From Women For Wik

Women For Wik press release received late on the night of the Australian federal election.

MEDIA RELEASE – SUNDAY, 25TH NOVEMBER 2007

Brough’s Loss is Aboriginal People’s Win

The grassroots organisation Women for Wik, which has been monitoring the Federal intervention in the Northern Territory, has described the change of Federal government as a potentially transforming moment in relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, lost his seat, with a swing of around 10%, considerably higher than the national average.

“Mal Brough has lost the trust of Aboriginal people, and John Howard has lost the trust of the Australian people,” said Olga Havnen, CEO of the Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the NT.

“The magnitude of a swing against Mal Brough shows that the Northern Territory intervention has been a low-key but critical factor in this election,” said Ms Havnen. “Not only is this intervention a travesty against Aboriginal people’s rights, but it has been a shambles.”

“This election result is a moral victory for Australia,” said Eileen Cummings, former Policy Advisor to the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, “This election was decided on moral grounds, rather than economic self-interest. We thank the Australian people for their support.”

“That John Howard has no heart,” said Rachel Willika, of Eva Valley community. “This intervention is hurting Aboriginal families. Maxine McKew said Kevin Rudd would be a great Prime Minister for children. I hope he is a great Prime Minister for all children, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.”

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia represents the very heart of Australia, with its deep relationship to the land, it’s art and it’s dance”, said Christine Olsen, writer-producer of the film Rabbit Proof Fence. “The Howard government has never understood this but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have continued to survive despite all the attacks on them.”

“Let us hope that under the incoming Labor government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be given their rightful recognition as not only the original owners of this land but as the living, breathing, heart of this country,” said Ms Olsen.

“Aboriginal people have supported the Labor Party. Now it’s time for the Labor Party to show us that our support is justified,” said Ms Cummings, “We want to meet with Kevin Rudd as soon as possible. We can’t wait for a review after 12 months.”

website: www.womenforwik.org