Aboriginal education has suffered either criminal neglect or hamfisted interference for many years.

The previous CLP government imposed an English-only rule, which was rescinded by Labor but then partly reimposed in 2008.

The Government said the first four hours of lessons had to be taught only in English.

Many teachers thought this was correct. They argued indigenous children were destined for a life of underachievement unless they mastered the dominant language of English.

Others argued English was a third, fourth or even fifth language for some students and forcing them to study mainly in English - at least in the early, more formative years - would put them off education for life.

A revised policy now says the first four hours are to be taught mostly in English; in other words, home languages can be used in class.

Education Minister Chris Burns denies the policy has been watered down. That is the usual tactic of this Government - to sound tough, soften the stance in the face of opposition or clear evidence the policy is flawed and deny it ever had been tough.

Paul Henderson's Government at least should be congratulated for taking indigenous education seriously.

...and another thing

THE squabble between the Ombudsman and Auditor-General over how many animals starved at Mataranka Station is verging on the unseemly. The simple fact is that cows and horses died through neglect and the NT Government really should have prosecuted Charles Darwin University.