Aboriginal Law Bulletin --- "News: the Compact; Review of Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Industry; Human Rights Awards" [1987] AboriginalLawB 42; (1987) 1(28) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 2

• News
• The Compact
• Review Of Aboriginal Arts And Crafts Industry
• Human Rghts Awards

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News

The Compact

In mid-September 1987, the Federal Government proposed discussions on a 'compact' between Black and White Australia. Aboriginal people have indicated varied reactions to the suggestion of a 'compact'.

On 18 September, Barrister Michael Mansell called for a severance of all ties between Aboriginal and White Australia through the establishment of a Black Separate State.

In contrast, Charles Perkins, Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs remains hopeful that a working agreement between white and blacks can be reached before the Bicentennial in 1988.

Underlying both responses is a common theme: dissatisfaction with present black/white relations Many Aboriginal organisations have stated 'that in any future agreement, there must be an acknowledgement of Aborigines' prior ownership of Australia and appropriate recognition given to Aboriginal laws, culture and sacred sites.

On 22 September, 1987, delegates at a meeting of the National Coalition of Aboriginal organisations held a press conference in Sydney. Although riot adopting Mr Mansell's suggestion, delegates indicated their wariness and reluctance to be rushed Into any form of agreement. Mr Buzzacott, a delegate at the Conference, hoped that a cornpact would mean an end to violations of his sacred country In South Australia. He enquired: "How can the white govemment make policies and laws .. . and talk about compacts, treaties and anything else when they don't fully. understand ... what Aboriginals are all about?"

To date, the Federal Government has not provided any concrete proposals or clarification of what it considers to be the Implications of a 'compact of understanding'.

Julie Green

Review of Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Industry

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Gerry Hand. recently announced that the Federal Government intends to carry out a review of the Aboriginal arts and carts industry.

The review will examine all aspects of the industry and will focus on maximising returns to Aboriginal artists Mr Hand said that "the views of government and non-government bodies, including the Association of Northern and Central Australian Aboriginal Artists (ANCAAA), invoked with the industry will be canvassed prior to the determination of the terms of reference of the review and the appointment of review personnel".

In April 1987, the ANCMA which represents over 5,000 artists, placed a boycott of Aboriginal art sales to subsidised marketing companies This was a response to government moves to take over community controlled Art Centres. They demanded a discussion with the Minister about the dispute. They also requested that the Minister respond positively to the recommendations of the House of Representatives Report Return to the country: the Aboriginal homeland movement in Australia.

Mr Hand announced that the review will be based on the recommendations of this report and is a response to the general demand from the industry it would appear that the actions of the ANCAAA proved to be the catalyst that precipitated the review.

Mariana Olubas

Human Rghts Awards

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Invites nominations for awards for appropriate work in media, literature and film f also proposes a major award: the Australian Human Rights Medal to recognise of the personal endeavours of an individual. Write c/o GPO Box 5218, Sydney 2001 or phone [phone].