PM: Take Bold Leap on Reconciliation

Date: 11 May 2000

The Prime Minister should take a bold last minute leap -and surprise all of us - by wholeheartedly, without qualifications, backing the Reconciliation process, Helen Creed, the National President of the 150,000 member Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union said today.

" Australian union members and their families should ring, write and e-mail the Prime Minister over the coming days to say they actively back the Reconciliation process - and believe that our Government should clearly and simply say: Sorry."

Helen Creed said her union had accepted the Spirit of Reconciliation and only wished that Mr Howard would also take a bold leap on this important national issue.

" It is painful and regretful that the Prime Minister, and the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, continue to misunderstand the importance and symbolism of the Reconciliation process and continue to make hurtful public statements, " Ms Creed said in Canberra today.

" We acknowledge the anguish of the Stolen Generations and the all pervasive impact of the previous policies of White Australia which continue to affect all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous to this day.

" As one of the major unions in the Northern Territory and Western Australia - with a significant Aboriginal membership- we see the very practical effects on our members' lives which result from past injustices.

" The LHMU is building on its proud history and tradition of providing support to our Indigenous members in their many different struggles for Reconciliation, Respect and Recognition.

" In particular - at this moment - we wish to convey to the Stolen Generations our firm stand in support with you in your present hour of need," Ms Creed said.

" We will continue to work to bring some degree of awareness of the actual situation to all our elected political leaders.

" Our members will walk proudly across the Harbour Bridge on May 28 with our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers as a symbolic act of support in the Walk for Reconciliation."

For further information: Helen Creed, National President, 0407 429 327 or pager - 08 9357 6677

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	9281 9511
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	Andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]