The Climate, Environment and Energy Thread

[madbluboy]

Why are folk assuming that Indigenous Australians want an apology from Gina?

They simply want to know whether she agrees or disagrees with Lamg’s genocidal beliefs. 

I would have thought that would be a fairly simple undertaking ?

The question is insulting. She doesn't have to answer.

[Baggers]

You cannot generalise that to everyone, and that is the point I am making.

It's not valid to apply that experience globally, and it's not valid to apply that experience to someone like Rinehart, Gates, Forrest, etc., etc., because they both live under and are judged by a different set of rules. Put them in the identical circumstance and let them replicate 100% of what you have done, and instead of being accepted they will be judged as recidivists!

I doubt they'd be judged as recidivists. People moving millions or billions about are not excluded from empathy, decency and honest communications.

[DJC]

That seems pretty straight forward question.

Has anyone asked her?
And if so, what was her response?

Yes, she has been asked many times and always refuses to answer.  That is why Donnell Wallam was reluctant to wear the Hancock Prospecting logo.

[DJC]

The question is insulting. She doesn't have to answer.

Why is the question insulting? 

The founder of the company Gina inherited made an outrageous, racist comment advocating genocide.  It is perfectly reasonable, and in the public interest, to want to know whether she holds the same views. 

Gina is happy to express her opinion on a wide range of subjects, including accusing Rose Porteous of murdering Lang.  Answering a simple, straightforward question shouldn’t be too difficult for her.

[Baggers]

The question is insulting. She doesn't have to answer.

Why is the question insulting?

[Baggers]

Just saw, David, you asked the same question...  )  )

[PaulP]

Why is the question insulting?

Agree. Given the quotes and other snippets that have made it into the public arena, her attitude to workers and the great unwashed generally, any concerns about her social attitudes and empathy appear to be well founded.

[madbluboy]

Because you all assume she is racist and she might be but she hasn't done anything to deserve to be asked the question.

Anyway this was all a distraction after she was called a climate denier.

[Thryleon]

So Gina does this good work purely because she feel a kindred love for these, the (generally) poorest of the poor ?
Or does she claim a nice big fat tax deduction and get her portrait painted of herself in flowing robes astride a white stallion amongst “her people” ?
Nothing wrong with tax deductions, we all all get some sort of benefit from them, personally I’ve got more time for the guy who gives $10 to the Sally at the turnstile on Saturday arvo then million/billionaires who give large amounts for the swank factor.

In the Australian sense a lot of the “wog” stuff was pure ignorance and as people on both sides have integrated it has greatly diminished but not gone… Which of course leads back to nationalism, which is truly an evil political tool.

I don't get too caught up with the WOG thing.  Only time I ever really got my back up about it was when I was told to go back to where I came from, and that I shouldn't be proud of my culture in the same way indigenous folk are.  My friend and I came up with a saying in school that we would just roll off right back, and that was to say that we were wogs and we are not shy, we would rather eat souvlaki than a bloody meat pie (I did like a pie, but thats besides the point).  I reserve that human right as they should and largely I brought that up for an example of the mentality of the Australia I grew up in and what was "acceptable" of that time, was very different to the one we live in today.

We arrived at Melbourne airport from Hawaii on monday, and as we were arriving at our gate, the pilot announced to everyone that we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we <gather/meet> today, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today and to thanks us for flying with Jetstar.  This happens frequently in meetings, sporting events and like today.  There is proper social change occurring in our nation regarding this issue and that will continue as far as I can tell.

When it comes to Hancock, its not about being a faux champion or tax incentives etc (you will notice I brought that up earlier as to why they do this stuff to begin with, because there is an incentive to).  The tell is what and whom they are willing to sponsor in the name of that tax deduction.  Scholarships for indigenous people on the link I quoted and sponsoring NAIDOC week isn't just about a tax dodge.  She could have sponsored any organization on the planet and obtained the same tax dodge.  I've deliberately avoided commenting on the work in the PILBARA region as that is linked to her work, and ergo is more about good will and buying her company into mining resources in those areas because that is likely less genuine, but that doesnt diminish that she is actually willing to champion the efforts of Indigenous people and not just sponsor the Swan Districts under 18's for the same net result.

Thing is, she doesn't have to sponsor NAIDOC, and rather than pass judgement on her mentality (I personally think she is more $$ driven than anything else) but am simply pointing out that actions speak louder than words and anything she states will be perceived hollow and apologist rubbish anyway because people are cut from the same cloth as their parents or some other such nonsense.

Hancock seniors views were common place at the time of speaking.  That doesn't make them right but if people cant recognise she would be on a hiding to nothing and putting oxygen back into that discussion and will only server to dig them up and expose them to the world (AGAIN) and fuel additional outrage IMHO. 

[ElwoodBlues1]

Offering Australians $2 an hour and threatening to bring in foreign workers is insulting...
Gina doesn't have to apologise for her father but stating her position and the companies position on those Lang Hancock comments and how they affect today given Ms Wallans concerns is a given imho.
People would have moved on by now if she had some common sense rather than taking up defensive positions.
The Hancock website is full of cherry picked articles supporting her position and it's such a small pitiful amount of money in the scheme of things and a bruised ego that has led to this position.
Be the bigger person Gina and give them the sponsorship in full and you will get the respect you want....