Election 2004 – indigenous affairs on the agenda
As speculation continues over the timing of this years’ federal election, the HOWARD government has been put on notice that Indigenous Affairs will be a major issue for the general public. The Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation have announced plans to lobby as many candidates as possible, if as commentators predict, the Howard Government holds the next election on August the 7th. The grassroots community organisation has challenged the government to clarify its’ plans for Indigenous Affairs post ATSIC, prior to the public going to the polls. ANTaR National Vice-President, Roger Cook, says the move follows a meeting at the weekend, in which Aboriginal representatives offered practical suggestions for rank and file members to make their vote count, and alert the major parties to their concerns.