Aborigines

27th May was the 40th anniversary of a constitutional referendum where 91.7% of Australians voted to amend the constitution to give Aborigines a better deal in this country. I have read much in the weekend press and seen TV programs which recalled the euphoria of that result long ago in 1967. I could go on at length about the analyses that have been done to explain why the expecations of 40 years ago have not been fully realised. I will just say that it is depressing that in spite of an unprecedented declaration of goodwill and unanimity 40 years ago, the 'Aboriginal problem' is still the biggest blight on the Aussie landscape. After billions of dollars and countless inquiries and even with the good will of many good people, many Aborigines by a range of measures are still the most disadvantaged Australians. Lower life expectancy, preventable diseases, 3rd world living conditions, unacceptable literacy levels, child abuse, domestic violence, debilitating drug and alcohol problems ..............the list is depressing. Of course there have been achievements and there are many Aboriginal Australians who have experienced the good life, but that so many have not is a shame on all of us.