Lexi
'I believe that a great deal of the problem
concerning working with our Indigenous people
is the lack of understanding and appreciation of
Aboriginal habits, customs, rituals and
spiritual values '

So true. I believe 99% of aussies want a better outcome.

Good afternoon to you; LEXI, BELLY, INDIVIDUAL, & RUNNER... I sincerely hope I've not left anyone out, if so, I'm sorry ?

On this little Topic of ours, I'm absolutely astonished at the intensity and magnitude of all your views, opinions, and thoughts. There exists so much merit in all that you write, together with an atmosphere of genuine integrity and candour. In fact I believe some of you, may well've shared with us your innermost thoughts straight from the heart ? Obviously gleaned from a lifetime of experiances, observations, and even a little pain, you've perhaps been exposed too, over the years.

Therefore, this is data of a kind that can never be repeated precisely nor ever substantiated from the pen of an academic. Rather it must be witnessed, and can never be faithfully retold. Therefore I'm humbled by the extent of your willingness to share with us all your private thoughts, on such an emotional subject. A subject that's dogged our society since the early days of the First Fleet.

Is there any 'right' solution to the problem of Indigenous Juvenile Crime ? If there is, I don't know it ? At the risk of repeating my position, gaol is NOT the way to go ? Many disagree with me, and they may well be right ?

One thing I'm absolutely sure of, anyone of you who kindly responded to this Topic, could well have the right answer, therefore the correct solution ?

Thanks again folks, I really appreciate your many responses.

frankly too tired to continue with this one.
Lexi,
Well, I suppose it is a far nicer cop-out than the standard ridicule from some.
As I see it many of you have the right to denounce our experiences but we are not allowed to tell factual happenings. That's just so typical academic bureaucracy.
I get persecuted & set upon for having first hand experience by mere readers of academic ideology. As I said go to those communities & live there before dismissing our comments.
Just to finish off the subject did you know that in 30 years we haven't been able to put a single person from a community of 8000 through a trade school & get a certificate ? Plenty in the Public Service though.

To all of you Thank You for such a robust and civil
discussion. I enjoyed sharing in our different
points of view.

To you Indy, I'd better explain that I do feel
tired as a result of an irregular heartbeat and at
times a very high pulse rate. My meds don't always
work and I'm seeing my cardiologist on Wednesday
afternoon with the results of an echo I had done
as well as a holter-moniter. So bear with me.
They're talking about some sort of "electric"
procedure for me. But I'll have to wait until
Wednesday - and see what's happening.
Wish me luck.

Dear o sung wu,

You're a classy gent. And I appreciate your courtesy.

Lexi,
All the best with your treatment.

Good evening LEXI...

You're very welcome, and I appreciate your lovely words too.

Good luck with your consultation with the Cardiologist. Interestingly, a few years back, I had a 'Holter' monitor attached to my chest for 24 hours, which was OK. Only problem, the little battery therein failed and never picked up a single 'arrhythmia with ectopic beats' ? So we had to repeat the whole process ? A bit of a laugh really ! Anyway, good luck with your Medico LEXI.

Hi there INDIVIDUAL...

I support most of what you say apropos punishment. Our only real departure is the appropriateness or otherwise, of gaol for Indigenous Youth.

I read and hear the news, where there's a constant litany of crimes, (often very serious crimes) committed by youths too young, even to be publicly named. Requirying one to listen almost on an hourly basis, a daily menu of serious crimes being committed, particularly those associated with the current bush fire crises. And as I shake my head in disbelief, I'm astounded to hear, most are being granted bail ! When it comes to the penalty phase, a solid slap across the wrist, with an extracted promise of never to do it again ?

Incidentially, Arson was once listed as a 'Capital Crime' ?

I totally agree with you and many others. Our Magistrates, Judges and even our wise old Justices are *completely* out of touch with what's happening in the community. Moreover, they've no idea of what the community's expectations of them are. Because of their systemic failures, I can no longer maintain any level of respect for Australia's totally arrogant, and manifestly culpable, Judiciary.

And of course, I mustn't for a moment, dare leave out our highly valued Politicians. Most of which are irretrievably and utterly, morally corrupt ! I sincerely hope you don't think of me, as a dedicated pessimist ?