Social Crisis and Aboriginal Alcohol Abuse*

This article summarizes the major results of three studies into aboriginal alcohol abuse in and around Perth. The first study was based on in-depth interviews with thirty-one officers and members of sixteen Perth community organizations. In addition, a review of impressionistic arguments and research documents was also completed. This section also includes a structured interview with the thirty-one respondents. The second study examined the fringe dwellers' situation through interviews with four community workers and thirty-five camp inhabitants. The final study reported on interviews with a representative sample of fifty-three Perth whites to ascertain the nature of the ‘white backlash’. Overall the results support the predominant role of environmental alcohol abuse and the need for a long term, organic approach.