Hmm, but can we really blame kava for the terrible socio-economic and health situation in the aboriginal communities? Hasn't alcohol (still legal in Australia) done much more damage? Not to mention colonialism, exploitation, oppression, etc...
These communities have been completely alcohol free for many years. Kava was a loop hole (as well as condoned by the govt at the start) I dont expect anyone to understand it, i know i certainly wouldnt if i was looking in.
All that said...these communities are not alcohol or kava free anymore than a city is cocain free. The people become what we call 'long grassers' I know its not the kavas fault however we invaded these guys...we shot them & put strychnine in food & left it out to kill hundreds in one night inc women & children, we chased them on horseback over cliffs. We walked in here & took over & drove them off. Imagine that invasion in any 1st world country now, US,Canada,UK,France...nuclear war. We have to allow some healing in these communities & if that means i dont buy kava off the shelf then im ok with it.
I feel a complete ban was over doing though as why wasnt alcohol treated the same, no votes there if you take the red off middle classes australias table or can of beer at the footy. I honestly do not know what the answer is.