This letter first appeared in The Age, 28 June 2006

Letter to the Editor in response to Noel Pearson

Hon. Gary Johns

[Author's Note: On 26 June, Noel Pearson published an article in The Age under the disgraceful heading, 'Don't listen to those who despise us' (click here for his article). I chose to not attack the heading, as this was none of Pearson's doing; presumably a demonic Age sub-editor was responsible. My response is republished here in the interests of a more honest debate in Aboriginal policy.]

I was sorely disappointed when, following the 'Wik' amendments to the Native Title Act, Noel Pearson displayed his solidarity with the then Aboriginal leadership and called the Prime Minister 'racist scum' (2 October 1997). I was heartened though when he broke from those leaders and told the truth about the part that welfare has played in the destruction of Aboriginal society.

Noel Pearson's latest offering, a 'constitutionally recognised First-World national minority' (The Age article on 26 June) signals a return of the old-guard Aboriginal leadership, and of Noel Pearson to its fold. It is a shame, because I am certain that the god reconciliation will not be satiated by the sacrifice of Australia's constitution. I speak most days to Aborigines who pursue their aspirations and who in many respects are different to me, but none wants a divided Australia.

Noel Pearson and I can agree on the aspiration for a 'modern literate, prosperous version of [Aboriginal] culture'. But the changes that Aboriginal culture will have to make in order to prosper in the modern world will be great indeed. The job of government, business and philanthropy is to provide Aborigines with the skills to survive in the modern economy while leaving Aborigines free to choose their 'culture'.

If you need government to teach you what your culture is, it is already lost.

Gary Johns

President
Bennelong Society