Greens Senator for Indigenous issues Rachel Siewart gave her opinion of the state of Indigenous affairs in the final countdown to the Federal Election today.
Ms Siewart isn't contesting in this year’s election but has been pushing for fellow WA Senator Scott Ludlum to be returned fearing the major parties past record with Indigenous issues isn't up to scratch.
The Greens made their name over two decades ago by declaring themselves a true alternative to the other major parties. Ms Siewart and Mr Ludlum believe it is important for diversity to exist in Australia’s current political landscape.
"Diversity in our parliament is very good and I think it sends a strong message to the two old parties that people are not happy with what they represent in parliament", said Ms Siewart.
Saturday’s election could see an Indigenous candidate elected in the senate representing WA Nationals.
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Former footballer, David Wirrpanda could become the first Aboriginal elected in the upper house from the west, and a successor to the Democrats Aidan Ridgeway in NSW.
But Ms Siewart isn’t convinced by the National Party’s commitment to Indigenous affairs.
“While we want to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives in Parliament, we just don't think the Nationals have the good policies and as strong a policy as us on Indigenous issues," says Ms Siewart.
David Wirrapanda's popularity is partly due to his football career, but Senator Siewart says he's a great candidate just in the wrong party.
"A vote for David - while he is a great candidate - is a vote for the Nationals, and they won't deliver good outcomes for the community or for the environment," said Ms Siewart.
The Coalition's recent appointments of Warren Mundine as the head a consultative council and Noel Pearson as the holder of a key advisory role is concerning for the Greens.
"They think they've found the magic bullet solution here. They’re going to roll it out across Australia and its back to the future again like when they got rid of ATSIC and brought in their advisors. This is the same approach and we know it doesn't work," says Ms Siewart.
While the political landscape has changed and could change dramatically after Saturday, the Greens Senator is positive about the advancement of Indigenous issues overall.
"It’s good to see constitutional recognition relay high on the agenda, it’s good to see health high and a number of other issues high. But I think a lot of people look at those issues and it helps them gain an opinion of who to vote for. It’s better than it has been but not as good as it should be," said Ms Siewart.
