Letters To The Editor

Australia and racism

Dear Sir, “Aboriginal elder” Rag Vincent may truly believe that Australia is “a racist country” (PIM March), but racism is a comparative term and it is hard to believe that Lili Tuwai or anyone who has spent time in both countries would genuinely consider Australia more racist than Fiji.

After having taught in universities in both countries I have to say, and take no pleasure in doing so, that racial resent ments are rife in Fiji, whereas the over whelming majority of Australians support equal treatment for all Australian citizens, irrespective of race or religion.

Australian political parties, whether right or left or centre, make determined efforts to give Aborigines the same oppor tunities and standards of life as the majori ty population.

It is not because of police brutality or lack of funding that life in Redfem is dan gerous and unhealthy. If the problems there could be solved by throwing dollars at them, they would now be a fading memory.

Dr Geoffrey Partington

Adelaide, Australia