The main problem is that the white man always "thinks" he understands the problem, "thinks" he is capable of formulating solutions and then makes laws to enforce those solutions.

Rarely, if ever, do the aboriginal people themselves play any decisive role in formulating these imposed "solutions".

We see it here on this very thread. Everyone "thinks" they understand exactly what's happening and the causes. It makes for very sad reading.

Hi PJack,

Well, no, I don't think this has been the case for a long time - 'communities' decided how to manage CDEP, and almost universally 'decided' to corrupt the scheme, by allowing people to do 'home duties' and mow their own lawns for twenty years and more, and call it 'two days work each week'. Community developoment ? training ? Almost never.

Down this way, it has been alleged that, when the Howard government ordered some CDEP programs to be closed, the 'community' decided to pay itself out for long-service leave, holiday leave, sick leave, even superannuation, and then set the bill, eventually, up the chain of accounts, against DEEWR. In the millions.

Consultation, yes. But not a complete lack of evaluation of projects and their viability and common-sense. And frankly, until 'communities' can get themselves organised enough to run simple projects like vegetable gardens, if I were the government, I wouldn't put any store by their 'decisions'.

Cheers :)

Joe