Brewer condemned for 'handouts' claim
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — Powers Brewery head Bernie Power has run into a storm of criticism for his claim that welfare "handouts" to Aborigines were the cause of alcohol abuse.
On April 19, Power attacked the "billion dollar Aboriginal welfare system", which he claimed was misdirected.
"If you're working each day you haven't really got time to spend too much time at the local pub", Power said. He claimed state government ministers whom he would not name supported his views.
Power was responding to criticism by the Cairns-based Tharpuntoo Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation, which has accused his company of encouraging binge drinking in far north Aboriginal communities by sending Power Brewing-sponsored Brisbane Broncos rugby league players on sales tours.
Tharpuntoo administrator Bronwyn Villaflor said Power was an ignorant and arrogant man who was perpetrating racism.
She said he was ill-informed because north Queensland Aborigines were the only Australians to work for the dole, under the Community Development program.
Aborigines have no greater social security rights than white Australians.
Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action coordinator Bob Weatherall called on any state ministers who support Power's views to resign.
"Mr Power should shut his mouth and do something for Aboriginal people rather than living off them", Weatherall said.