26 February 1999
Bush Talks: Report by the Human Rights Commissioner
Federal Human Rights Commissioner Chris Sidoti has warned that much of rural Australia is in the grip of the "dying town syndrome".
"Health care is often non-existent, jobs are disappearing, educational services are often inaccessible, essential services are closing down and young people feel they have no future in many country towns", he says.
"After twelve months of travelling around the country, I am distressed by the growing gap between city and country", he says after releasing the Bush Talks report today.
The report details the major issues raised during the first half of this consultation program with rural communities in every state and territory around the country. Bush Talks is the most extensive examination of rural issues ever undertaken by the Human Rights Commission.
"Human rights extend to all Australians, not just to those living in the more affluent urban areas", Mr Sidoti said. "There is no justification for the rights of people in the bush to be overlooked because of where they live."
The report highlights a number of positive initiatives taken by communities including the Yeoval Community Hospital Co-operative in NSW, formed after the closure of the District Hospital to provide a range of health services at the one site. In Cockburn SA, Bush Talks was told the local Progress Association took over the post office when Australia Post pulled out and now delivers all mail. In country Victoria new alliances between local communities and the Bendigo Bank are maintaining and extending banking services.
The Commission's responses to these issues are detailed in the report and include
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a national inquiry into rural and remote school education
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a rural health project to identify and promote innovative community initiatives to respond to country health needs
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a follow-up report on the supply of water to Indigenous communities.
For further information and interview requests contact Erin Broderick on 02 9284 9880 or 0419 258 597; James Iliffe on 02 9284 9618 or 015 672 630.
Last updated 2 December 2001.
