Consultation news
Cracking consultation at Coober Pedy
The Coober Pedy Consultation was small and relatively informal; however this added to rather than detracted from the discussion, which was broad-ranging and passionate.
We heard about problems in Indigenous education, which were attributed to entrenched and institutional discrimination. We also heard about the need for more opportunities for Indigenous people to develop income-generating enterprises and businesses. This in turn, was linked to the right to self-determination.
The right to cultural knowledge and intellectual property was identified as a key area requiring protection. Proposals for change included the notion of a base level of rights protection that could be strengthened or added to over time, allowing for community input into the definition of rights.
Thank you Coober Pedy, a small group with big ideas.
Frank Brennan and Tammy Williams