Help stop the abuse of Aboriginal children in New South Wales
The New South Wales Government recently refused to fund a major new program to tackle child abuse in Aboriginal communities.
The program was developed in response to Breaking the Silence, a 300 page report on child abuse in Aboriginal communities commissioned by the Attorney General and written by a task force headed by Aboriginal leader, Marcia Ella-Duncan.
The report found that child abuse in Aboriginal communities had reached "epidemic proportions", with child sexual assault up to four times the rate of the general population.
The Government response makes sense, but the plans need to be funded. The NSW Government has refused to provide the funds because these are Aboriginal children at risk and so they don't think that enough voters will care.
Help us prove them wrong - take action today!
How to take action if you live in NSW:
Write to your local member of Parliament and members of the Upper House. Here's some sample letters to help you do this:
Write to the Premier, Morris Iemma, telling him that his refusal to fund the response to Breaking the Silence reflects badly on the reputation of NSW.
Remind him that he said "You're on this earth to make sacrifices and help other people ... I don't want to let those people down." Tell him that by not helping Aboriginal children he is letting them down.
Read "The Treasurer, racism and child abuse" - an article that ANTaR National Director, Gary Highland wrote about this issue and the NSW Treasurer's recent claims that he is a victim of racism.
Download the Breaking the Silence report and the Government's response from the Lawlink website.
The New South Wales Government recently refused to fund a major new program to tackle child abuse in Aboriginal communities.
