Education the key for Aboriginal Australians, says IAC Chair

Australia Day is a common springboard for discussions about how to improve the state of Aboriginal Australia.

But Tom Elliott doesn’t think calling for symbolic gestures is sensible.

‘The government standing up and saying sorry, maybe declaring a special holiday, will do absolutely nothing,’ he said on Monday.

‘I’d like to see some practical measures.’

The Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council, Warren Mundine, said the most important practical measure is education.

‘We have to take responsibility for making sure those kids attend school,’ Mr Mundine said.

‘The second part of that is looking at the quality of education the kids are getting.

‘I appreciate that symbolism is good, creating a society we’re proud of… but the practical ideas are ten times better.’

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