Aborigine affairs 'neglected'

Australian local Governments are neglecting Aborigine affairs, especially programmes to curb alcoholism and domestic violence, a federal minister claimed today.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Philip Ruddock accused state Governments of not taking responsibility for problems in indigenous communities under their jurisdiction.

‘‘It’s avoiding the responsibility that the states have to ensure that all of their people are able to access the services that are available to all other Australians,’’ Ruddock said.