Ross blasts 'viable' tests - Stop herding us, he says

Rebecca Lollback

01Jul08

A NEW "viability test'" for remote Aboriginal communities could force more people into urban areas such as Alice Springs.

The Central Land Council has slammed the plan, saying Aborigines should not be ``herded into suburbia''.

In its 12-month report to the Federal Government, the Emergency Response Taskforce said the government should consider the long-term viability of communities.

But CLC director David Ross said Aboriginal people would prefer to live ``semi-traditional lives on their country''.

He said: ``In whose eyes is a community viable or unviable? How do you assess that?

``From an Aboriginal person's point of view, if you are living in a place where you can learn your culture and your law, then that place is bringing benefits nowhere else can.

``Who is to say where the next great artist will come from? They are inspired by their country. They shouldn't be forced to take up a suburban existence.

``Why is it that everyone must conform to the great white dream of owning your own home?''

But Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said no-one would be forced to leave their homes.

She said: ``I think this idea of forcibly removing anyone is way off the mark.

``What they (members of the Taskforce) are concerned about, and I think rightly so, is to make sure that all children are attending school and all children are able to get the basic health services that we expect for every other child in Australia.''

Concerns have also been raised that absorbing smaller communities into the larger ones will bring more people into Alice Springs.

This would put more pressure on the already overcrowded town camps.

Taskforce chairwoman Dr Sue Gordon and Emergency Response operational commander Major-General David Chalmers said viable communities should be provided with:

• Adequate housing
• Police station
• Health clinic
• Early childhood education centre
• Primary school
• Store
• Independent job opportunities
• Access to a secondary school

Dr Gordon and Maj-Gen Chalmers also said communities needed stronger economic bases, which could involve investment from the private, community and government sectors.

The Geelong Advertiser Pty. Ltd. Copyright © November 2006