White heat: Blacks deaths

The term used to describe these recommendations was 'underlying issues' .

At last there was a recognition that underlying issues were essential to the equation - part of the problem and part of the solution.

The Royal Commission said self determination was the key.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples needed to be given control over their own destinies. But most of the underlying issues remain.

For instance:

• Life expectancy is 20 years shorter for Indigenous people.
• The unemployment rate is nearly 50 per cent if you do not include the Work For The Dole scheme. * 50% of Indigenous income units are less than the poverty line.

Since the Royal Commission:

• Deaths in custody have not declined
• Adult Indigenous people are being jailed more than ever.
• Our kids are being incarcerated at unacceptably high rates.

Federal and State Governments all accepted the principles of the report.

Indigenous people were keen to be involved and bring to reality the many positives in the report which would bring hope to us to be able to live normal lives - lives without constant fear, tragedy and grief.

So what has gone wrong?

It is fair to say there has been some improvement at the margins.