2009-06-10

In Australia, Ethnic Cleansing Continues

from ABC News

Normalisation policy is 'devastating' communities

Aboriginal leaders in the Kimberley say Commonwealth changes to the way remote communities are managed is having a devastating effect on community members.

The Federal Government has embarked on a restructure of community funding, referred to as normalisation.

It aims to streamline the funding of Aboriginal communities by outsourcing money for housing and municipal services to regional corporations and government departments.

Community leaders such as Djarindjin chief executive Andy McGaw say there is widespread concern the Government is trying drive people out of the communities.

"It isn't a gradual cost-cutting. It's the blatant cutting. It's happening very quickly, very brutally, and very recklessly," he said.

The Federal Department for Indigenous Affairs has been contacted for comment.

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