Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Resources, Forestry and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Let us be clear: this is not a debate about politics and the rule of law; this is a debate about wedge politics. It is also a clear endeavour by backbenchers in the Howard government to demonise Aboriginal communities and their leadership. I think it is time for all members of this House to recognise the serious problems which confront Aboriginal communities, particularly given the cases of abuse that have been highlighted in recent months. I think it is about time some people stop kidding that we all should not be shocked by what is occurring in Aboriginal communities because of the neglect by the Howard government over the last 10 years.

Let us remember that crimes occur across all sections of the Australian community, whether they are white or black. Let us also remember there is no equality before the law because it relates to your ability to hire counsel at great cost to be properly represented before the courts in Australia. It is time the Howard government stopped pointing the finger. Members of this House need to be reminded that the state of Aboriginal communities is because of neglect by the Howard government over the last 10 years. Let us think about neglect of health, neglect of education, neglect of training and neglect in housing. Think about the problems in Wadeye where there is an average of 20 people per house. The Howard government has failed to put money into improving housing in the Wadeye community. That is the cause of concern in the black community and that is what we ought to be debating today—solutions to real problems on the ground. But you are not interested in solutions to real problems. You are not interested in the litany of facts that show the failures of the Howard government.

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