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Friday 11 May 2007, Media Release

A LOUSY LITTLE SIXPENCE

Statement by New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council Administrator, William Johnstone

The recent Federal Budget was a lost opportunity for Aboriginal people throughout Australia, particularly in the most populous state of New South Wales.

The Federal Government is awash with money -- fuelled largely by a resources boom some of which is occurring on Aboriginal land and adding about $40 billion a year to Treasury coffers -- and yet the Howard Government has again failed to recognise the desperate unmet need in Aboriginal Australia.

The Budget failed miserably on this score.

Expectations in Aboriginal Australia of a major boost in funding were fuelled by pre-budget leaks and media speculation.

It all came to nothing.

Our figures suggest Treasurer Costello has, in fact, presided over a cut in the Indigenous Affairs budget in real terms of about $50 million.

The Federal Government allocated 1.5 percent of the budget on Indigenous affairs last year.

This year, it will spend 1.48 percent.

That’s a cut, not an increase.

Sadly, this budget has delivered nothing to our people despite the more than two billion dollars in funding required to bring Aboriginal housing and infrastructure up to the standard enjoyed by all other Australians.

Not a cent has been allocated for Aboriginal housing in NSW, which is where most Aboriginal people live.
A lousy little sixpence!

Further information: Paul Molloy 0419 690 926