Nick's Speech For Hollywood, Amarroo Book Launch
contd.
My book therefore is a disturbing reminder that
nothing has changed for our indigenous people. This is not my take on recent
history. Last November, Dr Ken Henry, the Treasury Secretary, admitted that past
policies to solve the problems of 'dysfunctional and disintegrating' Aboriginal
communities, have failed. He then reminded us that 'Aboriginal communities are
not sheltered workshops for the permanently handicapped.'
Apart from the
impeccable credentials as an eminent economist, Dr Henry touched my heart when
he declared that 'indigenous disadvantage diminishes all of Australia.' A
sentiment that nicely resonates with my belief that if someone hurts everyone
hurts.
I dedicated the book to my mother who gave me the eyes to
recognize the genius in others.
A quotation follows.
The opposite
of love, is not hate, it's indifference.
The opposite of Art is not ugliness,
it's indifference.
The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's
indifference.
And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.
That is a quotation from Elie Wiesel the 1986 Nobel prize winner for
Peace
What follows is a succinct preface to my story.
Nested in
the heart of Queesland Amarroo was a prosperous town in the sixties. The locals
had every reason to be proud of their achievements, but didn't give a damn if
their Aboriginal neighbours lived or died in lamentable poverty.
A few
pages later, Murri, the Aboriginal elder, paints the canvas of early colonial
history for Peter.
Continue to third
page