MEDIA STATEMENT
MUCH STILL TO BE DONE TO SHOW WE ARE TRULY SORRY
As the second anniversary of the government’s Apology to the Stolen Generations approaches, the Leaders of the
Congregations of the Sisters of St Joseph in Australia have written to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs asking that the legislation before parliament re-instating the Racial Discrimination
Act in relation to the Northern Territory Intervention does so in spirit as well as in fact.
Speaking on behalf of 1200 Sisters of St Joseph across Australia, Sr Anne Derwin said ‘Two years ago we, along with
the majority of Australians, welcomed the apology given by the government to the members of the Stolen
Generations, we rejoiced with Aboriginal people in finally hearing the word ‘sorry’. We have also welcomed
government initiatives that begin to Close the Gap in relation to Aboriginal disadvantage, and the intention of the
government to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act in relation to the Intervention legislation.’
‘The Racial Discrimination Act requires that legislation does not negatively impact on a particular group of people
identifiable by race, and should this occur the measures involved must necessarily be for the wellbeing of the people
affected, appropriate for the intended purpose, and the informed consent obtained of people affected by the
measures.
‘We share with Aboriginal people their disappointment that income management in the new legislation appears to
only technically comply with the Racial Discrimination Act. Aboriginal people have consistently expressed the wish
that income be managed on a voluntary basis, or that local communities decide on an individual’s income
management based on his/her adherence to agreed standards of behaviour. Just not targeting a particular group
does not make a measure non-discriminatory if its effect has a greater impact on a particular people. From July this
year income management will apply, in the first instance, to all welfare recipients in the Northern Territory, and it is
well known that the vast majority of welfare recipients in the Northern Territory are Aboriginal,’ Sr Anne said.
‘We are also concerned that many aspects of the Northern Territory Intervention will remain as so-called Special
Measures. This has led to considerable disquiet among Aboriginal people, and indicates that the measures have not
yet been adequately demonstrated to them to be necessary for their wellbeing. To comply with the Racial
Discrimination Act, Aboriginal people need to be consulted about the measures, and many believe that the concerns
they voiced about Special Measures were ignored during the recent consultation process.
‘The reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act is an issue of importance for all Australians. In a society such as
ours we ought to be able to expect not be treated differently on the basis of our race.
‘We call on all members of parliament to unite in ensuring that the legislation currently before them goes beyond a
minimal compliance with the requirements of the Act and restores to Aboriginal people the rights they ought to
enjoy as citizens of this nation.’ Sr Anne concluded.
February 11, 2010
For comment: Contact Sr Laraine Crowe 0400 436 947
______________________________________________________________________________________
P O Box 1508, North Sydney, NSW 2059
Ph (2) 9929 7344 : Fax (2) 8912 4833
Leaders of the Congregations and Provinces
of the Sisters of St Joseph, Australia
NEWS 
