The crisis of masculinity in Aboriginal cultures is an issue that receives too little attention.

What is interesting is how things like NORFORCE - the Ranger-esque unit of mainly Aboriginal men in the northern states - can be a symbol of co-operation, social involvement, and give hope and a thing to which to aspire for Aboriginal men. One cannot understate the effect of a job - breaking welfare dependency - what's more, a job in which regular drug-testing is involved. The defence force should be at the forefront of empowering Aborigines to get involved in the affairs of their nation.

Yet, jobs for Aborigines will not solve the domestic violence problem. It is cultural too. Unless people stop pussy-footing around the issue in the name of cultural sensativity and stop blaming it on socio-economic circumstances which they seem unwilling to change, then there will be no hope of progress. Enforcing individual responsability, enforcing standard Australian punishments combined with proper rehabilitation run by community elders, and finding some way of empowering women to report it are necessary.

Mr Hagan, it is indeed a worthy thing to wish for this Christmas.

Stephen, good on you.

Wishing a Merry (violence free) Christmas and a Happy (safe) New Year to all.