Newsletter date: 15 March 2012
Contents:
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert provides an overview: "Ending the NT Intervention"
* Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Maurice Blackburn lawyers: "New Federal laws on nuclear waste have no impact on Muckaty legal challenge"
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 22 events from 15 March 2012
* GREENS SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW: "ENDING THE NT INTERVENTION":
See:
'Australian Greens Dissenting Report'
included as part of the Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures Report (14 Mar 12)
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
- Overview / Analysis
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
"New legislation to extend the Northern Territory Intervention is currently before the Senate, with the Australian Greens working hard to change the Government’s approach to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Northern Territory.
We’ve spoken extensively to individuals, community representatives and organisations from across the country who have made it clear that the Government’s approach is not working and that new measures contained in the Stronger Futures package would be another step backwards.
This legislation has passed the lower house, with Australian Greens MP Adam Bandt voting against it. Since the Intervention was announced in 2007 by the Howard Government, we have been steadfast as its main political opponent.
A recent Senate Inquiry into the legislation expanding the Intervention received a range of submissions and evidence from people speaking up in opposition to this approach. ... "
[Click on the above link to read the Greens recommendations:
* Reducing the Harm of Alcohol,
* Food Security,
* Customary Law,
* Permits,
* Income Management,
* School Enrolment and Attendance through Welfare Reform Measure (SEAM),
* A call for a culturally competent approach which supports local governance,
* Supporting Community Governance,
* Cultural Competency, and
* Overall Recommendations.]
- Audio Press Conference
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Press Conference - Senate Inquiry into NT Intervention Expansion
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/audio/press-conference-se...
14 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens say there are significant community concerns that proposed measures under the Stronger Futures legislation will be highly detrimental to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory."
- Media Release
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Greens urge Senate to reject NT Intervention expansion
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-urg...
14 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens say there are significant community concerns that proposed measures under the Stronger Futures legislation will be highly detrimental to Aboriginal people in the NT.
"The Greens have strongly recommended that the Senate rejects this legislation," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"There is an overwhelming sense - from Aboriginal People, their representative organisations, and the community sector that the approach taken in both the Intervention and Stronger Futures undermines and disempowers Aboriginal people and communities. ...
"This inquiry has left me in no doubt that Stronger Futures is nothing more than an extension of the Northern Territory Intervention. It is a deeply flawed approach based on a substandard consultation process.
"Subjecting people to ineffective and damaging policies for a further 10 years is completely unacceptable," Senator Siewert concluded."
* SENATE INQUIRY INTO STRONGER FUTURES RELEASES IT'S REPORT:
- The Report
Parliament of Australia: Senate Committees
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 [Provisions]
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
14 March 2012
[Includes Australian Greens Dissenting Report.]
- Statement
ACM Sydney: Graeme Mundine: Committee report on Stronger Futures ignores concerns
Statement on the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee report on Stronger Futures
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/graeme-mundine-committee-repor...
15 Mar 12: "The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee has today released its report on the "Stronger Futures" Bills.
Graeme Mundine, Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese said, "It is disappointing that the Committee has comprehensively ignored a wide range of concerns raised by a significant number of submissions and evidence from Northern Territory Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal organisations, human rights groups, welfare groups, churches and others.
"The overwhelming message from Aboriginal peoples is that they do not want this legislation. Aboriginal peoples want to be treated with respect, dignity and be full participants in creating and implementing sustainable solutions to overcome disadvantage plaguing communities. ... ""
- News
SMH: Fear tough laws may jail more Aborigines
http://www.smh.com.au/national/fear-tough-laws-may-jail-more-aborigines-...
15 Mar 12: "LABOR senators have expressed concern that proposed tougher penalties for alcohol offences in indigenous communities could lead to higher rates of Aboriginal imprisonment. The warning is contained in a report by the Senate Community Affairs committee on the Gillard government's ''Stronger Futures'' proposals, which would extend by 10 years several measures introduced by the Howard government as part of its 2007 intervention in the Northern Territory."
SMH: Inquiry approves extension of NT intervention
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/inquiry-approves-extension-...
14 Mar 12: "A Senate inquiry has given the federal government's plans to extend the NT intervention the nod of approval but has raised concerns about its consultations with Aboriginal communities. ... The bills, which will continue the intervention for ten years, include alcohol restrictions and a controversial program that cuts the welfare payments of parents whose kids skip school, known as the student enrolment and attendance measure (SEAM). The Senate Community Affairs Committee held an inquiry into the laws and tabled its report today."
9 News: NT intervention like Apartheid: lawyers
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8435253/inquiry-gives-nt-interventio...
14 Mar 12: "Plans to extend the NT intervention in remote Aboriginal communities for another decade are akin to Apartheid in South Africa, a lawyers alliance warns. The Australian Lawyers Alliance says the Gillard government's Stronger Futures legislation should be scrapped because it is racist and does not comply with Australia's international law obligations. Their warning came as a Senate inquiry tabled its report on Wednesday giving the draft laws the nod of approval but made 11 recommendations."
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
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...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures: New compilation weblink -Petition -NITV Forum
http://www.stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/...
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF
WGAR News: 28 Leading Australians call on Government to abandon the Stronger Futures legislation (14 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...
WGAR News: "Hear the Voice of the People!": Video of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012 (13 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/13/wgar-news-hear-the-voice-of-the-peopl...
WGAR News: New report into 'Stronger Futures' consultations by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS (9 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
[New university report entitled 'Listening but not Hearing']
WGAR News: Former PM Malcolm Fraser launches new report into consultations (9 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
WGAR News: Our Generation and ANTaR have launched a new video and campaign (8 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/08/wgar-news-our-generation-and-antar-ha...
WGAR News: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida (3 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/03/wgar-news-nitv-current-affairs-presen...
WGAR News: Press Conference on Stronger Futures legislation by Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (1 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...
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...
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: 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: 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: 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...
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...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
Our Generation: http://ourgeneration.org.au/
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/
Equality Rights Alliance: Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory: http://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/projects/womens-experience-inco...
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
Adelaide Stop the Intervention: http://www.stoptheintervention.com.au/
Central Land Council: The Australian Government Intervention 2007: http://www.clc.org.au/Media/issues/intervention/intervention_intro.html
WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights): http://wgar.wordpress.com/
* MAURICE BLACKBURN LAWYERS: "NEW FEDERAL LAWS ON NUCLEAR WASTE HAVE NO IMPACT ON MUCKATY LEGAL CHALLENGE":
See:
WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump laws pass the Senate (14 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...
- Press Releases and Announcements
Maurice Blackburn lawyers: New Federal laws on nuclear waste have no impact on Muckaty legal challenge
http://www.mauriceblackburnqld.com.au/news/press-releases-and-announceme...
13 Mar 12: "Maurice Blackburn lawyers say the passage of the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill today will not affect the Federal court challenge over the nuclear waste dump at Muckaty near Tennant Creek. ...
Elizabeth O'Shea, lawyer for a number of traditional owners representing five different groups with an interest in Muckaty said:
"The legal case continues regardless of the passage of this legislation. This law does not dilute the resolve of Traditional Owners who are opposed to the Muckaty nuclear dump. They did not give consent and were not sufficiently consulted over the nomination of their land for Australia's first radioactive waste dump. They want to keep the land safe for their communities, their children and future generations." ... "
[Click on the above link to read the many more points made.]
- Related Audio
The Wire: Senate pushes nuclear waste toward Northern Territory
Produced by Chris Brunner
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8918
14 Mar 12: "The wheels are in motion for a Nuclear Waste storage facility to be constructed at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory after the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday. Despite opposition from the Northern Territory Government and contention over traditional ownership, Muckaty Station, near Tennant Creek remains the only nominated site for a National Nuclear Waste storage facility. But the local aren't happy.
Featured in story:
Nigel Scullion - Senator for the Northern Territory
Trish Crossin - Labor Senator for the Northern Territory
Natalie Wasley - Uranium Project Coordinator at the Arid Lands Environment Centre"
ABC AM: Australian nuclear dump closer to reality
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3452707.htm
14 Mar 12: "It's been a red hot issue for generations but now it seems the creation of a home grown nuclear waste dump is a step closer to reality. Federal Parliament has passed legislation for radioactive waste to eventually be dumped on Aboriginal land at Muckaty near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. While both major parties support the move there's still strident opposition from Green groups, the Northern Territory Government and some local landowners."
[Includes comments by the Northern Territory's Chief Minister Paul Henderson, Senator Kim Carr, Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear campaigner Dave Sweeney, and lawyer Elizabeth O'Shea.]
- Related News
The Guardian: Australia passes controversial nuclear waste bill
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/mar/13/australia-nuclear-wast...
13 Mar 12: "Radioactive material set to be dumped in remote Aboriginal community, despite ongoing court case into legality of proposal. ... The Australian government has passed legislation that will create the country's first nuclear waste dump, despite fierce opposition from environmental and Aboriginal groups. The passage of the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010 through the Senate paves the way for a highly controversial plan to store nuclear waste in Muckaty Station, a remote Aboriginal community in the arid central region of the Northern Territory."
See:
YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo
Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/
Australian Conservation Foundation: Muckaty radioactive dump:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/be-informed/northern-australia-nuclear/mucka...
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...
Vimeo: Nuclear Medicine & the need for a Waste Dump?
http://vimeo.com/29971907
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Media Release
SNAICC News: Draft human rights plan needs major overhaul
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=762
13 Mar 12: "SNAICC has warned the Australian Government that its Draft National Human Rights Action Plan ignores the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care and will not substantially advance human rights in its current form.
"SNAICC is seriously concerned that the draft plan’s section on the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is silent on the protection of our children, who are 10 times more likely to be placed in out-of-home than other children," SNAICC Chairperson Dawn Wallam said."
- Audio Interview
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
John Paterson
CEO AMSANT - Aboriginal Medical Services Association of the Northern Territory
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
14 Mar 12
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/john-paterson-2/
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: ANTaR WA considers funding court action against State Government
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7031-antar-wa-considers-funding-...
14 Mar 12: "The Western Australian Government is facing more criticism after proposing to reimburse Aboriginal people who were underpaid between 1915 and 1975. Premier Colin Barnett wants to give each person who had their wages stolen an ex gratia payment of up to $2000. ANTaR Western Australia says the compensation package, which has been widely criticised, is "inadequate" and does not reflect the Australian nature of 'giving a fair go'. Chairperson John McBain says he will consider providing financial support towards any appropriate legal action."
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 22 EVENTS FROM 15 MARCH 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: 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: 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: Fri 16 March 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Rally for Aboriginal Cultural Education
Save Ballerrt Mooroop College
"Ballieu's government is attempting to close
Melbourne's Last Indigenous School.
This will be met with peaceful community
resistance and a rally from Parliament to the
Minister for Education's office in Collins St."
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50333
Event: Sat 17 March 2012: Prospect, SA
Amnesty International at the Prospect Fair
"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/28019/
Event: 21 March 2012: various locations internationally
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Event details: http://www.un.org/en/events/racialdiscriminationday/
Let's Fight Racism!: http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/
Event: Wed 21 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Protest second intervention and deaths in custody on
UN day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Speakers include:
* Nicole Watson
* Ray Jackson
* Patricia Morton-Thomas
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#21March
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/N...
Event: Wed 21 March 2012: Broadmeadows, Vic
Our Generation - Free Film Screening
"If you have an interest in Amnesty International
and Indigenous issues, come along to our
free film screening and find out more about
what we are doing to defend the rights of
Indigenous Peoples."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/vic/event/28046/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...
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: Mon 26 March 2012: Burwood
ANTaR Inner West's free screening of an Indigenous film
Film: "Here I Am"
Burwood Westfield Greater Union Cinema
" ... the story of a young Aboriginal woman's
struggle to stay off drugs and reconnect with
her young daughter and her Mother now that
she's out of jail."
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-February/000687.html
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 29 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Discussion with Damien Curtis, Jeff McMullen,
Alec Doomadgee, Rosealee Pearson and John Pilger
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
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 30 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Tent Embassy & Identity
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Ningla A-Na
Discussion with Gary Foley and Larissa Behrendt
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event: Sat 31 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
What's the Fuss in the Kimberley?
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Old Country New Country
Q&A with George Negus Stephen Pigram,
Mitch Torres and Albert Wiggan
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
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: Sat 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: Wed 18 April 2012: Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
Free Public Screening of Our Generation
Introduction and Q&A by Jeff McMullen AM
Hosted by Reconciliation for Western Sydney
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews
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: Wed 23 and Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, south of Sydney
Interim Aboriginal National Unity Government Assembly
of the Sovereign Union
Held at two locations:
Day 1 – Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Day 2 – Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy
"All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two
delegates to the inaugural assembly of the interim
National Unity Government in Wollongong
Wednesday 23 May & Thursday 24 May.
"This gathering to form the Interim Sovereign Union
National Unity Government is so important, as the federal
government and their Uncle Tom collaborators are working
overtime to indoctrinate our children and youth into their
way of thinking by falsely promoting that recognition in
the Constitution will give our people something,"
the spokesman of the movement, Michael Anderson, writes in
a media release."
"On the first day, 23rd of May, two universities, South Cross
and Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal people as
an introduction to this history-making event."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
See next two entries for Day 1 and Day 2 event details
Event: DAY 1 Wed 23 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty
- Symposium Day 1
Location: Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Jointly organised by:
* Legal Intersections Research Centre, University of Wollongong
* School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University
"On 26 January 2012, on the day of the 40th anniversary of
the establishment Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra,
a number of prominent Aboriginal activists advanced an
articulated claim to the continuity of Aboriginal
sovereignty in Australia. ... [This is] a one-day workshop to
explore the legal and political implications of those claims."
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/85
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
Event: DAY 2 - Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
"8am till late – REGISTRATION at 8am
Venue: Sandon Point Embassy, Wollongong, NSW
All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two delegates
- one man and one woman (if appropriate)
to the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union
interim National Unity Government
If possible bring a young person(s) between 15 & 25.
Each nation will have a limit of two official delegates
to the interim National Unity Government.
+++ Draft Agenda +++:
* The formal establishment of the interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
* Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Aboriginal nations
* Focusing on the proposed new Constitution
* Program of stages towards independence and timeline
* Allocation of interim portfolios
* Development of diplomatic and international relations
* Strategies for representations in United Nations"
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/108
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
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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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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