Hi Paul,

Yes indeed, 'community' can be positive and supportive, but Maori society is far more systematically work-oriented, given that traditional Maori society was based on agriculture, a long-term work ethic, consciously-vibrant communities. The foraging ethic is more short-term, geared to daily needs rather long-term planning, far more family- and clan-oriented rather than anything above that level. And that ethic has often been carried over into a completely different situation of plentiful welfare provided by State agencies. And royalties provided by mining companies and national parks. So far less obligation to seek work. So less urgency about getting kids to school. After all .....

It seems that the Labor Party has gone cool on the idea of a 'Voice' (as if people don't have a multitude of 'voices' now, and as if a separate 'voice' in parliament wouldn't turn into a third, unelected, house, with power to disrupt any proposed legislation and no responsibilities towards its workability). Perhaps Labor is twigging to the separatist agenda inherent in much 'Recognition' talk, and can imagine where it might all end up - perhaps in some ghastly neo-Apartheid scenario demanded by the captains of the Indigenous Industry, in order to maintain a large section of the population in lifelong welfare, funded by the taxpayer. Maybe I'm wrong but is that what hot-shots in the Industry really want for their 'own' people ?

Cheers,

Joe

“I take offence as being called 'politically-motivated'. Never mind.”

I don't mind at all, Joe. Please feel free to take offence whenever you feel the need.

University graduates, I read recently, are suffering most from unemployment because they do Mickey Mouse courses not needed in the workplace. If kids are hoping to to ‘keep their heads above water with a decent education’, they are not going to get the right education in Australia. Only this morning, I heard an Asian man saying that he had sent his kids back to his country of origin to get a decent education - something that is no longer available here. Some time ago there was a story about African parents in Australia sending their kids back to Africa because they weren't getting the discipline and training expected in Australian schools.

Only she'll-be-right-mate Ocker Australians are apathetic enough to ignore the political brainwashing and lack of proper education in our state schools and taxpayer-funded universities. They, like too many other Australians, seem to be totally unaware of the deep s--t this country is in on all fronts.

You might have known “brilliant teachers” in the past, but the ones getting overpaid for their small abilities these days are scratching to stay one day ahead of the kids they are supposed to be educating.

All young Australians, irrespective of race and background, are severely handicapped by what our idiot political class has wreaked upon us in their own pig-ignorance and lack of ability.

The Economist did an article on Australian universities.
It stated that "Australia's universities like its wine,
are decent, dependable, but seldom excellent."

The Conversation asked the experts to respond. Here
is the response:

http://theconversation.com/are-australian-universities-seldom-excellent-the-experts-respond-1535

Foxy,
It didn't mention that the Universities are profit/career orientated for the people in charge & therefore become attractive for overseas students who are literally guaranteed a degree for a certain amount of dollars.

Individual,

According to the Vice-Chancellor of Monash University,
"We have both students and academics from all over
the world." They wouldn't come here unless our
universities were of a high calibre. He also stated
that "For many positions that we advertise we have
stellar applicants from across the globe." Which
means that the universities reputations are going
forward in leaps and bounds in teachning, research,
and innovation.

Melbourne University is in the top 50 institutions of
learning globally.

That is why both international students and academics
are attracted to studying and working here.

Foxy,
Of course the vice chancelor would say that, on probably a million a year all up.