To The Australian Lyle Geyer states (26/8) that "it is absolutely imperative that an urgent solution is forthcoming" to the problems of Aboriginal disadvantage. Such issues are usually not well handled if rushed. What is most of all needed is solutions that are effective and in accord with reality. Two things should be dropped. The whole campaign for "indigenous constitutional recognition" has been mistaken and this needs to be firmly admitted. It will never be endorsed by a majority of Australians at the necessary referendum, because it is inequitable and dangerously divisive. Secondly, the phrase "closing the gap" should be replaced by "improvement to Aboriginal living conditions". "Closing the gap" allows ideological pests to go on complaining forever rather than addressing real needs sensibly.
Nigel Jackson, Belgrave, Vic