Comments on: Yuendumu to Macklin: ‘We don’t want this intervention’

By: Mirek

Mirek — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Absolutely right, what a strong and forthright statement! The Government should treat the Aborigine people with respect and equality that is the right of every Australian, and refrain absolutely from patronising , which is the case with this military/police intervention. But don`t hold your breadth: most of the despised policies developed over the past eleven years, or so, have been kept. Rudd should follow his Apology for the Stolen Generation, with a new `Apology`, this time followed with some appropriate action. Still, don`t hold your breadth.

By: Julius Grafton

Julius Grafton — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

I’m glad Yuendumu has dragged itself out of the crutch of despair since I flew through there in 1999. At that time the flying doctor nurses and I chatted while the refueller hand pumped my tanks full. They told me they come in every morning at 0900 to evacuate the smashed victims of last night’s binge. Of the communities we flew through it was the worst we saw. So what miracles have been done there since then? I’d love to read what it’s really like there now, and hear that the tedious cycle of alcohol and abuse has really been addressed. Then I’ll give respect and dignity in spades.

By: Craig T

Craig T — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

I have recently returned from Yuendumu two weeks ago. The community is not perfect, but it has been dry for some years now - certainly prior to the intervention. This was a step taken by the Yuendumu traditional owners, not the bureaucrats or Government officials.

Regardless, surely it is obvious that the problems with Indigenous Australia are caused by 200 years of disempowerment and cultural denigration? The intervention simply winds back the little empowerment that had been hard-won by Indigenous Australians in the past few decades.

There are problems in Indigenous Australia and there will be continue to be problems with Indigenous Australia until they get there spirit back. But the same could be said of the rest of us. It's not as if the problems of Indigenous Australians are unique to them. Take a look at the disempowered citizens in our own (white) backyards ...

By: Avocado

Avocado — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Yes, Yuendumu theoretically has alcohol restrictions, courtesy of a campaign by the elder women 30 years ago, but it also has alcohol permits for some favoured individuals, and a thriving underground trade in dope and grog. Drunkenness is widespread, and violence endemic.
Harry Nelson would be a great deal more persuasive if he could explain to us why the community control and self determination of the 30 years prior to the NTER Intervention have been unable to prevent the many early deaths, disappearances, tragedies and addictions in the families close to him. He needs to take a clear headed sober assessment of the reality of Yuendumu life, and stop deluding himself about the nature of the problems.

By: Carl Mather

Carl Mather — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

What could be clearer and more reasonable than that?
This intervention fiasco needs to resolved sooner rather than later and here is a precise, comprehensive and direct addressing of the problems and their solution.
Jump in Jenny and really do something worthwhile for the people.
Surprise us.

By: Dave Liberts

Dave Liberts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

There is certainly a damned if you do and damned if you don’t aspect to the decisions the Minister is currently faced with. My suggestion (and I so know nothing about this whole area) would be to ensure consultation and follow recommendations about winding back the intervention, but to maintain the intervention in regions where there is stronger reason to do so (eg Wadeye). Harry Nelson is definitely correct that highlighting positive developments and using these as models to be rolled out in other communities would be a very worthwhile move.