Communicat,
The problems of child abuse and alcoholism are problems of all societies where alcohol takes the place of self esteem brought on by ingrained racism.
They are not the result of Aboriginal Self Determination - it doesn't exist .

Regardless of HOWARDS motivation and timing the situation at hand had to be addressed.

The political environment of the present, presents an oppurtunity to bring to fruition a tangible act of descency to those who can not or will not help themselves.
Which can not be knocked by another political party other than the obsolete democrats(sorry Andrew).

Lets face the undeniable truth that the worst attrocity that was self inflicted to Australian Aborignes was the right to consume alcohol. And the white do gooders who helped them commit cultural suicide should be the ones to be ashamed.

In the same way as people with an intellectual disability need to be protected then so do aboriginals in these fuzzy communities who seem to revert to preying on themselves.

YOU CANT HELP THOSE WHO WONT HELP THEMSELVES.

John Howard's Tampa my rear end! the only Tampa he will see will roll right over him on election night.
Scotty you are no help, yes few in this community want to help themselves, true like it or not they do not want to work for change.
The crimes are real as are the victims.
Howard has my support he has started to do the right thing.
Kids of 8 years of age turned up in school yesterday, missing hair in circles about the same size as a 50 cent piece on their head, hungry and fell asleep at the desk.
Some have been victims of sexual assault for years.
Not in the NT but just a few hundred ks from Sydney.
This country must act and now yes pale you are quite right a job and a future go together.
If it takes more money let us spend it.
But not waste it , why pay any sit down money?
Why not a real job real work of real use to the community or no money?
Fund those jobs by all means
Can those who are opposed to Howard action tell me another way"|? how many bright eyed young kids must have a life ruined before you would act?

The Courier Mail in Brisbane has an editorial today titled
Right deed for wrong reason?

I think they have nailed it. Actions are needed, but the Howard government has waited until it perceives it can gain political advantage. As we know from past performances, Howard et al will do anything to cling to power.

The editorial can be found here --> http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21950740-13360,00.html

Best wishes
Ozbob

One way of making a local industry for the indigenous communities would be to locate solar chimneys for electricity generation, pollution free, renewable and no nuclear waste dumps to worry about, in inland Australia. Locations ideal. (see here for some background --> http://www.enviromission.com.au/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_chimney )These installations would be very substantial. Folks could contribute in various capacities, trades, technicians through to engineers once operational and assist with construction too. Support facilities and services offer other opportunities for employment. Very high voltage DC transmission can go a long way these days.

This would endear a positive revolution, a real sense of value and still hold dear connections to the lands and spirit.

This is an example of big picture thinking, something governments can't or won't do due to their own self interests, like re-election and photo-ops.

Regards
Ozbob

Kartiya Jim of course they exist everywhere - I did not say they did not. The difficulty is that because they exist everywhere that has been the excuse used to do nothing where something might be done. Too many people tiptoeing around and saying "sshh...we can't say that about indigenous people".
What makes "indigenous" for a start? I would say of greater "indigenous" than "other" descent but that is not the benchmark used. On the other hand of course I have to be "Australian" and am not allowed to claim my own ancestry. Perhaps we should all be just Australian...and forget the multicultural bit? Of course that would have to mean no Greek restaurants, no Italian food festivals, no Hungarian clubs, no Vietnamese associations etc etc. Why the difference?
Which is perhaps why John Howard suggested that the programme could be extended to anyone who failed to care for their children - something his critics have naturally ignored.
I still say children first.