Provokes emotion rather than a clear vision.

Interesting insights are gained from listening to Paul Toohey, a local in the N.T., discuss the effects of federal government intervention in the most impoverished and forgotten corners of Australia. Paul attempts a ‘no nonsense’, ‘down the line’ prognosis of the domestic drug, alcohol and abuse which were detailed in the 2007, ‘Little Children are Sacred Report’. The tone of the essay is blunt, dry and forceful. While shocking, such a tone can be necessary in dark times. However, the content of Paul’s message is often confusing. He offers conflicting or vague answers on the question of whether the Federal government’s Northern Territory National Emergency Response was effective. He seems to let stories of local indigenous peoples, along with their opinions, imply the answer. In small doses, this style of argumentation can be powerful. However, the essay is a string of stories and reflections. When no clear solutions are available, extensive canvassing of the N.T. appears a requirement in order to get a clear picture of the problem. Paul embodies what an investigative journalist should in principle be; hard-nosed, daring and honest. And he was clear on some points, which were insightful, usually balanced and worth hearing. But mostly he attempts to shock the audience into sharing his rage. Sarah Burnside’s review says it best - “the essay is reliant on tone, rather than on analysis of evidence”.

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