Newsletter date: 9 February 2012
Contents:
* Interviews on the Aboriginal Tent Embassy protest on Sovereignty Day
* More on the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill
* More on the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 22 events from 9 February 2012
* INTERVIEWS ON THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY PROTEST ON SOVEREIGNTY DAY:
See:
WGAR News: Eyewitness accounts of the Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day / Sovereignty Day (2 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/02/wgar-news-eyewitness-accounts-of-the-...
WGAR News: More on the Aboriginal Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...
- Audio interviews
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Interview with Michael Anderson
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
6 Feb 12
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/michael-anderson-16/
[Includes discussion of the Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day.]
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Journalist Jeff McMullen tells of Australia Day First-Hand
http://caama.com.au/journalist-jeff-mcmullen-tells-of-australia-day-firs...
6 Feb 12: "Jeff McMullen… a seasoned and respected Journalist has spoken out against media coverage of the events on Australia Day….and says there was an over-dramatisation of what actually happened. Mr McMullen…who has had over 45 years experience observing demonstrations.. was among the several thousand who went to Canberra for the 40th Anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy…and says he was as amazed as most who were there at hearing the media coverage of what they say happened compared to what actually did happen."
SBS Living Black: The Famous Blue Suede Shoes
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/201801/t...
3 Feb 12: "Aunty Pat Eatock shares her unexpected experience with the Prime Minister's shoe. ... As Prime Minister Julia Gillard was hustled to her car by security officers, she stumbled and lost her shoe. Aunty Pat recalls how she got hold of the now famous blue suede shoe and how it eventually ended up back with it's owner." Marc Tong
SBS Living Black: Moving Forward
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/201797/t...
3 Feb 12: "The dust has settled from last week's Tent Embassy protest and the issues surrounding the Embassy's purpose remains. ... Mick Gooda of the Gangulu people of Central Queensland and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, believes that last week's protest prompted by comments from Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will not harm efforts for constitutional reforms to recognise the First Nation peoples." Garfield Samuels
3CR Community Radio 855 AM: Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Anarchist World - 2 Feb 2012
[download program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-02-01-81326.mp3
2 Feb 12: "Developing a different national historical narrative, why Taliban Tony Abbott is a national health hazard, a different viewpoint on the tent embassy protests and much much more Joseph Toscano"
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Interview with Paddy Gibson
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
2 Feb 12: "Researcher for Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning and Co-Editor of "Solidarity" magazine"
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/paddy-gibson-3/
[Includes discussion of the Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day and the Stronger Futures in the NT legislation.]
SBS Living Black: The Aftermath of the Tent Embassy Protest
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/201795/t...
2 Feb 12: "Uncle Michael Anderson looks back at the Tent Embassy protest in support of the demonstrators rights. ... The last founding survivor of the Tent Embassy and Leader of the Euahlayi nation in New South Wales Michael Anderson, does not believe the protesters were violent. He says they had the right to demonstrate against what was then thought to be comments made by Opposition leader Tony Abbott allegedly that the Tent Embassy should be dismantled because it had served its purpose." Garfield Samuels
3CR Community Radio 855 AM: Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Wednesday Hometime - 1 Feb 2012
[download program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-02-01-93417.mp3
1 Feb 12: "Sue spoke about the media response to the Tent Embassy protest and interviewed Aboriginal activist Michael Anderson on the importance of sovereignty to Aboriginal people."
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Interviews with Chris Graham - Tent Embassy Protest - Parts 1-3
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
30 Jan 12
Listen to these interviews on-line:
Part 1: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/chris-graham-tent-embassy-pro...
Part 2: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/chris-graham-tent-embassy-pro...
Part 3: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/chris-graham-tent-embassy-pro...
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Live From the Tent Embassy 27th Jan Parts 1 and 2
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
27 Jan 12
Listen to these interviews on-line:
Part 1: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/30782/
Part 2: http://www.989fm.com.au/uncategorized/live-from-the-tent-embassy-27th-ja...
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Invasion Day Live from Canberra - Parts 1-3
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
26 Jan 12
Listen to these interviews on-line:
Part 1: http://www.989fm.com.au/uncategorized/invasion-day-live-from-canberra-pt-1/
Part 2: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/invasion-day-live-from-canber...
Part 3: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/invasion-day-live-from-canber...
- Related Videos
YouTube: Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40 years stronger march, Sovereignty Day, 26 Jan 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWXVlpjrcMw&list=UUGMThr0oYK7DgSm_-6-lqGw...
7 Feb 12: "Huge grassroots support is demonstrated for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. 26th January 2012, Aboriginal Tent Embassy 40th Anniversary March retraces original Aboriginal Embassy march of July 1972 from Australian National University to the Embassy on the lawns opposite (old) Parliament House. Participants are from communities across the continent, demonstrating that Sovereignty has never been ceded to Britain nor the successors in title, the Australian Government. It represents land theft of continental proportions." ForNowVision
ABC: Australians urged to to think about cause of protesters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-31/australians-urged-to-to-think-abou...
Updated 31 Jan 12: "Indigenous leader Pat Dodson has urged Australians to look beyond the actions of the Tent Embassy demonstrators and to consider what has so upset them."
- Related Audio interviews
SBS Living Black: The Truth of Our Past
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/201153/t...
30 Jan 12: "Aboriginal activist Gary Foley remembers the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy as the most significant event of Aboriginal politics. ... Among the founders who helped establish the embassy in 1972, was Gary Foley. He says the Embassy is the most significant event in Aboriginal politics. But, he also says the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 40 years back, are still present in 2012, and have gotten worse."
SBS Living Black: 40th Anniversary of The Aboriginal Tent Embassy
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/200409/t...
25 Jan 12: "It was a bold and ambitious move by four Aboriginal men - Michael Anderson, Billie Craigie, Tony Koorie and Bertie Williams, who launched the embassy in response to the Mc Mahon government's refusal to grant Aboriginal land rights. ... Uncle Michael Anderson the last surviving member of the four men who launched the embassy and leader of the Euahlayi Nation in New South Wales, says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still fighting for the same rights as they did 40 years ago." Garfield Samuels
SBS Living Black: The National Congress of Australia's First Peoples Forum
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/200407/t...
25 Jan 12: "The two day forum will pay tribute to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy anniversary and will discuss Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander issues 40 years on. ... Les Malezer of the Butchulla/Gubbi Gubbi peoples in southeast Queensland and Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples says by staging the forum, they want to pay tribute to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the ongoing quest for indigenous rights." Garfield Samuels
- Related Media Release
ANTaR: 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy: Time for Change
http://www.antar.org.au/40th_anniversary_of_aboriginal_tent_embassy_time...
25 Jan 12: "On the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, ANTaR urges consideration of a more inclusive national holiday.
"As we finally seek to address our Constitutional silence regarding the prior occupation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we should also reflect on the symbolism of our national day," said ANTaR National Director, Jacqueline Phillips.
"January 26 is regarded by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Invasion or Survival Day, in recognition of their experience of dispossession and colonisation.""
- Related Analysis / Opinion
New Matilda: The Real Threat To National Security
http://newmatilda.com/2012/02/02/real-threat-national-security
2 Feb 12: "More often than not, Indigenous disadvantage puts Australia on the international news media radar. Local commentators on the Tent Embassy protest have chosen to look away, writes Hamish Ford"
New Matilda: The National Riot Mismanagement Squad
http://newmatilda.com/2012/01/31/national-riot-mismanagement-squad
31 Jan 12: "As the media continues to distort the tent embassy protest, the behaviour of Gillard's office is under scrutiny. It's another media debacle for the embattled PM, writes Ben Eltham"
Socialist Alternative: Australia day: why moving the date won't remove the racism
http://www.sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7204:should-au...
30 Jan 12: "In the aftermath of the Canberra Invasion Day demonstration, Melbourne Age writer Martin Flanagan called for a new national day. How can we have national unity, he argued, when "people are forced to choose". And "which Aboriginal person is going to choose to support as his or her national day the date they equate with the onset of their people’s dispossession?" Flanagan didn’t question why Aborigines, or whites for that matter, should want national unity."
New Matilda: The Real Tent Embassy Story
http://newmatilda.com/2012/01/27/real-tent-embassy-story
27 Jan 12: "The 40th anniversary of the tent embassy was overshadowed by the Gillard scuffle. That's a shame, says Alexandra Lamb, because it was an otherwise cheerful celebration of a notable date"
New Matilda: The Mob Violence That Wasn't
http://newmatilda.com/2012/01/27/mob-violence-wasnt
27 Jan 12: "The media has framed it as violent but the tent embassy protest was basically peaceful. It's this gross distortion - and the heavy-handed response of the AFP - that warrant criticism, writes Ben Eltham"
On Line Opinion: Happy fortieth Tent Embassy
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=13170
26 Jan 12: "The Aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra - the iconic and, to some, offensive site that kicked off a national conversation about the indigenous rights - turns forty this week. Governments starting from Billy McMahon's on have never quite managed to shut it down or belittle it as a symbol of resistance. That, says activist Gary Foley, is a spectacular event in itself. The three-day corroboree in front of Old Parliament House beginning today (Thursday) will draw a big crowd representing scores of languages, Aboriginal nations and communities." Toni Hassan
Green Left: Aboriginal activists speak on Tent Embassy 40-year milestone
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49759
14 Jan 12: "Green Left Weekly’s Jim McIlroy spoke to Aboriginal leaders Michael Anderson, Sam Watson and Lara Pullin about the significance of the tent embassy’s 40th anniversary and the struggle for Aboriginal sovereignty."
Lara Pullin: 'Embassy must continue until our people achieve self-determination'
Sam Watson: 'We’ve defended the embassy through thick and thin'
Michael Anderson: 'It will be a great day of Aboriginal unity'
- Related News
Australian: Coalition questions Gillard on her office's role in aboriginal tent riot
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coalition-questions-gil...
8 Feb 12: "THE Coalition is refusing to let Julia Gillard off the hook over her office's role in sparking the Aboriginal tent embassy riot, peppering her with questions on the issue in parliament today. The manager of opposition business, Christopher Pyne, also moved to suspend standing orders to allow debate on the matter, branding Labor a "rotten" government with a "stench at its core"."
ABC: Minister angry at young flag burners
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-31/minister-angry-at-young-flag-burne...
Updated 31 Jan 12: "A Northern Territory minister with special responsibility for young people has labelled the Aboriginal children who burned an Australian flag in Canberra last week "little pricks". The flag was burned at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on Friday, one day after protesters from the embassy confronted Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Prime Minister Julia Gillard as they attended an awards ceremony at a nearby restaurant. The Minister for Young Territorians, Rob Knight, says he is disgusted with the children who were involved in the burning."
* MORE ON THE NATIONAL RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT BILL:
See:
WGAR News: "Four actions to help stop the proposed NT nuclear dump" Beyond Nuclear Initiative (8 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...
- Audio interviews
The Wire: Nuclear waste facility at remote Muckaty station up for debate
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8768
7 Feb 12: "Parliament resumed in Canberra this week, and one of the first items politicians will be debating is a bill that’s caused deep divisions in the Northern Territory cattle station of Muckaty. Tomorrow the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill is on the agenda.
It names the remote station as Australia’s preferred site for a nuclear waste management facility, a nomination that’s angered many locals who say they weren’t consulted. The dispute over the status of this land is currently before the federal court. The Greens are accusing the government of trying to push the legislation through parliament without waiting to see whether the site was fairly nominated by traditional owners in the first place.
Featured in story
Scott Ludlum, Australian Greens Senator
Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear free campaigner"
- Media Releases
Greens Lee Rhiannon: Muckaty nuclear waste dump: transport safety risks for NSW
http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/muckaty-nucle...
8 Feb 12: "The Federal Government dodged providing a satisfactory response to questions about transport safety risks for NSW residents and the environment arising from the trucking of nuclear waste from Lucas Heights to the proposed nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory, during Senate debate today on legislation to establish the site, says Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon.
"Possible routes for the waste, identified in a 2009 report commissioned by the government, include sending it by road through Western or Northern NSW, or trucking it to Cronulla then sending it by rail to the Northern Territory," Senator Rhiannon said.
"Once again Minister Martin Ferguson and his office have failed to adequately brief Minister Evans.""
Greens Scott Ludlam: Greens dig in to stop nuclear waste dump
http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-dig-st...
7 Feb 12: "The Australian Greens today vowed to continue the fight against the planned nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory.
The Government has listed the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill for debate tomorrow. Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said Labor's attempt to force the Bill through the Senate before the completion of a Federal Court case over the status of the land in question was a disgrace.
"The Traditional Owners do not want this eternal radioactive waste dump on their country. The locals don't want it. The Northern Territory government does not want it. Traditional Owners visited the parliament last year and Dianne Stokes wept here telling the story of her country. There is a Federal Court case currently unresolved as to the status of this land, yet the Government pushes on - led by a minister obsessed with the nuclear industry.""
- News
NT News: Muckaty gets mucked up
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/02/09/287821_ntnews.html
9 Feb 12: "THE Territory is to charge "rent" for storing radioactive waste. Payments will be put into a special fund and spent on the cancer ward at Royal Darwin Hospital. Only the NT and federal governments will be allowed to send low-level waste to the Muckaty dump near Tennant Creek free of charge."
SBS World News Australia: Muckaty nuclear dump faces more hurdles
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1624904/Muckaty-nuclear-dump-faces-mo...
8 Feb 12: "Indigenous people in the country surrounding the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump have reiterated plans to block the Stuart Highway. ... The Northern Territory government and various local clan groups are opposed to the plan to build a medium-level nuclear waste dump on the aboriginal land north of Tennant Creek. Penny Philips, a member of the Wintiku clan, told SBS the federal government will have a fight on its hands if local people block the Territory’s principal road."
ABC: Canberra dangles $10m nuclear waste dump carrot
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-08/20120208-2410m-muckaty-nuclear-was...
8 Feb 12: "The Federal Government has made an agreement with the Opposition that will pave the way for Australia's first national radioactive waste dump. The Radioactive Waste Management Bill is listed for debate in the Senate today. Northern Territory Country Liberals Senator Nigel Scullion says he has secured Labor support for a minimum $10 million fund that would be paid to the jurisdiction that accepts the facility. Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says the Government is prepared to support the Opposition plan."
9 News: Deal smooths way for NT nuke dump
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8415873/greens-aim-to-amend-nuclear-...
8 Feb 12: "A nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory is a step closer to reality, after the ALP and the coalition revealed they had struck a deal on laws to allow a facility to be built. Despite calls from a local Aboriginal group at Muckaty Station and the Australian Greens for debate to be postponed, the Senate on Wednesday began debating the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill."
9 News: Plans for NT nuke waste dump get boost
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8415982/plans-for-nt-nuke-waste-dump...
8 Feb 12: "Plans to build a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory have been given a boost after a deal was struck between the ALP and the Liberal Party. A spokesman for NT Liberal senator Nigel Scullion confirmed a deal worth at least $10 million annually to the jurisdiction that accepted the facility had been reached by the senator and the federal government."
- Background
SBS World News Australia: Factbox: Muckaty Nuclear Waste Dump
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1624930/Factbox:-Muckaty-Nuclear-Wast...
8 Feb 12: "The government says it needs a place to store low and medium level nuclear waste somewhere in Australia. Muckaty station is 120km from the nearest town of considerable population, Tennant Creek, and was first named as a possible location in 2007. After South Australia rejected earlier plans, Muckaty is the only site nominated under the current proceedings."
See:
YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo
Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/
Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News
http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste
Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty, NT
Briefing Paper - February 2011
Jim Green B.Med.Sci.(Hons.), PhD
National nuclear campaigner - Friends of the Earth, Australia
Friends of the Earth: http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/nontdump/Dump%20briefing%20...
* MORE ON THE STRONGER FUTURES IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY BILL:
See:
WGAR News: Submissions received on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...
- Media Release
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
New NT Laws Must Comply with Human Rights Obligations
http://nationalcongress.com.au/new-nt-legislation-must-comply-with-human...
"The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (Congress) says the bills to continue the Intervention in the Northern Territory must be withdrawn and reintroduced so they will be subject to the same human rights scrutiny as other bills. The Congress Co-Chairs say the bills were originally tabled before the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act passed late last year and cannot be debated without being subject to those conditions."
- Congress submission to the Senate Inquiry
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Statement to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs
on conditions affecting Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory
including the proposed Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (2011)
and accompanying Bills - February 2012
nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CongressStrongerFutures.pdf
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 06-02-2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-06-02-2012
6 Feb 12: "Concern has been expressed that the Senate Inquiry into Governments Stronger Futures Bills was too difficult for some people to submit to."
- Audio interview
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Interview with Paddy Gibson
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
2 Feb 12: "Researcher for Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning and Co-Editor of "Solidarity" magazine"
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/paddy-gibson-3/
[Includes discussion of the Tent Embassy protest on Invasion Day and the Stronger Futures in the NT legislation.]
- Analysis / Opinion
On Line Opinion: The current state of the Northern Territory intervention
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=13182
31 Jan 12: "With its focus on alcohol abuse, land reform and food security there is nothing on the Contents page to suggest this bill plans to create stronger futures in the areas of health, housing, education and employment. In fact it could be argued that the Stronger Futures are for the government, not Aboriginal people who are disempowered by this legislation. New racism is inherent here; no-one is suggesting Aboriginal people are biologically inferior but Stronger Futures works as an exclusionary construction affecting the status of Aboriginal people." Amanda Midlam
- Background
Rough Summary of New Legislation
prepared by Paddy Gibson November 2011
Stronger Futures NT bill (and the other one with transitional provisions)
http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/Summ...
- News
SMH: Indigenous jailing rate to worsen: lawyers
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/indigenous-jailing-rate-to...
7 Feb 12: "High indigenous incarceration rates will get worse if the federal government proceeds with its controversial plan for a second phase of the Northern Territory intervention, a lawyers' alliance warns. ... Alliance national president Greg Barns said many of the measures criminalising conduct were regressive and "hark back to the destructive days of the Aboriginal Protection Board". He said the proposed laws would imprison any indigenous person found carrying alcohol into a proscribed area for up to six months ... "
Koori Mail: Amnesty criticises NT legislation
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
3 Feb 12: "AMNESTY International has slammed the Federal Government’s consultations surrounding the Stronger Futures Northern Territory legislation. The human rights organisation says there's a 'blatant gap' between the Government's rhetoric on community engagement and the actual policies being introduced, including expanded income management. It says those consultations that did occur did not meet international standards for free, prior and informed consent and the legislation must be assessed by the new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights."
* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- Video interview
ABC: Interview with Matthew Cranitch
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-04/interview-with-matthew-cranitch/38...
Updated 4 Feb 12: "Matthew Cranitch from the Education Union's Northern Territory branch discusses the Federal Government's attempt to get indigenous children to stay school by linking attendance to welfare payments. ...
LOUISA REBGETZ: Why don't you think this trial is working?
MATTHEW CRANITCH: Well ultimately it's not working because there's no community engagement or involvement. It's a top-down punitive approach to trying to improve attendance and it's never going to work. These punitive types of measures are very rarely successful. What will work is a situation where all the community are engaged."
- Analysis / Opinion
SMH: Community approach to truants should teach authorities a lesson
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/community-approach-to-truants-sho...
9 Feb 12: "In 2008, I tabled in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly a policy statement called "Transforming Indigenous Education". One of the measures it proposed (not yet implemented, but I live in hope) was to deal with hardcore truants by adapting the model developed and successfully applied in the territory for addicted petrol sniffers." Marion Scrymgour
- News
Courier-Mail: Dr Chris Sarra suggests rewards for going to school instead of welfare cuts
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rewards-proposed-for-going...
9 Feb 12: "PARENTS and children should be given rewards for school attendance rather than the "ineffective and dishonourable" cutting of welfare payments, renowned indigenous educator Dr Chris Sarra says. The former Queenslander of the Year podcast a raft of strategies through Twitter on how to boost indigenous student attendance, including rewarding parents with flowers or a gift and providing play "school cash" in exchange for good behaviour, which children could then exchange for school-designated rewards."
newsTracker: SEAM doesn’t lift attendance rates: study
http://tracker.org.au/2012/02/seam-doesnt-lift-attendance-rates-study/
2 Feb 12: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: Suspending welfare payments to parents in Aboriginal communities whose children didn’t attend school often enough did not improve attendance rates, a new study says. The latest evaluation report into the government’s Improving School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measure (SEAM) program showed 85 parents had their Centrelink income support payments suspended in 2010. But the report shows that of the eight students it examined, the measure was not effective."
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/taxonomy/term/118
New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention
Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention
MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/
The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention
Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/
Amnesty International Australia: Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/
Students For Indigenous Rights - UQ: The Northern Territory Intervention: http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-fact...
Defending Indigenous Rights: http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/
Intervention walk-off's Blog: http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/
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
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Interview with Les Melzer
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
1 Feb 12: "Co-Chair of National Indigenous Congress"
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/les-melzer-3/
[Includes discussion of the Congress and Constitutional reform.]
SBS Living Black: Getting Aboriginal Health in Order
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/201157/t...
30 Jan 12: "Wiradjuri woman Julie Tongs is awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. ... Running an Aboriginal Health Service is no easy job. Wiradjuri woman Julie Tongs, CEO of the Winnunga Nimmityhah Aboriginal Health Service in Canberra, was recently awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the Australian Capital Territory's Aboriginal community. The Winnunga Nimmityhah Aboriginal Health Service in Canberra is a success story in Aboriginal health providing a holistic approach to health and well-being." By Garfield
- Video
ABC: Report criticises WA prison system
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-31/report-criticises-wa-prison-system...
Updated 1 Feb 12: "A Productivity Commission report has revealed WA prisons are the most overcrowded in the country and about 39 percent of inmates are Indigenous offenders." Andrew O'Connor
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 22 EVENTS FROM 9 FEBRUARY 2012:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
Event: 25 January to Wed 22 February 2012: Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW
Photography exhibition of works by Kamilaroi woman Barbara McGrady
"Boomalli Aboriginal Artists’ Co-operative is hosting
Rites here! Rights now!, a photography exhibition of
works by Kamilaroi woman Barbara McGrady."
Event details: http://www.boomalli.com.au/latest-exhibition.html
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/photography-exhibition-of-works-by-kamilaroi-wom...
Event: Thu 9 February 2012: Carlton, Melbourne, Vic
Film screening: Operation 8 with Gary Foley
"Operation 8 involved 18 months of invasive
surveillance of Maori sovereignty ...
Reflections on Operation 8 & Q&A hosted by
Gary Foley after the screening."
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49891
Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Aboriginal Rights Film Festival
Featuring:
The Coolbaroo Club; The Tall Man;
Ningla A-Na [Hungry for our land]; BarbaKiueria
Organised by Green Left Weekly & Socialist Alliance
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-rights-film-festival
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49795
Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Summer Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details:
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49725
Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Sun 12 February 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Public meeting in Bankstown
Say NO to Income Management
- Not in Bankstown not Anywhere!
Speakers include:
Senator Rachel Siewert; Paddy Gibson; Rebecca Kay;
Aunty Margaret Goneis; Malikeh Michels.
Event details: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#Bankstown-Meeting
Event: Mon 13 February 2012: Batemans Bay, NSW
Homelands campaign film screening
"This event is a joint Amnesty International - U3A
community initiative to raise awareness of current
policies and open the way for dialogue on how
Australia can move forward with genuine respect
and partnership with its first peoples."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/event/25160/
Event: 17 Feb 2012: International
Submissions on role of languages and culture due 17 Feb 2012
United Nations Human Rights:
Study on languages and cultures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/StudyLanguages.aspx
"Call for submissions from indigenous peoples and their
organisations
The Expert Mechanism is calling for submissions on the role
of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of
the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current
mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council
resolution 18/8 ...
Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012"
Event: Fri 17 February 2012: Brunswick East, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
and a short film about the Kimberley campaign
Speakers: Senator Richard di Natale; Rodney Augustine
Event details: http://www.ceres.org.au/ourgeneration
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/outdoor-film-screening-our-generation-event-for-...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49796
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Mon 20 to Fri 24 February 2012: Northern Territory
Public hearings
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills
"Monday 20 February: Ntaria (Hermannsburg)
Tuesday 21 February: Alice Springs, Chifley Alice Springs Resort
Wednesday 22 February: Maningrida
Thursday 23 February: Darwin, Northern Territory Legislative Assembly
Friday 24 February: Darwin, Northern Territory Legislative Assembly"
Event details: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/hea...
Event: Thu 23 February 2012: UTS, Sydney, NSW
Inaugural More Civil Societies workshop
"Do you want to make a political difference?
want some tips on how to put Indigenous and
Feminist viewpoints into politics, policy and practice?"
"The co-ordinator/presenter will be Eva Cox
has considerable expertise in action and
teaching this area. Other speakers may include
Rebecca Peters, Terry Priest, Rochelle Widdowson,
Paddy Gibson and other activists."
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-January/000671.html
Event: Mon 27 February 2012: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by Australian Lawyers Alliance
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/comments/27739/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Tue 28 February 2012: Lawns of Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Major Rally: Stand For Freedom
Stand Against a Decade of Discrimination:
Stop the Second Intervention!
Confirmed speakers:
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra & Dr. John Falzon
Free outdoor screening of Our Generation
"Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation
currently before parliament would extend the NT
Intervention for a further ten years."
Organised by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) &
Campaigners from Bankstown and the Northern Territory
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-th...
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
Event: Wed 28 March 2012: Parramatta Park, Qld
Black Deaths in Custody Watch Group meeting
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49933
Event: Thu 27 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Fri 6 April 2012: University of Melbourne
Gary Foley will be speaking on his amazing life and times
"The legendary Aboriginal activist has been at the
centre of major political activity for over 40 years.
In the 1970’s he joined the growing circle of Aboriginal
resistance in Australia, and formed the Aboriginal
Legal Service in Sydney. ... "
Part of Marxism 2012 Conference, Easter weekend
Presented by Socialist Alternative & ISO of NZ
Supported by Community Radio 3CR 855 AM
Event details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...
Marxism 2012 details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=front...
Event: 7 April 2012: Darwin, NT
Rock Against Racism
Organised by DASSAN and Darwin Aboriginal Rights Collective
Event summary: http://dassan.weebly.com/rock-against-racism.html
Event: Sun 6 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Followed by Q&A with Dr Jeff McMullen
and Dr Thalia Anthony
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
- 'Our Generation' Film Reviews
Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Our Generation - Showing in London - page 8
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaWinter2011.pdf
Winter 2011: "The Intervention is yet another example of the appalling treatment the Aboriginal People of Australia have been subjected to in such a short period of time compared to thousands of years of survival. Sinem Saban and Rev. Dr Gondarra supported by the Yolngu people and cinematographer, Damien Curtis, have created a sensitive and realistic view of the plight of those who wish to live a more traditional life in their homelands and of those who appear to be dispossessed." Christine Waterer
Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
ASG Information Night: Our Generation - page 6
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2010.pdf
Summer 2010: "Local resident and journalist, Jeff McMullen introduced "Our Generation", the film by Sinem Saban and Damien Curtis which we were there to see. The film explored in depth the Federal Government Intervention into Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory. Jeff had told us that the film’s producers were not having any success in having the film shown on government or commercial media outlets and they were having to screen it in local community halls to show the community at large just what was involved in the Intervention. It is basically a war on Aboriginal culture. The dispossession of the Aboriginal people is simply continuing in a new guise." Carol Gerrard
See:
Our Generation: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm
- - -
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.
To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "unsubscribe WGAR News" in the message header.
- - -
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.
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/