Speech by NSWALC Chairperson Bev Manton
Launch of the Joint Reward Offer for the Sexual Exploitation of Aboriginal Children.

Dubbo NSW
17th November, 2008.

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First, let me pay my respects to the traditional owners, the Wiradjuri people, on whose land we stand today.  Assistant Commissioner Bradshaw, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is proud to be a funding partner in this major initiative. 

It is an initiative of the utmost importance to any Aboriginal person - no matter where they come from.

It is an initiative to protect our children.

To protect them from sexual predators.

We all know sexual predators exist. 

Rarely, fortunately, do we personally have to confront the utter tragedy and ongoing effects that are caused by such predators.  The act itself may be short-lived.  But the effects last forever.

They hurt everyone.

Many Aboriginal families - too many - have to confront and deal with such tragedies.

Knowing this was one of the key reasons why the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, of which I am Chairperson, was a willing partner in this reward offer.

While our Governing Council is made up of leaders from different regions of the State, we are also Mothers, Fathers, Grandparents, and Uncle and Aunties.

We had to take the initiative and act.

I congratulate the NSW Police and NSW State Government for joining us in this fight against Crime.

And it is a Crime, it robs our Aboriginal Children, Families and communities of a future.

If even only one perpetrator is caught is will be worthwhile.  Even if no one is caught it will still have been a worthwhile partnership.

What the reward and its associated media exposure does is create increased awareness.  It makes everyone think about this issue. 

It makes everyone look, reflect - and hopefully react.

That is what it is all about.

On behalf of every Aboriginal mother, father, aunt and uncle throughout New South Wales I urge anyone who suspects someone of being an exploiter of our children to come forward, to ring Crime Stoppers immediately.

Your action may save someone from a lifetime of misery.

It may save a whole extended family from bitterness and anger and as so often is the case a sense of hopelessness and self recrimination.

Don't forget. Act now.

Thank you.