The Wire

An organisation representing native title holders today backed the government’s controversial takeover of eighteen indigenous-run town camps on the outskirts of Alice Springs. Indigenous affairs Minister Jenny Macklin announced the move after talks broke down between the commonwealth and the local housing association, over the provision of services to its disadvantaged residents. Human rights activists and other indigenous representatives have attacked the government’s assertion that it needs to control the land in order to be able to provide basic infrastructure. The announcement has reignited debate over the Rudd government’s handling of the Northern Territory intervention.