In Praise of Reconciliation

Representatives of the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission participating in today's "Walk for Reconciliation" offer their congratulations to the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation regarding the events of the last few days. These public gatherings have clearly demonstrated the fruits of years of discernment and a desire to foster the common good. In the face of many hardships and apparent obstacles this Council has worked hard to meld a strong awareness of past injustice with an equally forceful desire to build a better future.

Fr John Usher, Chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission said, "A significant aspect of recent gatherings has been the willingness of so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to focus on the potential for a better tomorrow for all of us. Such generosity of heart is a tremendous gift to this society.

"Symbols of reconciliation such as today's walk are crucial in raising the nation's awareness but equally important is the need to see the fruits of this symbolic action. The present appalling levels of disadvantage and inequity evident in the health, housing, education, unemployment and incarceration statistics for Indigenous Australians shows there are still many bridges that need to be crossed before reconciliation is fully effected" Fr Usher said.

Mr John Ferguson, Acting National Director of the Commission said, "We affirm the need for all parties, including the Federal Government, to work towards a fulfilment of the citizenship rights of Indigenous Australians. Only an active understanding of citizenship and a generous inclusive spirit will ensure that Indigenous Australians are afforded every opportunity to determine the policies that they believe to be in their best interests.

"The involvement of so many people in the events of National Reconciliation Week is testimony to the strong commitment in this society to overcome the legacy of previous practices that were so detrimental to well being of so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is a crucial moment in our nation's history. We need to remember the past and to move on with a renewed commitment to make sure that reconciliation is realised in both word and deed" Mr Ferguson concluded.