Hmmm. Ok so Brough was not necessarily the best choice for this portfolio- let's get Abbott or Nelson in. Then the 'wise' indigenous elders really would have a head kicker to deal with and something to complain about! Home truths hurt especially when it is the 'white folk' pointing them out!

The fact is that Brough is correct in saying many indigenous communities are run by 'leaders' whom suck the community dry and put nothing back in. If the facts and figures are properly analysed you will find that per capita, the indigenous population in Australia is the most highly funded anywhere in world! This funding was squandered by ASIC for a decade and ASIC only has itself the blame- why charges or corruption have never been brought against ASICs leadership is beyond me.

I am the first to admit that what has happened to aboriginals in the past centuries is a blight on Australia's history and a tradgedy we should all accept responsibility for fixing. However it seems to me attempts at righting past wrongs are constantly thwarted by the indigenous leadership who are intent on perpetuating the victim mentality- or perhaps these leaders benefit so greatly from government funding that they are loath to give it up! For example it seems that everytime the government tries to create a dry community the aboriginal leadership cries foul- in this regard its remarkable how many community pubs are owned by the these 'leaders'.

The doctrine of 'mutual responsibilty' is the best step forward Australia has taken in relation to indigenous affairs. Lets focus on the 'mutual' part shall we

Marilyn Shepherd,

Since you arrived on this forum, just about everyone has been a victim of your vicious tongue - even people who have shown some sympathy for your views. Vile mouths, warmongers, Nazis, old goats, liars, and on and on. While most of us can accept that there will always be differences of opinion, and we don't have to hate people with whom we disagree, you are a very different kettle of fish. We can all be caustic, at times, but you are beyond the pale.

I believe that, just this once, Graham should allow me to call you a total nutter. If I am granted this privilege, I give my word to never ever respond to you again, you foolish woman.

Let's see.

Marilyn,
I'm sorry we disagree on this one, I actually think Leigh is fit to lick her feet.

is there any discussion thread on olo left where far left and far right extremists dont control the boards and where posts arent dominated by primary school slanging matches.

its a disgrace

Anyone who places any trust in the ABC"s Lateline either has a distinct leaning to the left or still believes in the tooth fairy.

mickyjo,
A third option here old boy, a hankering for THE TRUTH, which is censored on the commercial channels.