Description

This essay highlights the political pressure and media coverage that culminated in the Commonwealth government’s intervention in Indigenous issues in the Northern Territory in 2007. In it, Langton examines the failed actions of the Northern Territory government to prevent the abuse and assault of Aboriginal woman and children, and to take action against the offenders. Coupled with extensive media coverage in June 2006 into allegations of child sexual abuse, sexual violence and drug abuse, and subsequent Government inquiries, the Federal government was forced to intercede into territorial affairs. Langton examines the government’s actions in the broader context of Indigenous affairs and left- and right-wing commentary and concludes that the intervention is a necessary step in the process towards the achievement of practical outcomes to overcome systemic levels of disadvantage among Aboriginal Australians.