Padraic Murphy; 13/8/08
Two families struggling with child abuse yesterday became the first to appear before the Families Responsibilities Commission - the next stage in welfare reform in indigenous communities. The FRC hearing on Cape York made legal history by being the first deliberative body with the power to quarantine welfare payments and take control of an individual’s finances. It is hoped the initiative masterminded by Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson to improve behaviour in four Cape York communities will be rolled out across the country. Sitting in Coen yesterday with two local representatives, Commissioner David Glasgow denied the measures were paternalistic.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24172468-5013404,00.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Children, Finance