Bicentenary

Press, 28 January 1988, Page 40

Bicentenary

Sir, —I watched the worldwide television link-up on January 1 initiating Australia’s bicentenary year and last night I watched the Bicentenary Royal Concert. Both were elaborate and eloquent testimony to the Aussie personality, resourcefulness and down-to-earth creativity. However, such celebrations only serve the present and do not really take cognisance of the past and the future. Clearly modern (the last 200 years) Australian history is built upon injustice to a still-oppressed indigenous people — unless their rights to land and resources are recognised and compensation made, the next centenary is doomed to continued exploitation. The present Labour Administration seems to have deserted its humanitarian principles; Aboriginal activists are disillusioned with political promises made and left unfulfilled. Bob Hawke might have his day made if the Australian eleven beats England in the bicentenary test, but Aboriginal people will have their dignity restored when justice is done and legitimate claims heard. — Yours, etc., J. PETERS. January 26, 1988. f