Paul Toohey; 8/5/08
Ted Mullighan came up with 46 recommendations to tackle child sex abuse in South Australia’s Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands. He might have stretched himself and made it 47. The former Supreme Court judge exposed some seriously disturbing matters in his report. But there was one thing too unpleasant to touch: ending the permit system in those lands. Mullighan would have done well heeding the words of 19th century philosopher Jeremy Bentham – words the judge probably knows because they relate to making sure the courts operate in the full public gaze.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23662835-5013404,00.html
Little children are sacred, yet still they are abused; Editorial; 8/5/08; http://www.theage.com.au/news/editorial/little-children-are-sacred-yet-still-they-are-abused/2008/05/07/1210131065132.html
Lone voice pleads ‘save the children’
Pia Akerman; 8/5/08
When it comes to speaking out about child sexual abuse, a heavy culture of silence exists in the remote Aboriginal lands of far-north South Australia. It was one of the toughest hurdles facing Ted Mullighan as he investigated abuse in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands, hearing that women and community workers had been threatened with violence if they gave evidence. But Mantatjara Wilson, one woman who lived on the lands before moving to Adelaide, is speaking out for all those who are too afraid. “Save those children,” Ms Wilson told The Australian. “It’s not good news. Young children raped and everything. Children have got to be safe, and go to school. We need the police to go there.”
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23662832-5013404,00.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Sex Trade