There’s something special about Alice Springs. It’s a town at the heart of the country not just geographically but, at times, also politically. No other smallish country town in Australia better epitomises the contradictions of Australia’s history. Over at New Matilda, there’s been a fascinating series on Alice Springs and indigenous disadvantage. The latest article is by Dr John Boffa of the People’s Alcohol Action Coalition. Dr Boffa argues that cheap alcohol is one of the most easily solvable causes of the seemingly intractable cycle of indigenous violence in central Australia. Last week, local Legal Aid lawyer Russell Goldflam argued in favour of alcohol reform, a contentious topic in the red centre.
Previous instalments have been penned by indigenous politician Alison Anderson and writer Jennifer Mills. Nicolas Rothwell kickstarted the debate.