Media release
28 June 2016
Greens Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, and Greens MP David Shoebridge today attended the launch of the Bundjalung Ballina Grandmothers Against Removals.
With one in ten Aboriginal children in out of home care, Grandmothers Against Removals are committed to implementing a set of guiding principles that empowers Aboriginal communities to make decisions over the welfare of children.
Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP helped sponsor the launch and congratulated the Bundjalung Grandmothers against Removal for their incredible advocacy. Ms Smith said:
"An ongoing legacy of colonisation is the prevalence of placing Aboriginal children in out of home care away from community.
"These are the elders speaking out and they know what is best for their community when it comes to solving difficult issues. I stand with them wholeheartedly in this endeavour.” Ms Smith said.
Greens NSW MP and Aboriginal Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
“Despite the landmark Bringing Them Home report, and despite Parliament’s apology to the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal children are still being removed from their families at tragic rates.
“Grandmothers Against Removals are part of a crucial grassroots movement demanding the return of their children and an end to another stolen generation.
“We have seen the strength of the Grandmothers in Gunnedah reaching an agreement with FACs, and will stand with the Bundjalung Ballina Grandmothers Against Removals who want to make a difference in how their kids are cared for in community.
“It’s time we all joined with them and demanded support for their families and lasting solutions that strengthen communities, not forced removals.” Mr Shoebridge said.