The closure of 150 remote communities across Western Australia has caused an uproar. The Western Australian premier, Colin Barnett addressed the group of 2000 angry protestors on the steps of parliament in Perth, telling them to “put yourselves in my shoes.’
With the backing of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, [1]the closure of these remote and indigenous communities’ is a step toward the cessation of a “lifestyle choice.” And by a lifestyle choice, Barnett argues that the Aboriginal people need to work with the government to “improve lifestyle and opportunities for Aboriginal people.” [2]
“My issue – and it’s your issue as much as mine, probably more yours than mine – is how can we ensure that boys and girls go to school, how can we ensure they are safe, and can we reduce alcohol and drug usage,” he said.
On the other side of the fence, it is estimated that several thousand will be made homeless with the forced closures, with the Indigenous communities having no other alternative accommodation. “Twenty thousand homeless. They are not going to have any money for food, for medication. Soon they are going to start stealing for food, for medication. They are going to get mixed up in the justice system,” according to Shaun Harris, a member of the Nhunda-Wadjarri Yamatji.
The Greens senator has tabled a petition against the forced closures, presenting 30,000 signatures in Canberra.
In the midst of the Close the Gap campaign, where issues such as closing the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians has been the key focus, Close the Gap campaign co-chairs Mick Gooda and Kirstie Parker voice their concerns. “There is a strong body of evidence in Australia that supports the link between land, culture and well-being.”
[1] Daley, P.(2015, March 11). ‘Lifestyle choices’ is Abbott’s third and final strike on Indigenous affairs. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/11/lifestyle-choices-is-abbotts-third-and-final-strike-on-indigenous-affairs
[2] Parker, G. (2015, March 19). Aboriginal protesters confront Premier. Retrieved from https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/latest/a/26729560/protesters-confront-premier-over-aboriginal-community-closures/
That certainly is a violation of human rights, cultural, geographical and societal. Let the people who were there first stay there if the want to, it is their right. It was earned by their ancestors over the last 40,000 years.
Leave these people alone. Let them live how they want to. You will be compared to the US slaughter of our Native Americans if you do this…Is that how you want history to remember you? STOP
Is Australia a Communist Country? How can they FORCE someone away from their own homes? and how can one actually Close a Community ? It’s easier to just bring education and Healthcare to them in their own home. Give them electricity and internet and more that they actually need.
Horrible this is really starting to irk my nerves can we leave the actually natives of their countries alone geesh this world is so corrupted
These communities are being closed as Aboriginals are jobless, live in housing commission, do drugs and don’t send their children to school. These communities are very corrupt and have no access to proper healthcare. Closing these communities is to help these people out in life!
Bullshit! Not all these communities are corrupt! It’s the government that is corrupt saying the communities are not sustainable. We owe these people, we invaded their land not the other way round.
MINING RIGHTS AGENDA: They want them closed as these communities are dotted in the open where mining operations can easily extend. Watch where the communities have been removed from and see if mining operations begin once the natives have been forced off.
If they want to live like this then let them fund it themselves, without tax payers money. These remote areas have little or no job oppertunities and cost us the tax payer millions of dollars a year. Force these people to move and break this cycle of welfare dependence, poor education and health. It is time for these communities to move into the 21st century.