Demonstrators believe that Aboriginal control of country is
key to strong and healthy Aboriginal culture and community, that consultation
is crucial for designing initiatives appropriate to address child neglect and
abuse, and that adequate long-term support is needed to assist Indigenous
communities overcome deep-rooted problems such as alcohol supply, overcrowding
and inadequate housing, the high cost of nutritious foods and access to quality
education.
In particular, demonstrators called for the rights of
Indigenous communities under the Land Rights Act in the Northern Territory to be upheld, including
the permit system. They also called for an end to income management of
Centrelink benefits for Indigenous recipients, and the reinstatement of CDEP to
restore the capacity of Indigenous people to control their own lives.
Source: South Sydney Herald December 2007 www.southsydneyherald.com.au/