I'm interested to hear your opinion on Howard's decision to ban alcohol and pornography in the Northern Territory among Aboriginals.

Do you think John Howard is genuinely concerned about this? Or do you think it's an election ploy and it'll be all back to normal if he wins the election later this year?


Personally, I think it's quite obvious he's doing this for election purposes. He's a liberal... liberals do what the public wants at any given time. Flexible basterds basically.

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This is his ace sprintcyclist and by the looks of it so far it might backfire on him.  Yes it's a great idea in theory - but no plans or back up have been put in place.

His timing is good though - especially as for the last few months Mal Brough has been trying to do a land control deal with our indigenous people for $60 million.  This has failed and a week or so ago Brough said he had withdrawn the money.  A couple of days later Howard pulls this out of his hat.  Great potential to increase his popularity before the election.

All these grand plans - but one step at a time.  First the army and the police and down the track - after Howard has won the election, we will hear no more about it.

There are no schools for the aboriginal children to go to in many of these remote communities.  There are no health services eg detox, rehabilitation, parenting classes, doctors, nurses etc.  All aboriginal parents will have their welfare halved - no porn, no alcohol and no jobs.

This hasn't been thought through.  In theory it sounds great - "Save the children" - sure to tug on the heartstrings of those who have no idea about aboriginal culture or their social disadvantages.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jun 27^th, 2007 at 4:37pm:




Stooge factor

You  just scored 5/5 and a set of steak knives Sprint..but wait theres more..a 12 month subscription to "Stooge Monthly".


"TA DA"  *Insert game show music here.*

Johnny is sure out to score brownie points for the next election.Disingenious and light on credibility these days.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jun 27^th, 2007 at 4:37pm:


The questin is though, Sprint, would he have done it if this issue was raised before an election? Or possibly if the issue was not being reported in the media?

I think he's just taking advantage of popular public opinion.

Donald, he woujld have done it whenever. there was a report come out that brough has taken to his heart.
Howard takes action irregardless of the electrole result. eg GST, war in iraq. He knows us aussies well.
Brough gave a very passionate honest talk about it this morning on the radio.
Saying those that want to stop howards plans are allowing others kids to be abused while theirs sleep safely.

Aside from that, i reckon john has something up his sleeve.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jun 27^th, 2007 at 8:02pm:


I'll definitely agree no other politician knows the Australian people quite as well as John Howard.

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That is true Freediver.

Sprintcyclist - Howard never mentions his plans during an election campaign (nuclear power/GST/IR reforms/Sale of Telstra & many others) - but immediately after he has got in again, legislation is rushed through in the dead of night.

These are not the actions of a strong man - many of these policies should have been taken to a referendum before he imposed them, because those who voted for him suddenly realise they have been deceived.

As far as Brough's heartbreak over 'the Report"  and Howard's decisive action - he's had dozens of them over the past 11 years, most of them equally as damning as this "Sacred Children" report.

He is extremely cunning - but in a decade or so when we see the damage done through his policies - history will have him tagged as one of the worst primeministers Australia has ever seen because of his total focus on "the economy" and the total disregard for the those he has trampled on to achieve this.

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I actually agree with you on that part of your statement IQ - you must have your thinking cap on or else your partner in crime been giving you some pointers.

The section in quotes above indicates exactly why Howard has stayed in power so long.

As far as empathy goes - I would feel a lot more emphathic if Howard also had some health services, counsellors  and jobs available to help these people through not only alcohol withdrawal, but also assist them with some basics like parenting, hygiene and allow them some hope for the future.

Our indigenous people are scared - they have no idea what is going to happen and have had no warning or consultation in regard to this intervention.

Actually the last consultation Mal Brough had with them was in regard to land control.  He offered them $60 million a few weeks ago - he would help them if they would hand over control of their land to the government.  They refused.

You have to wonder why people are cynical of Howard's motives - particularly so close to the election.