STATEMENTS a parliamentary inquiry into Aboriginal organisations is unfairly targeting the indigenous are “hypocritical” according to a local community figure.
A group of prominent indigenous South Australians recently sent a letter to Premier Steven Marshall in response to his call for a parliamentary inquiry into governance in community-controlled Aboriginal organisations (Pioneer 10/2/21, ‘Investigation Announced’).
Gerard Council liaison officer Tyson Lindsay said holding the inquiry was necessary for economic and social progress in
the community.
“The letter is very hypocritical as this inquiry is super necessary in many ways and will help our evolution as people and culture for future generations,” Mr Lindsay said.
“The inquiry will be a step in the right direction for us to grow and prosper.
“This letter also shows the problem trying to be the solution when it should be the other way around.
“This inquiry is being driven by the indigenous communities themselves through leaders that have no desire for personal gain, but only want to see the voiceless having a voice and sense of purpose.”
Mr Lindsay said a majority of individuals in indigenous communities supported the call for an inquiry.
“I want to reassure the Premier that he has the backing of at least 80 per cent of the people in these communities regarding the inquiry,” he said.
The letter – signed by 15 indigenous figures – accuses the State Government of unfairly targeting Aboriginal organisations.
“We are concerned that your proposal seems to suggest Aboriginal people or organisations are less capable of managing their own affairs than other South Australians,” it reads.
“Despite almost daily reports of non-Aboriginal companies entering liquidation or administration we don’t see calls for a Parliamentary Committee to investigate their governance.”
The letter said media coverage of issues in Gerard – and evidence to be given during the inquiry – would have negative impacts on families and individuals.
“We are particularly concerned with some of the commentary, public statements and social media posts regarding Aboriginal organisations and their governance,” it read.
“These have included personal vilification, attacks and significant breaches of important cultural protocols.
“Regardless of the conditions placed around the giving or reporting of evidence, allowing and encouraging people to prosecute their personal grievances under Parliamentary privilege risks great harm to individuals, tearing families apart and damaging communities.
“It would be unfortunate if the harm this inquiry might cause was remembered as your legacy in Aboriginal Affairs.”
Mr Marshall earlier this month called for the inquiry after evidence obtained by the Murray Pioneer in December revealed misappropriation of State Government grant funding – and the sale of council water allocations – had occurred in Gerard.