Fed: Indigenous mothers use petrol dipped rags to soothe babies

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2000
Fed: Indigenous mothers use petrol dipped rags to soothe babies

A parliamentary inquiry has been told that some indigenous mothers use petrol-soaked
rags to comfort their babies.

The inquiry into substance abuse has heard that some mothers regularly dipped rags
in petrol and tied them to their baby's jumper to get them to sleep.

The House of Representatives inquiry has been told that the impact of substance abuse
on indigenous people and communities is significant.

The Department of Family and Community Services said in its submission to the inquiry
that there was evidence to suggest that indigenous people suffer a higher rate of depression
than non-Aboriginal people, that rates of self-harm and suicide are higher and that substance
abuse, domestic violence and child abuse are additional risk factors.

The local school principal in one area of regional New South Wales has identified the
top three health issues for the area as drugs and alcohol, petrol sniffing and mental
illness.

The age expectancy for indigenous people in the area is 33 years.

AAP RTV eg/mfh/gp/jn

KEYWORD: DRUGS INDIGENOUS (CANBERRA)

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