From: d10652@tanus.oz.au (Paul Parker)
Subject: Casino racism
Organization: Pro-Net Australia
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 92 21:55:14 GMT


Article courtesy of 'The Richmond River Express Examiner" 
                      Tuesday, September 8, 1992.

>       Casino High Inquiry To Start This Week
>       --------------------------------------

>A nine-member panel has been named by the Department of School
>education to conduct a detailed review of Casino High School.

>The panel includes four Aboriginal representatives, a senior
>educational consultant, a representative of the NSW Teachers
>Federation, a high school principal and a departmental cluster
>director.


>The panel will be chaired by the North Coast Director Human
>resources, Mr Roger O'Shea.

>The four Aboriginal representatives were selected from a list
>supplied by the Casino Aboriginal community.

>Under terms negotiated at special meetings in Casino last week,
>one of the four is a Casino resident.

>The review will be conducted in two phases:

>* Phase One will target alleged incidents of racism at the
>  school.

>* Phase Two will involve a complete review of the school, its
>programs, administration, staff and students. Phase Two will
start on September 14.

>The panel will then report to the Department by early October.

>Recommendations within the report will be made public.

>Members of the panel are:

>* Roger O'Shea, Director Human Resources, North coast region,
>  Chairperson.

>* John Lester, Principal Grafton TAFE College.

>* Christine Charles, Casino Aboriginal community.

>* David Prosseer, NSW Aboriginal community.

>* Mavis Robinson, NSW Aboriginal community.

>* Carolyn Schuck, Principal Kempsey High School.

>* Barry Johnson, Senior Officer NSW Teachers Federation.

>* Wayne Parkins, Director Tweed Cluster Department of School
  Education.

>* Michael Middleton, Education Consultant Griffith University,
>  Queensland.

>"With  the review about to start, there will be no further
>public comment from the Department or members of the panel
>until the report has been presented," Mr O'Shea said today.

>"This will allow the panel to conduct its job without
>unnecessary pressure.

>" I invite other parties involved in issues which may be
>covered by the report to adopt a similar attitude.

    ************
    End Article.
    ************


The above is an excercise to calm the troubled political waters. 

Who represents the wider Casino community, such as the parents
of children  who are not tagged Aboriginal ?

These parents are quite likely fed up with the talk of how 
Aboriginal people need special help from the government.

Without involvement it is likely that the wider community will
pay no great attention to the results. Accordingly any problems 
that exist shall continue, if not become greater.

Having watched the papers since the start of this - alleged 
abuse by teacher and or pupil, I have seen no representation 
of the accused teachers version. A lot of apology, wringing 
of hands, and condemnation, utterances of what must be done 
to resolve this.

The claim of racism is- it appears, an offence where you are 
guilty until proven innocent. Provided of course the claimant
is in one of the lucky groups.

Racism in Australia is controlled by the government, and is
accordingly a product of the government.

Moves to remove racism should commence with returning to the
individual the ability to take action, back to the people at
large. The definition of racist activity needs to be returned
to where the panel of peers known as the jury system can make a
decision based upon their experience; Perhaps pass on also the
ability to determine the damages entitled to the victim.

New legislation is forecast in the Federal scene; It is likely
that this legislation will be aimed more at the pacification of
particular interest groups than the facing of the difficulties.

At present many racist activities taking part within Australia
are supported by the government -if not initiated by them. 

             My predjudices
                             Your predjudices
                                                Our predjudices




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