MS Nancy McLean
I hereby express my concerns that aspects of the Intervention in the NT are exacerbating problems rather than alleviating them. I am also concerned that some measures have been enforced by repealing parts of the Racial Discrimination Act.
I have substantiated reports that the Income Management Measure is creating undue financial hardship. People in communities, forced to travel to designated stores to use their compulsory cards, are spending a large proportion of their income on fuel. This erodes their purchasing power, leaving children with less basic necessities. Some families have moved to the edge of towns where children are often in a more vulnerable position. Welfare Centres are reporting much greater demand for emergency relief than before the intervention.
The indiscriminate application of this measure is causing justifiable resentment and anger. There appears to be no justice in the way it is handed down. The many are suffering (being punished?) for the acts of neglect of a few.
From media coverage and reports from other sources, I understand that some communities lost successful, productive projects when CEDEP funding was withdrawn. These projects gave the communities pride, skills and self-determination. They could have been promoted to other communities, motivating them and assisting with concepts, planning and practical measures. Government funding and incentives for further community initiated employment projects, in a spirit of respectful, co-operative partnerships would be a more appropriate means of addressing unemployment and skills deficiency.
I have not heard any evidence of successful outcomes from the setting up of Business Managers in communities. I have heard reports of discontent at them being imposed on communities without any consultation with aboriginal leaders. I object to the implementation of five year leases on community freehold land. This seems to be irrelevant and unjustified and contravenes any sense of recognition of the original custodians of the land.
I am hopeful that the review will result in the rights of aboriginal communities being restored, with problems faced on a case by case, community by community approach with funding and effort directed to preventative programs approached in a manner of genuine concern, respect and appropriate forms of consultation.
As a concerned, non-aboriginal citizen, I appreciate being given the opportunity
of voicing my concerns, having heard of the anguish of some of the people
affected by intervention measures.