Senator Joyce said today it was important to support Mr Larry James, from the Queensland Teachers’ Union, to maintain the funding for Croc Fest.

“As I have stated in previous media releases, this cultural event for remote indigenous communities has a very positive outcome on the self-esteem, participation of students in school and interrelationship with various items on the school curriculum. It also provides an excellent venue for the monitoring and assessment of key health issues, such as eye disease. It takes place in a drug and alcohol free, thus safe environment, so naturally enough I find it a very positive event.

“I find there is quiet a paradox when we have a ‘sorry ceremony’ and at the same point in time we are withdrawing funding from this program.

“Last Friday the Prime Minister and Minister Macklin travelled to Walgett to talk to the indigenous kids about education, which appears quiet evidently at odds as the policy direction that is apparent when you cut the funding to Croc Fest. The attributes of this cultural festival might not be to the taste of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, but the efficacy of what the festival delivers is substantial and essential to the educational and health issues of remote indigenous communities.

“I am disappointed that Mr Rudd’s Government, in its centralistic control, has tried to muffle the calls of concern that have been coming from such areas as the Queensland Teacher’s Union. Australia relies on an open and accountable Government to bring the best decisions for its people, not this current process of Government which handcuffs voices of descent.

“A logical step forward for the Prime Minister would be to review his decision on this issue. I support Mr James and other such notable Australians, such as Evonne Goolagong Cawley, in a call to reengage the funding for Croc Fest.