Aboriginal group leader David Dryden said Premier Ted Baillieu’s decision is a backward step for reconciliation. He is supported by Jason Knolls, Ardem Aldobasic, Jeremy Harrison, Uncle Irvine Penman, Tom Jennings and Uncle Solomon Havea.
By Nicole Williams
A LOCAL Aboriginal group leader has slammed the Premier’s decision to no longer force public servants to acknowledge the traditional indigenous land owners at official events.
David Dryden, from the Yorta Yorta tribe and chairman of the Aboriginal men’s group the Tjaegan Warriors, said he was saddened by the decision.
“I am very disappointed as an Aboriginal man that it has even happened,” Mr Dryden said.
“It’s not about black or white, it’s about disrespect.”
He said it has taken a lot of years to progress toward reconciliation and this decision is a big step backward.
Premier Ted Baillieu announced the decision on Thursday which caused outrage in the Aboriginal community.
“I have been talking to people and they’re just shocked,” Mr Dryden said.
Mr Baillieu said the decision was made to avoid the gesture becoming tokenistic.
My Dryden attended the state funeral of Lionel Rose last week and was pleased to hear the traditional land owners acknowledged and Mr Baillieu recognise the contribution of Mr Rose to the community.
“And a couple of days later – this!” Mr Dryden said.
“People look at a leader like him and follow what he says and so it’s a backwards step for Victoria.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell said the Coalition Government respected Aboriginal culture.
