WGAR News: Petition: "Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT"

Newsletter date: 26 February 2012
Last updated: 27 February 2012

Contents:
* NITV - Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida - 28 Feb 2012
* Update of Our Generation Film Screening in Canberra - 27 Feb 2012
* Update of Canberra rally to Stop the Second Intervention - 28 Feb 2012
* Petition: "Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT"
* Stand for Freedom - New Website and Campaign Video
* "Leaders call for a treaty" Torres News Online
* Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
* More on Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth
* "NT residents overlooked in Stronger Futures consultation" Greens Rachel Siewert
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 17 events from 26 February 2012

* NITV - STRONGER FUTURES FORUM SHOT ON LOCATION IN MANINGRIDA - 28 FEB 2012:

National Indigenous Television (NITV): Stronger Futures Forum
airing 9:30PM AEDT Tuesday 28th February 2012
http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-program.cfm?pid=6312D945-DFD1-0FE9-5A358ABD4B5...
"NITV Current Affairs are bringing you the Stronger Futures Forum. An exclusive insight presented as a panel discussion to be shot on location in Maningrida discussing the various measures that fall under the Stronger Futures Legislation. Hosted by acclaimed television journalist Jeff McMullen the forum will hear from mob in the Top End, specifically Arnhem Land about the proposed extension of the Northern Territory Intervention for another 10 years. ... The entirely Yolngu panel will include Dr Djinyini Gondarra from Elcho Island and Mathew Dhulunburrk from Rammingining and more to be announced."

See:

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

WGAR News: 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...

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

WGAR News: More on Government’s proposed Stronger Futures legislation (19 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...

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

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

Indymedia Australia: Macklin exposed: NT consultations may face legal challenge
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/18/macklin-exposed-nt-consultations-may-...
[This link has been updated.]

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

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

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

* UPDATE OF OUR GENERATION FILM SCREENING IN CANBERRA - 27 FEB 2012:

- Upcoming event at Parliament House

Event: Mon 27 February 2012: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Our Generation Film Screening
Special guests:
* Dhanggal Gurruwiwi,
* Hon. Alastair Nicholson QC,
* Barbara Shaw and
* Prof. Jon Altman
Opened by:
* Les Malezer, Co-Chair,
National Congress of Australia's First Peoples and
* Greg Barns, National President,
Australian Lawyers Alliance
Hosted by:
* Australian Lawyers Alliance and
* Our Generation
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/comments/27739/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/

- '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

* UPDATE OF CANBERRA RALLY TO STOP THE SECOND INTERVENTION - 28 FEB 2012:

- Update

Stop the Intervention: Stand for Freedom
Feb 28: Parliament House protest against 'Stronger Futures', new NT Intervention legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
"At noon on Tuesday February 28 at Parliament House in Canberra, Aboriginal leaders, human rights organisations and community activists will rally against the Stronger Futures legislation scheduled for debate in the House of Representatives.
This legislation will extend the NT Intervention for a further ten years and expand Income Management across the country.
The rally is part of a campaign, 'Stand for Freedom', which has been launched online and is demanding Aboriginal self-determination and an end to the NT Intervention and Income Management.
Speakers include:
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra, Senior Elder from Elcho Island
Barbara Shaw, Aboriginal leader from Alice Springs
Monica Morgan, Amnesty International
Dr John Falzon, CEO St Vincent De Paul National Council
Daphne Lake, Aboriginal Elder from Bankstown, where the government plans to introduce Income Management
When: 12 noon, Tuesday February 28
Where: Authorised Assembly Area, Parliament House, Canberra"

- Upcoming event at Lawns of Parliament House

Buses have been booked from Sydney!:
[scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
http://indymedia.org.au/canberra-tuesday-stand-for-freedom-no-more-nt-in...

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!
Speakers include:
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra,
Barbara Shaw,
Monica Morgan,
Dr John Falzon,
Daphne Lake.
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."
Initiated by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) &
Our Generation &
Say No to Government Income Management Coalition
Buses have been booked from Sydney!: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/rally-at-lawns-of-parliament-house-canberra-stop...
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-th...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50095
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
Flyer: http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/02/22/stand-for-freedom-rally-canberr...

* PETITION: "STOP STRONGER FUTURES AND SUPPORT ABORIGINAL SELF-DETERMINATION IN THE NT":

Human Rights Petition:
Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...
"The Australian Government is currently considering passing legislation that will undermine the human rights of Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
The legislation, called 'Stronger Futures', will maintain many parts of the Northern Territory Intervention; a policy that has attracted United Nations condemnation for its racial discrimination against Aboriginal people and their cultures.
The government should withdraw this legislation.
It has been developed without the free, prior and informed consent of Aboriginal communities, and it will give the Government 10 more years of control over Aboriginal people and their lands. ... "

* STAND FOR FREEDOM - NEW WEBSITE AND CAMPAIGN VIDEO:

Stand for Freedom:
There can be no reconciliation without justice
http://standforfreedom.org.au/
"The Campaign:
The Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory are fighting for their freedom. The Stronger Futures legislation proposes to extend key elements of the Northern Territory Intervention until 2022. The Northern Territory Intervention has been condemned by the United Nations as racially discriminatory and contrary to international human rights principles."

* "LEADERS CALL FOR A TREATY" TORRES NEWS ONLINE:

- News

Torres News Online: Leaders call for a treaty
http://www.torresnews.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&i...
24 Feb 12: "LEADERS in the Torres Strait insist the sovereign rights of First Peoples must not be signed away in a "compromised" preamble in the Australian constitution. Torres Shire Council Mayor Pedro Stephen said what was needed was a treaty. "The preamble needs to recognise our sovereignty under a treaty only," Mr Stephen said. "No treaty - no compromised preamble. We must keep our sovereignty sacred."" Mark Roy

* INQUIRY INTO LANGUAGE LEARNING IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES:

House of Representatives Committees: Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
Public hearings, briefings, programs and transcripts
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...

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

* MORE ON NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY IN PERTH:

See:

WGAR News: News of the Nyoongar Tent Embassy on Heirisson Island in Perth (21 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...

WGAR News: Nyoongar Tent Embassy marches to Government House in protest (23 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...

- News

newsTracker: Police move in on Noongar tent embassy
http://tracker.org.au/2012/02/police-move-in-on-noongar-tent-embassy/
24 Feb 12: "Aboriginal protesters have angrily confronted police and council rangers who moved in on their tent embassy in Perth to dismantle tents and put out a campfire. More than 60 police and 10 rangers arrived at Heirisson Island at 5.30pm (WST) on Thursday to enforce a council order to move the tents and cars from a public reserve. When the protesters refused to dismantle their tents, rangers moved in to take them down as dozens of police officers stood by to prevent them being hindered."

In my Community: Controversial activist is in for the long haul
http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Controversial-...
24 Feb 12: ""We will be here as long as it takes; the embassy will stay here, the island is a really significant place for us, we are all prepared to do whatever it takes to get this deal thrown out. No treaty was put in place between our ancestors, they never signed a deal for their country, the land was stolen. We had people come on to the street and beep their horns in support of us and they were not Aboriginal people, ... " [said Aboriginal activist Marianne Mackay]"

National Indigenous Radio Service: Noongar land more important than money: Protester
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6980-noongar-land-more-important...
24 Feb 12: "Noongar protester Marianne McKay says a letter was handed to the WA Governor after a march to Government House in Perth this week, asking him to prove the Crown has jurisdiction over Noongar people. The protest is against a billion dollar Native Title offer to the Noongar people that the WA Government hopes will extinguish a long-running Native Title claim over Perth and the south-west of the state. Ms. McKay says she's not willing to give up her fight for the land and the protest will continue."

West Australian: Police move in on tent embassy for third time
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/12996455/protesters-back-at-heir...
23 Feb 12: "There were angry scenes this afternoon as police and City of Perth officers arrived on Heirisson Island to tow vehicles and pull down tents belonging to "tent embassy" protesters. About 20 police and 10 City of Perth officers arrived just about 2pm today and impounded one vehicle. A man who said he owned the car said he needed it for taking his sister to hospital for dialysis. Police and activists faced off in a line as activists hurled abuse at the officers."

National Indigenous Radio Service: Noongar protesters cop racist comments
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6974-noongar-protesters-cop-raci...
22 Feb 12: " ... [Marianne Mackay] says the protesters have received a large amount of support from the public but is disappointed by the taunts. "You got all these little rich white kids going past in their daddies' boats, yelling out things like, 'Get a job, lazy black c's, lazy black dogs. "And it's like, 'Well hang on, none of them know us.' "The majority of people there are either parents on a disability pension because of illnesses, or they're people that have come there during their lunch breaks or uni students, TAFE students or elders. "So, it's really disprespectful.""

- Audio

SBS Living Black: Western Australia’s Noongar Tent Embassy Stays Put
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/204705/t...
24 Feb 12: "Noongar people of Western Australia continue their protest of a proposed native title deal. ... Despite a move on notice and a dawn raid by police in riot squad gear, the Noongar people of Western Australia continued their protest of a proposed native title deal, which would extinguish their right to their lands around Perth and the south-west, forever." Garfield Samuels

ABC The World Today: Protesters don't represent Noongar people: Premier
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2012/s3437816.htm?site=perth
23 Feb 12: "The Premier of Western Australia says he's convinced that Aboriginal protesters on an island in Perth's Swan River do not represent the majority of Indigenous people. Dozens of Noongar people have been staying on the island since the State Government offered $1 billion in cash and benefits in return for the extinguishment of native title in the state's south-west. The Premier says the majority of Noongar people are represented in the negotiations, but the small, determined group at Heirisson Island say they represent the majority. David Weber reports on the dispute."

- Video

ABC: Police descend on Heirisson Island protesters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-23/police-descend-on-heirisson-island...
Updated 24 Feb 12: "Authorities have arrived on Heirisson Island in Perth's east to remove protesters campaigning against a native title deal by the State Government."

* "NT RESIDENTS OVERLOOKED IN STRONGER FUTURES CONSULTATION" GREENS RACHEL SIEWERT

- Media Release

Greens Rachel Siewert: NT residents overlooked in Stronger Futures consultation
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/nt-resident...
22 Feb 12: "The Australian Greens said today that the Government needs to rethink it’s Stronger Futures legislation in light of evidence and testimony presented to a Senate Inquiry into the Bills.
"There are serious community doubts about the ability of Stronger Futures to improve community outcomes. People are critical of the Intervention and see Stronger Futures as an extension of it," Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues, Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
Senator Siewert is in the Northern Territory as a member of the Community Affairs Senate Committee which is holding public hearings on the legislation.
"What is really clear from the people we’ve been speaking to is that consultation around this legislation was substandard," said Senator Siewert."

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Video

Perth Now: Aboriginal leaders reject intervention
http://video.perthnow.com.au/2199863550/Aboriginal-leaders-reject-interv...
22 Feb 12: "Aboriginal communities don't want the government to extend the Northern Territory intervention policy."

- News

ABC: Indigenous elder attacks Stronger Futures law
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-24/stronger-futures-bill-senate-commi...
24 Feb 12: "[NT Indigenous elder Maurie Japata Ryan said] "A lot of our people do not understand what the implications are if their children are not going to school," he said. "So what happens? They just say we are just going to take some of your money off you. That is not the right approach. The right approach is to come out to these communities, spend a little bit of time and bring the language down that my people speak." Mr Ryan says the Stronger Futures Bill is "racist" and should be scrapped."

Koori Mail: Indigenous run programs rare
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
24 Feb 12: "ONLY eight per cent of 7000 organisations funded to run Indigenous programs are Indigenous, according to the Northern Territory coordinator of Remote Services Olga Havnen. Ms Havnen told a Senate committee investigating the proposed Stronger Futures for the NT legislation that she was concerned about the level of engagement and resources being given to Indigenous organisations as they were being forced to compete with non-Indigenous providers of services."

newsTracker: Stop punishing Aboriginal families: Church
http://tracker.org.au/2012/02/stop-punishing-aboriginal-families-church/
24 Feb 12: "The secretary of the Uniting Church in Australia’s northern synod, Peter Jones, told a committee looking at the federal government’s stronger futures legislation that the proposed laws needed changes. ... "Punishing the most disadvantaged people in the land for not participating in a system that has not delivered the outcomes they desire is heaping punishment on punishment," Mr Jones said. "Measures of this type (cutting income support) are unjust and a waste of time and effort," he said."

Koori Mail: Consultations were rushed, hearing told
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
22 Feb 12: "MANINGRIDA residents have had little opportunity to digest the proposed Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation, a Senate committee visiting the Arnhem Land community has been told. Senators have heard today that at the previous consultation attended by Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon, a 28-page document outlining the proposed legislation was handed out just minutes before the meeting started, and comments made that day were not included in the final report. The hearing continues."

newsTracker: NT Aboriginal leaders reject Stronger Futures
http://tracker.org.au/2012/02/nt-aboriginal-leaders-reject-stronger-futu...
22 Feb 12: "Aboriginal leader Barbara Shaw told the committee, ... the intervention program had not changed lives for the better. She said people were not confident the next phase will be effective because government consultations with communities had been a "farce". "Policies are being imposed on people without them knowing," Ms Shaw said. ... Elaine Peckham, founder of Central Australian Aboriginal Strong Women’s Alliance, said Indigenous people wanted their basic human rights back. "What the intervention has done in the past and will continue to do to us is stop us believing in ourselves," she told the hearing.""

National Indigenous Times: Macklin’s Intervention flawed
http://www.nit.com.au/news/629-macklins-intervention-flawed.html
22 Feb 12: "The second round of the Northern Territory Intervention that Jenny Macklin wants to impose on Aboriginal Australians for another 10 years is fatally flawed according to the group Concerned Australians."

National Indigenous Radio Service: Extension of CDEP welcomed
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6979-extension-of-cdep-welcomed
24 Feb 12: "A community worker [Marianne Davis] in the remote community of Kiwirrkurra in Western Australia says she is pleased to hear a national Aboriginal work program will continue next year. The Federal Government's Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) allows Aboriginal people in remote communities to work with pay for the community. The program was due to end in June but the Government has confirmed it will be extended until July 2013."

Australian: Job plan stays to keep dole use at bay
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/job-plan-sta...
21 Feb 12: "THE Gillard government has postponed indefinitely plans to shift the indigenous unemployed from the make-work Community Development Employment Projects to the dole. It will be the third time in three years that top-up payments under the CDEP due to be cut for existing beneficiaries have been reprieved."

See:

Jumbunna: "Rebuilding from the Ground Up" Alternatives to the Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/alternatives.html
Jobs With Justice - Demand 3
http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/newmedia/jobswithjustice.html
"Create a new Aboriginal employment program to replace Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) that have been gutted through recent reforms and are exploiting Aboriginal workers. Jobs created must pay at least award wages, with rights to join unions and collectively bargain. The program must be administered by community based organisations, with development needs and priorities set through broad community consultation. All willing workers should be employed."

- Analysis / Opinion

inCISe: Intervention convenient scapegoat
http://www.incise.org.au/2012-02-23/intervention-convenient-scapegoat/?u...
23 Feb 12: "The Northern Territory Intervention is often blamed for problems in remote communities in the Territory, but it is really just a convenient scapegoat for issues that existed well before 2007. According to the National Indigenous Times shocking revelations of an increase in the number of Aboriginal girls committing suicide is proof the Intervention has destroyed communities. This is intellectually dishonest." Sara Hudson, The Centre for Independent Studies

* 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/

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

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/taxonomy/term/118

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio

SBS Living Black: Prime Minister Knew Of Plans To Discredit Tony Abbott on Australia Day
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/204717/t...
24 Feb 12: "Indigenous newspaper The National Indigenous Times caused a storm when it published quotes from a source within the government - saying the Prime Minister was well aware of the attempts to discredit Tony Abbott. Journalist Gerry Georgatos at the NIT has come forward with a second source - who says, yes, the Prime Minister knew." Michelle Lovegrove

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 17 EVENTS FROM 26 FEBRUARY 2012:

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

Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...

Event: Mon 27 February 2012: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Our Generation Film Screening
Special guests:
* Dhanggal Gurruwiwi,
* Hon. Alastair Nicholson QC,
* Barbara Shaw and
* Prof. Jon Altman
Opened by:
* Les Malezer, Co-Chair,
National Congress of Australia's First Peoples and
* Greg Barns, National President,
Australian Lawyers Alliance
Hosted by:
* Australian Lawyers Alliance and
* Our Generation
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/comments/27739/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/

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!
Speakers include:
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra,
Barbara Shaw,
Monica Morgan,
Dr John Falzon,
Daphne Lake.
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."
Initiated by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) &
Our Generation &
Say No to Government Income Management Coalition
Buses have been booked from Sydney!: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/rally-at-lawns-of-parliament-house-canberra-stop...
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-th...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50095
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
Flyer: http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/02/22/stand-for-freedom-rally-canberr...

Event: Tue 28 February 2012: NITV
National Indigenous Television
Stronger Futures Forum
Shot on location in Maningrida
Hosted by: Jeff McMullen
Panel discussion includes:
* Dr Djinyini Gondarra from Elcho Island
* Mathew Dhulunburrk from Rammingining
Event details: http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-program.cfm?pid=6312D945-DFD1-0FE9-5A358ABD4B5...
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/24/nitv-forum-finds-the-stronger-futures...

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

Event: Tue 28 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Melbourne Free University: Mabo and Native Title
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/melbourne-free-university-mabo-and-native-title

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

Event: Tue 6 March 2012: Parliament House, West Perth, WA
Justice for Rex Bellotti Jr Rally
Organised by the Bellotti Support Group
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50031

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

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

Event: 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

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