There are significant problems in indigenous communities as there are in non indigenous communities. The actions today of the Federal Government to effectively take over the management of the indigenous communities in the NT is a pre-election stunt in my opinion This sudden burst of paternalism leaves me wondering as to the true motives of Canberra's actions. If conditions are improved, and abuse lessened that is a good thing. Lets hope that the porn capital of Australia, Canberra also has the same strong actions ie. ban x rated porn.

The measures announced today are very strongly paternalistic, and discriminatory inasmuch as no such measures would ever be introduced in white communities.

But…. I support them all the way.

The fact is that issues in indigenous communities are very different to those in white towns, and thus they need a very different approach.

When all else has failed, a strong government with a strong rule-of-law ethic is needed.

It is absolutely the right thing to do to make sure that the income of indigenous people is spent to a significant extent on things other than grog and pornography.

It is the absolutely right thing to do to make sure that child molestation is eliminated from indigenous communities.

A pre-election stunt it may be. In fact it certainly looks like it, after so many years of Howard’s virtual inaction on this issue.

But, there is no doubt that it is the right thing to do.

It just beggars the question; if this sort of action can be easily taken now, then why the hell couldn’t it have been taken many years ago, or within the first year of the Howard government?

How the hell could our government, or our society, allow things to remain so disgustingly bad in the hundreds of indigenous communities dotted across this apparently great country?

I just caught Lateline on ABC TV, with Tony Jones interviewing John Howard on this subject.

Jones is the most excellent astute interviewer. He knows how to throw the curliest questions and to play the part of the most difficult devils’ advocate for anyone he interviews.

But Howard had it all totally under control.

He genuinely cares about the terrible state of our indigenous communities.

I’m by no means a Howard supporter, but this time he has won me over...............But it still begs the question as to why this sort of action didn’t happen eleven years ago, or five years ago, or last year.

Not unlike the thread that has gone of page but still lives can I ask what level of understanding the thread starter has of the problem?
I want John Howard and his government in shreds on election night.
But put my hands together for him and Rudd on this issue.
Paternalistic? really? this is a nation wide issue, yes it is! you can not use some local area names here or your posts or even the thread can be deleted but I know in NSW country towns children male and female are raped!
By uncles fathers and brothers.
It hurts so very much to know this and see nothing done.
35 years of watching , and being helpless hurts real life kids, real rape.
Has the poster watched brand new homes in brick being built with pure joy?
Replacing once new timber homes good homes at last?
Then seen the timber ones burnt as fire wood?
Then doors windows and floors of those new ones burnt?
Paternalism is the only way to help children grow, some who need our help are children some action must take place well done John Howard use a bull dozer if you must.
Enforce tough love accountability education for every one but stop by any means the tragic pain these people live in .

Here Here
The whole of the Australian Public support John Howard on this issue.
Remember the NT had enquires and it was left up to them. Howards saying its not good enough.
Thank God for the kids and the the peoples sake
I have watched his Minister with great interest. Hed be one of the few Ministers in parliment that was driven by good will and doing his job.

Anybody who is not behind this - such as The Dems Leader ought not be into politics.
Its Long Long overdue.

I am sure the Government are doing it because they really care.
Perhaps Australia ought not have State Governments if they cant control this sort of neglect to people.
Now Prime Minister all you have to do is create training and jobs oportunitys with our cojoint vegetable Roo and cattle Sheep Farms and abattoirs.
We need to train people to become electrians , plumbers packers slaughtermen nurses and Drs and many more.

We need to Free Range farm and set up small goods factories for value adding.

Its a rural area and these people have a way with the land if given half a chance.

No reason they cant hold shares in their own farms and plants of all discriptions.
Give them something to work for and their pride back.
The only thing I dont agree with is that you can do it with only a hundred extra police.
You require Army assistance which could dble up as sercurity for our boards.
I wish John Howard the best of luck on this mishion.
Prime Minister we say combine the two and establish abattoirs and Free Range Farms.
Do the right thing for the Animals of Australia as well.
These people need the jobs.
Lets face it nothings going to change unless you create employment and training and whats better than Free Range Farms and abattoirs in a regional are.
That brings other growth- such as small biz tourism food outlets.

'

Take it easy Belly, I have spent a lot of time up north.
In one way I am pleased that something substantial is finally being done, it grieves me that nothing was done for a long long time. I am not the only one querying the timing. Hopefully they will consult with the community elders as the go back to the future.

Regards
Ozbob