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Date: 23rd May 2004 Ref No. 1304
Uniting Church Urges State Government: “ STOP rushed APY Elections Legislation”
Uniting Church leaders have appealed to the SA Cabinet, to reconsider legislation that would force an immediate election of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yangkunytjatjara (APY) Land Council. We understand that this legislation will be rushed into State Parliament tomorrow, (Monday).
Uniting Church deacon, Rev Dr Murray Muirhead, Minister of UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, said “this move by the State Government would be against the principle of self-determination.”
Dr Muirhead recently visited the Pitjantjatjara Lands in the State’s
far north and said “The APY Executive has widespread support throughout
the Lands, this must be respected by Government.”
“
A precipitated election will undermine the stability that has emerged
as confidence in the Land Council has grown, “ he added.
The UnitingChurch is therefore urging the government to negotiate a more appropriate timeframe with Anangu people for a future election.
Rev Dr Muirhead explains “We have significant concerns about the manner in which the State Government has intervened in the administration of the Lands, a rushed election will add to problems”
“We share the concerns of Anangu people and the rest of the State about clear inadequacies in service delivery -- and the communities in the Lands face significant challenges, with substance abuse and petrol sniffing, for example, but the APY Land Council does not have responsibility for the delivery of services addressing these issues,” added Rev Dr Muirhead.
Targeting the Land Council will create further disruption to community life.
Rev Ken Sumner, State Chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, the Indigenous arm of the Uniting Church, has also criticised the legislation.
“It’s vitally important that the government and other service providers don’t undermine Pitjantjatjara leaders,” Rev Sumner said today, “They clearly have the support of their communities.”
“Forcing immediate elections on communities that are already struggling to survive isn’t the way to go. It’s essential that the Government sits down with the people and negotiates an agreement, “ added Rev Sumner, “We need a process that will empower the people of the APY Lands – not disempower them”.
Rev Dr Graham Humphries, SA Moderator of the Uniting Church, reinforced
Uniting Church support for the Anangu people on this issue : “We
stand with Congress. We work closely with them. We certainly support
their moves for Aboriginal self-determination.”
Further Information and Comment
Rev Dr Murray Muirhead,
Minister, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide
Tel: 8202 5880 (w) or 0408 833 419 (m)
