Since the Federal Government’s decision to take emergency measures to deal with the problems of child abuse in the Northern Territory, there has been widespread discussion and criticism. 
 
‘As an ecumenical, concerned, Christian community, we feel compelled to make our position known,’ said Clabon Allen, Convenor of the Wellspring Community’s Reconciliation Network.
 
We believe it is right for the Federal Government to address the endemic crisis of child abuse in many Aboriginal communities in the NT.  The situation has been aggravated by decades of inadequate response by all levels of government to ongoing problems in health, education and housing.  The Federal Government is to be commended in making a serious effort to respond to these problems and in exploring new ways of relating to communities.
 
It is of crucial importance that Aboriginal elders and leaders should be consulted.  In many communities there are groups of concerned residents who have been struggling to find solutions to these problems for many years.  Initial visits to the NT have involved listening to the communities.  This will need to continue in a systematic way in order to establish trust and confidence.  In particular, there needs to be consultation with the health and social welfare professionals who have been working in these areas for many years.
 
It is good to explore measures to control alcohol and pornography but these are not the fundamental issues.  The sense of Aboriginal identity and community needs to be rebuilt.  This will involve respect for Aboriginal traditions, sensitive use of judicial procedures and a long term commitment to rebuilding the structures of health and educational facilities in the communities.
 
Co-Leader Jill Robertson spoke on behalf of the Community; ‘We believe, on the issue of child abuse, it is dangerous to focus too exclusively on Aboriginal communities.  Throughout Australia there are problems of child abuse, alcoholism, family poverty and unemployment.  We wish to play our part as a Christian community to work for the renewal of all groups in Australian society.  We also wish to support initiatives that restore to indigenous people their dignity and sense of self worth. Unilateral action to alter hard won land rights would in our view exacerbate rather than ameliorate the problem.’
 
Wellspring Community Reconciliation Network.