Altering the present approach to NT policy won't happen by magic. We need genuine commitment from all tiers of government to work with Aboriginal people to achieve what it is they want for their families and children. We need programs founded on sound practice based evidence that are child focussed. They must be generously supported. Corporate Australia also has responsibilities.
There are huge problems to overcome. Rudd's government must be held accountable just as the previous one was, and not only that will need to be educated.
We cannot let pressure for genuine constitional change to fall away either. Howard's approach was simplistic. Rudd has said he won't support a referendum in the near future. However, Australian people need leadership on this issue. We are not out of the woods yet.
Sally Fitzpatrick, N.S.W. Tuesday 27 November 2007
Some aspects of the intervention must be rolled back in consultation with Communities. Indigenous anti-social behaviour through excessive alcohol consumption in N.T. towns is what Council spokespersons mean when they say they don't want the intervention rolled back.
The alcohol fired behaviour is a symptom of the wider problems experienced by Indigenous people living on remote communities. These problems are poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing and the hoplessness that comes with the knowledge that life is not going to improve.
Movement from remote Communities to towns is being hastened by intervention imposed prohibition instead of encouraging communities to establish their own licensed facilities to provide supervised drinking behaviour during after work hours to discourage 'binge drinking'
Brian T. Manning, N.T. Tuesday 27 November 2007
How things are done (and consulted about) determines the results in all communities. People in all walks of life need to understand this, and to imagine themselves in the position of those their actions will affect. This is even more important when white power is affecting First People who have been robbed of their way of life and looked down on for generations. I want life-enhancing benefits for NT and all Australia.
Jude Roseth, N.S.W. Tuesday 27 November 2007
I finally have regained a sense of optimism about the future.
Jacquie Cawthray, S.A. Tuesday 27 November 2007
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