Reply #37: I think it was only in the Northern Territory that courts were taking into

[oscarmitre]

consideration the effect of customary law, I believe that has now been scrapped. But in this case it seems that some sort of perverted political correctness has been at work. This happened two years ago and in the intervening time heads have indeed rolled within the state govt department that is supposed to protect children. While the pitchforks are out for Judge Bradley it remains to be seen how at fault she is. But that's what appellate courts are for. Perhaps, just perhaps, out of this tragedy will come a bit of common bloody sense for everyone involved. I heard on ABC radio that the girl was looked after by a non-indigenous family but was removed from their care on the grounds that non-indigenous foster families should not look after indigenous children. I just hope that even if there have been sackings that the government culture that approved that kind of thinking will be examined.