I am responding to the letter by Linda Telisman (CCN 404).
Her argument against a Yes vote in the upcoming referendum is ill informed and nasty.
As Australia’s former Chief Medical Officer and former Chief Health Officer in NSW I have had the advantage of visiting many Aboriginal communities around the nation and have taught Aboriginal health workers and made many Aboriginal friends over the years.
The Uluru Statement is a plea and an offer from the first peoples in our country to have a direct say in the affairs of the nation plus an inclusion of their existence in our Constitution.
There is absolutely no intention regarding reparations – simply a request to have a permanent say in how the still dismal situation regarding their health, housing and other matters affecting many of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters can be improved.
Email, Aug 25
Dr Tony Adams, Avoca Beach