Aboriginal neglect

The NZ Herald has an AAP story on the unprecedented intervention by the Federal Government regarding the management of Aboriginal reserves in the Northern Territory.

There has literally been decades of neglect under the “banner” of self determination.

Howard is planning to ban alcohol and pornography on Aboriginal lands, due to their role in horrifiic child abuse in many Aboriginal communities. He is also bringing in welfare reforms dictating what one can spend welfare money on, and also linking it to children being educated. Also work for the dole to come in.

On the carrot side, there will be a programme of improving public housing.

Howard says:

“It is interventionist, it does push aside the role of the Territory to some degree. I accept that. But what matters more – the constitutional niceties or the care and protection of young children? We believe the latter is overwhelmingly more important.”

His moves have been welcomed by not only the Federal Labor Party but also the the National Indigenous Council.