On the political front, it might be a significant symbolic victory for the Howard government to have co-opted a renowned leader of the land rights movement to its current view that traditional owners of townships should encumber their freehold title with 99-year leases to gain equitable access to public housing and utilities. But on the longer-term policy front this victory might be pyrrhic, writes Jon Altman.
East arnhem land
Club Yunupingu: Brough’s land deal of last resort
The Black Prince of north east Arnhem Land and long time chairman of the Northern Land Council Galarrwuy Yunupingu, has set himself up at loggerheads with Aboriginal leaders throughout Australia with the signing yesterday of a memorandum of understanding with Indigenous Affairs minister Mal Brough.
$1.8 million compo: that’s Yirrkala kava karma
The Yolngu people of Yirrkala, the largest Aboriginal town in north east Arnhem Land, have always had an ambivalent experience with missionaries. Then again, it was the missionaries—or at least a bunch of lay workers from the south Pacific—that brought in kava.
Brough ducks the dirty dancing in Yirrkala
The highlight of the annual Garma cultural festival at Gulkula in north east Arnhem Land is the traditional dancing competition. Not dancing with these stars, however, were Aboriginal leaders from around the Northern Territory, who Crikey understands met separately from the festival at a two day “Leaders Forum” on 3-4 August.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Comments, corrections, clarifications, and c*ckups
Is Glenn Stevens shaping up to be the worst RBA governor for a long time? … the Rudd “me too” strategy … Pauline Hanson … Qantas security …
