I am writing on behalf of the Diamond Valley Oxfam group to thank for speaking with the group earlier this month.  We recognise that it was an especially busy week for you.

The group, in the discussion after you left, supported Labor's proposed approach to working with Aboriginal communities. The proposed approach is consistent with the World Health Organisation's commitment to addressing the social determinants of health - and responds to inequality in housing, employment and access to health services. We also endorse the proposal that resources be allocated to supporting early childhood programs, as good health and social support in the early years provide a solid foundation for future years.

Oxfam's approach in the developing world is to work with communities to build their capacity, skills and knowledge, in response to needs that the communities themselves have identified. It is our view that this bottom up approach that works with and respects indigenous communities and their right to self determination, is the approach most likely to bring long term gain.

We acknowledge the severity of the issues being experienced within remote aboriginal communities and the urgency of responding to these issues and believe that bold initiatives are required. However, we are concerned that the Liberal party's paternalistic approach to dealing with the current crisis may in the long term further damage the health of the aboriginal community.

Even though it occurred after our meeting, I feel confident in saying that the "bold initiatives" we had in mind were not the one announced by the Prime Minister the following week.  As surprising as that announcement was, even more surprising was the quick endorsement of the program by Kevin Rudd and yourself.  We support decisive action to address this and many other issues faced by the indigenous community, but to act in such a non-consultative and heavy-handed manner seems very short sighted.  A more considered and critical response would, I believe, put you in a much stronger position, if the ALP wins the next election.  Such a response would have assisted the development of credibility amongst the general voting public, but more importantly, with large sections of the indigenous community and allow the implementation of important initiatives when in Government.

Yours faithfully
Stephen Lavender
Oxfam Diamond Valley Group

Help create the world's longest banner for Make Poverty History. This youth-driven project is aiming to achieve a Guinness World Record by creating the world's biggest banner for Make Poverty History, to be showcased in Sydney during September when world leaders meet for the APEC forum.

People from all over the world will send their poverty-themed banners  to Melbourne, Australia, to be joined together.

Heather Smith has been busy designing a Banner for the Diamond Valley group and will be bringing it to the next meeting for members to sign. The banner reads: