WGAR News: Aboriginal leaders call for apology over NT intervention; Darwin launch of Walk With Us

Submitted by WGAR - Working ... on Wed, 09/11/2011 - 9:46am

Newsletter date: 9 November 2011

Contents:
* Aboriginal Leaders call for apology over NT intervention
* Report on 'Consultations' - "A flawed process and not what people said"
* Darwin book launch of 'Walk With Us' - Aboriginal views on the NT Intervention
* Video: Yuendumu Voices - Reflections on the Intervention
* National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF) to be voice to govt
* Interview with Jonathan Nichols, Editor of a APY Project
* Project: Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud exhibition
* Jon Altman: The intervention is dead, long live the intervention
* Nicole Watson: Message to media: We are people too
* Jeff McMullen: Listen to the children
* Barbara Shaw meets with Amnesty International NSW
* What’s Working - Language and Wellbeing
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 15 events from 9 November 2011

* ABORIGINAL LEADERS CALL FOR APOLOGY OVER NT INTERVENTION:

- Statement

No More! Enough is Enough!
Statement by Northern Territory Elders and Community Representatives
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/Statement-4-11-11.pdf
DARC: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/
Green Left: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49367
4 Nov 11: "United First People’s Law men and women who are born leaders representing people of Prescribed Areas in the Northern Territory make this statement.
Once again, they have gathered to openly discuss the future of our generation who have been subjugated by the lies and innuendo of the Federal Government, set out in the Stronger Futures document (October 2011).
The Stronger Futures report has created a lot of anger and frustration due to the lack of process and the ignorant way in which the views of the people have been reported. we therefore reject this report.
We will not support an extension of the Intervention legislation. We did not ask for it. In fact we call for a genuine Apology from the Federal Government for the hurt, embarrassment, shame and stigma, and for the illegal removal of the Racial Discrimination Act. It is our intention to officially call upon Government for reparation. ...
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM
Japata Ryan
Harry Nelson
Djapirri Murunggirritj
Barbara Shaw
Yananymul Mununggurr"
[Click on the above link to read the many more points made.]

- News

newsTracker: Leaders call for apology over NT intervention
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/nt-leaders-call-for-apology-over-nt-interv...
7 Nov 11: "NATIONAL: A group of prominent Northern Territory Aboriginal leaders have called for an apology from the federal government for the “hurt, embarrassment, shame and stigma” caused by the controversial Northern Territory intervention. They have also stated that they will not support any extension of the controversial policy and have raised the issue of reparations. The group includes Djiniyini Gondarra, Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, Japata Ryan, Harry Nelson, Yananymul Mununggurr, Djapirri Murunggirritj and Barbara Shaw. All of them live in prescribed areas under the intervention ... " Amy McQuire, Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman and editor of Tracker

National Indigenous Radio Service: Anger of Intervention extension plans
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6537...
7 Nov 11: "Indigenous elders from the Northern Territory are angry over the Federal Government's plan to extend the controversial Intervention next year. ... But some corners of the Indigenous community are condemning the move, saying the Intervention is causing shame and embarrassment. Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, from Utopia in Central Australia, says after five years of the oppression of the Intervention, her community is demanding the government hand back control to them and they're asking for a genuine apology."

ABC Indigenous: Indigenous elders condemn intervention extension
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-05/indigenous-elders-condemn-interven...
5 Nov 11: "A group of Aboriginal leaders say they are furious about the Federal Government's plan to extend the Northern Territory intervention next year. The intervention was meant to wrap up next year but last month Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin announced that measures including alcohol bans and welfare quarantining in remote communities will continue."

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 07-11-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-07-11-2011
7 Nov 11: "The statement said the elders will not support an extension of the intervention legislation… and are calling for a geniune apology from the federal government for the illegal removal of the racial discrimination act…and the hurt, embarrasment and shame the Northern Territory intervention has caused them."

- Related Video

SBS World News Australia: Elders voice anger over NT intervention
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1602367/Elders-voice-anger-over-NT-in...
4 Nov 11: "Aboriginal community leaders have hit out at the Gillard government over plans to extend its predecessor's controversial intervention in the Northern Territory. The elders travelled thousands of kilometres to deliver a blunt message to indigenous affairs minister Jenny Macklin about her "Stronger Futures" discussion paper in Melbourne. They branded the intervention 'racist and discriminatory'. They say living standards have gone backwards since the Howard government introduced it four years ago."

* REPORT ON 'CONSULTATIONS' - "A FLAWED PROCESS AND NOT WHAT PEOPLE SAID":

- Statement

Rollback the Intervention:
Australian Government's report on their Stronger Futures 'Consultations' - A flawed process and not what people said
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
4 Nov 11: "The federal government’s recent report from meetings with people living in prescribed areas is flawed, pre-determined, and misrepresents the views of communities.
From late June to early August community meetings were held in all prescribed areas.
The Federal Government spent a great deal of money on the consultations. But they gave very little notice to the people living under the intervention.
The areas of discussion were tightly controlled. For example there was no formal space given for discussion of the NTER measures such as income management, land, or customary law. Governance was only talked about at the end of the meetings if at all. ...
IRAG is concerned that the lack of accountability has led to the misrepresentation of people’s views. ... "
[Click on the above link to read the many more points made.]

- Related Analysis / Opinion

Solidarity: Consultations whitewash Intervention’s failure
http://www.solidarity.net.au/40/consultations-whitewash-interventions-fa...
Nov 11: "Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has used sham consultations with Aboriginal communities to announce an extension of the failed NT Intervention beyond the current legislation’s “sunset clause” of July 2012. The entire process of consultations was designed to whitewash the deep pain and anger felt in NT communities ripped apart by the Intervention. They were based on a discussion paper, Stronger Futures, which made it clear the agenda of the Intervention was not up for negotiation. Macklin wants more of the same punishment policy." Paddy Gibson

ABC The Drum Opinion: Stronger futures must begin with better listening
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3615980.html
3 Nov 11: "The Government's recently released Stronger Futures Consultation Report, on the future of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, didn't contain any surprises. It wasn't surprising, but it was deeply disappointing. This document was developed from consultations on a discussion paper which examined the potential next steps of the Northern Territory Intervention. I was hoping to be surprised with news that the Gillard Government had decided to re-write its legacy and depart from the flawed approach that it inherited from John Howard and Kevin Rudd." Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues

- Related News

National Indigenous Times: What consultation Minister Macklin?
http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=23170
2 Nov 11: "Claims by the Federal Government’s Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin her plans for an extension of the Northern Territory Intervention were based on widespread consultation (and agreement) from the 73 prescribed communities appears to be way off the mark if the response from the community leaders above is any guide. All of them live at communities affected by the Intervention and their overwhelming response to Minister Macklin is they were not properly consulted during the Minister’s much hyped meetings with communities ... "

National Indigenous Times: Majority against Intervention: Harry Nelson
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23144
2 Nov 11: "Consultation has sorta been made, did go ahead here, but not to our satisfaction. It’s really hard to tell how many people in my community are in favour of having the Intervention still going because there’s never been any questions asked by the government. So mainly been the women folk, not the men. The majority of my community here, about three quarter of the community population here, are against the Intervention because it’s made us look like we were acting greedy and selfish and the only thing I can tell you is the only consultation that has been taking place is between FaHCSIA and certain family members."

National Indigenous Times: They won’t listen to us: Judith Donald
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23143
2 Nov 11: "I was in the Land Council meeting when Jenny Macklin came in. I think they won’t listen to us. They change law and they blaming each other, them and Northern Territory government, too.
I don’t know which one to listen too, the NT government or the government in Canberra. My people don’t understand what was in that consultation. I was at that meeting too."

newsTracker: A stronger future, or repeating the mistakes of the past?
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/a-stronger-future-or-repeating-the-mistake...
1 Nov 11: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: The Gillard government has come under fire for failing to consult properly with communities after announcing it was extending many planks of the NT intervention. The Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) was launched by the Howard government in 2007, in the midst of a media frenzy over claims of child sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities. ... The consultations were staged over a six-week period. This month, Indigenous affairs minister Jenny Macklin launched the results of those consultations." Amy McQuire, Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman and editor of Tracker

* DARWIN BOOK LAUNCH OF 'WALK WITH US' - ABORIGINAL VIEWS ON THE NT INTERVENTION:

- Upcoming Event

Event: Fri 18 November 2011: Nightcliff, Darwin, NT
Darwin book launch: "Walk With Us"
- Aboriginal views on the NT Intervention
"Aboriginal Elders Call Out to Australian People to Walk
with them in their Quest for Justice. A sequel to the
highly regarded 'This Is What We Said' (February 2010)
'Walk with Us' (August 2011) provides a very important
update of the current thinking about the Intervention. ... "
Organised by Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition
Event details: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/events/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/WWU_booklaunches.html
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with-us
Brought to you by 'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Book info and order form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/WWU_Order_Form.pdf
Further book info: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Austr...
Book review: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Austr...
Videos from the Sydney book launch: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with...
Article about the Sydney book launch: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Austr...

* VIDEO: YUENDUMU VOICES - REFLECTIONS ON THE INTERVENTION:

- Video

YouTube: Yuendumu Voices - Reflections on the Intervention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugUQcYcHMbI
8 Oct 11: "Community members from Yuendumu talk about how the Intervention and other government policies have impacted upon their lives."

* NATIONAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP FORUM (NHLF) TO BE VOICE TO GOVT:

- Media Releases

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation:
NACCHO Co-Chairs Congress Aboriginal Health Forum Advising on New National Plan
http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Documents/2011-11-3MR-NACCHO_Co-Chairs_Co...
3 Nov 11: ""The importance of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services delivering front line care in their communities is reflected in initiatives announced this morning in Canberra," says Mr Justin Mohamed, Chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
NACCHO will Co-Chair the new National Health Leadership Forum of peak bodies in the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, along with Congress Co-Chair Jody Broun.
"The National Health Leadership Forum will advise Congress and work in partnership with the Federal Government on developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Plan which Ministers Nicola Roxon and Warren Snowdon announced today", Mr Mohamed said."

National Congress of Australia's First Peoples: Congress Joins with Health Groups to Lead on Aboriginal Health
http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/111103NHLF-Nat...
3 Nov 11: "The National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (Congress) has teamed with eleven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health groups to form the National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF). Congress is the backbone of this historic group which combines the expertise of existing organisations, and will drive the active involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in health policy at a national level. Congress Co-chair, Jody Broun, who leads the Forum together with Justin Mohamed, Chair of NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation), said the Forum is about partnership not just consultation."

Close the Gap: National voice and national plan marks new day for Indigenous health equality
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/98_11.html
3 Nov 11: "The Close the Gap Campaign welcomes the new national voice for the health interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Campaign Co-Chair and Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today’s announcement that the National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF) would be the national representative voice to Governments on Indigenous health was a turning point for Indigenous peoples.
The NHLF is part of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (Congress). It has established itself as the national body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies whose core business is the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."

ANTaR: Genuine partnership essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
http://www.antar.org.au/genuine_partnership_essential_for_aboriginal_and...
4 Nov 11: "ANTaR today welcomes the Government’s commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations to develop a national plan to improve health equality.
Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon and Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon announced this morning that the National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF) is to become the national representative voice to Governments on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
"This partnership provides a significant and promising opportunity for real change, " said ANTaR National Director, Jacqueline Phillips.
"For the first time at a national level , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will play a central role in developing the policies and programs that affect them.""

Rachel Siewert: Greens: State, territory governments urged to join Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/state-terri...
3 Nov 11: "The Australian Greens today welcomed the announcement of the National Health Leadership Forum and the Government’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.
"All states and territories should participate in the process to ensure effective delivery of national health outcomes,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health said today.
"I believe that the National Health Leadership Forum will provide a strong opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health organisations to work together to on improving health outcomes.
"The comments from the Government around action on life expectancy, chronic disease and infant mortality are certainly welcomed," Senator Siewert said today."

- Audio Interviews

The Wire: New national forum to lead government on Indigenous health
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8638
3 Nov 11: "A major development in the struggle to close the health gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians has been announced today, with the formation of the National Health Leadership Forum. Under the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, the forum is a partnership between eleven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health bodies and the Congress, and will be working with the federal government to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Featured in story: Jody Broun - co-chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples"

* INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN NICHOLS, EDITOR OF A APY PROJECT:

- Audio Interview

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane
Let's Talk - Indigenous presented talkback:
http://989fm.com.au/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29
28 Oct 11: "Jonathan Nichols: Today Karen Dorante spoke with Jonathan Nichols, Editor of a APY project called Paper Tracker. There’s been a lot of interest in Anagu Pitjantjatjara and Yunkunytjatjara or APY Lands in South Australia by mainstream press after claims of starvation and no food days were commonplace in the region. The issue has moved on from those claims to debate about bringing NT-style intervention to the land."
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasting/audio/98fm-podcast-2011-10-28-77902.mp3

- Related Working Paper

CAEPR - ANU: Work, Welfare and CDEP on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands: First stage assessment
Working Paper 78 / 2011
Kirrily Jordan
http://caepr.anu.edu.au/Publications/WP/2011WP78.php
Last updated 2 Nov 11: "Abstract: This report presents the results of a first stage assessment of the impacts of recent changes to the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. It draws on interviews and discussions with 15 Aṉangu (Aboriginal) people from the APY Lands as well as staff from Bungala Aboriginal Corporation and other relevant agencies. It also utilises available administrative and census data. ... "
[Click on above link to read more of the abstract and to read the working paper.]

- Related News

newsTracker: Seeing red over media’s food security coverage
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/seeing-red-over-media%e2%80%99s-food-secur...
1 Nov 11: "SOUTH AUSTRALIA: When the media conjured up images of the Red Cross sending emergency food parcels to an Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Land community last month, the cries about the “starving children” were immediate. But for the Red Cross, the media attention proved "unhelpful". "Certainly the media reporting of that was very sensational, and that’s in spite of us trying to portray the actual situation and what we were doing," the organisation’s South Australian Executive Director Kerry Symons told Tracker this month." Amy McQuire, Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman and editor of Tracker

- Related Analysis / Opinion

agendaTracker: BACKTRACKER: Food for thought
http://tracker.org.au/2011/10/backtracker-food-for-thought/
4 Oct 11: "NATIONAL: This month, media "broke" the story of "starvation" in the APY Lands. But the reality is different from the agenda driven campaigns, writes BRIAN JOHNSTONE*. It’s been interesting these past few weeks to watch the Murdoch media whip itself up into a feeding frenzy over allegations of starving and malnourished children in South Australia’s APY lands. The charge has been led, as usual, by its national flagship, The Australian, and its trusty rent-a-quote band of what the newspaper routinely describes as some of Australia’s "most respected" Aboriginal leaders." Brian Johnstone, Walkley and Human Rights award winning journalist

- Related News Review

Ears to the Ground: Reports on APY Lands: a case of moral panic?
http://ears2theground.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/reports-on-apy-lands-a-ca...
4 Nov 11: "The Australian has been criticised by award-winning Journalist Brian Johnstone in a column for Tracker magazine, for what he called the "media frenzy" surrounding their reporting of alleged starvation of children on South Australia’s Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. As Johnstone states, a significant amount of facts and voices have yet to be reported on in the mainstream media’s version of events."

* PROJECT: MANUWANGKU, UNDER THE NUCLEAR CLOUD EXHIBITION:

- Video and Project description

Pozible: Manuwangku,Under the Nuclear Cloud exhibition
By Natalie Wasley
http://www.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/4118/description/0/0
"Project Description:
"Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud" is a photographic exhibition presenting the community and country in the Northern Territory targeted to host a federal radioactive waste dump. The photos aim to break down the conception that these areas are 'the middle of nowhere' and thus suitable for dumping of hazardous materials. The exhibition is expected to travel to many cities and communities commencing from Sydney.
We are raising funds for production of the exhibition catalogue, which will be an important resource to send around Australia and the world to tell the story of the community struggling against imposition of the radioactive waste dump. We also aim to support Muckaty Traditional Owners to travel and speak at the opening of the exhibition in Sydney, being held at the Pine Street Gallery on January 17, 2012. ... "

* JON ALTMAN: THE INTERVENTION IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE INTERVENTION:

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: The intervention is dead, long live the intervention
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/11/01/the-intervention-is-dead-long-live-t...
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/evidently-a-new-intervention/
1 Nov 11: "The Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) intervention officially referred to as "Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory" but more commonly as "the intervention" is less than a year away from its statutory end in September next year. It has entered a potentially transformative stage that is a critical time for sound policy making and a dangerous time for Aboriginal people in “prescribed” communities especially if bad policy is legally locked in again." Jon Altman, a professor at ANU's Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research

* NICOLE WATSON: MESSAGE TO MEDIA: WE ARE PEOPLE TOO:

agendaTracker: Message to media: We are people too
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/message-to-media-we-are-people-too/
1 Nov 11: "NATIONAL: NICOLE WATSON* is sick of seeing the same negative stories printed in newspapers. It fails to showcase the real strength and humanity in Aboriginal communities right around the country. There are times when I avoid reading a newspaper, because I know intuitively that if there is an Aboriginal story, it is likely that the writer has painted a picture of dysfunction and hopelessness. I would never try to deny the grinding poverty and tragedy that afflicts so many of our people. But if we allow the adversity to define us, then we deny that part of our humanity that gives us so many reasons for hope." Nicole Watson, Murri lawyer and researcher with Jumbunna Indigenous Housing of Learning at the University of Technology, Sydney

* JEFF McMULLEN: LISTEN TO THE CHILDREN:

agendaTracker: THE WAY AHEAD: Listen to the children
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/the-way-ahead-listen-to-the-children/
1 Nov 11: "JEFF McMULLEN* wonders when Australia is going to start listening to the cries of Aboriginal children around the country. ... Instead of relentless assimilation and control, Australian government must recognise that by supporting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the other international covenants this nation has an obligation to deliver on the rights of every child to health, education, housing and other essential services. The wealth of Aboriginal lands is part of that sovereign entitlement." Jeff McMullen, prominent Australian journalist, and monthly columnist for Tracker

* BARBARA SHAW MEETS WITH AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL NSW:

- Reportback

Amnesty International Australia NSW:
Guest speaker Barbara Shaw meets with the NSW Demand Dignity Network
http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/comments/27122/
30 Oct 11: "The Amnesty International NSW Demand Dignity Network has this month had the honour of inviting Indigenous activist Barbara Shaw as a guest speaker at this month’s group meeting at the Amnesty International NSW Action Centre. Barbara Shaw, who was recently part of a delegation to this year’s UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held in New York in May, spoke to our volunteers about the issues faced by Indigenous Northern Territorians from her perspective as a human rights advocate and a life-long resident in one of the town camps targeted by the 2007 Intervention. ... "

* WHAT'S WORKING - LANGUAGE AND WELLBEING:

What’s Working: Language and Wellbeing
http://www.whatsworking.com.au/whats-working/language-and-wellbeing/
"Speaking an Indigenous language linked to youth wellbeing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in remote areas who speak an Indigenous language are less likely to experience risk factors associated with poor wellbeing, according to a report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)."

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Photos and Audio

Ears to the Ground: Images from Bankstown
http://ears2theground.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/images-from-bankstown/
2 Nov 11: "The above pictures were taken during a public rally against compulsory income management in Bankstown, one of the proposed sites set to trial the BasicsCard, used in the N.T Intervention. ... Dr Jeff McMullen considers the practical failings of the income management system in the N.T."

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 03-11-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-03-11-2011
3 Nov 11: "An award winning film [Our Generation] created in 2007 about the impacts of the Northern Territory intervention on Aboriginal people.....continues to shock and outrage wider Australia."

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 01-11-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-01-11-2011
1 Nov 11: "The rejection of governmements plans for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory…. post intervention…. has set the countrys new peak Aboriginal representative body on a collision course with the Gillard Labor government."

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 31-10-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-31-10-2011
31 Oct 11: "A central Australian Aboriginal Human Rights Campaigner has challenged the Federal Government moves to tie welfare payments to school attendance."

- Analysis / Opinion

National Indigenous Times: A chat with Stephen Hagan
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=23135
2 Nov 11: "SH: What do you think of Minister Macklin adopting punitive measures to get Indigenous children to go to school by taking money off their parents.
CS: [Dr Chris Sarra, Executive Director of the Stronger Smarter Institute] There is another way other than waving a big stick at parents of children who don’t go to school. All of Australia should be appalled at the suggestion that you need to do so. We’re seeing millions upon millions of dollars being wasted on programmes to improve Indigenous numeracy and literacy and to fix up the attendance rates and they’re just not working. In schools where teachers have a positive relationship with their students we’re seeing better runs on the board."

agendaTracker: Speed bumps boost jailing rates
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/speed-bumps-boost-jailing-rates/
1 Nov 11: "NATIONAL: The NT intervention was targeted at eliminating child sexual abuse. But extra policing may have only resulted in criminalising driving offenders, writes Dr THALIA ANTHONY*. Violent sexual crimes in Aboriginal communities featured in media and government reporting in the lead-up to the Northern Territory Intervention. Stories of paedophile rings - which were later shown to be fabricated - sought to sensationalise the nature of crime in communities. It justified the paternalist Northern Territory Emergency Response Act 2007 that undermines Aboriginal rights to land, welfare and governance." Thalia Anthony, senior lecturer in law at University of Technology, Sydney

- News

Koori Mail: 'Big stick' policies win Govt few fans
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
2 Nov 11: "THE National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has joined a barrage of criticism of Federal Government plans to continue and ramp up the controversial Northern Territory Intervention, by cutting welfare payments to parents who don't send their kids to school. The representative body has described key one-size-fits-all measures underpinning the Intervention - including compulsory income management - as 'big stick' policies that should be gotten rid of."

National Indigenous Times: National Congress tells Jenny Macklin way to fix Intervention is to give the ...
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23165
2 Nov 11: "The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples has stepped into the Northern Territory Intervention telling the Federal Government Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin to hand back management of the communities to the people who live there. The Congress said it was opposed to Ms Macklin’s new plans and called on the Government to develop to take a long-term view of the development of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The Congress said it was opposed to the key “one size fits all” measures which, it said, formed the basis of the Government’s policy."

National Indigenous Times: Intervention is about our land: Banjo Morton
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23146
2 Nov 11: "That Jenny Macklin, she don’t listen to people. The Government Business Manager, he not doing right for us. Intervention, he done that. (The Lake Nash Walk-off, in 1949) that was over money, £2, old money way. This is about our land. They want to be boss of the country. Self they try and take over the country, little bit pushing us out. Aborigine Australian can’t live their ground."

National Indigenous Times: Government pushing same old cart: Downs
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23145
2 Nov 11: "It’s been three or four years and they’re still pushing the same old cart. I don’t know where Jenny Macklin gets her information from, I’ve just got no idea. No one’s happy, even with all the refurbishment that’s going on under the new Future stuff. Back over at Ampiliwatja, I wasn’t there because I’m back working but I did have a girl sitting in for me and listening with the old people and she said all they did was come in and more or less over-ride the people."

National Indigenous Times: Treat us like everyone else, says Sam Evans
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23142
2 Nov 11: "This has been bad for people here. There hasn’t been no houses built; nothing. It has been four years of SIHIP and there haven’t been no houses built. And we want our human rights. We’re citizens; we vote. We want the same rights as everyone everywhere else. We want to be able to have a drink in our own houses like people elsewhere in the country."

National Indigenous Times: Bess Price dismisses Congress stand as "out of touch with reality"
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23164
2 Nov 11: "Bess Price has attacked the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples for its opposition to the Northern Territory Intervention and declared some form of Intervention would be required in the Northern Territory until at least 2030. Ms Price, the chairwoman of the Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council in the Northern Territory, said the Congress was "out of touch with the reality of conditions in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory"."

National Indigenous Radio Service: Congress slams "one-size-fits-all" Intervention
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6515...
1 Nov 11: "The National Congress of Australia's First Peoples is on a collision course with the Federal Government over the Intervention in the Northern Territory. ... Congress Co-Chair Les Malezer says there needs to be wider consultation with Aboriginal people on the Intervention. ... Congress Co-Chair Jody Broun says the Federal Government's one-size-fits-all approach to Northern Territory Indigenous communities is not working."

Australian: $1.35m bill for signs attacked as a waste
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/m-bill-for-s...
1 Nov 11: "TAXPAYERS have been left with a $1.35 million bill to install signs informing indigenous communities about alcohol and pornography bans introduced under the Northern Territory intervention. The sum, described by the Greens as a waste "beyond belief", does not include maintenance of the 405 signs put up in prescribed towns since the emergency response began in 2007. Government figures provided to Greens senator Rachel Siewert as part of an answer to a Senate question on notice also reveal transportation costs alone for the signs was $113,972."

* 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

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

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

'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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Students For Indigenous Rights - UQ: The Northern Territory Intervention: http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-fact...

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

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

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

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

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

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio Interviews

The Wire: Putting Indigenous history back in the classroom
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8633
2 Nov 11: "A new history curriculum to be rolled out by the Federal Government in all Australian schools has been criticised by indigenous groups and teachers for its lack of indigenous content. They believe the curriculum is not doing enough to teach students about the history of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. The Greens have introduced a motion to the Senate today for the curriculum to be revised in response to the concerns. Indigenous historian Bruce Pascoe told The Wire's Lisa Burns why he believes these changes are important.
Featured in story: Bruce Pascoe, Indigenous Historian"

3CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Women on the Line - 1 Nov 2011
[download this interview] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2011-10-31-58794.mp3
1 Nov 11: "Professor Larissa Behrendt delivers the 2011 Hamer Oration, “Under The Radar: Indigenous Governance”. Larissa Behrendt is the Professor of Law and Director of Research at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at UTS. She discusses aboriginal disadvantage, and challenges the dominance of failing policies that demonise aboriginal cultures and self-determination."

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane
Let's Talk - Indigenous presented talkback:
http://989fm.com.au/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29
1 Nov 11: "Sam Watson: Karen Dorante spoke with Sam Watson. They spoke about Black Deaths In Custody."
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasting/audio/98fm-podcast-2011-11-01-74724.mp3

3CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Radioactive Show - 30 Oct 2011
[download this interview] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2011-10-29-84927.mp3
30 Oct 11: "We also hear from Marcus Atkinson at the end of the Walk Away From Uranium Mining 1200km journey from Wiluna to Perth in WA."

- Analysis / Opinion

Green Left: New NT education policy still sidelines Indigenous language
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49339
5 Nov 11: "The Northern Territory government’s latest proposed approach to teaching Aboriginal students, like its previous policy, places a primacy on reading and writing in English. It allows for students’ first language to be used to help teachers explain new concepts, but critics fear it falls short of valuing Aboriginal languages. ... Many criticised the First Four Hours policy, ... " Emma Murphy, Darwin

National Indigenous Times: Protests will become more frequent
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=23134
2 Nov 11: "The Indigenous protesters and their supporters who came together as one in Perth during the CHOGM gathering sent critical messages to the government. The first message is that Indigenous people will not sit idle and accept second best in the land of plenty. Most mainstream media outlets portray poorly Indigenous Australians who dare to slow down or halt mining companies insatiable hunger for extraction of precious minerals that lie above and below the ground."

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Access to health services should be a priority: Congress
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6539...
7 Nov 11: "The National Congress of Australia's First People's says its members want access to services to be at the top of the government's agenda while developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Plan. The Federal Government is looking to table the plan to take over from the current ‘Closing the Gap' scheme, which is due to finish up in 2013. Co-Chair Jody Broun says the Congress regularly surveys its members in order to accurately represent them, with better access to mental health services a common demand."

National Indigenous Times: Long walk ends in triumph
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23139
2 Nov 11: "After 70 days of walking 1,250 kilometres from Wiluna to Perth the Walk Away from Uranium Mining protest march, led by an Aboriginal contingent, entered Perth to join with other protestors at the CHOGM summit meeting. The marchers left from Wiluna, in central Western Australia with 100 walkers, a strong Aboriginal contingent and others, including some who had come from Greece, Italy and Germany. Forty five walkers entered the outer perimeter of Perth and were met by many Aboriginal supporters including Della Rae Morrison, Kado Muir, Kevin Buzzacott, Marianne Mackay and many others."

Australian: Greens call for school focus on indigenous Australians
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/greens-call-f...
2 Nov 11: "THE Greens will introduce a Senate motion today calling for the national history curriculum to be revised to include more content on indigenous Australians and the Stolen Generation. Senator Rachel Siewert will make the motion after indigenous groups and private school teachers expressed concern that the new curriculum does not cover these areas adequately."

National Indigenous Times: Northern Territory still the place with highest jail rate
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=23147
2 Nov 11: "The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) has called on the Northern Territory Government to take urgent steps to reduce the spiralling incarceration rate. The Northern Territory continues to jail more people than anywhere else in Australia. The Agency said putting people in jail was not making the community safer and it was not addressing the real issues leading to people being incarcerated."

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 15 EVENTS FROM 9 NOVEMBER 2011:

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

Event: Ongoing Protest: James Price Point, Kimberley, WA
Kimberley gas plant protest
Save the Kimberley info: http://www.savethekimberley.com/
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
Aboriginal elder Elsta Foy at the protest camp: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3296152.htm
Protest updates: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/blog/
Environs Kimberley: http://www.environskimberley.org.au/
Kimberley info: http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/
Kimberley Country and Culture: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/whats-the-fuss/country-culture/
WGAR News: Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade (28 Jun 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest...
WGAR News: 25 protesters arrested at JPP blockade (9 Jul 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/09/wgar-news-25-protesters-arrested-at-j...

Upcoming Event: Central Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Kimberley Support Rally postponed
"a bigger better event is already being planned,
date and details soon!"
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/

Event: Wed 9 November 2011: UTS Building, Sydney, NSW
UTS Joint Annual Lecture:
Indigenous Government: A Solution in Settler States
Speakers - UTS Distinguished Visiting Scholars:
Prof Stephen Cornell & Dr Miriam Jorgensen
"In Australia, Canada, and the United States, there is
growing evidence that Indigenous communities themselves may
have solutions to problems of socio-economic distress that
work substantially better than those developed by central
governments. ... "
Jointly organised by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning
and the Transforming Cultures Research Centre
Event details: http://datasearch2.uts.edu.au/tfc/news-events/news-detail.cfm?ItemId=28626

Event: Thu 10 November 2011: Vic
Film Screening: 'Freedom Rides'
Organised by ANTaR Victoria
"In an historic journey in 1965, a courageous group of
Aboriginal and white Australians climbed in a bus and rode
from town to town across regional NSW, to break down racial
barriers in rural towns. ... We'll also discuss the film in
context of the upcoming Referendum on Constitutional
Recognition of First Peoples - and hear about next steps
for ANTaR Victoria's campaign!"
Event Details: http://antarvictoria.org.au/events/film-screening-freedom-rides.php

Event: Sun 13 November 2011: Lawson, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening in the Blue Mountains
Hosted by AI Springwood/Blaxland Action Group
"The screening is held in support of Amnesty International
Australia’s Homelands report released in August. There will
be a brief introduction on the campaign and related
material will be available on the night."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/27054/
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49323
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Mon 14th November 2011: Mona Vale, Sydney, NSW
Misinformation and the Media
Guest Speaker: Chris Graham, Aboriginal affairs journalist
"The Lies that Feed the Northern Territory Intervention
continues the work of Aboriginal affairs journalist Chris
Graham, in exposing the media's role in the Northern
Territory intervention, by far the largest human rights
abuse in Australia in living memory."
Aboriginal Support Group
- Manly Warringah Pittwater Information night
Flyer (incl. event details): http://www.asgmwp.net/ChrisGrahamASGTalkNov%2011.pdf
Event summary: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

Event: Thu 17 November 2011: Melbourne City, Vic
Occupy Melbourne Protest:
Indigenous Working Group "Evict Robert Doyle"
"Occupy Melbourne's Indigenous Working Group serves an
eviction to Melbourne City Council and Lord Mayor Robert
Doyle. In response to the violent attack on the democratic
right to protest, including the brutal attack on several
Indigenous activists, we invite the 99% to join us in this
action to defend our human rights and cultural dignity."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/occupy-melbourne-protest-indigenous-working-grou...

Event: Sat 19 November 2011: Annandale, Sydney, NSW
Save the Kimberley: Cans for Country, Songs for change!
"A super sick show with super sick bands, to help raise
funds and awareness to aid in the fight against the WA
Government and Woodsides attempted destruction of the
Kimberley Coast"
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/

Event: Sun 20 November 2011: Mullumbimby, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
With live music by Xavier Rudd and
Q&A with the filmmakers and
special guest Yolngu elder Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Wed 23 November 2011: Fortitude Valley, Qld
Homelands campaign training session
Amnesty International Qld/Northern NSW
"This training session will cover:
* The Homelands report;
* Key issues and messaging;
* Campaign strategy;
* How to campaign on Homelands; and
* A Train the Trainer session.
The training is designed for activists who want to play an
active role in the campaign"
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/26520/

Event: 10 December 2011: Adelaide, SA
Kimberley Cultural Festival
"Kimberley Cultural Festival is a community event to raise
awareness of the cultural and environmental significance of
the Kimberley region, which is under threat from proposed
gas and industrial development."
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270070339699908

Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
"To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner"
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054

Event: Thu 26 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
"Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the 'Aboriginal Tent Embassy' site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate "SOVEREIGNTY DAY" and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site."
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra

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...

- '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

- - -

Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.

'WGAR News' monitors the media, including alternative media, focusing on the Australian Federal government intervention into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities along with other Aboriginal rights issues.

'WGAR News' publishes information and opinions from a wide range of sources. These opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of WGAR.

The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces, news items and events. Subscribers can expect to receive about 2 e-newsletters each week.

To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR News" in the message header.

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You can also subscribe to our second list 'Contact WGAR' which focuses on activities and events and provides a point of contact.

To subscribe, email contactwgar@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR Contact" in the message header.

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

Geography:

ACT

Canberra