The Reality

Having never been there i can only rely on the info i gleaned from several sources. Firstly the argument is more PRO Development versus NO Development, this also emphasises the racial divide in Cocos. The islanders are entitled to have their community in peace ... on Home island, however the world does not owe them or anybody a living, especially from tax payers on the mainland. On west island development should/can proceed with the growth of a sustainable pop, be it an air base, tourism etc

Disgruntled Much

What sensationalist reporting!! As usual the venting of a frustrated minority, ends up creating waves of dissent and friction in the local community. And these agitators aren't around to clean up the mess once they have cast their anger about. The facts - jobs go to the most qualified and experienced people. Having x years of experience on the mainland, doesn't make you the best person for the job. Hardly can accuse Coop & Council of being racist (all malay) if they make the decisions.

How good is your Malay?

How little we ever hear of these islands. It was excellent to see this report broadcast. The only question I thought was not explored is how much the European Australian population was obliged to learn Malay. How fluent are those running the council in Malay? Surely this is a critical skill for the job, but I saw no evidence of it. I'm a little suspicious that neither the administrators or the teachers have much fluency in the language let alone those residents in less important roles.

racism does exist

Some people deny that there is racism on Cocos. You may not have witnessed racism towards the Cocos Malay people but it is certainly very overt when it comes to asylum seekers.

Please Explain!!!

mm not having the req skills, qual and experience to get the job...the things we hear all to often from cocos malay apps. so pls explain why one who do have 10yrs of the above can not secure a postion as a bare minimum, a teachers assist after several attempts...but is a skilled, qual & exp teacher in the mainland!! Nepotism?! same goes to any other jobs thats been offered or yet to be...e.g. admin role, where the "favourite" unqual & no exp won over the qual, skilled & exp!! i say no more!!

the problem actually does exist!

the issue was not about the shire position, that was answered, it was all about the recent government positions to manage gvt housing on the island. Very few jobs arise on cocos, and if there was 1 or 2 jobs advertised anyone would think that a coco malay would have the required skills, quals aand experience to manage housing! But it was decided that ALL of the coco malay applicants were not suitable. In addition there was no appeals process in place. no appeals process!.That was the issue. SBS

there are issues...

c'mon every one, there are issues here. Since my arrival I have questioned many conflict of interest, racism and nepotism within the community. It exists, so face the fact! When SBS and Madi raises the issue all we want to do react in a sensationalist manner, just like today tonight. Just try to appreciate the story form a cocos malay point of view, don't control cocos, it and it's people will do that over time. Colonialism is finished, try to embrace change and empowerment for the Malay people.

Gratitude

Thanks Brian for having the guts to tell the story that no one else would acknowledge. Pity that a large part of the people who are grateful that this out of sight, out of mind story can't comment. The disparaging comments we read here are obviously from the minority west islanders who are livid that you've disrupted the status quo. Let's hope some positive change occurs. If you're not FOR the cocos Malays... Then LEAVE. We're full!