I am persuaded that left idealism, to which I normally subscribe, has not arrived at practical solutions, and so acknowledge the kinds of criticisms made here. The experience of people like Bob Durnam, who spend their lives on the front line, so to speak, cannot be dismissed.

I am however deeply troubled by any policies that require governments to remove human rights legislation.

Most of all, I am not at all clear about the long term philosophy or plan of the NTER. Does it envisage a future for Indigenous communities in their traditional lands? If so, what would it be like?

Here's a solution: scale back benefits paid to people on the basis of how far away they choose to live from sustainable public services. If you want to live 500k from a doctor, fine: but the cost of sending you to a doctor or the doctor to you comes out of your benefit.

Thank you, Bob, for a brilliant summary of the current state of play. No doubt vainly, I hope that the Jumbunna House of Tweets and other elitist cliques might take some of what you say seriously, and try to confront the real issues that are destroying Aboriginal people, issues which they have ignored up until now. And, I suspect, will continue to do so.

Joe

A very heart-wrenching article that should be tabled in Parliament.
Surely in today's Australia we can do better than what's currently on over for the Aboriginal people? How much longer will this chaos continue with such sad results for the children?

The time has long gone for a new re-thinking of these problems.
Something needs to be done - sooner than later.

Very much to the point of it all. Is anyone in authority getting to read this & will they understand ?

Bob,

OMG!! Someone writing about remote Australia who actually understands it! Is that allowed?

Be careful. You might be captured by the Aboriginal Industry and forced to undergo 're-education' in a well paid job at an urban university.

After many years living in the city, you'll finally understand remote Australia and be ready to supply the answers. You'll be able to fly in to remote communities for one day visits each year and tell them about their rights. Rights are manna from heaven. They never end and will ensure you enjoy your $100,000pa job and 17% supper contributions until retirement.

Even when their society goes from complete free fall to just plain ugly, all your friends will pat you on the back and think you are one of the 'good' people. You'll retire sure in the knowledge of your moral superiority.

At least remote Aboriginals won't need to worry about retirement.