Conflicts Of Interest

by Norma Holt

The biggest story in Australia today is the action of the Federal Government which aims to wipe out sexual abuse among aboriginal children in the Northern Territory.

It appears that recent discussion over the extent of it and gross neglect of such children has forced the government to act. Reports demonstrate the suffering caused coupled with petrol sniffing, loss of schooling, poor housing, alcohol and drug addiction, and poverty.

Facing an election before the end of the year the government has sent in the big guns to take charge. At least 10 police from each of the 7 states and territories, army personnel and a team of doctors, nurses and paramedics are just the start. While it is estimated to cost  over a billion dollars the inhabitants of several communities will be subjected to physical and other types of examinations. Welfare payments will be withheld unless children attend school and other big sticks are to be wielded.

 The operation begins today and most are awaiting the outcome with baited breath.

While it might sound a good idea to outsiders the aborigines are taking a different stand. According to reports occupants of villages are already on the move, petrified that this is a repeat of the ’stolen generation’. That occurred during the 60’s when children were forcefully removed from parents and placed in white people’s homes or church run orphanages where many grew up as servants. The trauma it caused has never been forgotten or forgiven as children and parents still search for each other.

The threat facing them now is that children will be removed by welfare and placed in foster care in the same way as before. That parents considered unsuitable by the law will loose custody of their offspring without the right to challenge these decisions. The reaction is dividing more than the remote communities where it is happening as many Aussies suspect ulterior motives by a government in power for 10 years. It has never looked at this before despite constant publicity given to the problems. Why, therefore, has it suddenly developed a conscience over the issue.

Why only the Northern Territory, many want to know? Sexual abuse of children is widespread throughout all communities in all states. Why only aborigines? Is it because the government can raise its profile in the light of what it faces? The sceptics are out in force and justifiable so. Recent polls show the government is a long way behind the opposition as defeat looms. It may even be inevitable unless a rabbit can be pulled from the hat.

There is no excuse not to do something but is it not more than a little suspicious? The Prime Minister has suddenly compared the situation to Hurricane Katrina and the lack of commitment and slow reaction by the US government to resolve that humanitarian disaster. If in s few months there is a change in government then what is being put in place today may be a great waste of resources.

The Prime Minister is not adverse to shaking the electorate towards his goals of power at any cost. In the last election he ensured his win by an episode called ‘Children Overboard’. Much has come to light about this scandal as it was portrayed to the electorate that illegal migrants on their way to Australia tossed their children overboard in a desperate plight to get accepted.  He used this as a scare mongering tactic that we were under threat of invasion by people linked to terrorism. That may or may not be the case but who would know?

The truth is that the boat was sinking and many jumped into the water in fear of being swamped. They were rescued by the Australian Navy which had a ship on standby to take them off the doomed craft. Testimonies from public servants tell of how they were silenced by the PM’s department when the truth came out.

Using people for political purposes is inexcusable and this may well backfire as the aborigines gather support within the wider community. Whether right or wrong traumatising and threatening societies as fragile as these remote communities is terrorism in itself. Sure look after the children, provide the right education and use persuasion and other support to encourage them into better ways. Bullying is not the way to go about it.