Newsletter date: 28 June 2011
Contents:
* Upcoming Sydney events:
Event 1: 28 June - Katherine Napaljarri Parker speaks on NT Intervention
Event 2: 29 June - Katherine Napaljarri Parker speaks at 'Our Generation' screening
Event 3: 29 June - Rally - Stop Nuclear Minister Martin Ferguson
Event 4: from 29 June - Exhibition of Photo artist Jagath Dheerasekara
* Upcoming events around Australia - 15 events
* Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade
* Past events:
Event 1: Women delegates speak on UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Event 2: 11-point Intervention Alternative presented to Parliament
Event 3: The Aboriginal Embassy Symposium
Event 4: Melbourne and Sydney protests mark fourth anniversary of the NT Intervention
* More reactions to Government discussion paper and consultations
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* UPCOMING SYDNEY EVENTS:
EVENT 1: 28 JUNE - KATHERINE NAPALJARRI PARKER SPEAKS ON NT INTERVENTION:
Northern District Times: First-hand account of the Northern Territory intervention
http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/events/story/first-hand...
"Venue: Gladesville Library community back room
Where: 6 Pittwater Road, Gladesville, NSW, 2111 ...
Speaker Katherine Napaljarri Parker, of Kintore, in the Northern Territory, will talk in the Gladesville Library’s community room on June 28 at 7pm.
Katherine has recently spoken at an Our Generation screening in Darwin, and attended the Darwin launch of the Rebuilding from the Ground Up statement on Tuesday, June 21, which marked the fourth anniversary of the Northern Territory intervention.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand accounts about the intervention.
The evening will be hosted by Bennelong and Surrounds Residents for Reconciliation."
[Click on above link to view map.]
Tue 28 June 2011: Gladesville, Sydney, NSW
First-hand account of the Northern Territory intervention
Speaker: Katherine Napaljarri Parker, Kintore, NT
Event details: http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/events/story/first-hand...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/first-hand-account-of-the-nt-intervention-talk-i...
Video of Katherine: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/25-jun-2011-rally-self-determ...
Video of Katherine: http://vimeo.com/25594709
EVENT 2: 29 JUNE - KATHERINE NAPALJARRI PARKER SPEAKS AT 'OUR GENERATION' SCREENING:
Stop the Intervention: Come and hear a First-hand account of the Northern Territory Intervention
[scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
"Wednesday, 29 June at 6pm - 7.30 pm
Special speaker: Katherine Napaljarri Parker from Kintore, NT
at a free film screening of Our Generation
at Stanton Library, Level 2 Conference Room, 234 Miller Street, North Sydney
hosted by the Stanton Library as part of the Guringai Festival"
Wed 29 June 2011: North Sydney, Sydney, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Part of the Guringai Festival
Including speaker: Katherine Napaljarri Parker, Kintore, NT
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
EVENT 3: 29 JUNE - RALLY - STOP NUCLEAR MINISTER MARTIN FERGUSON:
Beyond Nuclear Initiative: June 29 rally- Sydney
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2011/06/24/june-29-rally-sydney/
"Stop Nuclear Minister Martin Ferguson
Snap rally next Wednesday June 29, 11:30am
Community protest outside Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce
199 George Street, Sydney CBD
Speakers include:
John Kaye, NSW Greens
Holly Creenaune, Friends of the Earth
Nat Wasley, Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Statement from Dr Helen Caldicott ...
The Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce is organising a business lunch on June 29 titled "Nuclear Energy after Fukushima". ...
Martin Ferguson is aggressively pushing expansion the nuclear industry in Australia, from uranium mining through to the planned nuclear waste dump on Aboriginal land at Muckaty in the NT. ...
Aboriginal people at Muckaty in the Northern Territory continue to resist the imposition of a nuclear waste dump on their land, despite legislation enabling the dump set to pass the Senate in July."
Wed 29 June 2011: Sydney CBD, NSW
Rally: Stop Nuclear Minister Martin Ferguson
Event details: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2011/06/24/june-29-rally-sydney/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/rally-to-stop-nuclear-minister-martin-ferguson
Poster: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/june-29_fergu...
- Related News
Green Left: Don’t waste the Northern Territory
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48009
25 Jun 11: "The federal Labor government put a new law before the Senate on June 14 to set up a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory. The same day, opponents of the radioactive waste dump plan gathered outside Parliament House in Canberra to protest. The rally was endorsed by Beyond Nuclear Initiative, the Conservation Council of Western Australia, the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory, Friends of the Earth Australia, Japanese for Peace, the Medical Association for Prevention of War, the Public Health Association Australia, the Western Australian Nuclear Free Alliance and Unions NT. Below are excerpts of the speeches delivered at the protest. The full-length speeches can be heard at http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/audio
EVENT 4: FROM 29 JUNE - EXHIBITION OF PHOTO ARTIST JAGATH DHEERASEKARA:
Sunday Times (Sri Lanka): One with nature but not society
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Magazine/sundaytimesmagazine_01.html
26 Jun 11: "A Sri Lankan living in Australia chooses to highlight, in his latest exhibition, the life and plight of aborigines after spending time with the Alyawarr people of Ampilatwatja. The title of Jagath Dheerasekera’s latest exhibition in Sydney is the response he received to his question: “Why sleep outside at night?” “Stars, sky, trees, breeze,” his subjects answered." Smriti Daniel
Wed 29 June 2011: Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Exhibition Opening: Stars, Sky, Breeze, Trees
Photo artist: Jagath Dheerasekara
Gallery: At The Vanishing Point
Event details: http://www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au/index.php?p=1_2_Future-Exhibitions
Artist statement and event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/47966
Article: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Magazine/sundaytimesmagazine_01.html
Photos: http://jd.photoshelter.com/
Thu 30 June to Sun 17 July 2011: Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Exhibition: Stars, Sky, Breeze, Trees
Photo artist: Jagath Dheerasekara
Gallery: At The Vanishing Point
Gallery Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10am-6pm
Event details: http://www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au/index.php?p=1_2_Future-Exhibitions
Artist statement and event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/47966
Article: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Magazine/sundaytimesmagazine_01.html
Photos: http://jd.photoshelter.com/
* UPCOMING EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 15 EVENTS:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
Event: 27 May to Sun 9 October 2011: Kalgoorlie, WA
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 June 2011: Gladesville, Sydney, NSW
First-hand account of the Northern Territory intervention
Speaker: Katherine Napaljarri Parker, Kintore, NT
Event details: http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/events/story/first-hand...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/first-hand-account-of-the-nt-intervention-talk-i...
Video of Katherine: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/25-jun-2011-rally-self-determ...
Video of Katherine: http://vimeo.com/25594709
Event: Wed 29 June 2011: North Sydney, Sydney, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Part of the Guringai Festival
Including speaker: Katherine Napaljarri Parker, Kintore, NT
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Wed 29 June 2011: Sydney CBD, NSW
Rally: Stop Nuclear Minister Martin Ferguson
Event details: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2011/06/24/june-29-rally-sydney/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/rally-to-stop-nuclear-minister-martin-ferguson
Poster: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/june-29_fergu...
Event: Wed 29 June 2011: Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Exhibition Opening: Stars, Sky, Breeze, Trees
Photo artist: Jagath Dheerasekara
Gallery: At The Vanishing Point
Event details: http://www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au/index.php?p=1_2_Future-Exhibitions
Artist statement and event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/47966
Article: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Magazine/sundaytimesmagazine_01.html
Photos: http://jd.photoshelter.com/
Event: Thu 30 June to Sun 17 July 2011: Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Exhibition: Stars, Sky, Breeze, Trees
Photo artist: Jagath Dheerasekara
Gallery: At The Vanishing Point
Gallery Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10am-6pm
Event details: http://www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au/index.php?p=1_2_Future-Exhibitions
Artist statement and event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/47966
Article: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Magazine/sundaytimesmagazine_01.html
Photos: http://jd.photoshelter.com/
Event: Sat 9 July 2011: Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Open Forum Discussion:
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture
Hear from Traditional
Owners,
Neil
Mckenzie
and
Kerrianne
Cox
Media Release and event details: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
Flyer: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/ccr-hub-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Redfe...
Event: Sun 24 July 2011: Avalon, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Tue 9 August 2011: Adelaide, SA
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Tue 9 August 2011: Gymea, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Wed 10 August 2011: Manly, Sydney, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Fri 26 - Sun 28 August 2011: Kalkarindji/Daguragu, NT
Gurindji Walkoff from Wave Hill
- 45th Anniversary Commemoration
Event location and details: http://www.gurindjifreedomday.com/
Event: Wed 7 Sep 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous Social Justice Association:
Discussion of Justice Reinvestment
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/indigenous-social-justice-association-discussion...
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: Fri 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: 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...
* KIMBERLEY GAS PLANT PROTEST AND BLOCKADE:
- Media Release about upcoming event
Women’s Reconciliation Network, The Wilderness Society and the Filipino Women’s Working Party:
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture
http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
22 Jun 11: "Redfern Community Centre, Hugo Street, Redfern (near Redfern Station), Saturday, July 9, 9.30am-noon
Aboriginal people are still deeply divided over the development of a $30 billion liquefied natural gas processing plant at James Price Point on the pristine Kimberley coast despite a vote for the proposal.
Kimberley traditional owner Neil McKenzie, who is challenging the Western Australian Government’s threat of compulsory acquisition in the WA Supreme Court and consequently the validity of the traditional owner vote to accept the development, will discuss the case and the gas hub’s threat to Aboriginal culture in Sydney’s indigenous centre, Redfern, on Saturday, July 9.
On May 5 this year, 60 per cent of traditional owners voted in favour of the Kimberley Land Council’s (KLC) $1.5 billion negotiated terms with Woodside Energy Ltd to build the LNG plant. But the vote was taken under the threat of compulsory acquisition of the land, or as former KLC boss Wayne Bergmann said, like having “a gun to our head”. The legitimacy of the compulsory acquisition and therefore the vote is now being questioned in the WA Supreme Court in an action taken by McKenzie and Phillip Roe, both traditional owners of James Price Point."
Sat 9 July 2011: Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Open Forum Discussion: Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture
Hear from Traditional
Owners,
Neil
Mckenzie
and
Kerrianne
Cox
Media Release and event details: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
Flyer: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/ccr-hub-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Redfe...
- Website
Welcome to Save The Kimberley.
http://www.savethekimberley.com/
6 Jun 11: "We are an independent awareness organisation and exist to engage and educate the Australian and international community about the threat to the Kimberley Coast and its inland wilderness areas posed by gas and large-scale industrial development proposals. Save the Kimberley does not oppose development. We are not-for-profit, volunteer run and unlike any environmental, cultural, social or community group you have ever seen before - this is Traditional Custodians, local community, high profile media stars, caring individuals and influential individuals all working together to Save The Kimberley. ... "
Save The Kimberley: Country and Culture
http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/whats-the-fuss/country-culture/
"A culture and traditions under threat. A home to the world’s most ancient continuous culture ... Today, more than 30 Aboriginal tribes remain in the Kimberley region, each with its own language and many with unique cultural practices. ... We are building sustainable industries, like eco-tourism, cultural tourism, selling and promoting our art and artifacts and harvesting Gubinge fruit. These industries bring us pride, meaning and purpose. They are building an economy which fosters respect of the land and culture and show us a way forward in friendship with white Australia which also honours our past and obligations to our ancestors. Heavy industrial development threatens all of this. It threatens to directly damage country, our sacred sites and special songlines. ... "
Save The Kimberley blog: Protest and blockade, James Price Point, Days 19 and 20
http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/blog/
25 Jun 11: "Another weekend is on us and the protest blockade is going as strong as ever. New faces are appearing all the time from Broome, the Kimberley, interstate and overseas. Progress with the complaint to the Department of Indigenous affairs has been slow and steady with investigations ongoing. Woodside contractors are more cautious than ever and no longer approach the blockade as a convoy, instead parking up the road and sending security people forward to be turned back again. ... "
- Videos
YouTube: Broome Families stand against industrialisation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMbhhG4f97k
12 Jun 11: "Broome citizens blockade woodside and their proposal to build the largest gas plant in the world and open up the kimberley to industrialisation. Woodside have tried to bring a bulldozer to clear 25 hecters of pristine Kimberley wilderness. The traditional owners of this land and community members are standing strong to beat this mining giant and continue their unbroken songline. The few have become many...And thou enemy shall fall!"
YouTube: The Kimberley - What's the fuss? V2.1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81XXRTWNE_4
4 Jun 08: "As this is an ongoing effort to put a stop to the destruction of Australia's last great wilderness. ... My hope is that this video will have no need to exist and the Kimberley can be left in peace for the next couple of billion years ... "
YouTube: Save the Kimberley - Malcom Douglas TV AD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_JpouX_-_8&feature=related
29 Nov 07
- News
Age: John Butler joins Kimberley protest
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/john-butler-joins-kimbe...
17 Jun 11: "Musician John Butler has joined a protest group blocking access to the proposed site for a $30 billion gas hub at James Price Point in the Kimberley. ... The Kimberley Land Council (KLC), representing indigenous land claimants, recently reached agreement with Woodside and the WA government for the gas hub project to go ahead. Under the deal, Kimberley Aboriginal communities would receive an estimated $1.5 billion in benefits over 30 years. But Butler said the agreement was reached after Mr Barnett threatened compulsory acquisition of the James Price Point site."
- Related Media Release
Principal Aboriginal Custodian for James Price Point - Mr Joseph Roe:
Unlicensed desecration of Aboriginal heritage at James Price Point
http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/2011/06/unlicensed-desecration-of-ab...
22 Jun 11: "The principal Aboriginal custodian of James Price Point and Elder for the Goolarabooloo Jabbir-Jabbir people Mr Joseph Roe has thanked the Department of Indigenous Affairs’ (DIA) Compliance Officers for the thoroughness and manner in which they have conducted their investigations on traditional country over the past two days.
In a formal complaint lodged to DIA on 9 June 2011, Mr Roe provided detailed photographic and video evidence of significant damage by archaeologists and seismic testers working for Woodside. They have been recklessly damaging burial sites, middens and ancient remnant rain forests."
* PAST EVENTS:
EVENT 1: WOMEN DELEGATES SPEAK ON UN PERMANENT FORUM ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
UN Permanent Forum on Indigneous Issues…a woman’s perspective
http://caama.com.au/un-permanent-forum-on-indigneous-issues-a-womans-per...
24 Jun 11: "Barb Shaw and Nala Kunoth Monks were part of the delegation of Aboriginal people who attended the United Nations permanent forum on Indignous Issues. They speak to Pam Riley on Women’s Business about the Aboriginal women’s issues which were raised and discussed at the forum."
- Related News
Green Left: UN indigenous forum: Aboriginal delegates refute the Aust. gov’t
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48033
26 Jun 11: "The UN heard how a lack of participation by Aboriginal people in decision-making has led to harmful policies. These include the Northern Territory intervention, which contravenes basic human rights, subjecting Aboriginal people in the territory to racially based and systematic abuses, such as "income management". Barbara Shaw, from Mt Nancy Town Camp in Alice Springs, and Richard Downs, from the Ampilawatjia communities of the Northern Territory, criticised the intervention with its retention and widening of involuntary income management."
See:
WGAR News: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, 16 to 27 May 2011
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/21/wgar-news-un-human-rights-high-commis...
WGAR News: Interview with Richard Downs on the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues / 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: Central Australian delegates return from United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York (7 Jun 11)
[scroll down page] http://wgar.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/07062011-aboriginal-rights-upcoming...
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...
See more about Barbara Shaw:
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe – Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
WGAR News: Darwin gathering for Aboriginal people living in prescribed areas under the NT Intervention, June 19-21, 2011
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)
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...
EVENT 2: 11-POINT INTERVENTION ALTERNATIVE PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
11-point Intervention Alternative presented to Parlaiment
http://caama.com.au/11-point-intervention-alternative-presented-to-parla...
24 Jun 11: "Three events in Darwin this month have launched the call for an 11-point plan to replace the Northern Territory Intervention. The movement calls for a repeal of all intervention legislation and provides the 11-point intervention alternative plan. The plan was collated from four years of meetings of Aboriginal people in prescribed areas. Anna Weekes from the Aboriginal Rights Coalition in Darwin speaks to Nerida Currey to tell us all about it. She speaks about the plan, why it was created and how it will help pave the way forward for Aboriginal people."
See:
STICS website document 'An Alternative to the NT Intervention':
http://stoptheintervention.org/alternatives-to-the-intervention/rebuildi...
[After the document on the STICS website, there is a list of extra references that are useful for further research.]
Jumbunna website exploring 'An Alternative to the NT Intervention':
http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/alternatives.html
[Includes overviews, extra references and videos that are useful for further research.]
EVENT 3: THE ABORIGINAL EMBASSY SYMPOSIUM:
- Audio
The Wire: The Aboriginal Embassy Symposium
[scroll down page] http://www.thewire.org.au/daydetail.aspx?SearchDay=2011-06-24
24 Jun 11: "This week the Australian Centre for Indigenous History held the Aboriginal Embassy Symposium to pay tribute to the famous tent embassy in Canberra. The symposium ran from Monday to Wednesday and included speeches, public forums and documentary screenings about the history of embassy. It was also an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to discuss current issues affecting indigenous communities such native title and the Northern Territory intervention.
Featuring: Sam Watson, aboriginal activist; Tony Birch, writer and historian; Nicole Watson, Research Fellow, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning."
See:
Tent embassy leaders demand an end to the NT Intervention
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/22/tent-embassy-leaders-demand-an-end-to...
Aboriginal Embassy symposium
http://acih.anu.edu.au/events/aboriginal-embassy-symposium
EVENT 4: MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY PROTESTS MARK FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF NT INTERVENTION:
- Melbourne Background
http://indymedia.org.au/4-year-anniversary-end-the-nt-intervention-rally
- Melbourne Video
MelbourneProtests Weblog: 4 Years too Long - Stop the Intervention - Melbourne, 21 June 2011
http://melbourneprotests.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/4-years-too-long-stop-...
23 Jun 11: "The Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective (MAIC) organised a protest outside the office of FaHCSIA - the Department of Families, Health, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to mark the fourth anniversary of the NT Intervention. The rally was one of a series being held across the country – see http://indymedia.org.au/4-year-anniversary-end-the-nt-intervention-rally - and was addressed by a number of speakers from MAIC (including Jasmine Ali, who wound up proceedings but is unfortunately not captioned in the video) and others taking advantage of the open mic."
- Sydney Background
http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/25-jun-2011-rally-self-determ...
- Sydney Videos
Stop the Intervention: 25 Jun 2011 Sydney Rally - Self Determination Now: Videos
http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/25-jun-2011-rally-self-determ...
"1. Paddy Gibson (STICS)
2. Jack Johnson (Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (South-West Sydney))
3. Lee Rhiannon (Greens NSW Senator Elect)
4. Katherine Napaljarri Parker (Kintore NT)
5. Nicole Watson (Jumbunna Research)
6. Aunty Carol"
- Sydney Photos
Stop the Intervention: 25 Jun 2011 Sydney Rally - Self Determination Now: Photos
http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/25-jun-2011-rally-self-determ...
- Analysis / Opinion
Socialist Alternative: Four years too long: it’s time to end the Intervention
http://www.sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=6944:four-year...
20 Jun 11: "It is clear that this Intervention needs to end now. It is not the case that it has failed. In attacking the remaining vestiges of Aboriginal control and driving people from their communities and into hub towns, the Intervention has succeeded - in the task of undermining the notion of Aboriginal self-determination and further vilifying the victims of Australia’s centuries-old war of genocide. ... The Intervention is distinguished as one of the most determined efforts to wind back any embodiment of or support for Aboriginal control of Aboriginal affairs." Josh Schmidt
* MORE REACTIONS TO GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION PAPER AND CONSULTATIONS:
- Media Release
Response to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Announcement of a Second Intervention in the Northern Territory and a further Round of Consultations in the NT Starting this Week
Media Release by Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/your-voice/dr-djiniyini-gondarra-oa...
26 Jun 11: "The Government and the people of Australia are only able to achieve true reconciliation with Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory if the environment for negotiation is changed and justice, that was so brutally removed by the Intervention, is restored. Only through respectful dialogue and working together can we call Australia a nation based on the principles of democracy.
Further negotiations will rely upon the acceptance of the following: ... "
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 24-06-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-24-06-2011
24 Jun 11: "The co-author [Rex Wild] of the report which sparked the Howard Government’s 2007 response into Northern Territory Aboriginal communities says it was not very impressive that it had taken the Federal Indigenous affairs Minister Jenny Macklin nearly four years to realise that Aboriginal people are angry about not been consulted about the Intervention."
- Analysis / Opinion
Cox: new intervention proposals … same old, same old
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/06/24/cox-new-intervention-proposals-same-...
24 Jun 11: "A new consultation process on more intervention proposals does not please the many critics of the current version’s costly failures. The government’s discussion paper, Stronger futures in the NT, sets severe limits on the topics to be discussed and the issues to be raised. There is no option for discussing income management, the efficacy and roles of government business managers, ... " Eva Cox
- News
Green Left: Abriginal groups: 'End the intervention, restore community control'
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48025
25 Jun 11: "On June 22, the federal government announced a six-week consulting period before creating new laws to continue the Northern Territory intervention. Prime Minister Julia Gillard "left no doubt that abolishing the intervention was not on the agenda", said the June 23 Australian. The statement below, titled Rebuilding From the Ground Up - an Alternative to the Northern Territory Intervention, was officially launched at the Prescribed Area People’s Alliance conference in Darwin on June 21."
ABC: Scrymgour criticises intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/25/3253503.htm?site=indigenou...
25 Jun 11: "A Northern Territory Labor politician has criticised her own party over aspects of the continuing federal intervention in NT communities. The Commonwealth has released a discusison paper on the intervention and signalled a renewed focus on consultation before future policy is made for remote communities. Labor MLA Marion Scrymgour says she has always had reservations about the policy and she does not think an intervention was needed to improve life in communities."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CLC hoping for fresh start post intervention
http://caama.com.au/clc-hoping-for-fresh-start-post-intervention
24 Jun 11: "The Central Land Council says it’s hopeful that the Australian Government’s release of Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory yesterday signalled a more consultative approach to Aboriginal affairs. "The discussion paper raises a lot of the issues that we consider critical," CLC Director David Ross said. ... Mr Ross said that government and bureaucratic accountability was an issue for many people in the bush. He also said Aboriginal people will be judging the Government on not only how it conducts the consultations but also on the outcomes of those consultations."
SBS World News Australia: MP slams NT Intervention discussion paper
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1562806/Gillard-replaces-NT-intervention
22 Jun 11: "A discussion paper on the continuation of the Northern Territory intervention has been labelled "sickening" and sarcastically dismissed as "bloody rocket science". Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday released a discussion paper, titled Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory. ... Aspects of the intervention that are almost certain to remain in place next year include remote policing and income management."
See:
WGAR News: Reactions to government discussion paper: 'Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory' (24 Jun 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/24/wgar-news-reactions-to-government-dis...
* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- Audio
SBS Podcasts: Community to reject welfare reform trial
http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/175606/Communi...
23 Jun 11: "A Queensland Aboriginal community is set to reject an extension of the controversial Cape York welfare reform trial. Mayors from four Aboriginal communities are due to meet the Queensland government to discuss the $14-million, one-year extension being funded by the federal government. ... But Hope Vale mayor Greg McLean told Queensland correspondent Stefan Armbruster, the trial has failed and his community has had enough."
[Includes photo: Hope Vale mayor Greg McLean says his community has had enough]
- Analysis / Opinion
SMH Editorial: Intervention has its limits
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/editorial/intervention-has-its-limits-2011...
24 Jun 11: "FOR four years now, the middle of June has brought one of Australia's more sombre anniversaries - that of the federal intervention into indigenous affairs in the Northern Territory. The Gillard government has marked this year's by announcing it will renew the intervention on its fifth anniversary next year, but will review it beforehand. ... By implication, however, it raises the issues which divide the intervention's supporters from its opponents."
Australian: Tough solutions
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/tough-solutions/story-fn558...
24 Jun 11: "THERE has been a constant stream of "advice" from activists that the government should consult closely with Aboriginal people targeted by the Northern Territory intervention ("No retreat on intervention", 23/6). Such rhetoric is always pleasing to the ears. But for those people living in these remote communities who are welfare-dependent and often alcohol-dependent, we need to ask if, when consulted, the responses they would give would be workable or helpful." Anthony Dillon
- News
Amnesty International Australia: The Northern Territory intervention - where to now?
http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/26031/
24 Jun 11: "Amnesty International is calling on the federal government to avoid a repeat of past failures by ensuring any future strategies aimed at tackling Aboriginal disadvantage in the Northern Territory are owned and controlled by the people they affect. ... Amnesty International has criticised successive governments for a failure to seek and secure the consent of affected Aboriginal people and the blanket imposition of a raft of racially discriminatory measures."
National Indigenous Times: School attendance drops despite the Intervention
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22211
31 May 11: "There has been a significant drop in school attendances in the Northern Territory’s remote communities according to the Federal Government’s latest progress report on the Intervention casting doubt upon the effectiveness of the various programs that have been introduced to entice children to attend school."
National Indigenous Times: Beadman says public service is failing in Intervention
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22210
31 May 11: "Public servants were failing to enforce government policies and laws that were designed to lead to training and jobs for unemployed Aborigines, the Territory’s Chief Aboriginal Affairs Administrator, Bob Beadman has claimed. Mr Beadman said he had "never seen such a gulf between the repeated pronouncements of a Prime Minister about the value of education and work and their conversion into public policy on the ground by public servants"."
National Indigenous Times: Ganja on rise with grog bans
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22209
31 May 11: "Bob Beadman says marijuana use had worsened in Aboriginal communities since the introduction of the Intervention."
National Indigenous Times: BasicsCard extended
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22207
31 May 11: "You may not know it yet, but BasicsCard income management is coming to a town or suburb near you. In a measure announced in the Federal budget, Centrelink will be introducing a version of the Northern Territory Intervention policy into five “disadvantaged” areas around Australia."
National Indigenous Times: Prime Minister’s wasted visit
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22190
31 May 11: "The Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s flying visit to Alice Springs for about six hours last Tuesday also flew into a storm of criticism with claims her visit was nothing more than a public relations stunt rather than a meaningful step by the Federal Government to address the plight of Indigenous Australians. Instead of the Prime Minister taking the opportunity to see first hand the terrible third world standard living conditions Indigenous Australians were being subjected to in the town camps throughout Alice Springs, the Prime Minister opened a new facility called Percy Court and stayed clear of visiting the worst of the city’s town camps."
National Indigenous Times: Greens question new grog law
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22129
31 May 11: "Newly passed alcohol laws in the Northern Territory focus on only one side of the problem by getting tough on drinkers while ignoring the rivers of cheap grog that flow through the Northern Territory, the Australian Greens have said."
* 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
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights...
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/
MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.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:
- Report
House of Representatives:
Doing Time - Time For Doing: Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system.
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia/sentencing/report.htm
- Analysis / Opinion
SMH: Stunts overshadow the shameful truth
http://www.smh.com.au/national/stunts-overshadow-the-shameful-truth-2011...
25 Jun 11: "Last Monday night, a report with the rather clunky title of Doing Time - Time for Doing: Indigenous Youth in the Criminal Justice System was tabled in Federal Parliament. Its contents were anything but clunky. They were horrifying. ... But does anyone care? It barely made the news. There was not a peep of tabloid fury." Mike Carlton
National Indigenous Times: Greatest challenge of my life
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=22106
31 May 11: "As I write I am busy preparing for the greatest challenge of my life. I suspect there are a number of other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are at the same time also preparing themselves to face the unknown and try to build the platform for a truly national voice for our people. The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples was launched more than a year ago following a five-year vacuum caused by the demise of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission." Les Malezer
- Audio
Radio Adelaide Breakfast: Education needed to keep the indigenous population out of custody
https://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/education-needed...
22 Jun 11: "Twenty years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody the amount of juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system has increased. A new report - Doing time, a time for doing - has gone to the House of Reps and hopes to reduce these numbers by focusing on early intervention and prevention for young indigenous Australians. Shayne Neumann chairs the committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, and Jess Wingard spoke to him about what role education should play in reducing the numbers of indigenous youth in the criminal system."
- News
National Indigenous Times: A meaningful Sorry Day should mean compensation
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22186
31 May 11: "Meaningful justice and compensation was yet to be achieved for the Stolen Generations, the North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency said during National Sorry Day. The Justice Agency said compensation for the Stolen Generations was ultimately the right thing for the Federal Government to initiate."
National Indigenous Times: Land council quizzed over nuclear dump
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22180
31 May 11: "Northern Land Council Chief Executive, Kim Hill told a Senate estimates hearing he had not met with traditional owners to discuss of the area earmarked for Australia’s first nuclear waste dump because it was a matter the owners should discuss with the Federal Government and the relevant Minister."
National Indigenous Times: Katter’s new party promises land deeds for Indigenous
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22196
31 May 11: "Queensland Federal MP Bob Katter has launched his own political party and said giving Indigenous Australians formal deeds to land they hold under native title would be one of the first actions his party would take if elected to power."
National Indigenous Times: It’s time to change law
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22122
31 May 11: "The former Primer Minister and architect of the Native Title Act, Paul Keating has called upon the current Federal Government to change the existing Native Title laws to further protect Indigenous Australians. Mr Keating was the keynote speaker at the annual Lowitja O’Donoghue oration in Adelaide where he said it had become too hard for Aboriginal people to claim Native Title because the onus of proof rested with them."
National Indigenous Times: Current laws are driving a wedge between us: Gooda
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22119
31 May 11: "Native title laws were driving a wedge through Indigenous communities and were contributing to increased violence and bullying, Mick Gooda has claimed."
National Indigenous Times: Mabo would be saddened by ongoing delay, Pearson
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22118
31 May 11: "Australia had failed to honour the promise of the Mabo decision and reforms were needed to ensure traditional owners had rightful access to their historic homelands, Noel Pearson said. Speaking on the 19th anniversary of the historic High Court decision, Mr Pearson said legal interpretations of native title rights since that time had been "profoundly wrong"."
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