In any dysfunctional system ALL are deriving some benefit, even obvious victims, and ALL have a vested interest in retaining it as it is and push back against change.

It follows that independent external intervention is necessary, although the request for it, direct or indirect, may come from within the system.

In this case there is the smaller system which is 'indigenous' (PC that some Aborigines object to), make that aboriginal and the larger system, which is all of Australia. But problems have gone on for so long that the issues and politics have become very murky.

Murky too because of the prevailing political correctness which while originally well intended, got off the rails decades ago.

It is poisonous for politicians, who stay well clear. Or say what the ABC and others want to hear. All have a vested interest in stereotyping. But would (say) the ABC and SBS with a stake in victimhood to justify its allocations, be wanting to change mounts now and return to its former independent stance even where it realises it was too superficial, naive or wrong in its secondary editorial policy that drives shows like Q&A?

The only way out of the mess as I (as a lay person) see it, is for Aboriginal women to realise that they must put their fear and embarrassment to one side, find support with one another and challenge the 'system'. Their struggle is much the same as that facing Muslim women who seek a reformation of Islam, but both are limiting themselves and should cast off and start anew.

To add, it is the lot of victims to feel the acute embarrassment and humiliation at the state they find themselves in. They must realise their common suffering and that can help. It must be a grassroots movement and practical. They will enjoy the support of mainstream Australia.

Obviously the feminists have no interest and are the wrong'uns anyhow for this task, with their nasty politics and stake in continuing and extending victimhood.

So a grassroots movement by women, but not excluding men, and facilitated and supported by champions from outside (external).

A tough job considering how many might stand to lose their seats on the gravy train for a much better life but with a real work to do. Including the fleas on fleas, including professionals and academics, don't forget them either.

Tough too for the media and politicians who might be obliged to be frank with the public they habitually label and treat dismissively as 'punters'.

Hi there JAYB...

You are absolutely correct my friend, the 'terms of reference' are established by government, although the Royal Commissioner himself (through 'Counsel assisting' the R.C.)can ask if they can be broadened, in order he can better adduce evidence that may have an important bearing on the Commissioner's findings. Again, that's up to the government?

Banjo, in all these years I have heard nothing about initiation of girls apart from our local tribes custom of knocking out the girls two top front teeth when her brother went through initiation. And even that hasn't been happening for decades.
I also have seen accounts of genital mutilation but cannot vouch for any veracity. It may well be that, like cannabalism and infanticide,the negative reaction from whites was so extreme they abandoned the practise in order to escape punishment or rejection from missions.
I do know that cannabalism existed because apart from documentation I've spoken to people who engaged in it in the early 1900s. But it didn't last long after white settlement. Likewise, infanticide did exist but after settlement seems to have moved more into passive abandonment of a new baby rather than the deliberate murder. Perhaps they felt that was a more acceptable way to retain the custom. Certainly hundreds of abandoned babies were rescued and adopted out, the last one I know about was about 15 years ago in the NT.

JayB,

There re currently around 44,000 Indigenous university graduates across Australia. The majority have studied mainstream courses: only a very small minority currently study Indigenous-focussed courses. The Indigenous Industry can soak up only so many, usually unqualified family and friends.

Those graduate numbers will double by 2030. Get used to it.

Joe

Loudmouth: only a very small minority currently study Indigenous-focussed courses.

Yes & do they cause trouble. I have a young fella comes here every so often after he's been to (Sunday School) Not really but it's the local Aboriginal Centre for teaching young impressionable kids about the horrors the "Whites" did to the Aboriginal People. His Grandmother plays cards with my wife so he comes here after he's been to Aboriginal Class. He is always wound right up & full of "Hate the Whities" after he's been brainwashed by these fellars who have done the Uni Indigenous Course.