Aka,
Finally a sensible comment, great to read. Regarding your question to Leigh re being God like, I think Leigh believes he is GOD, and he has a few mates.

Mick;
What proof do you have sexual and physical abuse is the norm in such communities? A shameless tv playup of worse-case scenarios is not necessarily reflective of the facts; nor was there any balance of the reality in 'white' Australia. One must not forget the log in their own eye when pointing fingers, Mick; the reality is that domestic sexual abuse ranks highly in white Australia. Its hushed up of course; its a shameful thing for supposedly civilised people to have at the heart of their culture/communities.

Domestic violence and sexual abuse are things which need to be tackled across Australia, not simply in indigenous communities. Its used by the govt as a raft to propel further damaging legislation; Australia's new policy making is based on publicising a 'failed' status (in Aboriginal communities, in ET, and the Solomons) so they can move in and do things 'their' way. That so many of the public fall willingly for such nonsense perhaps confirms underlying preconceptions and prejudice which was only waiting for an excuse to come out into the light.

The chance for income within ABoriginal communities may be slim, but you should look into govt's unwillingness to strengthen the laws concerning Aboriginal ownership of their artwork. One major source of income is Aboriginal art; this is being taken away from communities, to offshore and interstate locations where such work is forged and sold on for ridiculous profit.

The Govt had the chance to strengthen legislation regarding these things, but chose not to, on the grounds it was 'too difficult to monitor'.

Would they have decided, do you think, on +any other issue of policing+, that it was 'too hard'? In my experience it comes down to
a) The importance of sustained ABoriginal communities to the government (none it seems - despite their obligations under the UN convention for indigenous peoples) and
b) The lucrativity of securing the land Aboriginal communities are on, and those operated currently by tribal owners.

Aka,

The fact that your feel better by calling me a cretin rather than combating my arguments with yours makes you a very sad person.

Shonga,

Small wonder you suffer from depression. Hate is very conducive to the condition. You will neve rid yourself of the black dog the way you are going, and you are not hurting me in any way at all - just yourself.

Honestly this reader is up to the neck with uttter disgust just reading or hearing him speak about the Aboriginal people,his talk and utterances are so empty,and above all it has no meaning,John Howard as he is known to me is a racist,and therefore a racist,even as Prime Minister,still remains just that

Aka says:
"You demonstrate a limited knowledge base"
to Leigh. If Leigh is looking for reasoned debate, then Aka is right; he must read up on his history.

Self determination is enshrined in International Law, and is working for other indigenous nations; Bolivia is a good example. That Australia's govt chooses to ignore it shows institutional racism, not wisdom.

Some Aborigines live in urban areas and work, but don't necessarily exercise 'self-determination'. You must understand the definition:
'a people ought to be able to determine their own governmental forms and structure free from outside influence'.

The fact you have not followed this up suggests aka is right in his/her assumption that you demonstrate a limited knowledge base.

"I do not blame the aborigines for trying to live in the Stone Age but with the benefits of civilization"; you will also note that Aboriginal communities are neither living in the stone age or with the benefits of civilization. The reason why the UN convention was formed is that it was recognised that usurper nations (like Oz) were responsible for destroying infrastructure/cultural advantages that existed naturally, and the right to self determination. They sought to redress these issues, and balance up things a little.

It was recognised that nations like Oz cannot have their cake and eat it, which is apparently what they want. Either you treat them like full citizens (in which case Aboriginal communities wouldn't be suffering from third world disease and poverty), or you give them self determination. As it is, the govt wants a little of each; solutions to the crises of health and poverty they place in the realm of responsibility of the communities themselves, self determination they deny of those same communities.

derek

The indigenous tribes came here approximately 60 thousand years ago like many tribes that wandered through the world looking for a place to live. They largely lived as nomads and lived in harmony and pride on their land. They stole women and children from other tribes and also went to war with other tribes. Sounds the same for every base culture of the world.

The world grew smaller and Britain which had been integrated with other countries and cultures for thousands of years found this land and a great new world opened up and brought this way of decay to a country that had been isolated for nearly 60 thousand years, and gave them a little over 200 years to catch up.What a great country to start destroying and using convicts to do so. They sent men, women and children over for pathetic reasons and raped and whored the women and children for their own sport. They used them as free labour until they realised that the prison sentences were running out and the population of Australia was being made up by exconvicts and indigenous people. Add to this that both the convict women and indigenous women were having children, the only difference was that ex convict men were granted land and freedom, women of both cultures could only earn money in servicing men or servicing a house. Now to the present and considering the government grants, lease holdings from major oil and coal companies and I am waiting for us to lease the water rights from the Kimberelys. That equals major wealth for a small country, yet, where is the money going? Not to the lands tribes, not to the housing, health, mental welfare, child protection, education, assimulation to learn to live together, alcohol prevention and where has the pride gone? Seems ASIC who have full control of the financial resources of all incoming and outgoing expenditures need to be taught basic finance and loyalty and pride for their fellow human beings.