Heckman argues, however, is that it possible to work with disadvantaged parents and children to build up skills and reduce economic inequality. He stresses the importance of skills and personality traits that go beyond IQ. In a paper for the Boston Review he writes: "Contrary to the views of genetic determinists, experimental evidence shows that intervening early can produce positive and lasting effects on children in disadvantaged families." By focusing our efforts on disadvantaged families and communities we can move beyond the kind of paternalistic and illiberal policies Murray warns about. We can do a lot better than perpetually supervising people so they don't damage themselves or their children; we can give them back control over their lives. As Heckman argues , the skills developed through effective interventions "empower people to be what they want to be and do not force them to make particular choices or adopt one way of life over another." The idea that government has the ability to expand equality of opportunity by working with highly disadvantaged children, families and communities shouldn't be an ideological one. In Australia Heckman's research has been cited approvingly by academics, the Productivity Commission and MPs on both sides of politics. Australia has also taken some small steps towards a preventative, early intervention approach with programs like Communities for Children that support children's development by investing in parenting skills and strengthening families and communities. We could and should do much more. Despite Murray's rhetoric about reinvigorating community, philanthropy and the spirit