Indigenous MP Labels Letter To Social Housing Residents As Racist

    Linda Burney says letter makes "disappointing assumptions" about Aboriginal people.

    Allan Clarke
    by Allan Clarke

    BuzzFeed News Reporter, Australia

    Linda Burney, the deputy opposition leader in NSW, says that a letter sent to social housing residents in regional NSW unfairly stereotypes Aboriginal people.

    Dean Lewins / AAPIMAGE

    Burney posted the comments on her Facebook page saying, "it makes some very disappointing assumptions about the Aboriginal community."

    The letter was written by the Housing office of the Department of Families and Community Services (FACS) and was sent to social housing residents ahead of the annual Koori Knockout, a large rugby league carnival being held in Dubbo in central NSW.

    "FACS is well aware there are a number of activities scheduled to take place in Dubbo," the letter reads.

    "One of these activities is the NSW Annual Aboriginal Football Knockout to be held in Dubbo over the long weekend.

    "Please be assured that FACS is very supportive of all activities, in particular the football event. However, we are aware that the football, in particular, brings high numbers of visitors into Dubbo to celebrate this event with friends and family and many stay in social housing properties."

    "Having visitors is enjoyable, however sometimes it may bring stress particularly if you are unsure of how to manage situations that get out of hand."

    On her Facebook page Burney says, "I'd like to know whether these sorts of letters are being sent out in anticipation of events like the Tamworth Country Music Festival or the Young Cherry Festival, if they aren't I think that is pretty telling."

    The letter has sparked anger amongst Aboriginal residents in Dubbo.

    Iris Blackhall, a social housing resident in Dubbo told ABC News that, "I have never received a letter informing me on how to behave." "It's only when we're having this Aboriginal Football Knockout that we're told we have to take care and behave ourselves. It was very racially discriminating. I'm 60 years old and I don't go out of my way to make problems for anybody," Blackhall said. FACS has since admitted that the letter was poorly worded and said the letter was a way of offering support to residents. The Koori Knockout is expected to bring in more than $6 million to the local economy.

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    Iris Blackhall, a social housing resident in Dubbo told ABC News that, "I have never received a letter informing me on how to behave."

    "It's only when we're having this Aboriginal Football Knockout that we're told we have to take care and behave ourselves. It was very racially discriminating. I'm 60 years old and I don't go out of my way to make problems for anybody," Blackhall said.

    FACS has since admitted that the letter was poorly worded and said the letter was a way of offering support to residents.

    The Koori Knockout is expected to bring in more than $6 million to the local economy.

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