By: Tim Trudgen

Tim Trudgen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:19:51 +0000

I just reread this comment and there is something I would like to point out. What this Aboriginal researcher is saying above is true, people need to be given greater levels of control and autonomy over their own lives, this is at the root of problems in Aboriginal communities in Australia. However I wonder if my point about the importance of using local languages is being missed. The language barriers or the lack of utilisation local languages is not just one of the problems. Utilising local languages is a major part of the solution to all the other problems. People can not have equal rights while they have to negotiate the legal, health and educational aspect of their lives in someone else's language. I address this a post called "Language issues symptom or cause"

By: Indigenous aboriginal researcher

Indigenous aboriginal researcher — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:33:34 +0000

Thanks for letting me know about this report, I’ll get a copy. There are numerous problems facing aboriginal peoples, language being just one. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently released a report on the health and welfare status of aboriginal people – not a pretty picture. Lack of self-determination I believe is one of the major factors driving these other issues: alcohol, drugs, jail, poor education, etc. We need to give them equal rights and allow them to determine their own direction rather then mandating policies from “on high.”

Comments on: Cross cultural issues confound Australian justice systems.

By: Tim Trudgen

By: Indigenous aboriginal researcher