This is a problem that probably reached its peak around the time of the Stolen Generations report and the debate over the High Court's Wik decision. Since then, some things have happened that have, I think, improved the atmosphere in the public arena. Mr Howard backed his words with the action of creating the new Cabinet position of Minister Assisting him for Reconciliation. The man he appointed, Mr Philip Ruddock, has so far given us at the Council every indication that he wants to get on top of the job and make a positive contribution. I'd ask those of you who do still feel uncertain about the direction of our political leadership to take these developments on board, because this barrier of doubt must be brought down.
Reconciliation is a two-way process.
The second great barrier to reconciliation is the continuing, seemingly unbeatable existence of high levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage. Whether you talk about health, housing, basic services like water, drainage and power, education, employment or about the rate at which the criminal justice system engages Indigenous people, the story of disadvantage remains sadly the same. In case you need a reminder, let me just take an example from the health area. The all-cause mortality of Indigenous Australians is now twice the Maori rate, 2.3 times the native American rate, and 3.1 times the rate for the total Australian population. Life expectancy for Indigenous males is 59 years, for females 63.