|
|
Article: Aboriginal gap prompts call for new 'paternalism'; Australia's health minister documents poor delivery of health services and questions policy of self-determination.(WORLD)
- Article from:
- The Christian Science Monitor
- Article date:
- August 16, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: Janaki KremmerCorrespondent of The Christian Science Monitor
WADEYE AND DARWIN, AUSTRALIA -- It's boom time in Australia's northernmost city, Darwin, fueled by gas pipelines and mining. But an hour's flight by Cessna due south, over vast wetlands and floodplains, lies the aboriginal community of Wadeye, a shantytown of about 2,500 people.
Cut off from the rest of the state during the wet season, many families here live 17 to a three-bedroom house. Half the population is under 15 years old and can't speak English. The isolation and humidity exploded this May in gang warfare involving spears and makeshift weapons.
With residents facing ...