They Are Spending $6.7 Million on a Racist Colonial Re-Enactment

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged $6.7 to build a replica of explorer Captain Cook's boat that will then tour the Australian coast.

The inflammatory decision is drawing widespread criticism from activists and social media commentators. That's because when Cook arrived in Australia, it marked the start of a violent colonial invasion whose wounds are still deeply felt 250 years later.

Discrimination and inequality are not a distant memory for Indigenous Australians. They could not vote until 1961, and were not officially counted as part of the population on censuses until 1971, long after cats and dogs. 

The UN has reported damningly on the statistically poorer life opportunites in terms of health, education and employment, and the high rates of children being removed from their parents, in Indigenous communities. Racism remains a stark material and cultural reality.

PM Scott Morrison claims Captain Cook was "an enlightened man for his time." It's now time for the Prime Minister to reflect the humanity of an enlightened Australian people in 2019, and do the right thing.

Please sign this petition to demand that the $6.7 million earmarked for this bizarre, insensitive project is instead invested into the work of Indigenous rights groups.

PM Scott Morrison:

 

There has been widespread hurt and anger in response to your plans to fund a $6.7 million replica of Captain Cook's ship. The violence and loss that this man's landing marked the beginnings of are still keenly felt by many Australian people.

 

The Indigenous Australian population has been found by the UN to still be suffering the outcomes of colonialism and racism, with poorer health, education, family stability, and employment outcomes. It is only within the last few decades that Indigenous people could vote and were recognised on population censuses. 

 

The money could be much better spent supporting Indigenous rights groups to improve the lives of those who need and deserve better, reflecting an enlightened Australia in 2019. 

 

[Your commments]

 

Sincerely.

 

[Your name]
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