Newsletter date: 20 February 2013
Contents:
* Blackett, Western Sydney launch of the book 'A Decision to Discriminate'
* New 'A Decision to Discriminate' book review
* Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Mick Gooda on Stronger Futures
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Cathy Eatock, One Billion Rising: End violence against Aboriginal women
* NIRS: Compensation test case hoped to shine light on removal conditions
* NIRS: Stolen Generations victims deserve criminal compensation: Sam Watson
* Let's Talk: Highlights of Link-Up's 5th Anniversary Apology Event
* The Wire: 'Social emotional support': the missing link in closing the gap
* Greg Dickson, Fully (sic): Federal Government ready to "Recognise" Indigenous languages (but it’s kinda old news)
* Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
* Other articles
* BLACKETT, WESTERN SYDNEY LAUNCH OF THE BOOK 'A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE':
- Event
Event: Mon 18 March 2013: Blackett, Western Sydney, NSW
Book Launch: A Decision to Discriminate
Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
To be launched by: Jeff McMullen AM
Organized by the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation
"This new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
A 'concerned Australians' publication
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-launch-Blacket...
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Blackett
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
Book reviews:
http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-book-review-20...
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/review-of-a-decision-to-discri...
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
* NEW 'A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE' BOOK REVIEW:
- Book Review
"A Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory"
Published by 'concerned Australians'
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-book-review-20...
Elimatta, page 3: http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaAutumn2013.pdf
19 Feb 13: ""A Decision to Discriminate" demonstrates how our democratic processes failed Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory. It shows the process leading to decisions which were deeply flawed; a process miserably failing the people who provided evidence to its inquiries by ignoring their clearly expressed views and instead pushing the legislation through the House of Representatives before the Senate Inquiry report had been completed. The events described here took their origins in 2007, when the government introduced the "Northern Territory Emergency Response" (NTER, commonly known as "NT Intervention"). ... "
* LET'S TALK'S TIGA BAYLES INTERVIEWS MICK GOODA ON STRONGER FUTURES:
- Audio Interview
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Let's Talk - Mick Gooda
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/lets-talk/
18 Feb 13: Tiga Bayles interviews Mick Gooda
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Speaking about the recent Closing The Gap Report and The Stronger Futures legislation in the Northern Territory and Alcohol restrictions."
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/mick-gooda-7/
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 4 February 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Last updated: 31 December 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-...
* CATHY EATOCK, ONE BILLION RISING: END VIOLENCE AGAINST ABORIGINAL WOMEN
- Speech
Green Left: End violence against Aboriginal women
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53368
18 Feb 13: "This was a speech given to a One Billion Rising event in Sydney on February 14. ***
Sexual assault for Aboriginal women is recorded at 6 times the rate for the rest of the community. In a detailed study of rape among Aboriginal women it found that 42% of the perpetrators were in fact non- Aboriginal, 41% were Aboriginal and 17% were both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal, in instances of pack rapes." By Cathy Eatock
* NIRS: COMPENSATION TEST CASE HOPED TO SHINE LIGHT ON REMOVAL CONDITIONS
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Compensation test case hoped to shine light on removal conditions
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7859-compensation-test-case-hope...
18 Feb 13: "A spokesperson for a Western Australian Stolen Generations advocacy group says a case for compensation currently in the Supreme Court in Perth will have wide-ranging implications. Donald and Sylvia Collard are seeking damages over the removals of their children between 1958 and 1961 in a case which is expected to set a precedent in WA. Jim Morrison from Bringing Them Home WA says although he doesn't want to be drawn on the specifics of the case, it does highlight the plight of Stolen Generations victims."
See:
WGAR News: "Landmark Stolen Generations Test Case Begins in Perth" Media Statement (8 Feb 13)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2013/02/07/wgar-news-marie-sailor-an-aboriginal-...
* NIRS: STOLEN GENERATIONS VICTIMS DESERVE CRIMINAL COMPENSATION: SAM WATSON
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Stolen Generations victims deserve criminal compensation: Sam Watson
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7858-stolen-generations-victims-...
18 Feb 13: "NIRS/98.9fm: The Chair of Link-Up Queensland Sam Watson says he supports calls for Australia governments to award compensation to surviving members of the Stolen Generations. Link-Up aims to reunite victims of past government removal policies with their families and communities. Mr. Watson told 98.9fm at fifth anniversary of the national apology celebrations last week what's needed is more than an apology."
See:
WGAR News: Let's Talk: Live Broadcast 5th Anniversary of the Apology Link-Up Event (16 Feb 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/02/15/wgar-news-lets-talk-live-broadcast-5t...
* LET'S TALK: HIGHLIGHTS OF LINK-UP'S 5TH ANNIVERSARY APOLOGY EVENT
- Video and Audio
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Let's Talk - Highlights of Link-Up's 5th Anniversary Apology Event
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/lets-talk/
18 Feb 13: "Includes a speech from Kevin Rudd and a performance by Les Collins."
Watch and listen to these programs on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/highlights-of-link-ups-5th-an...
See:
WGAR News: Let's Talk: Live Broadcast 5th Anniversary of the Apology Link-Up Event (16 Feb 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/02/15/wgar-news-lets-talk-live-broadcast-5t...
* THE WIRE: 'SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT': THE MISSING LINK IN CLOSING THE GAP
- Audio
The Wire: 'Social emotional support': the missing link in closing the gap
Produced by Alexia Attwood
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=10034
18 Feb 13: "Giving emotional and social support seems simple enough, but it's one of the missing ingredients in many programs tailored towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These are the conclusions from new reports monitoring Australia's progress in closing the gap, evaluating successful programs across Australia. The mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has been severely affected by the impact of colonisation, the removal of children, racism and continued socioeconomic disadvantage. ...
Featured in story:
Lorraine Peeters, Managing Director of Murumali
Ashley Couzens, Head of Riverland Aboriginal Men's Support Group"
* GREG DICKSON, FULLY (sic): FEDERAL GOVERNMENT READY TO "RECOGNISE" INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES (BUT IT'S KINDA OLD NEWS)
- Analysis / Opinion
Fully (sic) - Crikey's language blog: Federal Government ready to "Recognise" Indigenous languages (but it’s kinda old news)
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/fullysic/2013/02/15/federal-government-ready-...
15 Feb 13: "There was a bit of hoo-hah in Parliament House this week when Julia, Tony and co. made a minor song and dance about constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their languages. Greg Dickson writes that it’s good news but actually kinda old news… with shiny branding. He explains the recommendations and the clever work that was done by the expert panel over twelve months ago." wamut
* BACKGROUND TO THE USE OF ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES IN NT SCHOOLS:
Last updated: 5 January 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-use-of-aboriginal-l...
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association: New Office Caters for Women in the Centre
http://caama.com.au/new-office-caters-for-women-in-the-centre
18 Feb 13: "The Northern Territory Working Women’s Centre was established in 1994. The NT Working Women’s Centre provides free and confidential advice to women about work related matters. The Centre particularly targets services to those in a disadvantaged bargaining position, insecure and low paid work. After many years of planning and dreaming, the Alice Springs office is finally here and currently have 1 staff member, Anne Hebert, working Monday to Thursday. Another staff member will be joining Anne in early March 2013."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/am-19-03.mp3
19 Feb 13: "* The Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister has rejected suggestions that the Mills Country Liberal Government has abandoned the findings of a comprehensive report into Aborignal child welfare and safety.
* The Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister NT Senator Nigel Scullion says that The Gillard Government doesn’t listen to Aborignal people and it should leave it to them to determine if they want a new Land Council in the Northern Territory."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/am-18-02.-update-.mp3
18 Feb 13: "* The founder of one of Australia’s top one hundred companies says those working with Aboriginal contractors in the mining sector need to invest ongoing training and development.
* The Shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister NT Senator Nigel Scullion has accused the Gillard Labor government of inappropriate behaviour in its handling of the publicly-funded multi-million dollar Indigenous Land corporation.
* The Northern Territory Parliament has passed laws which will see Violent offenders serve guaranteed time in jail."
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: New CSG regulations not strong enough: NSW land council head
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7865-new-csg-regulations-not-str...
19 Feb 13: "A New South Wales land council boss has criticised the State Government for not going far enough in its plans to strengthen the regulations relating to coal seam gas. Under a package approved by the cabinet on Monday, a two kilometre exclusion zone will be imposed around residential areas to prevent new exploration and production activities above and below ground. But Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council chair Roy Kennedy says despite the buffer, the Government still hasn't guaranteed it won't contaminate waterways."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Sovereignty an "elephant in the room"
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7862-sovereignty-an-elephant-in-...
18 Feb 13: "NIRS/98.9fm: A Brisbane elder says she's tired of the Australian Government overlooking the issue of Indigenous sovereignty in favour of symbolic gestures. The Federal Government took a significant step towards a referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution last week by passing the Act of Recognition through the lower house. But Aunty Mary Graham told 98.9fm the issue of sovereignty must but discussed by Indigenous communities and governments."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Fed. Opposition: Macklin's reappointment of top bureaucrat dodgy
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7855-fed-opposition-macklins-rea...
18 Feb 13: "The Federal Opposition Indigenous Affairs spokesperson says the Government has acted improperly in the reappointment of the head of the Indigenous Land Corporation. Nigel Scullion says Minister Jenny Macklin circumvented the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act by rehiring ILC chief executive Bruce Gemmel."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Macklin: No new land council for Territory
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7856-macklin-no-new-land-council...
18 Feb 13: "NIRS/ABC: The Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister has rejected an application to establish a new land council in the Northern Territory because she's not satisfied the applicants could do the job. A group of traditional owners, led by the Jawoyn Association, applied to establish a Katherine-based land council in 2011, seeking to control over nearly 80 per cent of the territory managed by the Northern Land Council."
newsTracker: Macklin rejects new land council proposal
http://tracker.org.au/2013/02/macklin-rejects-new-land-council-proposal/
15 Feb 13: "NATIONAL: Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin is rejecting an application from Aboriginal groups seeking to create their own breakaway land council. "I am not satisfied that the applicants could satisfactorily perform land council functions," Ms Macklin said in a statement on Thursday. A group of 24 Aboriginal clans from the NT’s Top End had argued that the Northern Land Council (NLC) was failing to properly look after their needs."
ABC: MP says jail is good for young Aboriginal people
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-15/bess-price-jail-is-good-for-you-nt...
15 Feb 13: "A Northern Territory Government politician says some Aboriginal people support imprisonment because jail gets the younger generations sober, fed and keeps them safe. Overnight, the Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the NT Sentencing Act, allowing for mandatory sentencing of violent offenders. Labor opposed the bill and raised concerns it would continue to see Indigenous people locked up at an alarming rate. The member for Stuart, Bess Price, told Parliament Labor did nothing to address the matter when it was in power, and argued that incarceration had some benefits." By Penny Timms
ABC: Lawyers disappointed by Bess Price prison comments
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-18/lawyers-disappointed-by-bess-price...
18 Feb 13: "The Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service says comments from a local MP undermine work to divert people from prison. The Member for Stuart, Bess Price, told Parliament that some Aboriginal people like prison because it helps them get sober and stay fed. But CAALAS Principal Lawyer, Mark O'Reilly says Indigenous incarceration rates in the Territory are a disgrace and the government should be doing everything in its power to keep people out of prison. "There are a lot of organisations around that are doing a lot of good work to try and support people in the community and improve conditions," he said." By Anthony Stewart
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