Australia Day - the other side captured (25)

The tent embassy was set up about 40 years ago and, as Abbott said very early in the morning, they have been sitting and staring at Parliament House for a very long time and they should look at moving on. Sitting doing nothing only gets you nothing.

Why the very vocal demonstration? Well, it is the summer break for uni and this was a very good media opportunity. The weather has not been kind this year and it is no fun being down around Eden in the cold. Besides, they managed to get very little publicity over the last few years about the logging of forests.

There are many communities who are doing a lot of good. In many parts of Australia, community schools are teaching more on what will help them through life rather than about Henery and all his wives. Many of the large property owners in the outback are doing what they can with local communities, encouraging them to work but also to respect their past. They are asked to put in big efforts during mustering etc, but they are able to take time out for 'family business' without fear of losing their jobs. It might surprise you how many people in very senior positions in all walks of life have Aboriginal blood in them. Most are not chest-beaters and just go about their work.

Health is a big issue and diabeties is not a disease whites have passed on. It is in their system like it is in everyone elses. The difference is that their diet was low in fatty and carbohydrate foods and the increase in consumption has brought on the symptoms. However, as it is a disease which takes many years to show an impact, it takes strong education to get this through. And not just to the Aboriginal people. I have met so many people who have no idea. Just because you can eat a Mars Bar and not change colour, choke or throw up, it does not mean that it will not have an affect later on.