Newsletter date: 24 March 2012
Last updated: 1 May 2012
Contents:
* Call for delegates to interim Aboriginal unity government assembly
* GLW: Brisbane’s Aboriginal embassy deserves wide support
* Perth police invade Nyoongar Tent Embassy
* STICS: Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures'
* Photograph your feet and 'Stand For Freedom'
* More on Petition opposing an extension of NT Intervention
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Greg Dickson in 'New Matilda': Scrymgour's Bad Language
* ABC 7.30: National radioactive waste dump faces resistance
* 120,000 people take part in National Close the Gap Day
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 25 events from 24 March 2012
* CALL FOR DELEGATES TO INTERIM ABORIGINAL UNITY GOVERNMENT ASSEMBLY:
Last updated: 1 May 2012
- Media Release
Sovereign Union: Call for delegates to Aboriginal unity government assembly in May 2012
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/call-delegates-aboriginal-uni...
22 Mar 12: "Michael Anderson - Goodooga, northwest NSW, 22 March 12
All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two delegates to the inaugural assembly of the interim national unity government in Wollongong in 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.
Since the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Embassy in Canberra in January, Anderson, its last remaining founder, has travelled the country promoting the idea of sovereignty. He reports that 40 nations in the Murray Darling Basin have already come on board.
The assembly will be held at the Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy Wollongong, south of Sydney, on the 23rd and 24th of May. ... "
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/
See:
Sovereign Union - National Unity Government:
'Sovereign Union'
- Asserting Aboriginal Sovereignty into Governance
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
* GLW: BRISBANE'S ABORIGINAL EMBASSY DESERVES WIDE SUPPORT:
- Statement
Green Left: Brisbane’s Aboriginal embassy deserves wide support
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50445
22 Mar 12: "Liam Flenady, the Socialist Alliance candidate for the seat of South Brisbane, released the statement below on March 21. * * *
The Socialist Alliance declares its full support for the Sovereign Embassy Brisbane, established by the Murri community in Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, on March 13.
The Sovereign Embassy Brisbane has issued a statement saying: "Our right to sovereignty, possession and occupation and enjoyment of our lands and waters and everything associated with the Original Tribes, is guaranteed under the term tribe. We now instruct the Parliament of Queensland to recognise us as tribes.
"The Sovereign Embassy Brisbane is on a state-wide campaign to acknowledge all tribal nations to treaty with the local Yaggara people and with each other.
"All Original Sovereign Nations who become part of the National Unity Government will be encouraged to challenge, within the domestic courts of the invader society, to seek a declaration by them confirming that our sovereignty cannot be dealt with within their jurisdiction."
* PERTH POLICE INVADE NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY:
Welcome to our website: Nyoongar Tent Embassy
http://tentembassywa.com/
facebook: Aboriginal Tent Embassy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aboriginal-Tent-Embassy/210730945611610?sk...
- Photo Essay (includes video)
Green Left: Photo Essay: Police invade Nyoongar Tent Embassy
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50447
23 Mar 12: "This is what the Nyoongar Tent Embassy looked like before the police invaded. This photo was taken on Thursday March 22 - about one hour before the police arrived. ... The police came with horses, dog squad, tasers, guns and large numbers - over sixty police and 15 council rangers. ... The Embassy regrouped. ... They never left the Island. ... You can't kill the spirit which is strong. ... Eventually the cops marched off, with three arrests, a bunch of equipment seized, but they didn't manage to break the Embassy and they didn't manage to break the spirit." By Alex Bainbridge
- Videos
SMH: Heirisson Island: 'We were hoping it wouldn't come to this'
http://www.smh.com.au/wa-news/heirisson-island-we-were-hoping-it-wouldnt...
23 Mar 12: "The standoff between police and Aboriginal protesters at Heirisson Island continued overnight after riot police raided the "tent embassy" and arrested four people at the site yesterday afternoon. ... Former Fremantle Dockers player Scott Chisholm, who had visited the "tent embassy" each evening, said the island always had belonged to Noongars and they would fight to retain it. "These people are sovereign people, they have every right to be here," he said."
ABC: Police remove activists from Heirisson Island
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-23/police-remove-activists-from-heiri...
23 Mar 12: "Police have ended a standoff at a camp of Aboriginal activists on Heirisson Island in Perth's Swan River who are angry about a proposed native title deal."
YouTube: Nyoongar tent embassy standing strong in face of police violence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg1rk-J3g8E
22 Mar 12: "Over 50 police armed with taser's and guns invaded the tent embassy. Aboriginal activists not wanting any violence made peacefully made the point that police do not have permission to be here. Activists walked to the other side of the island to avoid conflict. Starting setting up the embassy feeling good at avoiding a confrontation with the police. Police looking for a fight marched to the other side of the island and starting pushing people around for no reason. Police then violently arrested a few people. Forced people to move into the swamp. The Tent Embassy still continues despite constant police attacks."
West Australian: Three arrested in WA tent embassy eviction
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/13237912/three-arrested-in...
22 Mar 12: "Three men were arrested and a pregnant woman holding a baby had a narrow escape after nearly being trampled by a police horse during a raid at an Aboriginal "tent embassy" in Perth. ... The action began just after 2pm (WST) on Thursday, when about 70 officers, including mounted police, the dog squad, public order response group and other units, joined 15 City of Perth rangers to remove tents and cars parked illegally on the public reserve."
YouTube: Nyoongar Tent Embassy. Police harrassment. 22nd March
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kt48rv23z4
22 Mar 12
YouTube: Police violence at Nyoongar Tent Embassy. Take 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JanKeyCqp0
22 Mar 12
- News
newsTracker: Three arrested in WA tent embassy eviction
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/three-arrested-in-wa-tent-embassy-eviction/
23 Mar 12: "One protest organiser issued a public appeal for new tents to replace those confiscated. "We want to send out an appeal to every good-hearted person out there, if they can come tonight with a tent for us, we’ll gladly accept it," Greg Martin said. Another organiser, Herbert Bropho, said the protesters planned to remain on the island. "We’re not going to move on," he said. "They can come back tomorrow with the army or whatever they want - we’re not moving.""
ABC: Police maintaining presence on Heirisson Island
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-22/island-protest/3906806/?site=indig...
23 Mar 12: "Police have spent the night on Heirisson Island after arresting four protesters and dismantling their campsite yesterday. Nyoongar activists have been camping on the island for several weeks protesting against a proposed billion dollar native title deal over parts of Perth and the South West. Yesterday, a large police contingent of about 60 officers and mounted police moved in on the protesters and started dismantling their campsite. When the activists tried to set up a second camp on the western end of the island, four protesters were arrested ... "
West Australian: Four arrested at Heirisson protest camp
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13235608/fire-on-heirsson-...
22 Mar 12: "UPDATE 5pm: Four people have been arrested on Heirisson Island as police moved in on the protest camp this afternoon. Riot squad police armed with Tasers and officers on horseback moved into the camp as Perth City Council rangers dismantled tents and moved equipment this afternoon. The four people were arrested on charges including obstruct police, refusing to provide details and disorderly conduct. One move on notice was also issued and protest signs and other items were seized by council staff and police."
Herald Sun: Barnett says 'tent embassy' must go now
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/barnett-says-tent-embassy...
22 Mar 12: "WEST Australian Premier Colin Barnett says an Aboriginal "tent embassy" in Perth will be dismantled with force if necessary no matter how embarrassing it may look for his government on a national and international scale. Protesters have been camped at Heirisson Island on the Swan River since mid-February, saying they oppose the WA Government's proposed $1 billion native title deal with the Noongar people of the state's southwest."
Sky News: 'Tent embassy' protesters urged to move
http://www.skynews.com.au/local/article.aspx?id=731477&vId=
22 Mar 12: "A clash is looming at an Aboriginal 'tent embassy' in Perth after the police commissioner urged the city council to order the protesters off a public reserve. Protesters have been camped at Heirisson Island on the Swan River since mid-February, saying they oppose the WA government's proposed $1 billion native title deal with the Noongar people of the state's southwest."
Indymedia Australia: Call for supporters to Nyoongar Tent Embassy - government has ordered police in, they are there now
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/21/call-for-supporters-to-nyoongar-tent-...
21 Mar 12: "Nyoongar Tent Embassy has sent a call out for supporters to assist at Heirisson Island (Mattagarup). Apparently 100 police have arrived at the Embassy and with news media piling in.
... However just as many people have been calling into the talkback programs supporting and arguing on behalf of the right of the Embassy. ... The Embassy has called on everyone in support of them to send a call out for as many folk as possible to turn up to the Embassy and civilly stand alongside them in their right to maintain a civil and just Embassy - their voice." Gerry Georgatos
National Indigenous Times: Marianne Mackay refuses Magistrate’s demand twice in amazing confrontation during Tent Embassy bail hearing
http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html
http://www.nit.com.au/news/782-i-wont-back-down.html
21 Mar 12: "Marianne Mackay confronted a Perth Magistrate twice in an amazing piece of courtroom theatre and won, forcing the Magistrate to delay a bail application hearing for Perth Tent Embassy stalwart, Len Culbong before finally resuming the hearing a third time. Ms Mackay attended Mr Culbong's hearing at Perth's Magistrate's Court with 30 other supporters of the Tent Embassy. ... Dumbartung Chief Executive and Nyoongar Tent Embassy spokesman, Rob Eggington said the court hearing and the outcome was an important issue."
National Indigenous Times: Pay rent for our land
http://www.nit.com.au/news/781-pay-rent-for-our-land.html
21 Mar 12: "Nyoongar rights advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation, Robert Eggington has gathered together with several prominent Nyoongars and a large number of the Nyoongar community to announce their own Native Title proposals for the West Australian State Government to... "
West Australian: Tent embassy must go: Commissioner
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/13230418/tent-embassy-must-go-co...
21 Mar 12: "Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan says police are willing to help the City of Perth clean up the Aboriginal tent embassy which has been on Heirisson Island for more than five weeks. Mr O’Callaghan said today that if the City of Perth issued orders for the protestors camped at the Island to remove their cars and tents from the land police would help enforce those directives. The group protesting against the State Government’s $1 billion offer to settle native title claims over Perth and the south-west have been set up at the Island since February 12."
BigPond News: 'Tent' protesters urged to move
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National/2012/03/21/Tent_protesters_urge...
21 Mar 12: "Protesters at an Aboriginal 'tent embassy' in Perth should pack up and go home before it all ends badly, political and police leaders say. ... Aboriginal elder and protest participant Ben Taylor said Mr Barnett should visit the camp. 'At least he can sit down and hear the people out. They won't attack him, they won't kill him, they won't throw him in the water,' he told ABC Radio."
Perth Now: 'Clear out island tent camp' - Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/activists-embark-on-se...
21 Mar 12: "POLICE Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan has weighed into the Heirisson Island Noongar protest calling for the activists to be "cleared out.'' "What I think we need to see is the City of Perth move in, issue the orders and we'll help to execute those orders and clear them out," the Commissioner told ABC radio. "Because, the longer this goes on, the higher the risk is of anti-social behaviour and possibly other offences as well.""
- Letter
Nyoongar Tent Embassy: Letter sent to the CEO of Perth City Council - 21/3/12
http://tentembassywa.com/perth-ceo-letter
21 Mar 12: "Dear Frank,
As the Sovereign Traditional Custodians of this land, known commonly as Nyoongar country, we formally request that your department remove the concrete barriers blocking the entrance to the car park attached to Matagarup. They are restricting access to the island in order for us to engage in customary lore as we have done for many thousands of years on this particular site, which is a registered site with the Department of Indigenous Affairs. ...
Regards, Nyoongar Tent Embassy"
* STICS: AUNTY OF DEATHS IN CUSTODY VICTIM SPEAKS OUT AGAINST 'STRONGER FUTURES':
- Media Release
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney:
Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures'
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/aunty-of-deaths-in-c...
21 Mar 12: "Patricia Morton-Thomas said:
"My nephew is a victim of the Intervention. He's not the first and he won't be the last. Its just disgusting the way Aboriginal people are treated here. Not only is our culture being treated as worthless but our people's lives are treated as worthless. Alice Springs has always been a racist little town but I've never seen anything like this in my life. And there is constant harassment from the police every night."
"If Stronger Futures goes through, we will have more and more people going to jail. Our culture is under attack. My people are under attack on our own soil. We're the oldest living culture in the world and they are going all out to destroy us. I see so much despair with my people at the moment, there's no hope. I'm hearing constantly about suicides. My people are just dying.""
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
Event details: http://www.indymedia.org.au/rally-for-aboriginal-rights-and-self-determi...
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/N...
* PHOTOGRAPH YOUR FEET AND 'STAND FOR FREEDOM':
- Action
Stand For Freedom: "I Stand For Freedom" Facebook movement is launched
http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/03/21/join-the-i-stand-for-freedom-fa...
"We are calling out to everyone to get onto our Facebook page, and upload a photo of their feet "standing for freedom". Engage, spread the word, and have fun!"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Stand-For-Freedom/178711202237473
- Feet Photos
Stand For Freedom: Facebook Feet
http://standforfreedom.org.au/gallery/facebook-feet/
Stand For Freedom: The Greens Stand for Freedom in Canberra
http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/03/21/the-greens-stand-for-freedom-in...
"All 10 of the Greens Parliamentarians have today made a clear stand in support of the campaign. They took time out of their busy shcedules to host a media conference in the Senate Courtyard, "standing for freedom" and calling on the nation to follow their lead."
- Related Media Release
Rachel Siewert: Greens make a stand against the NT Intervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-mak...
21 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens have today taken a stand - literally - against the NT Intervention, helping Stand for Freedom launch the next phase of their online campaign.
"All 10 Greens MPs stood united outside the Senate today to lend our support for Stand For Freedom and the community opposing the NT Intervention," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"We stood just metres from the Senate Chamber where the Stronger Futures legislation will be debated and voted on in the coming sitting weeks.
"We urge everyone, whoever or wherever they are, to take a photo and show that they too are standing up to this unfair, wasteful and ineffective legislation.
"I will also table a petition to the Senate with over 33,000 signatures against the Intervention, presented to me today by Les Malezer, the co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and Damien Curtis, the Campaign Director of Stand for Freedom.""
* MORE ON PETITION OPPOSING AN EXTENSION OF NT INTERVENTION:
See:
WGAR News: Stand For Freedom campaign delivers a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 people (22 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...
- News
Pro Bono News: New Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Established
http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2012/03/new-joint-parliamentary-...
22 Mar 12: "Federal Parliament has established a Joint Committee on Human Rights and the Not for Profit sector is urging the committee to investigate the controversial NT Intervention legislation, Stronger Futures, as its first priority. The committee was established by the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 last week to examine Bills for Acts and legislation that come before either House of the Parliament for compatibility with human rights. Yesterday, the Not for Profit Stand For Freedom campaign, ... delivered a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 Australians ... "
National Indigenous Times: 30,000 sign petition opposing Macklin’s planned legislation
http://www.nit.com.au/news/777-30000-sign-petition-opposing-macklins-pla...
21 Mar 12: "Old-fashioned people power may be the only way to stop the 10 year extension of the Northern Territory Intervention given the Federal Liberal-National Coalition party is expected to support the Federal Labor Government's Stronger Futures laws when they come before the Senate."
SMH: John Butler, Archie Roach and Jimmy Little protest over NT intervention
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/john-butler-archie-roach-an...
21 Mar 12: "A petition signed by 33,000 Australians opposing an extension of the Northern Territory intervention will be tabled in parliament this afternoon. The petition, organised by human rights campaigners Stand for Freedom and to be tabled by Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, calls for the withdrawal of proposals which would extend elements of the intervention for a further ten years.
Musicians John Butler, Archie Roach and Jimmy Little have added their support to the campaign."
BigPond News: Opposition to NT intervention mounts
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National-Regional/2012/03/21/Opposition_...
21 Mar 12: "Human rights activists have criticised government plans to extend the Northern Territory intervention, saying it is a cancer killing Aboriginal communities. They want the Stronger Futures legislation, extending the intervention for another 10 years, scrapped. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the draft laws on Thursday. Opponents of the extension have launched the Stand for Freedom campaign and collected more than 33,000 signatures for a petition that will be tabled in the upper house on Wednesday."
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 22/03/12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-220312
22 Mar 12: "* Australia’s peak representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders says it does not believe there has been enough support expressed from Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory for the Gillard Labor Government to proceed with continued punitive programs contained in the Stronger Futures Bill.
* Human Rights advocate Amnesty International has slammed the Stronger Futures Legislation…calling on all senators to withdraw their support for the bills ... "
- News
Catholic Leader: Nothern Territory laws unsound
http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/top-stories/nothern-territory-...
25 Mar 12: "LAWS to extend the Northern Territory Intervention (NTER) have been criticised by local and national heads of Catholic organisations, with one leader describing them as "the deepening of a wound that a future Prime Minister will need to apologise for". The leaders, including those from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC), the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM), have all criticised the Federal Government for a lack of consultation with indigenous communities on the new legislation."
newsTracker: NT intervention debate kicks off in Senate
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/nt-intervention-debate-kicks-off-in-senate/
22 Mar 12: "There is palpable pain in Indigenous communities, a Labor senator says, as the federal government navigates the next phase of the NT intervention. Debate on the government’s Stronger Futures legislation package began in the Senate on Wednesday night. Labor senator Claire Moore, who visited NT Indigenous communities as part of a Senate inquiry into the draft laws, admitted Aboriginal people were hurting."
Sky News: Ten year NT intervention plan to be cut
http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=731488&vId=
22 Mar 12: "The federal government's plan to extend the Northern Territory intervention for another decade could be thwarted in the Senate today. The Stronger Futures laws, which continue the former Howard coalition government's Northern Territory intervention, are due to be debated today. ... The opposition and the Australian Greens are expected to combine to have the sunset clause of the legislation reduced from 10 years to five years and the review period from seven to three years."
NT News: Pubs 'not to blame' for grog abuse
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/03/22/295241_ntnews.html
22 Mar 12: "NEW federal laws threaten to "cripple" Territory pubs, an industry group has said. The NT Australian Hotels Association said the plan to allow an independent assessor to decide whether a bar was harmful to indigenous people was unfair and unnecessary. The assessor will be appointed as part of Stronger Futures - also known as Intervention Mark II."
ABC: Scullion moves to reassure hotels on law change
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-22/scullion-on-stronger-futures-law-c...
22 Mar 12: "The Federal Opposition's Indigenous Affairs spokesman has moved to calm fears expressed by the Australian Hotels Association that pubs are being unfairly targeted by the Government's Stronger Futures legislation. The bill, which extends many aspects of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, originally gave independent assessors the power to investigate licensed venues if they are suspected of causing harm to Aboriginal people. Senator Nigel Scullion says the bill has been amended to remove some ministerial powers that override the Northern Territory administration."
National Indigenous Times: Greens report says Macklin should scrap plan and start again
http://www.nit.com.au/news/776-greens-report-says-macklin-should-scrap-p...
21 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens have called for the Stronger Futures legislation extending the Northern Territory Intervention by another 10 years to be scrapped following a Senate inquiry report last week endorsing the Federal Government's plan. The Senate committee which conducted the inquiry was dominated by Labor and Coalition... "
National Indigenous Times: Plan "beggars belief": Graeme Mundine
http://www.nit.com.au/news/775-plan-beggars-belief-graeme-mundine.html
21 Mar 12: "Graeme Mundine, the Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese, was "disappointed" the Senate committee inquiry into the proposed legislation to extend the Northern Territory Intervention had ignored the significant number of views questioning the extension. "It is disappointing the Senate committee has comprehensively ignored a wide range of concerns raised by a... "
Koori Mail: NT 'intervention' plan condemned
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
21 Mar 12: "A SENATE report into the Federal Government’s proposed Stronger Futures legislation has been met with howls of protest from Indigenous and other groups across the nation. Although highly critical of the Government’s consultations with Aboriginal communities, the Senate’s Community Affairs committee last week gave the Government’s plans to extend the Northern Territory Intervention the go-ahead, with only the Australian Greens dissenting."
ABC: AHA protests about Stronger Futures law controls
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-21/aha-protests-about-stronger-future...
21 Mar 12: "The Australian Hotels Association says Northern Territory pubs are being treated as scapegoats under the Federal Government's new laws replacing its intervention powers. The Stronger Futures legislation will replace intervention laws introduced in 2007 to address disadvantage in Aboriginal communities. The new legislation gives an independent assessor the power to investigate venues like hotels and clubs to examine whether they are causing harm to problem drinkers."
* 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: Stand For Freedom campaign delivers a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 people (22 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...
WGAR News: Responses to Senate Committee report on 'Stronger Futures' New NT Intervention laws (18 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...
WGAR News: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert provides an overview: "Ending the NT Intervention" (15 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
WGAR News: Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
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...
* GREG DICKSON IN 'NEW MATILDA': SCRYMGOUR'S BAD LANGUAGE:
- Analysis / Opinion
New Matilda: Scrymgour's Bad Language
http://newmatilda.com/2012/03/22/scrymgours-bad-language
22 Mar 12: "As Marion Scrymgour is farewelled from NT politics, many remain angry about the effect of her policies on Indigenous language and bilingual education, writes Greg Dickson. In 1972 Kim Beazley Senior, then the Federal Minister for Education, played a key role in introducing bilingual education to the Northern Territory - an innovative educational strategy using Indigenous languages alongside English to teach the school curriculum. In 2008, after 34 years, bilingual education was abandoned by the NT’s Minister for Education, Marion Scrymgour." Greg Dickson
* ABC 7.30: NATIONAL RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP FACES RESISTANCE:
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...
WGAR News: Maurice Blackburn lawyers: "New Federal laws on nuclear waste have no impact on Muckaty legal challenge" (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
WGAR News: Central Land Council (CLC): "New waste dump legislation fundamentally flawed" (18 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...
WGAR News: Natalie Wasley: Traditional owners to fight Ferguson's nuclear waste dump (22 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...
- Video
ABC 7.30: National radioactive waste dump faces resistance
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3460703.htm
21 Mar 12: "The 40-year battle over how to dispose of Australia's growing pile of nuclear waste has erupted again with traditional land owners protesting in Darwin over plans for a new desert dump site. They're fighting a federal law passed last week approving a waste dump in the Northern Territory. Their battleground is the Federal Court where the nomination of the site may be overturned."
- Related Media Release
Greens Scott Ludlam: Independent expertise needed to deal with radioactive waste, not a shed in the NT
http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/independent-...
22 Mar 12: "An independent commission of experts should be created to decide how to deal with the nation's radioactive medical waste, the Australian Greens urged today.
Senator Scott Ludlam said the Greens had tried to legislate for an independent commission on radioactive waste but faced "a wall of dogma" from the major parties.
"Wednesday's report on the ABC's 7.30 concluded with the suggestion this was an intractable problem - but it doesn't need to be. We need a body that has the skills and expertise to determine what is the safest and most sustainable way to deal with this waste, rather than banishing it to a shed built on the land of people who don't want it there, watched by two security guards rather than qualified technicians."
The Greens have pushed for the establishment of the Independent Commission on the Long Term Safe Storage, Transport and Management of Australia's Radioactive Waste."
- Related News
Koori Mail: N-dump final plea
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
21 Mar 12: "TRADITIONAL owners fighting a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory have invited the Governor-General to Tennant Creek before she signs off on the legislation. The Senate passed laws last Tuesday enabling medical, research and industrial waste to be stored at the Aboriginal-owned site Muckaty Station, 120kms from Tennant Creek, for hundreds of years – a move that has angered environmentalists and traditional owners."
See:
Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/
Vimeo: Nuclear Medicine & the need for a Waste Dump?
http://vimeo.com/29971907
YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo
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...
* 120,000 PEOPLE TAKE PART IN NATIONAL CLOSE THE GAP DAY:
- News
Australian Human Rights Commission: Thousands take part in National Close the Gap Day
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/news/2012/29_12.html
22 Mar 12: "More than 120,000 people across Australia are taking part in national Close the Gap Day today in efforts to achieve health equality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians by 2030. Today is the sixth annual National Close the Gap Day and more than 830 events are being held in homes, schools, workplaces, churches, public spaces and government departments to raise awareness about Indigenous health and urge further action by government."
- Related Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert: Senate reaffirms commitment to Closing the Gap
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/senate-rea...
22 Mar 12: "The Senate today backed an Australian Greens motion calling on all parties to reaffirm their commitment to the objectives of the Closing the Gap Statement of Intent signed in 2008.
"At this morning’s Close the Gap breakfast, the need for partnerships to address health inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians was emphasised," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said today.
"Partnerships are essential for developing long terms plans that are based on evidence and are capable of addressing the existing inequities in health services, in order to achieve equality of health status by 2030.
"To achieve this equality, we need to ensure the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their representative bodies in all aspects addressing health needs.""
Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
(various dates throughout March 2012)
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/national-close-the-gap-day/
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://webfw.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
About Close the Gap: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/health/index.html
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...
AHRC news: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/news/2012/29_12.html
Greens MR: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/senate-rea...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
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...
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
Our Generation: http://ourgeneration.org.au/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
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/
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- News
Koori Mail: WA $2000 offer 'is a slap in the face'
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
21 Mar 12: "THE Western Australian Government announcement that it will give $2000 or less to Aboriginal people who had past earnings stolen has been condemned by Aboriginal leaders as cruel, heartless and misleading. Between 1905 and 1972, thousands of Aboriginal workers had up to three-quarters of their earnings quarantined under legislation allowing money and property belonging to Aboriginal people to be put into a complex network of trust accounts, without their permission. Aboriginal Legal Service of WA CEO Dennis Eggington believes the Government is throwing scraps to Indigenous people."
National Indigenous Radio Service: WA Government defends Stolen Wages reparation offer
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7052-wa-government-defends-stole...
21 Mar 12: "A proposed Western Australian Government scheme to pay up to $2000 in reparation to those affected by Stolen Wages has received broad criticism, but the Indigenous Affairs Minister says it's a step towards acknowledging the past. A number of people have criticised the proposal, including the Kimberley Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation."
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 25 EVENTS FROM 24 MARCH 2012:
Indymedia Australia: Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 25 events from 24 March 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/upcoming-aboriginal-rights-events-aro...
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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