Last night Australian television channels were taken over for two minutes so 13-year-old Madeleine Madden could deliver a powerful message on behalf of GenerationOne – an initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. The frank and candid presentation, introduced as “An address to the nation on the future of Indigenous Australians”, ran on Seven, Nine, Ten, ABC, SBS and Foxtel amounting to an estimated $4.1 million worth of donated air time.
Madeleine, the granddaughter of indigenous activist Charlie Perkins, called for Indigenous Australians to be offered better job opportunities.
“With a job, a real job, you can look after yourself, your family and help your community. I’ve seen the difference this has made in my own family because my Grandfather worked his whole life to give his kids what he never had”, she said in the address. “If a huge effort is made, the gap between my people and other Australians can be closed in one generation.”
That hugely ambitious goal may not realistically be achievable in the next twenty years, however the main sentiment and primary purpose of the message was to raise public awareness for the disparity between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. In terms of government funding indigenous Australians currently receive a large percentage; the vital thing missing from lessening the divide is awareness within the community and the public’s attitude towards indigenous Australians.
Madeleine made it clear that her presentation was not about funding or hand outs, it was devoid of judgment and political motivation, and didn’t pass blame.
Did you watch the address?
