WGAR News: Stand For Freedom campaign delivers a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 people

Newsletter date: 22 March 2012

Contents:
* ANTaR: 33,000 Australians Oppose Stronger Futures Bills
* Our Generation: New Study Guide launched
* ABC Sunday Nights Audio Interviews: Extending the NT intervention
* Tracker: Stronger Futures would not beat a legal challenge: judge
* Jeff McMullen: The Way Ahead: The new land grab
* More on Senate Committee's 'Stronger Futures' report
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* SBS Living Black: Barbara Shaw speaks out about Australia Day protests
* Natalie Wasley: Traditional owners to fight Ferguson's nuclear waste dump
* Welcome to our website: Nyoongar Tent Embassy
* Government’s Closing the Gap report card
* Sovereign Union: Open letter to the PM from 'Sovereign Union' spokesperson
* Gerry Georgatos: Deaths in custody and Aboriginal incarceration rates
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 26 events from 22 March 2012

* ANTaR: 33,000 AUSTRALIANS OPPOSE STRONGER FUTURES BILLS

- Media Release

ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
33,000 Australians Oppose Stronger Futures Bills
http://www.antar.org.au/33000_australians_oppose_stronger_futures_bills
20 Mar 12: "The Stand For Freedom campaign, created by Our Generation in partnership with ANTaR, will on Wednesday deliver a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 Australians. The petition urges the Australian Government to withdraw the controversial Stronger Futures legislation, expected to be debated in the Senate this week.
"Since we launched the campaign three weeks ago, there has been an outpouring of public support for its clear message: that this legislation has been created without the consent of Aboriginal people in the NT, and goes against their wishes for more control over their own lives. Tens of thousands of Australians are now calling for these bills to be withdrawn immediately," said Damien Curtis, Campaign Director.
"After 5 years of the failed Northern Territory Intervention, Aboriginal communities are at breaking point and cannot withstand 10 more years of top-down policy-making that disregards their human rights. It’s time for a new policy direction from the Government, in true partnership with Aboriginal people," Mr Curtis said."

- Related Media Release

Rachel Siewert: Greens make a stand against the NT Intervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-mak...
21 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens have today taken a stand - literally - against the NT Intervention, helping Stand for Freedom launch the next phase of their online campaign.
"All 10 Greens MPs stood united outside the Senate today to lend our support for Stand For Freedom and the community opposing the NT Intervention," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"We stood just metres from the Senate Chamber where the Stronger Futures legislation will be debated and voted on in the coming sitting weeks.
"We urge everyone, whoever or wherever they are, to take a photo and show that they too are standing up to this unfair, wasteful and ineffective legislation.
"I will also table a petition to the Senate with over 33,000 signatures against the Intervention, presented to me today by Les Malezer, the co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and Damien Curtis, the Campaign Director of Stand for Freedom.""

- Related Compilation

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention:
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
21 Mar 12: "New legislation to extend the Northern Territory Intervention is currently before the Senate, with the Australian Greens working hard to change the Government’s approach to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Northern Territory. On the 21st of March, Senator Siewert tabled a petition of over 30,000 signatures opposing the Intervention, collected by the Stand for Freedom campaign. The petition was presented to the Greens by Les Malezer, the co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and Damien Curtis, the Campaign Director of Stand for Freedom."

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 21.03.2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-21-03-2012
21 Mar 12: "Thirty-three thousand Australians have signed a petition urging the Gillard Labor Government to withdraw proposed Legislation which will continue to impact on Aborignal people living in the Northern Territory for the next ten years."

- Related News

Age: Rally over Aboriginal legislation
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/rally-over-aboriginal-le...
21 Mar 12: "Opponents of the Northern Territory intervention will today visit Parliament to demand the Gillard government withdraw proposals to extend some of the measures by a further 10 years.
Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation will deliver to the Senate a petition signed by 33,000 Australians, while Greens MPs will appear with activists and Aboriginal leaders to encourage people to photograph their feet as a gesture of solidarity with people affected by the proposals."

newsTracker: Stronger Futures faces more opposition
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/stronger-futures-faces-more-opposition/
21 Mar 12: "Human rights activists have criticised government plans to extend the Northern Territory intervention, saying it is a cancer killing Aboriginal communities. ... The Senate is scheduled to vote on the draft laws on Thursday. Opponents of the extension have launched the Stand for Freedom campaign and collected more than 33,000 signatures for a petition that will be tabled in the upper house on Wednesday. Stand for Freedom campaign director Damien Curtis said Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin was falsely claiming Aboriginal people wanted the intervention extended."

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care:
SNAICC News: Stronger Futures legislation attracts widespread opposition
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=774
19 Mar 12: "The Australian Government's proposed Stronger Futures legislation, which will extend key elements of the intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities beyond 30 June 2012, passed the lower house in late February. The package of bills and the consultation process have attracted a lot of media coverage and strong opposition from various sections of the community. Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) has joined forces with Our Generation and is supporting a new campaign against the Government's plans to extend the intervention for another 10 years. The Stand for Freedom Campaign aims to build a mass public movement against the legislation."

See:

Human Rights Petition: Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...

Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/

* OUR GENERATION: NEW STUDY GUIDE LAUNCHED:

Our Generation: New Study Guide launched
http://ourgeneration.org.au/news/new-study-guide-launched
"We are excited to launch our new FREE Study Guide to accompany Our Generation.
In collaboration with ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media), the study guide has been written with the new National Curriculum in mind. The film and its guide provide a rare and important opportunity for teachers and students to hear the voices of Indigenous people on the issues that they face today.
Suitable for the following subject areas:
- English
- History
- SOSE / HISE
- Legal Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- Film & Media Studies
- Civics and Citizenship"

See:

Our Generation:
http://ourgeneration.org.au/

* ABC SUNDAY NIGHTS AUDIO INTERVIEWS: EXTENDING THE NT INTERVENTION:

- Audio Interviews

ABC Sunday Nights: Extending the Northern Territory intervention
by John Cleary (producers Noel Debien & Dan Driscoll)
http://www.abc.net.au/sundaynights/stories/s3459375.htm
18 Mar 12: "Following the report of a Senate committee into the controversial Northern Territory intervention, the Federal Government appears ready to proceed with legislation extending the intervention for up to a decade, including many of the most controversial provisions concerning aspects of human rights law in Australia. Called 'Stronger Futures', the legislation is meeting considerable resistance from social and community groups outside Parliament, including the peak Christian body, the National Council of Churches of Australia.
Why did the Senate committee recommend extension, and why do these groups oppose it?
Guests in this hour:
* Mick Gooda, Social Justice Commissioner
* Graeme Mundine, Sydney Aboriginal Catholic Ministry
* Jeff McMullen, Concerned Australians
* Bishop Greg Thompson, Anglican Church, Northern Territory
* Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondara, indigenous Uniting Church leader"

* TRACKER: STRONGER FUTURES WOULD NOT BEAT A LEGAL CHALLENGE: JUDGE:

- News

newsTracker: Stronger Futures would not beat a legal challenge: judge
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/stronger-futures-would-not-beat-a-legal-ch...
20 Mar 12: "A former family court justice has labelled the Stronger Futures consultations a "charade" that would not stand up to a High Court challenge, writes AMY MCQUIRE*. ... Former Chief Justice of the Family Court Alastair Nicholson says the Stronger Futures legislation does not comply with the Racial Discrimination Act." Amy McQuire, editor of Tracker

- Related Media Release

Australian Lawyers Alliance: Bipartisan Stronger Futures policy in breach of international law - ALA
http://www.lawyersalliance.com.au/documents/140312_stronger_futures_apar...
14 Mar 12: "Release today of the Senate report on the proposed Stronger Futures law, has prompted the Australian Lawyers Alliance to warn the federal government to be wary of breaching international human rights decrees if the legislation passes through the Senate.
"This legislation is racist, oppressive and the product of poorly conducted consultations," Australian Lawyers Alliance, National President, Greg Barns said.
"It may well end up being the subject of an early High Court challenge," he said."

* JEFF McMULLEN: THE WAY AHEAD: THE NEW LAND GRAB:

- Analysis / Opinion

agendaTracker: The Way Ahead: The new land grab
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/the-way-ahead-the-new-land-grab/
19 Mar 12: "NATIONAL: JEFF MCMULLEN* was on the ground in Maningrida when the Senate inquiry probing Stronger Futures rolled into towns. Aboriginal leaders in the Northern Territory have issued a strong warning that the Australian government’s new land grab in the form of the proposed 10-year extension of the Intervention will send many communities into a dangerous downward spiral with still more death and misery." Jeff McMullen, one of Australia’s most respected journalists and a winner of the UN Media Peace Prize

* MORE ON SENATE COMMITTEE'S 'STRONGER FUTURES' REPORT:

See:

'Australian Greens Dissenting Report'
included as part of the
Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures Report (14 Mar 12)
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

WGAR News: Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...

WGAR News: Responses to Senate Committee report on 'Stronger Futures' New NT Intervention laws (18 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: Cox: how to continue bad indigenous policy-making
http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/03/20/cox-how-to-continue-bad-indigenous-p...
20 Mar 12: "There was little coverage in the general media of the Senate Community Affairs Committee’s report on the Stronger Futures legislation package, tabled on March 14. This is not surprising on one level, as most indigenous policy issues tend to be seen as too hard, unless they lend themselves to shock horror disaster coverage." Eva Cox

agendaTracker: Little Black Duck: Stronger Futures built on a weak past
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/little-black-duck-stronger-futures-built-o...
19 Mar 12: "NATIONAL: NICOLE WATSON* often thinks of being a responsible ancestor. She just wishes the current crop of politicians would have the same idea. ... The legislation was referred to the Senate Standing Committees for Community Affairs for an Inquiry. The original deadline for the Committee’s report was January 29. In the face of protest, this deadline was extended and the Committee is now due to report on March 13. But the still ridiculously tight timeframe suggests that the government wanted to pass the Stronger Futures legislation with minimal public scrutiny and as quickly as possible." Nicole Watson, Murri lawyer and researcher with the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning

- Audio

Radio National RN Drive: Senate releases NT intervention report
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/senate-releases-nt-in...
14 Mar 12: "The Senate committee examining draft laws to extend the Northern Territory Intervention has just released its report in Canberra. The federal government's Stronger Futures legislation would continue the former Howard coalition government's NT intervention, which began in 2007. It passed the Lower House on the day of the Labor leadership ballot. The Intervention expires in August. If it is replaced by the Stronger Futures legislation, it would be extended for another ten years."

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Funding of programs the key to success in Northern Territory: AMSANT
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7046-funding-of-programs-the-key...
19 Mar 12: "The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) has criticised the Senate Community Affairs Committee for its failure to get to the guts of what is needed out of the Federal Government's Stronger Futures legislation. The Stronger Futures legislation continues and expands the Howard Government's Intervention in Northern Territory communities.
AMSANT CEO John Paterson says the Senate Committee has failed to look carefully at the resources needed in the Northern Territory to maintain programs that are helping to close the gap ... "

Global Indymedia: Opposition growing to racially discriminatory intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal Communities
http://www.indymedia.org/en/2012/03/955570.shtml
17 Mar 12: "Legislation is currently before the Australian Senate to extend the Northern Territory Emergency Response (often called just The Intervention) in 73 aboriginal indigenous communities for another 10 years. The intervention was instituted in 2007 by the conservative Howard Government claiming it was to stop domestic violence and child abuse in indigenous communities. But others like John Pilger claim it was a land grab, about mining or "smashing Aboriginal organisations, demonising Aboriginal people and forcing migration"."

Green Left: Stolen Futures: Aboriginal people reject racist laws
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50391
17 Mar 12: "New legislation introduced by the federal Labor government will entrench many aspects of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, the NT intervention, for 10 years. The Senate Community Affairs References Committee released the findings of its inquiry into the Stronger Futures in the NT Bill and related legislation on March 13. It suggests some minor amendments, but leaves the substantive content of the bill unchallenged. Intervention laws were made explicitly for people living in remote NT Aboriginal communities and town camps, ... " Emma Murphy & Peter Robson

- Video

The Melbourne Newsroom: Professor Marcia Langton comments on NT Intervention Senate Enquiry findings
http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/studio/ep-142
16 Mar 12: "Chair of Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne Professor Marcia Langton responds to findings from the Senate Enquiry into extending the NT Intervention for another ten years."

* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Audio Interview

Radio Adelaide Breakfast with Tim Brunero: Income Management – Racist?
http://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/income-management...
19 Mar 12: "The "Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011" addresses three core issues: Alcohol Abuse, Land Reform, and Food Security. Managed Income in particular is contentious, and has been called discriminatory, dehumanising, and hypocritical in the light of the cultural traditions being disregarded. To explain the Bill and the Greens‘ position, Tim Brunero spoke to Greens Senator, Lee Rhiannon."

- Analysis / Opinion

agendaTracker: Editorial Opinion
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/editorial-opinion-6/
19 Mar 12: "NATIONAL: Last month I attended a small protest outside the front of Parliament House. Fifty people had gathered as rain fell sporadically. The weather reflected the mood. There were only a few to protest a continuation of the NT intervention - the Stronger Futures legislation. The proposed laws will cement many of the contentious planks of the intervention for the next 10 years. As those few protestors gathered on the lawns across from new Parliament House, there was a sadness in the air." Amy McQuire, editor of Tracker

de.indymedia.org: Australian Aborigines to lose all rights
http://de.indymedia.org/2012/03/326729.shtml
17 Mar 12: "Remotely living Australian Aborigines to be stripped of all rights.
Australian Aborigines in 73 remote communities will be stripped of all rights by laws about to be passed. The imminent vote in the upper house, the Senate, on what is derisively called "Stronger Futures legislation", will extend for 10 more years draconian restrictions on Aboriginal people who’ve already suffered five years of them. It will make the stripping of the rights and dignity of Indigenous people in the Northern Territory an ongoing reality. Although opposition to the bill has been strong, the Labor government has ignored it." Diet Simon

Indymedia Australia: The Intervention is about mining
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/03/the-intervention-is-about-mining
3 Mar 12: "The Stronger Futures legislation designed to roll out the second stage of the intervention in the nt is not about improving the life of the aboriginal communities and those families who reside there. this is not about the original lie of stopping child abuse or even closing the gap. youth suicides have skyrocketed, arrest and incarceration of aborigines, mainly for alcohol abuse, has also increased dramatically. school attendance is, in fact, dropping. health remains a high priority." ray jackson, president, indigenous social justice association

- News

Amnesty International Australia: Senate must oppose deeply flawed Stronger Futures legislation
http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/28204/
21 Mar 12: "Ahead of the scheduled debate of the Stronger Future Bills, Amnesty International is calling on all senators to withdraw their support in light of the woefully inadequate consultation process and overwhelming opposition to the flawed legislation. If passed, the Stronger Futures Bills represent the continued disempowerment of Aboriginal Peoples in the Northern Territory and the Government’s blatant disregard for its human rights obligations. The organisation has condemned the proposed legislation package to be debated in the Senate tomorrow as an extension of the discriminatory and punitive Northern Territory Intervention, which violates international human rights laws."

9 News: NT intervention may be wound back
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8438458
20 Mar 12: "The federal government's plan to extend the Northern Territory intervention for 10 more years could be thwarted in the Senate later this week. The Stronger Futures laws, which continue the former Howard government's NT intervention that was introduced in 2007 to address violence and alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities, are expected to be debated in the Senate on Thursday. The opposition and the Australian Greens are expected to combine to have the sunset clause of the legislation reduced from 10 years to five and cut the review period from seven years to three."

Australian: Bishop Greg Thompson denies intervention 'emergency'
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/bishop-denie...
20 Mar 12: "HUMAN rights must not be traded away in the interests of child protection, and the violence and abuse occurring in remote Aboriginal communities does not constitute an emergency, according to one Anglican bishop. Measures that restrict alcohol and quarantine welfare payments from parents whose children don't go to school have failed to protect the most vulnerable, according to a loose coalition of Top End religious leaders opposed to the federal government's intervention in the Northern Territory."

Stand for Freedom: Australian legend Jimmy Little calls on music industry to support campaign
http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/03/19/australian-legend-jimmy-little-...
19 Mar 12: "One of the living legends of Australian country music, Aboriginal singer Jimmy Little, has appealed to musicians around Australia to support the Stand For Freedom campaign, and oppose the Stronger Futures legislation. In his open letter, he says that "it is time for Australia to listen to the wisdom of Aboriginal elders who best understand the needs of their community." He has also written an open letter to the Australian Government, expressing his opposition to the legislation. You can find both letters below: ... "

Greens urge Senate to reject NT Intervention expansion
http://greens.org.au/content/greens-urge-senate-reject-nt-intervention-e...
15 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens say there are significant community concerns that proposed measures under the Stronger Futures legislation will be highly detrimental to Aboriginal people in the NT. "The Greens have strongly recommended that the Senate rejects this legislation," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today. ... "Our recommendations seek to reverse the top-down policy approach being taken by the Government, reflecting the international research that shows that empowerment and local governance are essential for improving outcomes. ... "

- Video

ABC: ALP takes softer approach to NT Intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-14/alp-takes-softer-approach-to-nt-in...
15 Mar 12: "The Federal Government has revealed its latest incarnation of the federal intervention into remote Aboriginal communities in the Territory."

* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:

Human Rights Petition: Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...

Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/

Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures: New compilation weblink -Petition -NITV Forum
http://www.stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/...

Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation

Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF

WGAR News: Responses to Senate Committee report on 'Stronger Futures' New NT Intervention laws (18 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...

WGAR News: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert provides an overview: "Ending the NT Intervention" (15 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...

WGAR News: Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...

WGAR News: 28 Leading Australians call on Government to abandon the Stronger Futures legislation (14 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...

WGAR News: "Hear the Voice of the People!": Video of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012 (13 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/13/wgar-news-hear-the-voice-of-the-peopl...

WGAR News: New report into 'Stronger Futures' consultations by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS (9 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
[New university report entitled 'Listening but not Hearing']

WGAR News: Former PM Malcolm Fraser launches new report into consultations (9 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...

WGAR News: Our Generation and ANTaR have launched a new video and campaign (8 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/08/wgar-news-our-generation-and-antar-ha...

WGAR News: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida (3 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/03/wgar-news-nitv-current-affairs-presen...

WGAR News: Press Conference on Stronger Futures legislation by Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (1 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...

WGAR News: "NT Aboriginal leaders reject Stronger Futures" Tracker (23 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...

WGAR News: New Website for Stronger Futures info and submissions (21 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...

WGAR News: Book report launched: "NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations" (19 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...
[Includes link to transcripts of consultations and book of quotations: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ ]

WGAR News: More on the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (9 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/09/wgar-news-tent-embassy-protest-interv...

WGAR News: Submissions received on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...

Main Government page for Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

Direct Government link to view all uploaded submissions
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

Direct Government link to view all uploaded hearing info
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

* SBS LIVING BLACK: BARBARA SHAW SPEAKS OUT ABOUT AUSTRALIA DAY PROTESTS:

- Video

SBS Living Black: Breaking Her Silence
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/2211525787/Tent-Embassy
http://www.sbs.com.au/livingblack
"Sunday 18th March, 4:30pm on SBS ONE
Living Black returns with an exclusive interview with the woman at the centre of the Australia Day rage. ... Barbara Shaw speaks out for the first time about her role in protests that made international headlines."

- Background

WGAR News: Eyewitness accounts of the Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day / Sovereignty Day (2 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/02/wgar-news-eyewitness-accounts-of-the-...

WGAR News: More on the Aboriginal Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day (8 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...

WGAR News: Tent Embassy protest interviews with Michael Anderson, Jeff McMullen, Chris Graham, etc (9 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/09/wgar-news-tent-embassy-protest-interv...

WGAR News: "The tent embassy: fact v fiction, black v white" by Chris Graham (20 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/20/wgar-news-the-tent-embassy-fact-v-fic...

* NATALIE WASLEY: TRADITIONAL OWNERS TO FIGHT FERGUSON'S NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

See:

WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump laws pass the Senate (14 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...

WGAR News: Maurice Blackburn lawyers: "New Federal laws on nuclear waste have no impact on Muckaty legal challenge" (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...

WGAR News: Central Land Council (CLC): "New waste dump legislation fundamentally flawed" (18 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...

- Analysis / Opinion

Green Left: Traditional owners to fight Ferguson's nuclear waste dump
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50419
20 Mar 12: "Resources minister Martin Ferguson introduced the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill into the House of Representatives in February 2010, saying it represented "a responsible and long overdue approach for an issue that impacts on all Australian communities". The bill names Muckaty, 120 kilometres north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, as the only site to remain under active consideration for a national nuclear waste dump. The proposal is contested by the NT government and is also being challenged in the Federal Court by traditional owners." Natalie Wasley, coordinator of the Beyond Nuclear Initiative

See:

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

YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo

Australian Conservation Foundation: Muckaty radioactive dump:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/be-informed/northern-australia-nuclear/mucka...

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

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...

Vimeo: Nuclear Medicine & the need for a Waste Dump?
http://vimeo.com/29971907

- Related News

9 News: Darwin protest against Muckaty waste dump
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8438426/darwin-protest-against-mucka...
20 Mar 12: "Federal government plans to build a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory amount to "radioactive racism" and ignore the wishes of indigenous people, a protest has been told. About 50 people, many carrying placards, joined the lunchtime rally outside the NT Parliament in Darwin on Tuesday to protest plans for a toxic waste dump at Muckaty, near Tennant Creek, in Central Australia. Co-ordinator of the Environment Centre NT, Stuart Blanch, told the crowd many Aboriginal people from where the site was planned did not want it there."

ABC: Top End protest keeps nuclear waste issue fizzing
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-20/nuclear-waste-facility-protest-dar...
20 Mar 12: "A small group of people have met on the steps of the Northern Territory Parliament to have their say on a proposed nuclear waste dump. About 25 people gathered to protest against the Federal Government's proposed nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek. The major concerns raised were about the impact the dump could have on the environment and on the safety of local communities. ... United Voice NT spokesman Matthew Gardiner says future transportation of nuclear waste materials to the dump could be risky."

ABC Rural: Muckaty Station lessee supports nuclear waste dump
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201203/s3456548.htm
19 Mar 12: "The man who leases Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory says he supports building a nuclear waste dump on the property. Federal Parliament passed legislation this month to build a facility. Muckaty Station, north of Tennant Creek, is the only site nominated after one group of Traditional Owners put forward the idea. That's being contested in the Federal Court by other Traditional Owners from the area."

* WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE: NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY:

Welcome to our website: Nyoongar Tent Embassy
http://tentembassywa.com/
20 Mar 12: "* This is the website for the Nyoongar Tent Embassy located at Matagarup (Heirisson Island) on the Swan River, Perth, Western Australia.
* On this website you will be able to browse media articles, photos, video and audio, find out how you can get involved and how to get in touch.
* The best way you can show your support is to come down to Matagarup and join our cause.
* In the meantime please connect with us on Facebook... "

- Related News

Indymedia Australia: Call for supporters to Nyoongar Tent Embassy - government has ordered police in, they are there now
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/21/call-for-supporters-to-nyoongar-tent-...
21 Mar 12: "Nyoongar Tent Embassy has sent a call out for supporters to assist at Heirisson Island (Mattagarup). Apparently 100 police have arrived at the Embassy and with news media piling in.
... However just as many people have been calling into the talkback programs supporting and arguing on behalf of the right of the Embassy. ... The Embassy has called on everyone in support of them to send a call out for as many folk as possible to turn up to the Embassy and civilly stand alongside them in their right to maintain a civil and just Embassy - their voice." Gerry Georgatos

newsTracker: Noongar fight not black and white
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/noongar-fight-not-black-and-white/
20 Mar 12: "WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The Noongar Tent Embassy has created headlines across the country. But is Barnett’s billion dollar native title offer reason to protest, asks AMY McQUIRE. To the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC), it is an opportunity that could deliver much-needed self-determination. To the members of the newly formed Noongar Tent Embassy, it stands as an offence to their sovereignty." Amy McQuire, editor of Tracker

- Related Video

Green Left: Nyoongar Tent Embassy plans protest, celebrates win
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50389
17 Mar 12: "An Aboriginal protest march is being planned for March 28 to take up issues such as the government’s miserly stolen wages offer and the proposed deal that would extinguish Nyoongar native title in south west Western Australia. The WA government made an offer on March 6 to pay up to $2000 to Aboriginal people who were forced to work for rations in previous decades. It is an insulting offer that has been slammed by Aboriginal organisations. ... " Alex Bainbridge, Perth

Event: 28 March 2012: March to Parliament House
Aboriginal protest rally
At Parliament House the speakers will address issues such as:
* Stolen Wages - Recent ex gratia announcement
* Land Deal - SWALSC & Government
* Human Rights - Aboriginal issues and concerns
Speakers include:
* Robert Eggington,
* Iva Hayward-Jackson,
* Leonard Ogilvie &
* Bella Bropho.
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/12/from-dumbartung-aboriginal-corporatio...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50382

* GOVERNMENT'S CLOSING THE GAP REPORT CARD:

- Analysis / Opinion

agendaTracker: Evidently: Policy by numbers a dangerous charade
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/evidently-policy-by-numbers-a-dangerous-ch...
19 Mar 12: "NATIONAL: PROF JON ALTMAN* analyses the government’s Closing the Gap report card, which is disturbing light on outlining its progress in eliminating Indigenous disadvantage. I have never been comfortable with pick-a-number policy making for Indigenous Australia. Such a technical approach at the national level is not just hyper managerialist, but is also disconnected from the diverse lived realities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and so is dangerous." Jon Altman, research professor in economic anthropology, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), Australian National University

agendaTracker: Behind Enemy Lines: Another ALP broken promise
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/behind-enemy-lines-another-alp-broken-prom...
19 Mar 12: "The Closing the Gap report is indicative of a spate of broken Labor promises since Rudd, and then Gillard, took office. It was supposed to be delivered on the first day of Parliament, as a reminder to governments that closing the gap in Indigenous life expectancy is the top priority of Australia’s leaders. But every year since, the report has been delayed, and the public have been lied to." Amy McQuire, Darumbul journalist and editor of Tracker

- News

newsTracker: Closing the information gap
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/closing-the-information-gap/
20 Mar 12: "The government claims it has made inroads in improving data collection, particularly in the Census process, which will help inform updated statistics on Aboriginal life expectancy. But this month, the Close the Gap shadow report, produced by a coalition of prominent Aboriginal health organisations, cast doubt on the government’s ability to accurately track its progress. The shadow report gives a much clearer picture of the current situation, and unlike the government’s report, is completely dedicated to whether Labor is achieving progress." Amy McQuire, Darumbul journalist and editor of Tracker

See:

Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/national-close-the-gap-day/
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://webfw.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...

* SOVEREIGN UNION: OPEN LETTER TO THE PM FROM 'SOVEREIGN UNION' SPOKESPERSON:

- Letter

Sovereign Union - National Unity Government:
Open letter to the PM from Sovereign Union spokesperson
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/open-letter-pm-sovereign-unio...
18 Mar 12: "In an 'open letter' to Australia's prime Minister Julie Gillard, Michael Anderson rquests an answer as to whether the 1967 referendum to amend section 127 of the Constitution was valid. He calls upon the Commonwealth government to provide the written evidentiary proof that the States did in fact refer this matter of Aboriginal Affairs to the Commonwealth, as required under Section 105A of the Australian Constitution and asks, 'if so, were any conditions applied for the referral'. Michael Anderson states that if due process was not followed properly the Commonwealth government has committed a major fraud against the Australian public."

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News – 20.3.12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-20-3-12
20 Mar 12: "A NSW Aboriginal leader says he believes that the Commonwealth government may have committed a major fraud following the first time inclusion of his people in the 1967 census, when a still valid British law stated Aboriginal natives should not be counted in any census."

See:

Sovereign Union - National Unity Government:
'Sovereign Union' - Asserting Aboriginal Sovereignty into Governance
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

* GERRY GEORGATOS: DEATHS IN CUSTODY AND ABORIGINAL INCARCERATION RATES:

- Analysis

Indymedia Australia: Interim conclusions from a PhD researcher in Australian Deaths in Custody
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/17/interim-conclusions-from-a-phd-resear...
17 Mar 12: "As my PhD progresses in researching Australian Deaths in Custody - I have visited Immigration Detention Centres - visited adult prisons - interviewed former detainees of the Immigration detention centres network - interviewed former prisoners of adult custodial jurisdictions.
[I have been publishing online and releasing to others - academics and news media - some of my research, questions and conclusions - I believe it is imperative that whatever little I have to contribute is out there sooner rather than later, and through forums such as Indymedia - which is developing fast as a major source of information and communication and which allows for everyone to engage and assist in awareness-raising conversations...]" Gerry Georgatos

- Audio Interviews

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Gerry Georgatos speaks on deaths in custody and Aboriginal incaceration rates - Part 1
http://caama.com.au/gerry-georgatos-speaks-on-deaths-in-custody-and-abor...
12 Apr 11: "Australia has increasing incaceration rates of Aboriginal people and alarming numbers of deaths in custody. Gerry Georgatos, Convenor of The Human Rights Alliance and Phd law researcher into Australian deaths in custody, speaks to CAAMA Radio’s Nerida Currey about what these numbers are, what they mean, and why they are so high."

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Gerry Georgatos speaks further on deaths in custody and Aboriginal incaceration rates - Part 2
http://caama.com.au/gerry-georgatos-speaks-further-on-deaths-in-custody-...
12 Apr 11: "We previously spoke to Gerry Geogartos, Phd researcher into Australian deaths in custody and Convenor of The Human Rights Alliance, about the growing indigenous incaceration rates and numbers of deaths in custody. He said deaths in custody are not investigated enough and need to be inspected within the Criminal Justice system. He speaks to CAAMA Radio’s Nerida Currey more about this."

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- News

ABC: Research links soil disease increase to NT intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-19/researchers-link-soil-disease-deat...
19 Mar 12: "Medical researchers believe the federal intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities could be to linked to a spike in cases of melioidosis. Over the past 20 years, the soil-borne bacteria has caused about 30 cases of melioidosis a year, including several deaths. ... He [Professor Currie] says the intervention has led some Aboriginal people to move from remote areas into urban areas, where they're exposed to the elements."

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

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

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...

Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/

Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

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

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

Our Generation: http://ourgeneration.org.au/

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

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

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

Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

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

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

Equality Rights Alliance: Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory: http://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/projects/womens-experience-inco...

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

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

The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

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

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

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/

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

Adelaide Stop the Intervention: http://www.stoptheintervention.com.au/

Central Land Council: The Australian Government Intervention 2007: http://www.clc.org.au/Media/issues/intervention/intervention_intro.html

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- News

newsTracker: Reparations… more than just a word
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/reparations-more-than-just-a-word/
20 Mar 12: "NATIONAL: Four years ago, he uttered the word that our people had waited too long to hear. On February 13, 2008, Kevin Rudd created history by saying "sorry" to members of the Stolen Generations, not once, but three times. However it was his refusal to utter another word that cast a shadow over proceedings. A week before his apology speech, Mr Rudd ruled out offering full reparations to victims. "We will not, under any circumstances, be establishing any compensation arrangements or any compensation fund. Absolutely blunt on that," Mr Rudd told media at the time." Amy McQuire, Darumbul journalist and editor of Tracker

- Audio Interview

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Les Malezer
Co-chair of National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
20 Mar 12
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/les-malezer-13/

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 26 EVENTS FROM 22 MARCH 2012:

Click on the links for details of the events ...

Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, 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: Tue 28 February to Sun 25 March 2012: Adelaide, SA
Exhibition: Deadly: in-between heaven and hell
Tandanya NACI and Adelaide Festival
"A major exhibition of newly commissioned works
by eight leading Australian Aboriginal artists and
collectives. ... For many Indigenous peoples,
'heaven on Earth' is the divine world shaped by
ancestral creators, where connection to country
and culture are in harmony with the experience
of self and community. At the other extreme, the
legacies of incursion and assimilation are a
'living hell'. The in-between is uneasy, lined
with hope and echoing with resilience."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27911/

Event: Intermittent 1 March - 3 May 2012: Various Locations
House of Representatives Committees
Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
Public hearings:
Canberra, ACT: 1 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 15 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 22 March 2012
Adelaide, SA: 2 April 2012
Utopia Homelands, NT: 3 April 2012
Alice Springs, NT: 4 April 2012
Broome, WA: 30 April 2012
Halls Creek, WA: 1 May 2012
Darwin, NT: 2 May 2012
Nhulunbuy, NT: 3 May 2012
Event details: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...

Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
(various dates throughout March 2012)
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/national-close-the-gap-day/
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://webfw.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...

Event: Thu 22 March 2012: Collingwood, Vic
Homelands and Advocacy Training Session
"The Homelands campaign aims to
protect the right of Aboriginal peoples
to stay on their Homelands."
This training will cover:
- The Homelands report and key issues
- Homelands campaign strategy and messaging
- Guide to effective advocacy
- Overview of methods for how to meet with, write to or call your MP
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/vic/event/28099/

Event: 22 March 2012: Waratah, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by the Ethnic Communities Council
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sat 24 March 2012: Fullarton, SA
Amnesty International Fullarton Markets Group
"The government is currently deciding
whether they will fund essential services
on Aboriginal homelands in the next
Federal Budget.
Nearly one-third of Indigenous people in the
Northern Territory live on homelands.
Research shows that with proper services,
people can be happier, healthier and live
longer and on homelands."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27913/

Event: Sun 25 March 2012: Nyoongar Tent Embassy, WA
The Day of the Didge:
Nyoongar Tent Embassy Fundraiser
"We will be staging the biggest ensemble of
didge players and music the world will ever see. ...
We hope the the Tent Embassies around Australia
- Canberra, Portland and soon to be Brisbane will
also come on board and host an event at their sites
on the same day to also fundraise for their
embassies and spread the message of
sovereignty."
Event details: http://www.indymedia.org.au/the-day-of-the-didge-nyoongar-tent-embassy-f...

Event: Mon 26 March 2012: Burwood
ANTaR Inner West's free screening of an Indigenous film
Film: "Here I Am"
Burwood Westfield Greater Union Cinema
" ... the story of a young Aboriginal woman's
struggle to stay off drugs and reconnect with
her young daughter and her Mother now that
she's out of jail."
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-February/000687.html

Event: 26 March 2012: Kirribilli, NSW
Listen Talk Act: Indigenous Conversations
"The Conversations will focus on the Constitutional
recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people and the value of education for Indigenous
peoples."
The Conversations will be led by:
* Graeme Mundine,
* Renee Coffey,
* Jane Kemp.
Event details: http://www.loreto.org.au/Home/News-Media/News/Listen-Talk-Act-Indigenous...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html

Event: Wed 28 March 2012: Parramatta Park, Qld
Black Deaths in Custody Watch Group meeting
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49933

Event: 28 March 2012: March to Parliament House
Aboriginal protest rally
At Parliament House the speakers will address issues such as:
* Stolen Wages - Recent ex gratia announcement
* Land Deal - SWALSC & Government
* Human Rights - Aboriginal issues and concerns
Speakers include:
* Robert Eggington,
* Iva Hayward-Jackson,
* Leonard Ogilvie &
* Bella Bropho.
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/12/from-dumbartung-aboriginal-corporatio...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50382

Event: Thu 29 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Discussion with Damien Curtis, Jeff McMullen,
Alec Doomadgee, Rosealee Pearson and John Pilger
Event details: http://ideas.sydneyoperahouse.com/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50368
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 30 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Tent Embassy & Identity
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Ningla A-Na
Discussion with Gary Foley and Larissa Behrendt
Event details: http://ideas.sydneyoperahouse.com/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50368

Event: Sat 31 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
What's the Fuss in the Kimberley?
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Old Country New Country
Q&A with George Negus Stephen Pigram,
Mitch Torres and Albert Wiggan
Event details: http://ideas.sydneyoperahouse.com/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx

Event: 3 April 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by University of Wollongong Enviro Collective
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 6 April 2012: University of Melbourne, Vic
Gary Foley will be speaking on his amazing life and times
"The legendary Aboriginal activist has been at the
centre of major political activity for over 40 years.
In the 1970’s he joined the growing circle of Aboriginal
resistance in Australia, and formed the Aboriginal
Legal Service in Sydney. ... "
Part of Marxism 2012 Conference, Easter weekend
Presented by Socialist Alternative & ISO of NZ
Supported by Community Radio 3CR 855 AM
Event details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...
Marxism 2012 details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=front...

Event: Sat 7 April 2012: Darwin, NT
Rock Against Racism
Organised by DASSAN and Darwin Aboriginal Rights Collective
Event summary: http://dassan.weebly.com/rock-against-racism.html

Event: 7 April 2012: Adelaide, SA
136th 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/2011/12/candlelight-walk-2/

Event: Wed 18 April 2012: Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
Free Public Screening of Our Generation
Introduction and Q&A by Jeff McMullen AM
Hosted by Reconciliation for Western Sydney
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Thu 19 April to Mon 14 May 2012: Campsie, NSW
Homelands Photography Exhibition
"to explore the Aboriginal community of Utopia,
located in the Northern Territory"
Demand Dignity - Amnesty International
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28174/

Event: Sun 6 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Followed by Q&A with Dr Jeff McMullen
and Dr Thalia Anthony
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: Wed 23 and Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, south of Sydney
Interim Aboriginal National Unity Government Assembly
of the Sovereign Union
Held at two locations:
Day 1 – Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Day 2 – Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy
"All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two
delegates to the inaugural assembly of the interim
National Unity Government in Wollongong
Wednesday 23 May & Thursday 24 May.
"This gathering to form the Interim Sovereign Union
National Unity Government is so important, as the federal
government and their Uncle Tom collaborators are working
overtime to indoctrinate our children and youth into their
way of thinking by falsely promoting that recognition in
the Constitution will give our people something,"
the spokesman of the movement, Michael Anderson, writes in
a media release."
"On the first day, 23rd of May, two universities, South Cross
and Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal people as
an introduction to this history-making event."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
See next two entries for Day 1 and Day 2 event details

Event: DAY 1 Wed 23 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty
- Symposium Day 1
Location: Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Jointly organised by:
* Legal Intersections Research Centre, University of Wollongong
* School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University
"On 26 January 2012, on the day of the 40th anniversary of
the establishment Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra,
a number of prominent Aboriginal activists advanced an
articulated claim to the continuity of Aboriginal
sovereignty in Australia. ... [This is] a one-day workshop to
explore the legal and political implications of those claims."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/85
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

Event: DAY 2 - Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
"8am till late – REGISTRATION at 8am
Venue: Sandon Point Embassy, Wollongong, NSW
All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two delegates
- one man and one woman (if appropriate)
to the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union
interim National Unity Government
If possible bring a young person(s) between 15 & 25.
Each nation will have a limit of two official delegates
to the interim National Unity Government.
+++ Draft Agenda +++:
* The formal establishment of the interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
* Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Aboriginal nations
* Focusing on the proposed new Constitution
* Program of stages towards independence and timeline
* Allocation of interim portfolios
* Development of diplomatic and international relations
* Strategies for representations in United Nations"
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/108
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

Event: Sat 14 to Fri 20 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard's Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
"Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musica...
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-bi...

Event: 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

- '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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