The Doctors Reform Society supports the Australian Medical Association stand on the trading of land rights by the Jawoyn Association in the Northern Territory in return for much-needed renal dialysis and alcohol rehabilitation services at Katherine ( The Australian 21 October 1998).

"The DRS does not question that the decision of the Jawoyn Association was made out of genuine concern for the health of their people", said Dr Con Costa, National President of the DRS. "What concerns us most is the principle at stake: that the Jawoyn people have had to trade something which is precious to them, in order to receive access to treatment which is provided without question in other centres around Australia. Will the local white population be asked to give up something equally precious if they are to have access to these facilities? An action similar to this in white man's terms would be considered absolutely intolerable.

"There is a dangerous precedent in this type of bargaining of Aboriginal land rights. It smacks of the bad old days of trading land for beads and trinkets. It is a national disgrace with far-reaching consequences" he said.

Dr Costa said that the Prime Minister, if he wants to show a genuine concern for reconciliation and for improvements to the health status of the Aboriginal population, should launch an inquiry into the way in which this agreement was reached and ensure that the Jawoyn people retain their land rights. Adequate funds should be made available to ensure that services are provided on the basis of necessity, not on the basis of surrendering what little bargaining power the Aborigines have left.

Written/seconded Stefania Siedlecky and Con Costa
24 October 1998

[ Doctors Reform Society of Australia home page ]
[ Site Index ] [ Search this Site ] [ What's New ] [ About the DRS ] [ DRS Discussion/Message Board ]
[ Media Releases ] [ Current Issues: online articles ] [ New Doctor: Journal of the DRS ]
[ DRS Policy Statements ] [ Contacting DRS ] [ Joining DRS ] [ Links ]