Stan Grant: Ken Wyatt, a man in the crosshairs of history

Stan Grant writes about Ken Wyatt, a man in the crosshairs of history.

Ken Wyatt is invoking the spirit of ’67, but he also knows its lesson: it was a victory of fairness over difference. Australians are wary of difference, suspicious of questions of rights. Australia has no bill of rights; our constitution is a rule book, not a rights manifesto. Australia is a triumph of liberalism where people are not defined by their race, religion, ethnicity or culture. Australia is a place where migrants are encouraged to leave their histories and old enmities behind. Nationally we are more comfortable mythologising our own history than probing its darkest corners.

Indigenous people live with their history; they carry its scars; it defines them. In a country founded on terra nullius — empty land — where the rights of the First Peoples were extinguished, where no treaties have been signed, this — as the Uluru Statement says — is the torment of their powerlessness.

When it comes to Indigenous recognition — symbolism or substance — black and white Australia speak with a very different voice.

Emphasis Mine

Grant is invoking a version of Australia that never was: it was born of racism. Australia existed to keep the Chinese and others out. For over 70 years, the White Australia Policy keep them out.

Grant has to hope that non-Aboriginal Australians will revive the spirit of 1967. I am doubtful as the NT Intervention continues, the off-shore detention of refugees continues, and the rates of Indigneous incaration remains high.

Australia is still a very racist country. And both major political parties have to be mindful of that to get political power. When racism keeps a political party in power, that party has no incentive to reduce racism.