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Lateral violence is a multilayered, complex problem and because of this our strategies also need to be pitched at different levels. In Chapter 3 I have looked at the big picture, with the human rights framework as our overarching response to lateral violence. In this Chapter I will be taking our strategies to an even more practical level, looking at how we can create environments of cultural safety and security to address lateral violence.

<h2><strong>1.1 Introduction</strong></h2> <p>This year marks 20 years since the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (Social Justice Commissioner) role under the <em>Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986</em> (Cth).</p>

Last year I set out my priorities for my term as Social Justice Commissioner.[1] My priorities revolve around the central idea that to address the disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and build a more reconciled nation, we need to develop stronger and deeper relationships:

When we look at the many issues that face Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is easy to get paralysed by their complexity, entrenched nature and the sheer size of the challenge. But as an optimist, I believe that there is a lot that we can do to address these problems. There are many different tools available to suit the varying circumstances that face our diverse communities. Lateral violence is no different.

It is with great pleasure that I present my second Native Title Report as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. I launched my first Report, the Native Title Report 2010 in February 2011. These reports are produced each year in accordance with the requirement under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Native Title Act) for me to report annually on the impact of the Native Title Act on the exercise and enjoyment of the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.[1]

<p><a name="anchor" id="anchor"></a> </p> <!-- InstanceBeginEditable name="BodyText" --><h1><a href="/social_justice/sj_report/sjreport10/index.html"><b><a name="top" id="top"></a></b></a>Social Justice Report 2011</h1> <p><a href="/social_justice/sj_report/sjreport10/index.html">Back to Contents</a></p> <h1>Appendix 2: Chronology of Events Relating to the Administration of<br> Indigenous Affairs</h1> <p>1 July 2010 – 30 June 2011</p>

I could tell you of heartbreak, hatred blind I could tell of crimes that shame mankind Of brutal wrongs and deeds malign Of rape and murder son of mine

<h2><strong>4.1 Introduction</strong></h2> <p>Alcohol consumption, misuse and related harm are some of the most challenging issues confronting communities across the length and breadth of Australia. These challenges are not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but confront every demographic in Australian cities and towns. From Kings Cross to Halls Creek, St Kilda to Santa Teresa – communities grapple with alcohol related harm arising from over-consumption and the extent to which punitive or restrictive measures should or should not be applied.</p>