hc's native australians debate, page-10

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Restoring order 'a priority' in Alice Springs camps
Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough says law and order must be restored in the Aboriginal camps in Alice Springs.

Mr Brough says child abuse, alcoholism and drug issues have to be dealt with as a priority.

He has told ABC Radio's AM program he is committed to working with Northern Territory and local governments, along with the Tangentyere Aboriginal Corporation, to rapidly improve conditions.

"Before we worry about kids going to school or anything else we must first of all restore law and order," he said.

"The rule of law doesn't just mean a whole heap of police, it means ensuring that people are safe.

"Child abuse needs to be dealt with, the people that are causing the problems need to be dealt with."

There have been 15 murders or manslaughters in the area in the past 16 months.

"Wherever there are children being in some cases raped, certainly children being sexually abused, physically abused, where alcoholism and drug abuse ensures kids don't go to school and that their fundamental rights aren't being upheld, then that's unacceptable," Mr Brough said.

Human Services Minister Joe Hockey has described the camps as seas of despair.