A new vision for Australia

By Sam Watson, leading Indigenous activist and Socialist Alliance Senate candidate for Queensland

As Australia’s most important federal election in decades approaches we urgently need a new vision for this country’s future.

Traditional politics—Coalition and Labor—is more and more hostile and irrelevant to that future.

What hope can a government that has engaged in criminal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and attacks on Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory offer us?

What hope is in there in a Labor “opposition” that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with John Howard in his latest racist attack, supports anti-terrorism legislation that destroys civil liberties, and retreats from its promises to tear up Howard’s hated anti-worker and anti-union laws?

It’s time to put the shameful and disgusting politics of the major parties into the rubbish bin.

It’s time to enshrine the values of the just, democratic and sustainable society we need in a Bill of Rights—something Australia’s ruling elites have never felt its people could be trusted with.

At the core of such a Bill should be reconciliation with and justice for Indigenous Australia.

Most of all, it’s time to build a political alternative that rejects the economic rationalist agenda of dog-eat-dog “competitiveness”, which threatens our planet with a permanent tragedy of war and environmental disaster.

The alternative we need must put people and our planet before the profits of the giant corporations. It must enshrine the principles of democracy, solidarity and cooperation. It must learn from Indigenous tradition and respect and live in balance with the natural world.

As a Socialist Alliance candidate in the 2007 federal election I am standing [along with other Socialist Alliance candidates]to advance these values and the concrete policies that can promote them.

If you agree with our approach, express your support by signing on below. By working together we will build the future we all need!

For interviews, phone Sam Watson 0401 227 443. For more information, phone Paul Benedek, campaign co-ordinator 0410 629 088.

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There are 68 comments on this article

By Thomas Kubicki

I am so happy that we still have someone that will stand up for the poor. Good luck Sam you have got my vote.

By Mark Smith

Hi

My name is Mark Smith. I am a student at Sydney universtiy and feel that the current thoughts you have about the political situation aren't grasped by the people of Australia.
Its one thing to say something needs to be done and another to actually do it. What i suggest is to work with the current government to bring about change. I myself don't agree wit the current government but working to change the situation and offering valuable insight would make a huge difference.
Firstly, I have not seen any suggested moddle set out by the socialist alliance. When you bring down the goverment what are you going to do next? Lets put together a new moddle of government and put it forward to the Australian public. Working with government to correct past injustices will last longer then bringing down the government.
I feel that the SA is out of touch with the majority of Australians and feel its time to get back in touch.

By John Tracey

What are the indigenous policies that S.A. are taking to the election?

Sam's statement is a fine statement of principle, but where are the details, the "concrete policies" he talks about?

The only specific seems to be a call for a bill of rights, hardly a comprehensive response to Aboriginal oppression.

I have been looking around your site for policy and there is very little except the charter of indigenous rights which, amongst other things, calls for a repeal of the Native Title Act and abolishing CDEP - both of which are policies of Mal Brough! Are you taking these policies into the debate about the NT intervention?

Have I missed your policy? If so please provide a link to it, or is it just Sam's statement and your 2004 charter?

By Sarah Loreband

I fully support Sam Watson's ideas. I would feel happy if someone with his ideas & values could represent our country.

By S. Macken

Sounds great!

By Wade Sonntag

Keep your stand against what you believe is right but try not to burn bridges.

By Cristobal Zelaya

Our comrade, Sam Watson is a competent leader and he would be a good senator for Qld. He is a political visionary, for indigenous and all Queenslanders.

By Robyne Stone

We must all stand together so what happened to so many of us stolen generation never happens again. United we stand, divided we fall.

By Lorraine McKenzie

Good stuff, keep going.

By N. Williams

Great philosophy! We need to use & embrace our "collective community".

By Terry Sullavan

What are we leaving our children?

By R. Neehouse

Enough animal "government" behaviour, ultra-capitalist toxic activities. Let's try civilisation soon for liveable societies!

By Anne Lanham

I fully support a bill of rights enshrining justice for indigenous Australians.

By Robert Avaient

Sam you have my support- take it up to Howard and Rudd, never surrender-go get them. You can speak for me.

By Marilyn Kavanaugh

I agree especially that the basis of our problems is "dog eat dog" economic rationalism. Indigenous people led the way in their way of life.

By Holly Reif

Sam Watson is an inspirational voice for all Australians, black or white. Let him talk.

By Agnieska Niemira

Yes, I support Sam Watson's stand on the need to put our planet & it's people before the profits & competitiveness.

By R. Halligan

People before profit, humanity before inhumanity.

By Rafael Pacheco

The people of Australia deserve better leadership than Howard-Costello. I support Sam Watson.

By Ovidio Orellana

Well said Sam, this is the kind of demonstration we need to defeat this system which is getting Australia in the very bad situation we are in now.

By Thomas Kubicki

I am so happy that we still have someone that will stand up for the poor. Good luck Sam you have got my vote.

By Kellie Gee

Well done Sam! Thank you for being a visible leader. I live to see a Treaty written by Indigenous Australia, enshrined in both 'black' & 'white' law. I want to see Australia become it's own Sovereign continent, finally healed of the pain from it's colonial past. Let's all protect and love this sacred land, and encourage one another on this intense journey of change, to be the best we can be individually & collectively. This will allow Australia to be the best lifeboat of the world that it is...

By Kamala Emanuel

I support this vision for our future. If we don't find a way to put the planet before profits, we won't have a liveable planet, and all our hopes and dreams, all that makes humanity beautiful, will be threatened with destruction by an unthinkable climate catastrophe. We have a world to win!

By John Riddell, Co-Editor, Socialist Voice (Canada)

Although I live far from Australia, I would like to congratulate Sam Watson and Socialist Alliance for their vision statement, whose central concepts apply here in Canada as much as in Australia.

Truly, we must put people and our planet before corporate profits and realize the principles of democracy, solidarity and cooperation. Let us fight onward together in this spirit.

By Annolies Truman

Sam's vision articulates what we in Socialist Alliance are striving for. Together we can achieve it!

By F. Waddington

We must have an indigenous voice in the Senate.

By Tsuiara Oreblanca

This is the vision we need for Australia.

By Rohan Gaiswinkler

Economic competition breeds environmental destruction, war and terror. We must find ways to develop a cooperative global economy, if we are to survive as a species. I believe that supporting the Socialist Alliance is a step in this direction.

By Alex Miller

Sam Watson would be an eloquent and inspirational voice in the Senate for the people who need it most.

By Margarita Windisch

Sam Watson's courage and determination is an inspiration to many of us who are out there trying to build an alternative by the people for the people. Sam's vision is the only thing that will save the planet and make the world a place truly worthwhile living in for all. keep up the fight -we are there with you!

By M. Bell

I believe the racist government is fearful of indigenous people in Australia. The former's ancestors remember using indigenous labour as drovers, stockmen, domestic workers & wet nurses. They realised how smart, canny indigenous people are and with a sixth sense, but more spiritual involvement than most Europeans. Europeans have a fear that indigenous know-how will reclaim the land. Not so. We are not a vengeful race. Witness a brother across the sea. Like Nelson Mandela said: "We are a forgiving people".

By Monica Long

Here! Here!

By Garry R Walters

Australia = all aboriginaland, always was, always will be, always is!

By C. Ljubic

One, two for you guys and The Greens. Australians need to be taught how to use the preference system to their advantage (i.e. vote minority parties before major ones). Good luck!

By Dean Holland

I support Sam Watson's view for Australia, and his Bill of Rights. The Howard Government will destroy this and any hope for a natural balance.

By Paul Burns

Keep it up, Sam. You are an inspiration to us all.

By Kathryn Devine

Sounds fine to me, Sam!

By Peter Boyle

It's time for real change. John Howard and Kevin Rudd are looking more alike every day and shamefully they stand shoulder-to-shoulder in support of the attacks on Aboriginal communities, on the unemployed, people on disability pensions, the environment and even workplace rights. Rudd has given new meaning to the phrase "rip up". We need a new vision urgently and we need a new party of the oppressed to make that vision real. All power to your vision, Sam. Vote 1 Socialist Alliance, but don't stop there, join up!

By Susan Price

Australia needs a new vision - one which is Socialist - for People and the Planet - not the profits of a few. We need Socialist solutions to the market-created social crises and environmental destruction.

PS: If you'd like to download more of Socialist Alliance's policies and charters, go to:
http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=190

By Simon Ashworth Wood

Yes, I support Sam Watson and the Socialist Alliance. :)

By Pam Currie, National Secretary, Scottish Socialist Party

Justice for Aboriginal people! Good luck with the campaign.

By Pip Hinman

We do - urgently - need such a vision for a democratic and socialist Australia. But we also need more Sam Watsons - ordinary people who are prepared to have a go at turning that vision into reality. We've had some wins - the massive and peaceful Stop Bush protest during APEC - being the latest, and we need more. People power is invincible, and it's what Socialist Alliance stands for. Join us!

By vic savoulian

Strongly support Bro. Sam Watson's new vision particularly the following; 'It's time to put the shameful and disgusting politics of the major parties into the rubbish bin." Indeed, into the rubbish bin so that they slide into the oblivion.
We all have a struggle crystalised against the imperialist reactionary regime of Canberra(ACT) with its vassalage.

Once again I support and agree with Bro. Sam Watson's approach which is the essence of the goal of Social Progress.
Thanking Bro Sam Watson

By Dave Riley

Sam stands for much more than electioneering. He stands for the politics of struggle and for the need to organize and unite to fight back every day -- not just on polling day.

I'm proud to be a supporter of his election team.

By Terry Townsend

On behalf of all the members and supporters of the Socialist Alliance in the Blue Mountains, I want to endorse Comrade Sam's vision. Sam asks: ``What hope is in there in a Labor “opposition” that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with John Howard in his latest racist attack, supports anti-terrorism legislation that destroys civil liberties, and retreats from its promises to tear up Howard’s hated anti-worker and anti-union laws?'' Of course, the answer is very little. Which is why all who agree with Sam need to join the Socialist Alliance and build the much-needed left alternative.

By Brianna Pike, Resistance + Socialist Alliance member, Sydney

I agree with Sam Watson; we need a new vision for Australia. I believe that the Socialist Alliance's vision for the future is one where everyone can live with dignity and respect, a vision that puts people are put before profits. The Socialist Alliance should be commended for its hope and ambition.

By Sibylle Kaczorek

As a union delegate working in community services I work with people who are suffering from an unjust and undemocratic political and economic system on a daily basis. Further I know first hand how workers in community services are working under poor conditions and wages but driven by a sense of social justice. There is no alternative but to implement Sam's vision and to build a new society.

By Paul Benedek

With our planet's existence threatened, with an unending war of terror, with attacks on basic democratic and workers rights....this New Vision is not only impressive, it is absolutely necessary. We need every person who - in whatever way possible - can help fight for a vision of a sustainable, just Australia and world.

By Annabelle

I support the visions of Sam Watson and the agenda for reconciliation and acknowledgement of the wrongs done to the traditional owners of the land we all enjoy today. I will further encourage a close dialogue with women's issues that continue to be placed at the bottom of most agendas. A socialist view that incorporates the inequalities in this society where disadvantaged is seen at all levels of the society we live in. However, women's issues and the tremendous contribution of women including indigeneous women in Australia must be recognised and harnessed in any plan for visioning the future of this country.

By Graciela Nogues

The principles of democracy, solidarity and cooperation are principles embraced by people that choose to live with dignity and care about our planet. As a latinoamerican, australian, community worker, union delegate, mother and woman, I support the values and principles Sam talks about. I strongly believe that a "A better world is possiible" I welcome Sam for contributing a step forward in order to balance the greedness of corporations and the short vision of politicians.

By David Murray

Heartily agree, couldn't agree more. Sam will make a great Senator. We definitely need as Bill of Rights and talented visionaries like Sam to put it into action.

By Jane Beckmann

It is inspiring to see an indigenous person with strong, left wing ideas leading all of us in Australia to a way forward. It is an honor to be able to support the campaign. It gives us all hope that Sam is leading us to a future where all of us who are struggling under the current capitalist system can work together to change it to something that gives us all a fair go.

By peter McGregor

Yes, goodonya Sam !

By Adela Brent

I support Sam Watson's ideas. It is obvious that the capitalist system is not working for the poor and indigenous people. We need to make changes. As a woman this system does not meet my needs.

By samanthaner@optusnet.com.au

The socialist alliance is the only way to vote if you have an empathic soul, a social conscious and believe in the equitable redistribution of resources and systemic advocacy. Prioritise social justice over money and greed! We need to challange oppressive power structures. Whats wrong with striving for a eutopian society? Dream big!

By John Gauci

This is a vision I support. We need genuine democracy, not this token system we have at present. Good on you Sam
John Gauci
Trade Unionist

By Jason Shields

I would just like to say that I believe that Sam has hit the right target when saying we must put people before the big corporations. I am a Uni student working at a service station in an area affected by the inequality in this nation. All day I hear about how hard people are finding it just to pay their rent. I feel ashamed to admit that I work for one of these big corporations but at the end of the day I need to eat. I call on all university students to take to the pavements of their universities and inform people of what the SA is trying to achieve in this country. Many students are being exploited by big corporations. We need to spread the message that we must put people's rights and the future of the planet ahead of making more profit for the big corporations. As Rosa Luxembourg once said "Those who do not move, do not notice their chains"

By john coleman

replace the union jack with the aboriginal flag .it represents the sun the earth and the people not some moribound imperial throwback to the system that has brought us pollution war and land grabbing colionalism.congratulations sam on your statement for a way out of this capitalist nightmare

By Brooke

I definitely agree also. The tide has to turn on how we run this planet including showing better respect for all people, animals and plants.

By Taro Keefe

It takes courage to avert the future form the face of corruption in society. We need to focus on retrieving our natural strengths, and equalising a balance of power amongst living things.

By luke weyland

I agree absolutely with Sam

The needs of the people, both of today and into the future must always come first. Those of the most disadvantaged, such as the unemployed, disablied, the poor, indigeonous communities, and refugees should take priority over that of the rich and powerful within our society. Both Capital and Governments must be there to serve humanity and not humanity to serve big business

By mikki mills

Sam is the only person to stand-up for his people. Why don't others do the same? The political process of silencing the minority of this country needs to be addressed. This leads mainstream Australia to believe there are no problems, that the minority are of no concern and have no concerns. The media and the government repress and oppress the minority of this country, which makes it difficult to alert and engage mainstream Australia to their concerns.

By Liam

Hi I am from Perth and am 19yrs old, this will be my first chance to vote and I am curious as to whether or not I will be in a position to vote for Sam Watson or other Socialist candidates? Or will I be voting for a Perth based Socialist candidate. I’m sorry if that seems like a stupid question but I really want to make my vote count.
Please email me an answer to revolver_ocilot88@hotmail.com or the names of some Perth based candidates if applicable, or just post it here, Thanks.

By SAM BULLOCK

SOPRTING THE SOCALLIAST ALLINCES CANPEIAN FOR EQULLTEY AND JUSTICES FOR INDJOUNCES AGENIST INTUNILASD RACESIOAM AND OPRESSHIOAN THE SA INTRGTEARY NOT SELLING OUT IN FIGHT AGENISD RACESIOM IN ENEAY FORM ANTE WAR SORTING REFUGGEAS SODALIREY WITH LATEAN AMRICER AND MDIEAL EAST IN GOLBEAL FIGHT AGENIST AMRICEAN INPRLLIOAM

By Sara Moss

Sam has my full support. A Bill of Rights is a good step forward to a better society.

By Bea Bleile

I have great respect and admiration for you, Sam, I and share your vision. I joined the Socialist Alliance in order to work towards a society built on democracy, solidarity and cooperation. It won't be easy and there won't be quick solutions to the many problems we are facing. We all need to take responsibility and contribute. I'm definitely with you!

By leslie richmond

Reply to John Tracey

If you look at the Indigenous Rights Charter, SA actually calls for the improvement of CDEP by extending it to cover work that was slid over to work for the dole schemes and insisting all work is fully paid work carred out under an award system.

The call to scrap the Native Title Act is because in its current form it is actually legislation cooked up by Coalition and Labor governments to limit the rights of Indigenous people and defend the interests of mining companies and the huge pastoral companies. It is racist legislation designed to continue protecting capitalist interests.

The full text is <a href="http://www.socialist-alliance.org/page.php?page=207">here</a>

By John Tracey

Thanks Leslie,

I agree with what you say about native title, but what would you replace it with? How would land rights come about? Have you a policy for land rights? Its not in the charter.