people along the way to respond to Michael's call for them to "walk a mile," with him on his 658km journey from Melbourne to Canberra to protest to Prime Minister John Howard about his policies.

NSWALC will offer Michael all of the assistance and support he needs as he enters New South Wales.

His public comments clearly indicate that he, like many Aboriginal people, is totally disgusted by the Howard Government's policies to kill off self determination.

We totally agree with his comment that ever since the Howard Government sought to abolish ATSIC and replace it with an appointed advisory group there's been no national voice, no representation, and precious little consultation.

Many of the major support networks built up by our people over the past 14 years at the national and regional level, based firmly on the principle of self determination, are being destroyed with nothing tangible to replace them.

The Commonwealth Government's welfare reform agenda for Aboriginal people is inherently racist.

We talk to Aboriginal people every day. Their message is the same.

All feel further marginalised by the Howard Government.

There is a perceptible groundswell of opposition to its policies and proscriptions for our people.

Michael will not be walking alone.

Murray Chapman, Administrator, NSWALC
William Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer, NSWALC