Darwin, 14-16 October
When I first visited Darwin late in the 1970s, Darwin was still recovering from the devastation of Cyclone Tracy at Christmas 1974. And it was a raw place, the Territory embarking on self-government with a largely undiluted history of conservative government, and about to achieve global notoriety at the hands of such types as the above. Now it is still a 'tough' place, with a hard climate, a world beating alcohol consumption of 1100 standard drinks per person per annum, a sharp divide between urban affluence and poverty and intractable health and social problems in many rural places, including indigenous communities. But there is also much difference. This is now a lively and tolerant and attractive multicultural society, with a great deal of self-confidence. You may need to register with The Age to read this interesting commentary by a former member of the territory parliament and minister... Read also this speech by the first woman indigenous member of the Territory parliament in 2002, Marion Scrymgour MLA, now a minister in the present government. From the Legislative Assembly, pictured below, earlier this year, there were television images to shock audiences accustomed to the ritualised negative hostilities of other Australian parliaments, as a new parliament was opened, with five Aboriginal and two 'ethnic' members, ten women among 25 members, a female Speaker and Aboriginal and female ministers in government. The opening ceremony saw hugs, kisses, waves to families, singing and other activities surely likely to undermine the Australo-Westminster tradition of parliamentary negativism and its ability to poison expectations of the political process. Can we have a "Clare Martin for Canberra" campaign? It would be good if we could, but Chief Minister Martin probably values the quality of her life and the great challenges here in the territory too much to be willing to run for Prime Minister.
——ooOoo—— We had a very happy couple of daze in Darwin
We met Margaret, from Ngukurr, and her partner Jacob from Oenpelli...
Days are hot, evenings spectacular
Nature offers wondrous design
Homo sapiens's designs are also sometimes a source of wonder...
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