Newsletter date: 20 November 2011
Contents:
* Federal Govt plans to extend its intervention in the NT
* Interviews with Barb Shaw and Randa Kattan on Income Management
* The Bush to Bankstown: The fight against Govt Income Management
* Two Sydney events highlighting struggles for Aboriginal rights in the NT
* International Human Rights Day - Alice Springs, NT
* Ninety people gathered in Darwin on Nov 18 to launch Walk With Us
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 23 events from 20 November 2011
* FEDERAL GOVT PLANS TO EXTEND ITS INTERVENTION IN THE NT:
- Media Releases and Statements
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney:
Federal Government betrays NT communities with second Intervention
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/federal-government-b...
16 Nov 11: "The Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) says that the Federal Government has betrayed NT Aboriginal communities, following Monday's announcement of more punitive policies and an extension of the Intervention.
STICS spokesperson Paddy Gibson was in contact with community representatives throughout the recent "Stronger Futures" consultation period and has closely studied transcripts from the consultations across the NT.
Mr Gibson says that community views on dealing with education and alcohol problems have been ignored in favour of further discriminatory measures, and the government has broken clear promises to return to communities for further consultation before introducing legislation."
ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
Missed opportunity to reset policy direction and relationships with NT communities
http://www.antar.org.au/missed_opportunity_to_reset_policy_direction_and...
17 Nov 11: "The Federal Government’s announcement today of plans to extend its intervention in the NT reflects a missed opportunity to build a genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities in planning for their future.
"Despite broad calls for the language and style of 'intervention' to be abandoned, today’s announcements show a determination to continue on much the same course", said ANTaR National Director, Jacqueline Phillips. ...
"While support for additional jobs and traineeships is welcome, the continuation of blanket alcohol restrictions and extension of social security penalties for school attendance reflects more top-down and coercive policy from Canberra.""
National Congress of Australia's First Peoples:
Statement from Congress Co- Chairs, Jody Broun and Les Malezer
http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/111115NTStatem...
15 Nov 11: "Congress noted the Federal Government's announcement yesterday of a number of measures they wish to include in the upcoming legislation related to future arrangements in the Northern Territory.
Minister Macklin wants to introduce that legislation next week and will request it goes directly to a Committee for review. This means interested organisations and people can submit their views on the legislation.
Our focus is now firmly on the legislation. We are seeking direct involvement in the Committee process and are currently investigating the best and most effective ways for Congress to be part of the review of this legislation. ... "
Rachel Siewert: Greens: Government continues negative intervention policy
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/government-...
14 Nov 11: "The Government is missing yet another opportunity to take a new approach in the Northern Territory, the Australian Greens say.
"Extending ineffective measures is a waste of money," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"Punishing parents by cutting income support flies in the face of existing knowledge and opinion, including that of the Government’s own departments.
"We know that programs such as the School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measure (SEAM) have had mixed results at best and cannot be linked to better education outcomes in communities.""
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP: Building stronger futures for children in the Northern Territory
Joint Media Release with: The Hon Peter Garrett AM, MP ... and The Hon Warren Snowdon MP ...
http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/pages/jm_m_str...
14 Nov 11: "Educational outcomes for children across the Northern Territory will be improved under an expanded initiative that links income support payments with school attendance.
The Australian Government will enhance the Improving School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measure (SEAM), so that it aligns with the Northern Territory Government’s Every Child Every Day strategy and promotes greater parental responsibility around a child’s school enrolment and attendance.
This is part of a legislation package the Australian Government will introduce to Parliament next week to build stronger futures for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory."
- Audio Interviews
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
"Government has betrayed NT Aboriginal Communities" - Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney
http://caama.com.au/government-has-betrayed-nt-aboriginal-communities-st...
17 Nov 11: "Stop The Intervention Collective spokesperson Paddy Gibson says community views on dealing with education and alcohol problems have been ignored by the Government in favour of further discriminatory measures… ... He told CAAMA Radio…after closely studying the transcripts from Government’s consultations across the Northern Territory….he found no evidence to suggest Aboriginal people support the move to link welfare payments to attendance…and that in many of the consultations with communities…the move was not announced or even raised with communities for discussion."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Eva Cox continues debate on post-Intervention…mark 2
http://caama.com.au/eva-cox-continues-debate-on-post-intervention-mark-2
14 Nov 11: "As debate continues in the mainstream media about the next steps post-Intervention…Intervention mark 2…Paul Wiles speaks to political commentator Eva Cox to hear her views on the subject."
- Analysis
Green Left: 'Whitewashed Futures': government lies about NT consultations
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49472
16 Nov 11: "The consultations have been widely criticised by Aboriginal people and their supporters. Little, if any, real notice was given to communities before the consultations took place, and government facilitators focussed discussion on pre-decided topics. ... On November 14, the federal government began releasing details of the legislation it will table in parliament to follow the NTER. The government is yet to release the legislation in its entirety. But Macklin announced that welfare payments would be a central measure aimed at helping "provide parents with the support they need to ensure their children attend school every day"." Emma Murphy, Darwin
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 17-11-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-17-11-2011
17 Nov 11: "The Federal Government has betrayed Northern Territory Aboriginal communities ..according to a Sydney based aboriginal rights group…. following the announcement it will push ahead with plans to link welfare payment to school attendance."
SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal: Will A Big Stick Work?
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/192959/t...
17 Nov 11: "Questions about using punishment of parents, to deal with school truancy in the Northern Territory. ... Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion questions the big stick approach brought out by the Federal Government. Mr Scullion, who's also Senator for the Northern Territory, says punishment as incentive is an unsophisticated way of approaching a many-layered issue."
SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal: No School, No Money
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/192953/t...
17 Nov 11: "The Federal Government's solution to chronic truancy in the Northern Territory. ... The federal government has announced it will further penalise Aboriginal parents in the Northern Territory, if their children don't go to school often enough. Parents of children who miss ten days of school in a term without a proper excuse could have their welfare payments suspended."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 15-11-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-15-11-2011
15 Nov 11: "* Parents of Children who miss more than 10 days school in a term without good reason could face having their welfare payments suspended under legislation to be introduced in Parliament next week.
* The announcement by the Federal Government has sparked protest."
The Wire: Critics say truancy crackdown in NT doesn’t address root causes
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8678
14 Nov 11: "In a widening of the Northern Territory intervention, the Federal government has announced plans to link school attendance with welfare payments. The reforms will affect 17 remote and urban communities in the Territory and will be introduced in Parliament before Christmas. But the plan has come under fire by some Indigenous leaders and policy experts, who say the hardline approach will do little to address the deeper problems behind truancy rates in NT Indigenous communities.
Featured in story:
Japarta Ryan - Indigenous community leader from Kalkarindji in the Northern Territory
Eva Cox - Social policy researcher, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning"
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service:
Anti-Intervention campaigner criticises Goverment truancy policy
18 Nov 11: "Anti-Northern Territory Intervention campaigner Barbara Shaw says there could be a number of reasons why a child misses school for extended periods, other than a lack of parents' will to send them there. The Federal Government will next week introduce legislation into Parliament that links a child's school truancy to their parent's welfare payments. Ms Shaw, who resides in Alice Springs, has urged the Federal Government to consider cultural and health grounds as well as language difficulties as some of the explanations that may need to be addressed."
National Indigenous Radio Service:
Cultural reasons for truancy need to be considered
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6597-cultural-reasons-for-truanc...
17 Nov 11: "An Aboriginal community member from Kalkarindji in the Northern Territory, Maurie Japarta Ryan, says the new hardline approach to school attendance in Aboriginal communities will do little to address the deeper problems behind truancy rates. ... But Mr Ryan says there are many cultural reasons why children sometimes don't attend school."
Koori Mail: 'Safer than before'
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
17 Nov 11: "THE Federal Government has released a report it says shows that Aboriginal people living under the Northern Territory Intervention feel safer and are receiving better levels of government services than they did before the controversial regime was introduced four years ago. But the Australian Greens and others insist that no-one should have to endure 'top down, punitive, discriminatory measures' in order to feel safer and supported."
newsTracker: Crackdown on truancy a "tick the box" program
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/crackdown-on-truancy-a-tick-the-box-program/
15 Nov 11: "NATIONAL: The Gillard government’s plan to link income management to school attendance in the Northern Territory in a bid to crackdown on truancy has been criticised as a "tick the box exercise." The Labor federal government announced on Monday that Aboriginal children and their parents in the NT will be hauled before school officials and Centrelink for "conferences" before welfare payments are cut off if the kids do not go to school. The family conferencing plan aims to have Centrelink officers directly involved in getting kids to schools and is part of the second wave of the NT intervention."
- Videos
YouTube: Linking welfare with school attendance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSn0q0Jh5G4
14 Nov 11: "The controversial N.T. intervention will end in 2012 and the Australian Government intends to link welfare payments with school attendance. Latest figures show the proportion of Aborigines attending school in 2010 was lower than it was in 2007- including NT intervention communities. By tying welfare benefits to school attendance, the government seems to be happy that truants are sicker, poorer, and more malnourished, as well as the worst-educated in the community"
ABC Indigenous: Expanded Trial
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/11/18/3370833.htm?site=indigenous&...
18 Nov 11: "Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says a trial that has been running in eleven Territory schools is to be expanded."
- Take Action
ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
School attendance and Centrelink payment suspension in the NT
http://takeaction.antar.org.au/letters/campaign/13/northern-territory-we...
"The Federal Government recently announced plans to extend a scheme which suspends Centrelink payments to parents whose children are not regularly attending school. It has failed to explain how families affected by the policy will meet basic living costs for food, rent, clothing and medicines. ANTaR is concerned that this policy is likely to put more pressure on families doing it tough and place them at risk of serious harm. ... Tell the Government that you do not support cutting off family income to improve school attendance."
- Special Compilation
Stop the Intervention: Consultations 2011
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/consultations-mid-2011
- Government reports
Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory (including Northern Territory Emergency Response)
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/indigenous/pubs/nter_reports/Pages/default....
* INTERVIEWS WITH BARB SHAW AND RANDA KATTAN ON INCOME MANAGEMENT:
- Audio Interviews
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Barb Shaw and Randa Kattan speak on joint campaign against welfare quarantining
http://caama.com.au/barb-shaw-and-randa-kattan-speak-on-joint-campaign-a...
15 Nov 11: "Alice Springs local Aboriginal rights campaigner Barb Shaw and the head of the Arab Council of Australia, Randa Kattan….have been travelling around the Northern Territory, visiting Aboriginal communities…to speak with those affected by income management… as a joint campaign against welfare quarantining in selected areas. Barb and Randa speak to Pam Reilly on CAAMA Radio…"
- Campaign Website
Say No to Government’s Income Management: Not in Bankstown, Not Anywhere!
http://www.sayno2gim.info/
- Special Compilation
Stop the Intervention: Income Management
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/income-management
See more about Barbara Shaw:
Intervention Rollback Action Group (IRAG) Media Releases:
[scroll down page] http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/media/
[Barbara Shaw is often quoted in the media releases.]
Let's Talk - Indigenous presented talkback: Tiga Bayles spoke with Barbara Shaw, NT Intervention Rollback Action Group (24 Aug 09)
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasting/get.php?web=98fm-podcast-2009-08-24-7...
YouTube: Part 2 Speeches: Opening Protest House Ampilatwatja Walk-off, NT (5 Mar 10)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSURYItC4xU&feature=related
[Speeches by Barbara Shaw and Paul Mcaleer]
Beyond Nuclear Initiative: No Muckaty nuclear dump: Community rally and march in Tennant Creek (3 Apr 10)
[scroll down page] http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/audio/
[Barbara Shaw (Intervention Rollback Action Group)]
Rollback the Intervention: Town camp leader outraged by Bess Price claims on Q and A (15 Apr 11)
[scroll down page] http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/media/
WGAR News: Darwin gathering for Aboriginal people living in prescribed areas under the NT Intervention (29 Apr 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/04/29/darwin-gathering-for-aboriginal-peopl...
WGAR News: Interview with Barbara Shaw, of the Intervention Rollback Action Group, on the NT Intervention (7 May 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/07/wgar-news-interviews-with-barb-shaw-a...
WGAR News: Speech by Aboriginal activist Barbara Shaw on the NT Intervention (10 May 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/10/wgar-news-nt-nuclear-waste-dump-plans...
WGAR News: Barbara Shaw at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (28 May 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/28/wgar-news-canberra-rally-june-14-2011...
WGAR News: Ngarla Kunoth-Monks, Richard Downs and Barbara Shaw at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York (2 Jun 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/02/wgar-news-global-call-to-action-petit...
WGAR News: Ngarla Kunoth-Monks, Barbara Shaw & Richard Downs speak about UN trip (22 Jun 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/22/wgar-news-4th-anniversary-of-nt-inter...
WGAR News: Women delegates speak on UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (28 Jun 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest...
Media Release: Call for moratorium on Income Management following release of damning study (21 Aug 11)
http://www.sayno2gim.info/download/Media_Release_21_Aug_2011_Call_for_a_...
[Barbara Shaw is quoted in the media release]
WGAR News: Interview with Barbara Shaw about the NT Intervention (10 Sep 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/09/10/wgar-news-listen-to-us-negotiate-with...
WGAR News: Sydney speaking tour of anti-intervention campaigner Barbara Shaw - 3-9 October 2011
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/09/18/wgar-news-sydney-speaking-tour-of-ant...
See more about Randa Kattan:
WGAR News: Interview with Randa Kattan about expansion of Income Management to Vic, NSW, Qld and SA (27 Jul 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/28/wgar-news-interview-with-randa-kattan...
Media Release: Forty organisations oppose government’s income management in Bankstown (27 Jul 11)
http://www.sayno2gim.info/download/Media_Release_27_Jul_2011_Forty_organ...
[Randa Kattan is quoted in the media release]
"Spokesperson for the campaign coalition
Say No to Government’s Income Management,
Not in Bankstown, Not Anywhere and
Executive Director of Arab Council Australia Ms Randa Kattan"
Media Release: Call for moratorium on Income Management following release of damning study (21 Aug 11)
http://www.sayno2gim.info/download/Media_Release_21_Aug_2011_Call_for_a_...
[Randa Kattan is quoted in the media release]
* THE BUSH TO BANKSTOWN: THE FIGHT AGAINST GOVT INCOME MANAGEMENT:
- Upcoming event
Event: Wed 30 November 2011: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
The Bush to Bankstown
The fight against Government Income Management
Special Guest Speaker:
Randa Kattan, Exec Dir, Arab Council of Australia
"Randa ... will report on the impacts of Income
Management that she witnessed during a recent
visit to Aboriginal communities in the Northern
Territory."
Organised by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/B...
* TWO SYDNEY EVENTS HIGHLIGHTING STRUGGLES FOR ABORIGINAL RIGHTS IN THE NT:
- Upcoming events
Events: Sat 3 December 2011: Sydney, NSW
Two events highlighting struggles for Aboriginal rights in the NT
* 5:45pm - The case against the NT Intervention
Speakers include:
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM,
Senior Elder from Elcho Island
Hosted by the CFMEU Indigenous Committee
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-case-against-the-nt-intervention
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
* 7pm - Hot Politics - Radioactive Waste Management
in Australia Forum and Photo Exhibition
"Against a background of heightened awareness of
nuclear issues, key stakeholders will examine the
plan to develop a national radioactive waste dump
in the Northern Territory."
Speakers Include:
Matthew Gardiner, United Voice NT Secretary
Dianne Stokes, Muckaty Traditional Owner
Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation
George Newhouse, Human Rights lawyer
Hosted by Jeff McMullen
"Includes premiere of
"Manuwangku-Under the Nuclear Cloud"
photo exhibition by Jagath Dheerasekera."
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/A...
See:
Manuwangku,Under the Nuclear Cloud exhibition: support needed!
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2011/11/16/manuwangkuunder-the-nuclea...
* INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY - ALICE SPRINGS, NT
- Upcoming events
Event: Sat 10 December 2011: Alice Springs, NT
International Human Rights Day
5-10pm - 'No second intervention - human rights for all'
Live Bands, BBQ, speakers
Launch of the short film 'Yuendumu Voices'
Event details: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Flyer: http://rollbacktheintervention.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/edited-ihrd-f...
Event: Sat 10 December 2011: Alice Springs, NT
International Human Rights Day
1-3pm - Alice Springs planning meeting for the
"Ending the Intervention" Campaign in 2012
"We need to work together to plan the
next stage in our fight. Come along to
this planning meeting and talk with other
community people about the struggle
for Aboriginal rights."
Event details: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Flyer: http://rollbacktheintervention.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/edited-ihrd-f...
* NINETY PEOPLE GATHERED IN DARWIN ON NOV 18 TO LAUNCH WALK WITH US:
- Reportback
Green Left: Aboriginal voices: 'We have been manipulated, cheated and undermined'
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49494
19 Nov 11: "Ninety people gathered on Larrakia land in Darwin on November 18 to launch the new concerned Australians book, Walk With Us. A moving welcome to country by June Mills was followed by speeches from Bagot resident Joy White, Yolngu educator Yalmay Yunupingu, journalist Jeff McMullen, Alana Eldridge from Larrakia Nation and young Aboriginal man Matthew Heffernan. In a poem written for the occasion, Yunupingu said: "We have been manipulated, cheated and undermined because the white man thinks he has a superior way of thinking."" Emma Murphy, Darwin
* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- Analysis / Opinion
ABC The Drum Opinion: Intervention arguments
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3674542.html
16 Nov 11: "The claim that "Evidence backs intervention" (The Australian, November 11) is sure to attract criticism from the anti-intervention campaigners. There is certainly evidence against the intervention, something I believe should be addressed. However, there is also evidence that some kind of intervention was warranted, and that also should be addressed. I have written this opinion piece (and it is just my opinion) not so much from the perspective of supporting the intervention, but more so from the perspective of questioning the arguments and motives of the anti-intervention camp." Anthony Dillon, researcher and lecturer, University of Western Sydney
- News
newsTracker: $600,000 price tag on intervention housing: report
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/600000-price-tag-on-intervention-housing-r...
11 Nov 11: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: New houses in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory are costing almost $600,000 on average to build as concerns resurface over value for money and whether the housing program will actually reduce overcrowding. The auditor-general’s report tabled in the Senate on Thursday on the the National Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing program said the average planned cost of a new house was about $590,000."
newsTracker: NTER review targets child neglect
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/nter-review-targets-child-neglect/
11 Nov 11: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: The initial public focus on child sex abuse in the lead up to the Northern Territory intervention may have come at the expense of child neglect, a new report suggests. The federal government released an independent evaluation of the Northern Emergency Response (NTER) on Thursday. The report detailed a survey of 1300 people from 16 out of the total 73 NTER communities which found that 72 per cent of Aboriginal people surveyed felt safer."
* 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
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights...
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/
The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention
ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention
Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/
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/
Students For Indigenous Rights - UQ: The Northern Territory Intervention: http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-fact...
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.wordpress.com/
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Submissions
CAEPR - ANU:
Reforming the Native Title Act
Topical Issue 10 / 2011, November 2011
Jon Altman
http://caepr.anu.edu.au/Publications/topical/2011TI10.php
"Abstract: In this Topical Issue, Jon Altman seeks to explore the ramifications of the Native Title Act Reform Bill, a private senator's bill introduced by Senator Rachel Siewert of the Australian Greens. A version of this Topical Issue was provided as a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011 completed in November 2011."
Australian Human Rights Commission:
Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/legal/submissions/sj_submissions/20110812_ntab.html
12 August 2011
- Audio Interview
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Peak body critical of decline in Aboriginal health workers !
http://caama.com.au/peak-body-critical-of-decline-in-aboriginal-health-w...
16 Nov 11: "John Patterson, CEO of the peak representative body for Northern Territory’s Aboriginal community controlled health services has warned of a huge decline in the number of Aboriginal health worker graduates over the last few years. Mr Patterson told CAAMA radio that Aboriginal health workers play a very significant role in helping close the health gap and a much more flexible and integrated approach is needed by Government to help address the problems."
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 14-11-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-14-11-2011
14 Nov 11: "An overwhelming majority of Australians support the removal of sections of the Constitution that permit discrimination on the basis of race….according to research commissioned by the advisory panel on indigenous recognition in the Constitution."
- News
Koori Mail: Forum to map out a healthier future
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
17 Nov 11: "INDIGENOUS organisations will be at the forefront of developing a new national plan to improve Indigenous health outcomes. The National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF), made up of National Congress of Australia's First Peoples and 11 Indigenous health organisations including doctors, nurses, dentists and mental health expert groups, will be involved in developing the new plan. Close the Gap co-chair Mick Gooda said the National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF) would be a national representative voice to governments."
Koori Mail: Push for change
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
17 Nov 11: "AN overwhelming majority of respondents to a new survey have expressed their support for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their heritage, cultures and languages. In a result sure to boost the case of those arguing for change, the national survey by Newspoll late last month found there was majority support for constitutional recognition in all states and territories, as well as for the removal of sections of the Australian Constitution that currently permit discrimination on the basis of race."
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
- 23 EVENTS FROM 20 NOVEMBER 2011:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
Event: Ongoing Protest: James Price Point, Kimberley, WA
Kimberley gas plant protest
Save the Kimberley info: http://www.savethekimberley.com/
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
Aboriginal elder Elsta Foy at the protest camp: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3296152.htm
Protest updates: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/blog/
Environs Kimberley: http://www.environskimberley.org.au/
Kimberley info: http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/
Kimberley Country and Culture: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/whats-the-fuss/country-culture/
WGAR News: Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade (28 Jun 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest...
WGAR News: 25 protesters arrested at JPP blockade (9 Jul 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/09/wgar-news-25-protesters-arrested-at-j...
Upcoming Event: Central Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Kimberley Support Rally postponed
"a bigger better event is already being planned,
date and details soon!"
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/
Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
Event: Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011: Qld
Documentary Film - The Tall Man
"... a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force."
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event: Sun 20 November 2011: Mullumbimby, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
With live music by Xavier Rudd and
Q&A with the filmmakers and
special guest Yolngu elder Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Wed 23 November 2011: Fortitude Valley, Qld
Homelands campaign training session
Amnesty International Qld/Northern NSW
"This training session will cover:
* The Homelands report;
* Key issues and messaging;
* Campaign strategy;
* How to campaign on Homelands; and
* A Train the Trainer session.
The training is designed for activists who want to play an
active role in the campaign"
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/26520/
Event: Fri 25 November 2011: Camperdown, Sydney, NSW
Launch of the 2011 Social Justice and Native Title Reports
Australian Human Rights Commission
The launch will include:
* Keynote Address by Mr Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
* Panel speaking on ‘Lateral violence’
Event details: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/alerts/2011/alert_20111104.html
Event: Mon 28 - Wed 30 November 2011: Townsville, Qld
First Nations Pathways Conference
"The Conference provides the opportunity to discuss
important national and international issues relating to
First Nations Peoples, including Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals."
Conference Themes:
1 United Nations/Human Rights and Bill of Rights
2 Constitutional Recognition and consultation
3 Native Title/Land Rights
4 Closing the Gap
5 Trans generational trauma and affect
6 Criminology and Justice Issues
7 Youth and Women's rights
8 Social justice
9 Education, Health, Employment and Environmental
Event details: http://pathwaysconference2011.org/
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/27201/
Event: Wed 30 November 2011: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
The Bush to Bankstown
The fight against Government Income Management
Special Guest Speaker:
Randa Kattan, Exec Dir, Arab Council of Australia
"Randa ... will report on the impacts of Income
Management that she witnessed during a recent
visit to Aboriginal communities in the Northern
Territory."
Organised by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/B...
Event: Tue 6 December 2011: Balmain, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Q & A with Jacqui Phillips, National Director of ANTaR
(Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: 9 December 2011: Adelaide, SA
133rd Justice and Peace Candlelight Walk
"Join us on the Candle Light Walk to
call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and
to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other
Aboriginal people and the Stolen
Generations, their families and
communities left behind, in their call for
Peace and Justice."
Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/category/news/2011/10/candlelight-walk-2/
Events: Sat 3 December 2011: Sydney, NSW
Two events highlighting struggles for Aboriginal rights in the NT
* 5:45pm - The case against the NT Intervention
Speakers include:
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM,
Senior Elder from Elcho Island
Hosted by the CFMEU Indigenous Committee
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-case-against-the-nt-intervention
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
* 7pm - Hot Politics - Radioactive Waste Management
in Australia Forum and Photo Exhibition
"Against a background of heightened awareness of
nuclear issues, key stakeholders will examine the
plan to develop a national radioactive waste dump
in the Northern Territory."
Speakers Include:
Matthew Gardiner, United Voice NT Secretary
Dianne Stokes, Muckaty Traditional Owner
Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation
George Newhouse, Human Rights lawyer
Hosted by Jeff McMullen
"Includes premiere of
"Manuwangku-Under the Nuclear Cloud"
photo exhibition by Jagath Dheerasekera."
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/A...
Event: Sat 10 December 2011: Alice Springs, NT
International Human Rights Day
5-10pm - 'No second intervention - human rights for all'
Live Bands, BBQ, speakers
Launch of the short film 'Yuendumu Voices'
Event details: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Flyer: http://rollbacktheintervention.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/edited-ihrd-f...
Event: Sat 10 December 2011: Alice Springs, NT
International Human Rights Day
1-3pm - Alice Springs planning meeting for the
"Ending the Intervention" Campaign in 2012
"We need to work together to plan the
next stage in our fight. Come along to
this planning meeting and talk with other
community people about the struggle
for Aboriginal rights."
Event details: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Flyer: http://rollbacktheintervention.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/edited-ihrd-f...
Event: Sat 10 December 2011: Paddington, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by Eastern Suburbs Amnesty International Australia
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: 10 December 2011: Adelaide, SA
Kimberley Cultural Festival
"Kimberley Cultural Festival is a community event to raise
awareness of the cultural and environmental significance of
the Kimberley region, which is under threat from proposed
gas and industrial development."
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270070339699908
Event: Wed 14 December 2011: Newcastle, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
More information to come
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Thu 15 December 2011: Central Coast, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
More information to come
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
"To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner"
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054
Event: Thu 26 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
"Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the 'Aboriginal Tent Embassy' site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate "SOVEREIGNTY DAY" and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site."
Event details: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-jan...
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
- 'Our Generation' Film Reviews
Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Our Generation - Showing in London - page 8
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaWinter2011.pdf
Winter 2011: "The Intervention is yet another example of the appalling treatment the Aboriginal People of Australia have been subjected to in such a short period of time compared to thousands of years of survival. Sinem Saban and Rev. Dr Gondarra supported by the Yolngu people and cinematographer, Damien Curtis, have created a sensitive and realistic view of the plight of those who wish to live a more traditional life in their homelands and of those who appear to be dispossessed." Christine Waterer
Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
ASG Information Night: Our Generation - page 6
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2010.pdf
Summer 2010: "Local resident and journalist, Jeff McMullen introduced "Our Generation", the film by Sinem Saban and Damien Curtis which we were there to see. The film explored in depth the Federal Government Intervention into Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory. Jeff had told us that the film’s producers were not having any success in having the film shown on government or commercial media outlets and they were having to screen it in local community halls to show the community at large just what was involved in the Intervention. It is basically a war on Aboriginal culture. The dispossession of the Aboriginal people is simply continuing in a new guise." Carol Gerrard
See:
Our Generation: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/