THERE has been much talk lately, indeed for some time, about a treaty with the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
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A year ago, I proposed to make the Aboriginal flag the official flag for all Australians. Apart from the fact that it is a much stronger flag in its own right, it removes the stigma of colonialism by taking away the Union Jack from the top corner. A part of the problem with our segregated society is the demeaning attitude a lot of people have with our native people. I believe this has a self-fulfilling effect on their self respect.
Imagine, then, how having the red, black and yellow flag representing all Australians would boost their confidence, inclusiveness and sense of worth.
It acknowledges this great country has been their home for many thousands of years and their willingness to share with all newcomers. It may not be a treaty, but it would definitely be a unifying and uplifting endeavour. The pride of having your flag representing the country could be enough to encourage equality and respect and possibly offer the impetus to advance their place in our society.
Greg Rendle, Rankin Park
A FAIR GO WILL WIN OUT
THERE is a call for a referendum to alter the constitution for recognition of Aboriginals people as the original inhabitants of this country. This, and a call for an advisory council to advise the government on Aboriginal issues, would have the support of the vast majority of all Australians.
The critical issues of health, education, teenage suicide and high detention rates could be better tackled by those most affected. Where the answers seem to be beyond the ability of the government of whatever party, both parties just continue to just throw money at Indigenous problems and hope for the best, but have mostly failed.
I believe passing such a referendum is going to fail if so-called community leaders consider this a chance to push agendas. Talk of compensation and an Aboriginal council that could change government policy could be looked on as the granting of rights above those of the rest of the community.
The mass of goodwill by the vast majority could be lost when these ideas are voiced by the media and sensationalised to reflect a false image of the aspirations held within the Aboriginal community.
What is needed is a plan with bipartisan support from government parties and the Aboriginal community. Lay out a referendum we can all support. Forget the so-called academics, radicals, political agendas and just show a fair simple plan and all Australians will accept it.
John Reynolds, Mount Vincent
NEW USE FOR THE OLD HOUSE
RECOGNITION of the Aboriginal peoples following the Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution, a "Makarrata".
We must all support this.
While the building represents many of the racial and discriminatory laws imposed upon our first people I suggest that the original Parliament House could be "given" to them as a place for the proposed Makarrata Commission to meet.
I can see Gough Whitlam's "presence" in this building helping the healing process.
John Anthony, Hamilton
THERE'S NO LOVE IN VIOLENCE
WHAT kind of a person was Elizabeth Webb? We certainly know who her husband was, with nine paragraphs of quotes attesting to his good character ('Family's grief 'severe', Newcastle Herald 13/7). Hang on, isn't he the one they believe killed Mrs Webb prior to taking his own life, leaving her with "obvious injuries"? Don't worry, anyone. Yes, another woman has been killed, a family is shocked and grieving for their losses, but surely it happened because he was "acting out of love". People acting out of love don't kill other people. The normalisation of violence against women in this country has to stop. We all have a role in reducing the horrific toll of dead women at the hands of partners, relatives and strangers. Do better.
- For help: 1800 RESPECT
Sarah Harden, Merewether
SMITH FALLS SHORT FOR ME
I JUST want to commend Danny Weidler on his fantastic article ('Smith snubs Cronk for his big moment', SMH 14/7). He spoke the truth that nobody else has been brave enough to voice against Smith. It nauseates me all the sucking up and back slapping to a person that made his 400th game.
I will never, ever forget his behaviour when Alex McKinnon broke his neck ('Alex McKinnon 'disgusted' by Cameron Smith's comments after tackle that ended his career', ABC 5/7/15). Everyone knew how serious it was, yet he still carried on. This weekend we should have celebrated a real superstar and idol for thousands of kids in Benji Marshall, who played his 300th game. I know as a parent of two boys who I'd prefer them to turn out to be like.
Dave Fothergill, Newcastle
TREAT, DON'T EAT, THE RICH
FRANK Ward (Letters, 12/7) parrots the left-wing line that US tax cuts were "only for the rich". Not true.
Anyone can check the change in tax scales, which saw almost every taxpayer getting a substantial cut. Corporate tax cuts flowed into wage increases or bonuses for tens of millions of American workers in thousands of companies, with bonuses of $1000 commonplace.
In the USA, much like Australia, the tax burden falls largely on "the rich". 2018 federal income tax data (freely available) shows that the top 10 per cent of US income earners paid nearly 70 per cent of all income tax. As much as Mr Ward might like to think otherwise, embracing enterprise and industry has seen the US power ahead. If you prefer socialism, cast your eye Venezuela's way.
Scott Hillard, New Lambton
EDEN IS NO PARADISE
AN item that has been previously discussed is the withdrawn $12 million, originally for a terminal for cruise ships. In my opinion the Minister Mr Constance may have had to use that amount to complete the terminal that has been built in his electorate of Eden at a cost of around $42 million.
I do not know how many have been to Eden, but I have. To compare both as tourist stops, Newcastle wins hands down.
The other point I wish to raise is the Israel Folau story. People are contributing to his cause to fight for religious freedom of speech. As I understand it, he was dismissed for breaching his contract so people are in my opinion being misled. We can now start funds for anyone dismissed for breach of contract. There should be a few around.