Friday, December 3, 2004

Clark crashes Indigenous affairs ministers' meeting

Aboriginal leader Geoff Clark says he gatecrashed a meeting of federal and state Aboriginal affairs ministers today to highlight the plight of Aboriginal people.

The Federal Government is trying to abolish ATSIC and previously suspended Mr Clark from his position as chairman.

Mr Clark had the decision overturned by the courts.

Mr Clark says his role at ATSIC gives him a standing invitation to today's meeting.

He was given a seat at the meeting table and shook hands with the Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister, Amanda Vanstone.

Mr Clark says events such as the riots at Palm Island last week show the Government is not representing Aboriginal people.

"The fact is that ATSIC at its national level has severely been interrupted," he said.

"[It] shows that there is no Aboriginal structure in place to give that support to Aboriginal people which they're due and they're entitled."


By Sorry 3 December 04

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