Leaders split over remote communities
Nationals leader Terry Redman has refused to endorse the Premier's rhetoric on remote Aboriginal communities, saying his party will not support proposed changes without the support of Aboriginal leaders.
Debate has become increasingly fraught since a protest at Parliament last week over possible community closures after the Commonwealth withdrew funding for municipal services.
Colin Barnett also said Aboriginal communities could not guarantee the safety of children and highlighted statistics about sexually transmitted diseases among Aboriginal children.
Shadow Aboriginal affairs minister Ben Wyatt has been highly critical of the Premier's comments, saying he has "defamed" Aboriginal people.
His said this cruelled any prospect of constructive talks between the Government and Aboriginal elders.
Yesterday, Mr Redman told _The West Australian _he did not believe the debate was about money but about better outcomes for people who lived in communities.
He did not believe this would happen without a viable plan that had Aboriginal support.
"I believe that pathway will take a long time because you don't simply disrupt communities in an abrupt way," he said.
"You don't make calls to exit and say, by the way, good luck to you."
Mr Wyatt hoped Mr Redman could influence Mr Barnett.
"I hope the Premier, to be frank, becomes a bit more sidelined in this debate and that a bit more sensible leadership from those ministers who have a better understanding of remote communities can carry the weight of the argument," he said.
Mr Barnett was unapologetic yesterday.
"For too long, politicians of both political persuasions have just said the nice things," he said.
"They have not dealt with it.
"It is my responsibility to ensure children are safe, go to school, get a good education, have good health and good prospects."
