Dutton despair

Peter Dutton says that an Indigenous Voice to Parliament is unlikely to reduce the youth violence being seen in Alice Springs and other regional centres (Editorial, “Dutton’s grift”, April 15-21). While the pathways into such behaviours are well known and start in utero for many, this is being ignored by Dutton as well as the premiers and first ministers of these jurisdictions. It was the former Coalition government who, in 2014-15, defunded the 75 Aboriginal community-controlled child and family centres across the nation. These centres were established based on the best evidence that pathways into healthy brain development start early and require holistic care within supportive communities. We know that nearly 90 per cent of children

(aged 10-18) in detention in WA have a serious neurodevelopmental disorder such as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, ADHD and intellectual disability, most present from birth. Such significantly damaged children need wraparound therapeutic programs, not punitive incarceration, if they are to have a chance of a good life. It is likely that if Aboriginal people had a Voice, they would recommend that these centres be immediately re-funded. Aboriginal researchers, community leaders and “grassroots” families have the knowledge about what will work best for their people. The previous Coalition government also implemented the so-called Northern

Territory Intervention, in response to the “Little Children are Sacred” report. Its aim was to reduce child sexual abuse. However, child sexual abuse rose annually in the Territory for many years after it was introduced. We actually have the answers to Dutton’s questions, but he may not appreciate them.

– Fiona Stanley, 2003 Australian of the

Year, WA