AustLII Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback

Aboriginal Law Bulletin

Aboriginal Law Bulletin (ALB)
You are here:  AustLII >> Databases >> Aboriginal Law Bulletin >> 1988 >> [1988] AboriginalLawB 52

Database Search | Name Search | Recent Articles | Noteup | LawCite | Help

Clark, Geoff; National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations --- "Statement during the ILO Conference 1988 by National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations of Australia" [1988] AboriginalLawB 52; (1988) 1(34) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 13


Statement during the ILO Conference 1988 by National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations of Australia

Geoff Clark representing the National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations

The National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations of Australia is withdrawing form this revision process. In good conscience, as the situation stands, we can no longer support the substance of any of the positions which have been presented to this forum.

Mr Chairman, we have already seen the damage that can result from a misdirected Convention that legitimises intrusion onto indigenous territories, societies and cultures. The integrationist purpose of the present Convention endorsed governments' actions that were destructive to our peoples. Many exist as distinct societies in ratifying States as well as those States which have not ratified Convention No 107. And this is to the shame of the international community. The ILO has now decided to give new life and presumably new direction to this Convention, but again, it is without the direct involvement of indigenous peoples.

We remind you that great changes have occurred since 1957 and that indigenous peoples will no longer have standards imposed upon us. The viability and effectiveness of a revised Convention depends as much on our acceptance and co-operation as it does upon honest implementation by governments.

In the first instance, we are peoples and demand to be respected as such. We are not asking for that status, we already have it. It is what we are in fact, and no twist of language can deprive us of our identity. If this body is not prepared to accept this most basic element of our consciousness of ourselves and the reality of our existence, we wonder why we are all here - your work will have no credibility with us.

Secondly, we define our rights in terms of self-determination. We are not looking to dismember your States and you know it. But we do insist on the right to control our territories, our resources, the organisation of our societies, our own decision-making institutions, and the maintenance of our own cultures and way of life. We are not asking for this right - it is our birthright. We are ancient peoples and we remind you that it was you who came to us. You came to take and you are still taking, although we are not asking for a right which we already possess as peoples. we insist that our relationships with all of you be based on the recognition of respect for that right.

In our terms, that respect can only be guaranteed by ensuring that matters affecting us require our consent. Governments and employers know this full well in defending their interests. Do you think that we are unaware of the actual meaning of words like consultation, participation and collaboration? Unless governments are obliged to obtain our consent, we remain vulnerable to legislative and executive whims that inevitably will result in further dispossession and social disintegration of our peoples. The victims are always the first to know how the system operates.

We know that many governments simply do not want to give up the total power that they exercise over our peoples and our territories. However, the reality is that if this Convention is to have nay meaning, they must. Unless governments are prepared to trust that we can develop relationships with them on the basis of free consent and mutual respect, we will continue to be threatened and victimised with predictably destructive results. Consultation, participations and collaborations will not change that fact. Mere words without substantial change may make this body feel better, but we know and will continue to speak out about the realities.

And on behalf of the indigenous peoples of Australia, we make this statement with the greatest respect to this Organisation. No disrespect is intended. We acknowledge that this body was founded upon the most principled ideals. So let us be clear, what this Committee is discussing here is our very survival as indigenous peoples. We must speak out and at least make our position absolutely clear.

Thank you for your time and attention.


AustLII: Copyright Policy | Disclaimers | Privacy Policy | Feedback
URL: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AboriginalLawB/1988/52.html