ALTRAV,

You have your opinion.

I have mine.

They're poles apart.

No surprises there.

Dear Paul,

Just a further addition. This plan of the government's
might work better than previous attempts have done.
We can only hope that it will. If the government will
support initiatives led by the Indigenous communities
to address the priorities identified by those
communities as to what's required - then possibly that's
a step in the right direction in trying to solve some
of the problems.

For example, the needs of students in remote communities
I imagine would be different. From what we do know is
that a vast majority of Indigenous kids are well behind
those of non-Indigenous kids in urban areas. And the
schools that Indigenous students attend are also different.

Keeping more high quality teachers in remote areas would be
a worthwhile policy. Alone it is not sufficient. That's
where getting advice from the local communities and what
their needs are would help.

I feel empathy for Aboriginals, but I agree with Hasbeen.

In the end, like any one else, you have to just get on with it.

My brother was a high school teacher in 1960's in western NSW where there were 16 aboriginals children in his roll classes. He stated it was lucky if 4 turned up to school, the others, spent the day fishing and swimming in the lake. School subjects like reading, writing or expression or mathematics was of no interest to them; their interests were playing football or boxing or riding horses. Their parents survived for 40,000 years without white man education and earning money in the Bank, so these things are unimportant to their mind.

Hi Foxy,

When I start a new discussion, I usually let the 'Blowhards' and 'Usual Suspects', get in quick, being the first half dozen to post a reply. Let them blow off steam, and doing their lolly on the topic might be good for their karma, they never fail to oblige. Can always rely on the old boy Il Duce to go off like a fired up Mussolini at his ranting best.

The new approach of being inclusive of aboriginal people is different, and certainly worth a go. Setting a wider target range is encouraging, as is state and territory involvement. I don't wish to be negative, I'm forever the optimists, and I'll take what you said as possible;

"If the government will support initiatives led by the Indigenous communities to address the priorities identified by those
communities as to what's required - then possibly that's
a step in the right direction in trying to solve some
of the problems."

The involvement of Aboriginal people through the Coalition of Peaks is essential, it gives them a degree of "mana" they never enjoyed before. Your points on education, are totally necessary for the long term success of the program.

Adding to that, I have confidence in Ken Wyatt the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, although a conservative he is a voice willing to push issues, seek funding where necessary, and drive the agenda. With states and territories being held to account that is a step in the right direction as well. Lots of positives can see much that's negative about it.

Dear Paul,

I've got confidence in Ken Wyatt as well.

He seems to be taking the right steps.

Slowly but surely. He just may succeed where
others have failed.

It's the right approach.