Nelson says that baby bonus not be given directly to Aboriginal mothers

[elaine]

Keep baby bonus from remote mothers: Nelson

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/hold-devastating-baby-bonus-nelson/2008/03/18/1205602368139.html

Isn't that a bit discriminatory? To withold direct payment based on race/residence?

What about some Australian mothers who have drug addictions, gambling addictions etc- it's fine for them to get the bonus directly because they're Aussie?

[Collin Li]

There shouldn't be a baby bonus at all. Instead, the bonus should be turned into an education voucher. For everyone, not just the Aborigines. That said, however, I am deeply against the discriminatory nature of his proposal. He is suggesting that only the fair-skinned Australians have a sense of individual responsibility with their money. How does he suppose that the Aboriginal people will ever gain a sense of individual responsibility if they are not given the chance to make mistakes in the first place?

[brendan]

the baby bonus shouldn't exist in the first place

[Eriny]

That is discrimination. They should be just as entitled as anyone else to the bonus.

[brendan]

well it doesn't matter, welfare payments are already quarantined in a number of indigenous communities in the NT, where parents are given a debit card allowing them to buy essential goods, but not things like alcohol.

[Eriny]

I disagree with the quarantine of welfare too.

[abcat]

Howard Govt. introduced it, now they want it gone. Make up your mind!

[Collin Li]

Howard Govt. introduced it, now they want it gone. Make up your mind!

Howard doesn't speak for Brendan.