Intervention spinning out of control

The minister would be well-advised to resist the temptation to demonise remote communities, and to look instead at the rules that govern the operation of take-away grog-shops in these regional centres.

More tellingly, Anderson identified unemployment, poverty and overcrowding, as key indicators for the presence of child-abuse.

If the minister is genuine in his intention to improve matters, he must turn his attention to addressing the appalling lack of housing stock in these communities, rather than chanting ideological incantations about “market-based rents”.

Lest this sound like a tale of gloom and doom, the intervention also brings with it some positives.

Once genuinely assured that they have nothing to fear, it is likely that many families in these communities will welcome the opportunity to have their children receive optional, non-intrusive medical checks. Aboriginal people are not stupid. They never have been.

They have, however, long been the victims of the ignorance and paternalism displayed by governments of all political persuasions. For this reason, they have every reason to view the latest “miracle cure” with deep suspicion.

Indigenous NT Labor politicians like Alison Anderson and Karl Hampton have declined to take political advantage of the turmoil and have opted instead to provide real leadership.

They have gone to considerable effort to reassure their countrymen that their children are safe. Their advice has been to examine the government's proposals closely, to see what opportunities they may offer.

However, rumours will continue to flourish until clear advice is provided to community residents. The continued absence of any detailed information from the government as we head into the second month of “the intervention” invites the conclusion that they are making it up as they go along.

Meanwhile, the spin continues.