You may not have heard this story in the U.S., but Australian politician Alison Anderson lit a political brush fire today by criticizing a “culture of entitlement and welfare dependency” among Aboriginal Australians. Anderson, who serves as Indigenous Advancement Minister in the conservative government of Australia’s remote Northern Territory, lambasted the effects of the welfare state in a speech to the territorial legislature. It was eerily similar to the cries of U.S. welfare reform advocates. She also lashed out at the idea of teaching aboriginal children with different English language standards than other Australian children. In her eyes, de-emphasizing English in favor of native languages handicaps aboriginal children in an English-speaking job market. All we can say is that someone needs to introduce this lady to Star Parker — and take her global!
Here’s a bit from an article in The Australian:
(Anderson) criticised those who expected the government to “do everything for them”, saying the world was looking on and “wondering if we are children”. Ms Anderson said that in her travels to remote communities she would be arguing “with adults who refuse to grow up”.
“In the rest of Australia, people pick up the rubbish in their yards. They fix their own blocked toilets,” Ms Anderson said.
Alison Anderson:I look at men of Yirrkala & ask why will not drive 20km to Nhulunbuy to earn excellent money in mine? http://t.co/hCFznGuq
— Indigenous Law UNSW (@ILC_UNSW) November 1, 2012
Anderson, who is herself aboriginal, was viciously attacked by haters, some of whom used the same insults we see hurled at black Republicans in America.
Aunty Tom attitude. LIB Alison Anderson jumps ship from LAB.From her sweet Parlt job accuses indigenes of 'endless complaint' #auspol
— chris murphy (@chrismurphys) November 1, 2012
Aboriginal LIB Alison Anderson stereotyping aboriginal ppl.Gold for The Australian! P1. Graffiti sheet of hate endorsing views #auspol
— chris murphy (@chrismurphys) November 1, 2012
However, plenty of supporters also came out of the woodwork.
Another powerful speech by NT Indig Min Alison Anderson: http://t.co/kF6hv5M7
— Alan Tudge (@AlanTudgeMP) November 1, 2012
Where has Alison Anderson been and why is she not in federal politics?!?! #auspol
— Michael Tiyce (@MichaelTiyce) November 1, 2012
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@karinakarina2 really. Yes really. Such a positive indigenous voice for change
— Michael Tiyce (@MichaelTiyce) November 1, 2012
https://twitter.com/zozstar/status/264099564187951104
https://twitter.com/LordBromley/status/264022460956024832
We applaud Alison Anderson for being willing to take the welfare issue by the horns. While we’re sure that she is busy, we hope that we can hear her message on American shores soon!
Read the full text of Anderson’s speech here.
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