The other day, during a television debate on Channel 10's Studio 10 programme, on changing the date of Australia Day, Kerri Anne Kennerley was accused of being racist for mentioning entrenched disadvantage and appalling social problems in many indigenous communities in Australia. Joe Hildebrand, who also regularly appears on Studio 10, cuts through the social media hysteria to show that Kennerley is actually correct.
Not long after, Hildebrand himself was also attacked for defending Kennerley against the accusations of racism levelled against her. I'm glad to see that he is sticking up for himself. So he should. He studied history at one of the best university history departments in Australia, so his grasp of history should not be questioned.
At a personal level, it breaks my heart to hear about these problems. On many key indicators, indigenous Australians are disadvantaged compared to non-indigenous Australia. Governments, the education system, the health system, and industry are working to close the gap.
I write these words with a heavy heart. By all means, let's keep discussing these problems, do what we can to alleviate them, and correct past injustices. It will make Australia a better and more just society. Changing the date of Australia Day will merely be a symbolic gesture, and won't actually tangibly improve the situation.
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