Inconsistencies in the evidence against Kyle Horace:

More reasons why he should not have been convicted

No form of sexual assault can be excused. Those who have experienced a forced violation of their person may receive a life sentence of psychological harm. The perpetrators may receive a lesser sentence. However, society's righteous indignation to defend the victim and punish the offender has often resulted in innocent people being accused and imprisoned. Inconsistencies in the case against Kyle Horace indicate that his conviction was unsound and a young man was wrongfully sentenced to seven years in the Darwin Correctional Centre.

The transcript of a rape trial is not pleasant reading. The complainant, witnesses and accused are forced to re-live the trauma of a life changing event, in this case after they have grown from childhood to maturity. However, the frankness and personal nature of the evidence presented to the court is necessary for the jury to reach a verdict beyond reasonable doubt. Likewise, distressing evidence for all involved must be here re-examined if we are to question the verdict of the jury and the comments of the judge in Kyle's trial. The future of an innocent man depends upon it.

How the balandas subverted democracy in Maningrida

GLW issue #268- 26 March 1997:

By Bill Day

Maningrida is a town of about 600 on the coast of Central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, servicing about 1500 people. Although the town is mainly Aboriginal, remnants of the old colonial administration remain in managerial positions.

The Maningrida Progress Association (MPA), which operates the community-owned businesses in the town, was controlled by an entrenched group of paternalistic balandas (whites) until almost a year ago, when members of the Aboriginal community organised an election campaign to seize control. After the successful elections, the new committee promised to make the association more accountable.