On keeping an open mind on Indigenous Australia policy
March 6, 2008I think it is very important not to rule certain things in or out on purely ideological grounds, a position that you will have noticed I have been developing here over the past year — especially since the Northern Territory Intervention. I do believe that Intervention was tainted by the previous government’s excessive reactivity to so-called political correctness, and also by excessive paternalism and unwillingness really to consult. Nonetheless, the Howard government was, after shameful neglect for a decade, confronting some real issues and not everything they did in response was bad.
That is what the Rudd government has clearly been considering, not pleasing everyone in so doing. On Australia Talks (ABC Radio National) last Monday was a very interesting discussion of some of these matters. At the moment you may also listen to the program or download it as a podcast.
