I know we have seen all sorts of activists, and all the rest on here discussing this. But I have to see ONE of them suggest that the primary problem (not a symptom) on the majority of Aboriginal Communities, is the absolute disbelief in the "Rule of Law".

I will attempt to show that this disbelief, stemming as it does from years of abuse of the same by Police, Supervisors, etc. as well as the lack of opportunity for the vast majority of people growing up on communities, is the veritable "root of all evil".

Let me make a bold statement, 90% of all jobs, housing, preferential treatment, go to 10% of the inhabitants of most Aboriginal Communities. It is also astounding that, despite the high incidence of fraud, misappropriation and nepotism within this privileged 10%, they maintain their positions at the expense and to the detriment, of the remainder of the community. Why? Because these people are educated, literate, and willing to deal with both State & Federal Government Agencies.

So the average person growing up on these communities, sees that, coming as they do from one of the non-privileged families, there is little to no possibility of their receiving advancement regardless of what they do, or what grades they receive. Is there any wonder that there is a sense of hopelessness, apathy and abuse of drugs and alcohol? The lack of respect for the State is the cause, not the outcome of our approach to Aboriginal Communities. Unless we give the majority of inhabitants thereof some reason to respect and/or trust the State, we cannot expect anything to change.

Let me state too that my views on this state of affairs, come from many years of living in, around, or in the vicinity of Aboriginal Communities. I have witnessed this firsthand and feel horrified at the absolute lack of progress in the last two decades (since I became aware of the problem). Saying "sorry" without some realistic action on the ground, is about as useful as the proverbial "tits on a bull."

I agree with most of what you say Custard, as I too have worked in many town and country Aboriginal communities.
We know that the Aboriginal people who have had some formal education or have parents/carers who were formally educated, especially those from the 'stolen generation', are able to work the system to their advantage.

This leaves all those who were not well educated or who have uneducated parents/carers, with little hope of joining their educated counterparts in getting what they can from life.

What do you think can be done to change this now though Custard?

I believe that if we start ensuring Aboriginal kids of today are sent to boarding schools away from their communities during school terms, then maybe the next generation may have a chance of doing something productive with their lives.
This current generation is lost, I fear.

I honestly believe that a real thorough cleanout, like the "Wood Royal Commission" gave to the NSW Police Service, would allow the young aboriginal people to see that these people aren't untouchable for starters. I'd also like to see a complete cleanout of the shonky contractors, I've seen way too many $1M tin sheds, with no windows and decking for floorboards (it ain't the community doing the rorting there).

After that? How about ensuring that the schools in these areas are equipped as well as their non-community counterparts?

Maybe look at introducing a year of national service - that would fit well with our overseas troop commitments, but with the option of choosing to get involved with building projects (as part of the army) on Aboriginal Communities instead. I honestly don't believe, based upon my own experience, that anything can change while private enterprise is involved.

That would allow the nations assets to be used to airlift/freight the necessary building materials to where they are needed. It gives those on the communities the interaction with white people other than police/lawyers/judges... It would also allow for ongoing work, which would allow local apprentices to get qualified.

It would also allow a LOT of the pampered schoolkids from our cities, to actually experience the 3rd World conditions in their own Country. I'm not sure, but that itself may make some difference in their thinking... It would certainly curb the worst excesses of the system, nothing like being subject to scrutiny.

But I see no hope of long term change unless the younger generation can be shown that EVERYBODY IS EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW. How the gap is filled in the interim, could probably be taken up with the voluntary service personnel. Those trained in Management could mentor people, while those with other specialties could mentor others.

CUSTARD...

Following a modified Anne Coulter line.

"Invade their hearts, Kill the 'old' man in their leaders.. and convert them to Christianity"

Putting this more Biblically :) "Send indigenous missionaries from other formerly near extinct races/Tribes to them.Present the truth of the Christian Gospel, then teach them what it means to be disciples of Christ.

You might become a bit hysterical at that..but wait..there's more.

Just this week, a gentleman from just such a tribe in another country was here, meeting with me. He came for the following reasons.

a) To express his and his peoples undying gratitude to the missionaries who brought the Gospel to them in 1928
b) To take the knowledge/story of those misho's back to the young people of his tribe and pass it on to them.

He requested the opportunity to share his peoples story with some Aboriginals in Melbourne.. we are working on that.

He expressed to me in the most somber and heartfelt tones.. how his people and their cousins (similar language group) have been sooooo blessed as a result of coming to Christ.

That...is the answer..'what do do' with them.

But of course.."I" have a vested interest in promoting this.. as I'm one of those 'missionaries'..so take what "I" say with as much credibility as you would the climate change scammers..

Better to see what they say themselves :)

http://www.lifespring-buedulun.net/view/?pageID=369123

http://www.lifespring-buedulun.net/view/?pageID=237582

Question:
What to do with Aboriginal Communities?
Answer;
Keep Academics & leftist bureaucrats out of the communities.
Until this or a similar policy is implemented the communities will NEVER forge ahead.

I didn't see either when I was in the central desert region, or NW Qld mate. I saw a lot of corrupt building contractors milking the hell out of things, I saw a lot of yeller-fellers from outside robbing the place blind, but I saw no socialists or what have you... Too far from the Chardy for them.