WGAR News: "Keep the poison out of Muckaty" - community rally on May 7, 2011

Submitted by WGAR - Working ... on Sat, 30/04/2011 - 9:23am

Newsletter date: 30 April 2011

Contents:
* Join the Tennant Creek community for a rally on May 7
* Background to Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* Aboriginal Sovereignty to the International Court of Justice
* Les Malezer defends National Congress of Australia's First Peoples
* Background to National Congress of Australia's First Peoples
* Tony Abbott in Alice Springs, Northern Territory
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* More on the First Nations political party
* Other Aboriginal articles

JOIN THE TENNANT CREEK COMMUNITY FOR A RALLY ON MAY 7:

- Rally Poster

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
NO WASTE DUMP AT MUCKATY - KEEP THE BARKLY NUCLEAR FREE
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/110507_tc-ral...

- Rally

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
Community rally- keep the poison out of Muckaty
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2011/04/28/community-rally-no-waste-d...
28 Apr 11: "Join the Tennant Creek community for a rally on May 7, 2011 to say: Keep the poison out of Muckaty
We the Waramungu language group are supporting Muckaty traditional owners very strongly, against the radioactive waste dump on their country. It might destroy and kill wild animals and country. Do not place it there!
Ankkul Warumungu apparr wangka jara kajji wangkan ankkul jarni Wirlya!
Alinya nyirinjiki radioactive waste dump ajurnu nginyi manu kuna.
Amapan parla ninkun muru warinyi kuyu kapi manu.
Yama! Nyirinji mana ala kana"

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
May 7-8 Tennant Creek community rally
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/may-7-8-tennant-...
22 Apr 11: "Help Stop the Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump ... Muckaty Traditional Owners are organising a weekend of action against the waste dump on May 7-8, 2011. We hope that you can support us either by joining us in Tennant Creek or by making a donation to assist in organising the weekend of action. Organisations are encouraged to send short statements of support to be read out at the rally."

BACKGROUND TO MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

Beyond Nuclear Initiative: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/

Beyond Nuclear Initiative: Muckaty: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/muckaty/

YouTube: Muckaty Voices: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo

Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty, NT
Briefing Paper - February 2011
Jim Green B.Med.Sci.(Hons.), PhD
National nuclear campaigner - Friends of the Earth, Australia
Friends of the Earth: http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/nontdump/Dump%20briefing%20...

Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News: http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste

WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory (2 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/02/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-in-the-n...

WGAR News: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (20 Mar 10)
http://groups.google.com.au/group/foblmail/browse_thread/thread/ddc393bb...

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump (28 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/28/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-close-th...

WGAR News: Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump (4 Apr 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/03/wgar-news-muckaty-radioactive-waste-d...

WGAR News: National day of action against Muckaty nuclear waste dump: 12th April!
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/10/wgar-news-national-day-of-action-agai...

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump: Senate inquiry in Darwin; Nationwide protests (17 Apr 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/16/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-senate-i...

WGAR News: Update: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (23 Apr 10)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/22/wgar-news-raw-sewage-dumped-in-ampila...

WGAR News: Update on Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (2 May 10)
http://wgar.wordpress.com/2010/05/02/02052010-update-on-muckaty-station-...

WGAR News: "Muckaty Voices" film; Senate Report into nuclear waste dump plan (16 May 10)
https://indymedia.org.au/2010/05/16/wgar-news-muckaty-voices-film-senate...

WGAR News: Federal Court legal challenge over nuclear waste dump (13 Jun 10)
http://lists.perthimc.asn.au/pipermail/blackgreensolidarity/2010-June/00...

WGAR News: PM Gillard: No change on Muckaty nuclear waste dump (12 Jul 10)
http://lists.perthimc.asn.au/pipermail/blackgreensolidarity/2010-July/00...

WGAR News: Legislation passes enabling a nuclear waste dump to be built at Muckaty, NT (1 Mar 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/03/01/wgar-news-legislation-passes-enabling...

WGAR News: Federal Court challenge over nuclear dump resumes in August (16 Mar 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/03/16/wgar-news-federal-court-challenge-ove...

WGAR News: Interview with Kylie Sambo, Mark Lane and Dr. Jim Green about Muckaty nuclear waste dump (21 Mar 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/03/21/wgar-news-protest-blockade-by-lake-ty...

WGAR News: Nuclear waste legislation must wait until objections heard in Federal Court (23 Mar 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/03/23/wgar-news-international-day-for-the-e...

WGAR News: Aboriginal groups protest against nuclear waste dump (26 Mar 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/03/26/wgar-news-police-used-to-break-blocka...

WGAR News: Crisis in Japan and Muckaty Nuclear Waste Dump (2 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/02/wgar-news-online-petition-about-abori...

WGAR News: Muckaty Traditional Owners speak out (14 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/14/wgar-news-deaths-in-custody-and-abori...

WGAR News: Help Stop the Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump - May 7-8 (24 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/24/wgar-news-two-urgent-petitions-on-the...

ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE:

- Audio

The Wire: Revolutionary step towards indigenous sovereignty?
[scroll down page] http://www.thewire.org.au/daydetail.aspx?SearchDay=2011-04-29
29 Apr 11: "The debate about Indigenous sovereignty has raged for decades. It's taken a new turn as an Aboriginal leader prepares to launch an application to the International Court of Justice.
Interviewed in this story:
Michael Andersen, leader of the Euahlayi people;
Don Alton, Australian National University;
Craig Jones, Native Title and Indigenous affairs commentator;
Bridget Lewis, Queensland University of Technology."

- Media Release

Call for dramatic return to proactive political action at Aboriginal summit
By Michael Anderson and Ellie Gilbert
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/26/call-for-dramatic-return-to-proactive...
26 Apr 11: "Canberra 25 April 2011, Anzac Day -- The Aboriginal New Way Sovereignty Summit here over Easter was informed that given the state of Aboriginal Affairs in this country today it is now time to make a dramatic return to proactive political action.
Within the coming months legal submissions will be completed for two challenges. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be asked for an Advisory Opinion on the status of the Aboriginal Sovereignty.
The second legal challenge will be in the European Court of Human Rights where an application will be made for compensation and reparation from the British in respect to the colonisation, dispossession, usurpation of our natural wealth and resources."

LES MALEZER DEFENDS NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA'S FIRST PEOPLES:

- Audio

ABC PM: Indigenous congress head defends organisation
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3202821.htm
28 Apr 11: "The new National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has been under fire in some newspapers for days - but now its recently elected co-chairman has publicly defended the body. Les Malezer is a long-time Indigenous activist who's spent decades defending Indigenous rights from Queensland to the United Nations in New York. Now he's spoken to PM in his first major interview since being elected. [No. Les Malezer's first major interview since being elected was with The Wire. See below for details.] Mr Malezer says the new congress will work, because of its strong ethical framework - and that he'll welcome any criticism - or suggestions - in the lead up to its first meeting, in Canberra, in June. It's the first national Indigenous representative body since ATSIC was disbanded."

See Les Malezer's first major interview since being elected:

The Wire: Indigenous activist Les Malezer to co-chair National Congress of Australia's First Peoples
Produced by Chrissy Kavanagh and Tibike Jurecska
[scroll down page] http://www.thewire.org.au/daydetail.aspx?SearchDay=2011-04-20
20 Apr 11: "In a few short months, the first ever National congress of Australia’s First Peoples will kick off discussions about how to address the many issues facing Indigenous people. Long time Indigenous activist Les Malezer has just been elected to co- chair the new body. He says there’s a long list to grapple with, but told Chrissy Kavanagh why he thinks the congress is a step forward. Report features Les Malezer"

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA RADIO NEWS 28-04-11
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-28-04-2011
28 Apr 11: "* Former ALP national president Warren Mundine says he is concerned Government will use the establishment of the new National Congress of Australia’s First People’s to pay off Aboriginal Organizations against each other.
* The new co-chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First People’s Lez Mehltzer says he is keen to focus on self determination and decision making within communities."

BACKGROUND TO NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA'S FIRST PEOPLES:

WGAR News: Proposed national Indigenous body (29 Aug 09)
[scroll down page] http://wgar.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/290809-un-expert-calls-nt-intervent...

WGAR News: More media responses to proposed national Indigenous body (31 Aug 09)
[scroll down page] http://wgar.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/310809-more-media-responses-to-un-e...

WGAR News: Still more media responses to proposed national Indigenous body (3 Sep 09)
[scroll down page] http://wgar.wordpress.com/2009/09/03/3-sep-2009-governments-review-of-ab...

WGAR News: Proposed National Indigenous Representative Body (22 Sep 09)
[scroll down page] http://wgar.wordpress.com/2009/09/23/22-sep-2009-ampilatwatja-anti-inter...

WGAR News: New Way Summit delegates unanimously reject government sponsored Rep body (31 Jan 10)
http://wgar.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/new-way-summit-delegates-unanimousl...

WGAR News: Proposed National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (2 Feb 10)
[scroll down page] http://wgar.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/02022010-national-day-of-action-sat...

WGAR News: New National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (9 May 10)
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2010/05/08/wgar-news-new-national-congress-o...

WGAR News: Co-Chairs of National Congress of Australia's First Peoples elected (21 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/21/wgar-news-elders-speak-out-on-the-nor...

WGAR News: National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (24 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/24/wgar-news-two-urgent-petitions-on-the...

WGAR News: National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (29 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/29/darwin-gathering-for-aboriginal-peopl...

TONY ABBOTT IN ALICE SPRINGS, NORTHERN TERRITORY:

- Media Release

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Abbott fails to learn from Territory visit
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/abbott-fail...
29 Apr 11: "Tony Abbott has failed to learn about the underlying issues facing the Northern Territory as he continues to pursue ineffective, hard-line measures on issues such as alcohol abuse and education, according to the Australian Greens.
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said that Mr Abbott’s comments highlight the fact that he has missed the point of his visit to the NT.
"Mr Abbott continues to show that he simply doesn’t understand the issues or how to move forward in the Northern Territory," Senator Siewert said today. ...
"There needs to be outreach to parents and a consultative, partnership approach between the Government and communities. Supporting parents and students in a positive way is much more likely to deliver long term improvements," concluded Senator Siewert."

- Video

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Tony Abbott in Alice Springs
http://caama.com.au/tony-abbott-in-alice-springs
29 Apr 11: "Tony Abbott pops into Alice Springs to get a personal feel for what’s happening, particularly in remote Australia… he also had talks with Bess Price, Alison Anderson and Ian Conway traditional owner here in Alice, as well as many others to talk about the affects of the Intervention and what are the next best step to take to tackle the problems that plague the town."

ABC 7.30: Tony Abbott on the intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3202990.htm
28 Apr 11: "TONY ABBOTT, OPPOSITION LEADER: I think the intervention has made a difference. It hasn't been perfect. Nothing is perfect, but it has made a difference and I think the challenge now is to build on that to try to see if we can extend the intervention to Alice Springs and the other major centres of the Territory, so that we ensure that everywhere in the Territory the kids go to school, the adults go to work and the ordinary law of the land is observed."

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 29-04-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-29-04-2011
29 Apr 11: "The Federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott says he will not remain silent about the situation of Aboriginal people in Central Australia, following his talks with local Aboriginal leaders."

ABC NewsRadio: NT Government rejects Opposition Leader's call for another intervention in the Territory .. (audio)
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/newsradio/audio/20110428-hampton.mp3
28 Apr 11

- News

Australian: Tony Abbott and Aboriginal elders sit down in dirt
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/aboriginal-australia/abbott-eld...
29 Apr 11: "TONY Abbott has made good on a promise to sit down in the dirt with traditional owners and discuss plans for a second intervention, but is yet to commit to any proposals to curb problem drinking and violence in central Australia. ... Mr Abbott's meetings in Alice Springs have been strictly controlled, with no journalists allowed to be present at meetings with indigenous leaders. He has come under fire from locals who say Mr Abbott is only meeting with sympathetic voices."

ABC: NT rejects Abbott's call for second intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/28/3202248.htm?site=indigenou...
28 Apr 11: "The Northern Territory Government says it supports a visit by Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to Alice Springs town camps but does not back his call for a second intervention. ... Territory Minister for Central Australia, Karl Hampton, says more federal politicians should follow the lead of Mr Abbott and see the town camps for themselves. But he says the Territory Government will not back an extension of the intervention."

OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: NT Intervention: the divide between opinion and evidence
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/04/29/nt-intervention-the-divide-between-o...
29 Apr 11: "Opposition leader Tony Abbott appeared on The 7.30 Report, interviewed by Chris Uhlmann against the backdrop of the NT:
CHRIS UHLMANN: I spoke with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott earlier today and asked if the intervention had achieved its primary aim, protecting children.
TONY ABBOTT, OPPOSITION LEADER: I think the intervention has made a difference. It hasn’t been perfect. ... " Eva Cox

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 29-04-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-29-04-2011
29 Apr 11: "An Alice Springs native title holder says she is upset a the way the ABC’s 730 report had twisted her opinions on the Northern territory intervention."

- Video

ABC 7.30: Broken promises
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3202987.htm
28 Apr 11: "Welcome to the program, coming from Alice Springs. ... First to one of the promises that came with the intervention, better housing for Indigenous community. The Government pledged millions to build new homes, but have they been delivered?"

BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention":
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Northern Territory National Emergency Response: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Territory_intervention

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights...

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

Amnesty International Australia: Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Treaty Republic: Northern Territory Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/Northern%20Territory%20Intervention

Defending Indigenous Rights: http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off's Blog: http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

Australian Human Rights Commission: Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response’ intervention: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC: Australia’s compliance with CERD - Fact Sheet 2: Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights): http://wgar.info/

MORE ON THE FIRST NATIONS POLITICAL PARTY:

- Opinion

NT News: Editorial: Indigenous party divisive
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/04/28/228331_opinion.html
28 Apr 11: "THE establishment of an Aboriginal political party in the Territory is unfortunate. Despite what many southerners think, the Territory has achieved a remarkable level of racial harmony. A political party based on nothing more than skin colour threatens that peaceful co-existence."

See:

WGAR News: First Nations political party and the NT elections (29 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/29/darwin-gathering-for-aboriginal-peopl...