Firstly, get ones mind out of limiting this issue to 'sexual abuse' which has an automatic exclusion of women whom then claim 'victim' status...this is about creating an enviroment for childs security and well being which keeps the child in a state of 'happiness' in which all children thrive and become wonderful and capable adults...

In terms of numbers, psychological abuse overwhelms, and women predominate...and as bad or even worse than 'one-off' sexual abuse...each badly traumatized child should be properly investigated to find the true cause and consequences connected with it...this is the only way to end this destructive cycle that starts with children whom then become adults and propergate the same damage...(eg sexual abuse in churches...these children told their parents but were told to shut up...now that is even more traumatizing especially when force back to the priests)

Why more talk, consultations etc...what were these bodies and people doing all this time...each day more children are broken...a happy child is one that in energetic and expresses with spontaneous play and curiosity of their world...look at our world and how many children do we see quietly sitting in prams withdrawn...

I agree that immediate action is needed...police on the ground first then medical teams is a good start...the next is harder...a child cannot be removed from their own culture and people...so its going to be a carefully balanced act to prevent damage while ensuring the adults 'do right' to the children to bring them up as 'aboringinals'...at least for one generation...then these children as adults should take over their own destiny...at least the numbers are limited and they most live in the open so it makes the job easier...and we must ensure the destructive among us are not allowed to influence the outcome to the action we are taking...we owe them that...

Sam

Most people who live in the Northern territory know these problems have been going on for years and years. It is such a complex situation and I agree with the way John Howard is tackling it. Most people who live and work in the Northern Territory are saying, it's about time this happened.

Jocelynne, the fact that you are a human rights lawyer is strong evidence that you are also a hypocrite. Those who preach from the comfort of a cushy job and damn those who attempt to take positive, grass roots action to address a problem as just as culpable as the perpetrators of any crime.

The Federal government has (finally) taken decisive action on an issue that has been allowed to fester for too long, mainly because of the black armband view of history that has stopped less corageous people from taking a stand against what is a national disgrace. As Noel Pearson has stated (more elqoently than me), the road to a rebuilding of aboriginal self-respect, pride and lifestyle is to engage with so-called 'white' Australia, rather than disengage from it. While this solution may be a little heavy handed, it is necessary to try to curb practices that are completely out of control and abhorent to all members of society, irrespective of race.

I applaud the gov't for finally taking a stand and doing something. I think you will find that the majority of Australians will also stand behind the gov't on this matter.

A couple of reasons why the Government is doing something about it:

1. any Government would after reading that report (note Rudd's immediate agreement with the policy, albeit with reservations about the detail)

2. it's an election year, and Howard needs a wedge issue

3. Mal Brough is ambitious

4. the Government needed to seize on something (anything!) because people have stopped listening to them

Although many people seem to be supporting strong action in this area, I wouldn't feel confident that Howard's electoral chances will improve as a consequence of his late-in-the-day interest in Aboriginal affairs. I think that people are perfectly capable of recognising that both 1. something needed to be done and it doesn't matter who does it really, and 2. Howard's time is up.

Frankly I think it's great that Howard and Brough are setting the agenda for the Rudd Government. There are a lot of other issues the incoming government could and should tackle.

Noel Pearson seems to make a lot more sense than Jocelynes typical cynical Howard hating views. No one denies this situation is tragic and complex. Jocelyne attacks the Howard ignoring the fact that State Labour and Liberal parties have buried this issue for decades.

Mr Howards plan is no quick fix. As one who has worked with the indigneous people I can only applaud any efforts to protect the numerous children who are at risk.

People like Jocelyne who pull out the race card should be ashamed of her lack of concern for the ones most at risk. To simply equate it with abuse among the non indigneous community is deceitful at best. No one would want to protect child abusers no matter what their colour.

No doubt with ACT's pornography industry shareholders rubbing their hands together many will oppose Mr Howard's measures. Hopefully his ban on pornography will spread to the white community which in turn will save many white kids from abuse also.

I dont think it matters whether it is an election year or not, or who votes for who. The bottom line is something drastic needed to happen. It's all gone on for too long. John Howard has done something about it. People will scream if he does somthing and scream if he doesn't, either way he will be criticised.