Another commentator that I wouldn't usually agree with

I tend to agree with Hone Harawira that John Howard's police and welfare reforms in the Northern Territory are racist. While good intentioned, Howard's proposals are clearly targetted only at Aborigines - not at all families who have problems with alcoholism, long-term welfare dependency, and child abuse.

While Australian Aborigines do have high rates of abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, and child abuse it is more due to poverty, having no oppurtunity to improve themselves, and the self-esteem issues that follow on.

(One of the biggest barriers to ending the poverty cycle is the average Australian. More than once have I heard that the solution to "Aboriginal problems" is to "line them up against a wall and open fire".)

I'm no fan of Race Based funding - and Howard should not go down that path either. What the Australian Government should do is admit that dysfunctional families need help - regardless of race - and start programmes that will end the poverty, dependency, and abuse.