Newsletter date: 1 April 2012
Contents:
* Congress: Ten-Year Investment in the NT Must Involve Local and Community Control
* AHRC: Long-term funding commitment welcomed but Stronger Futures still must change
* Greens: Funding shouldn’t be tied to Intervention legislation
* APO NT: NT Aboriginal Organisations Welcome Homelands Support
* AMSANT: Long term funding for Aboriginal health-at last!
* CLC: Ten year Funding Boost will bring relief to the bush
* NACCHO: Ten year funding should be committed to all ACCHO's
* Amnesty: A huge win for homelands
* NT Govt: $221M Outstation investment welcome news for the Territory
* News re Ten-Year Funding in the Northern Territory
* STICS Public Meeting: Can Income Management help with Child protection?
* Country Liberals: Homelands and Outstations policy
* Interviews re 'Stronger Futures' legislation
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* CONGRESS: TEN-YEAR INVESTMENT IN THE NT MUST INVOLVE LOCAL AND COMMUNITY CONTROL:
- Media Release
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Ten-Year Investment in the NT Must Involve Local and Community Control
http://nationalcongress.com.au/ten-year-investment-in-the-nt-must-involv...
29 Mar 12: "Congress Co-Chairs said today they support the recent announcements for long-term funding to Northern Territory organisations and communities.
"We definitely see this as positive move and congratulate the Government for providing a much more stable arrangement from which communities and organisations can develop and improve their planning," said Congress Co-Chair, Jody Broun.
"The extra services and infrastructure so far announced are positive and bring Aboriginal communities, including the homelands, closer to the level of service that all Australians would expect to have.
"We look forward to seeing detail for implementation of these programs and funds in partnership with communities," she said.
Congress remains opposed to the legislation which is expected be debated in the Senate in the next sitting and continues to call for the Government to withdraw and review the bills."
* AHRC: LONG-TERM FUNDING COMMITMENT WELCOMED BUT STRONGER FUTURES STILL MUST CHANGE:
- Media Release
Australian Human Rights Commission:
Long-term funding commitment welcomed but Stronger Futures still must change
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2012/23_12.html
28 Mar 12: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has welcomed the long-term funding commitment announced today for Northern Territory communities but has urged the government to change the Stronger Futures legislation.
"Long-term funding has got to be a part of the mix and this money announced today is very welcome," Commissioner Gooda said.
"Sustainability of homelands and outstations as well as community safety are issues that have been raised by Northern Territory communities and it’s encouraging to see the federal and Northern Territory governments responding to these concerns.
"As well as long-term funding commitments such as these, one of the most crucial things in improving life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the NT is to listen to them, work with them and to include them in developing solutions to the challenges they face." ... "
* GREENS: FUNDING SHOULDN'T BE TIED TO INTERVENTION LEGISLATION:
- Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert:
Funding shouldn’t be tied to Intervention legislation
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/funding-sh...
28 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens said today that while the funding announcement for homelands, police, night patrols and legal services in the Northern Territory was welcomed, the services should not be linked to the Government’s continuation of the NT Intervention.
"There is no doubt that these resources are needed for on-the-ground services in the homelands in the Northern Territory, but it isn't enough to merely continue existing funding - much more is needed," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"It needs to be made clear that the provision of this funding is not linked to the Stronger Futures legislation which expands the NT Intervention.
"This funding can continue in the event that the length of the planned Intervention expansion is reduced from ten to five years, or abandoned altogether. ... "
* APO NT: NT ABORIGINAL ORGANISATIONS WELCOME HOMELANDS SUPPORT:
- Media Release
Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory:
NT Aboriginal Organisations Welcome Homelands Support
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/uploads/news/719_apont--media-releas...
29 Mar 12: "The NT Aboriginal Peak Organisations (APO NT) have welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment of $206 million over 10 years for homelands.
Homelands and outstations are vital for maintaining traditional links to country, and evidence shows that living on homelands is associated with better health and well being outcomes and reduced social problems.
"The announcement today demonstrates that the Australian Government has not abandoned homelands in favour of larger communities, and this news will be a great relief to many Aboriginal people in the bush," the CEO of the NLC, Mr Hill said.
CEO of AMSANT, Mr Paterson said it is profoundly significant that the funding has been provided over a ten-year period. ...
Mr Hill said it was a good investment. "Twenty million a year is not enough money, but it is a good start, and we now call on the NT Government to step up to the plate and increase their contribution of $15 million. APO NT also expects greater transparency and accountability regarding the allocation and outcomes of this funding than has been the case over the past five years." ... "
* AMSANT: LONG TERM FUNDING FOR ABORIGINAL HEALTH-AT LAST!:
- Media Release
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory:
Long term funding for Aboriginal health-at last!
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/uploads/news/719_120329-media-releas...
29 Mar 12: "The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory [AMSANT] has welcomed the historic announcement today of a ten year funding commitment by the Australian Government for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory as part of its Stronger Futures funding package.
"This is the first time in history that Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations in any sector have received a commitment funding extending to ten years AMSANT CEO," John Paterson said.
"Long-term funding has been the absolute desire of Aboriginal people throughout the nation for at least four decades".
"It is difficult to underestimate the profound impact this will potentially have in enabling our services to engage in long-term planning for improved services and programs that will really make a difference. ...
"However, if we are to gain the maximum benefit in improved health outcomes from this historic opportunity, government needs to match this funding with a reduction in the unnecessary red tape that currently plagues our services and detracts from our service delivery capacity on the ground. ... "
* CLC: TEN YEAR FUNDING BOOST WILL BRING RELIEF TO THE BUSH:
- Media Release
Central Land Council:
Ten year Funding Boost will bring relief to the bush
http://www.clc.org.au/media-releases/article/ten-year-funding-boost-will...
28 Mar 12: "The Central Land Council says today’s announcement of $221 million for outstations and $619 million for community safety over the next 10 years is extremely good news for Aboriginal people in the bush.
CLC Director David Ross said that support and service delivery for outstations has been one of the most consistent and heart-felt demands from the CLC’s constituents for decades and while the funding for the bush is chronically inadequate, this long-term commitment by the Australian Government will go a long way to assisting people in the bush.
"Outstations can perform a critical role in the maintenance of language and culture, and evidence shows that living on homelands is associated with a range of economic, social and health benefits, which are seen as foundation stones for producing outcomes for the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap agenda.
"While $20 million a year is spread a bit thin, it does provide some long-term security for the organisations that deliver these services, and we should now expect the NT Government to find matching funds, and review their policy approach to outstations" Mr Ross said. ... "
* NACCHO: TEN YEAR FUNDING SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO ALL ACCHO'S:
- Media Release
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation:
Ten year funding should be committed to all Aboriginal community controlled health services and other sectors if we are to Close the Gap by 2031.
http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Documents/Press%20release%2010%20Year%20F...
30 Mar 12: "Mr Justin Mohamed, Chair of the NACCHO’s 147 Aboriginal community controlled health services throughout Australia today congratulated and acknowledged the hard work of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory [AMSANT] achieving a ten year funding commitment by the Australian Government for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory as part of its Stronger Futures funding package.
"We of course welcome such a commitment to our member services in the NT but believe strongly that this type of government ten year funding commitment should be reflected across all state and territories as ACCHO's are the essential deliverer of comprehensive primary health care services to many Aboriginal communities across Australia." said Mr Mohamed. ... "
* AMNESTY: A HUGE WIN FOR HOMELANDS
- News
Amnesty International Australia:
A huge win for homelands
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/28287/
29 Mar 12: "Great news! We've got a long-term commitment from Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments to support homelands. This week they announced $221 million dollars in funding over 10 years for homelands communities in the Northern Territory. This will fund basic service like water, garbage collection and sanitation. This shows that governments are finally listening to Aboriginal people living on their homelands in the Northern Territory and looking at the evidence that says supporting homelands leads to better health and education outcomes. ... The money itself is a continuation of the level of funding for homelands between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments. But it's also a continuation of the status quo, which we've demonstrated is inadequate. Homelands are still getting a tiny fraction of the overall government spend in the NT."
Amnesty International Australia:
Amnesty International welcomes continued 10-year commitment for traditional Aboriginal homelands
http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/28274/
28 Mar 12: "Amnesty International welcomes today's joint renewed commitment between the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to invest $221 million over ten years for the provisions of basic essential and municipal services to remote outstations. ... The human rights organisation hopes this announcement represents a genuine recognition of traditional homelands. It is also hoped that this leads to a new collaborative era between the two governments and Aboriginal homeland communities. Amnesty International calls for this renewed commitment to translate into a genuine partnership with the communities living on their ancestral lands. The two governments need to work alongside homeland communities to identify longterm solutions to ensure their viability."
* NT GOVT: $222M OUTSTATION INVESTMENT WELCOME NEWS FOR THE TERRITORY:
- Media Release
Northern Territory Government: Malarndirri McCarthy:
$221M Outstation investment welcome news for the Territory
http://www.newsroom.nt.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewRelease&id=9283&d=5
28 Mar 12: "Indigenous Development Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy today welcomed the Australian Government’s $221 million investment into Territory community outstations and homelands under the Stronger Futures policy.
The Northern Territory will have a key role in administering this outstation support program with outstation service providers across the Territory.
"We welcome this 10 year funding commitment given by the Australian Government today,” said Minister McCarthy.
"Far from being "embarrassed" as claimed by the CLP’s Adam Giles - today’s announcement is actually the result of the hard lobbying the Territory has done over the last three years and it’s clear that we have been listened to. ... ""
* NEWS RE TEN-YEAR FUNDING IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY:
- News
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet: Significant funding commitment to NT Indigenous communities
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/about/news/719
30 Mar 12: "The Federal Government yesterday announced that it would make a long-term funding commitment to services for Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory (NT). The funding will be delivered over ten years as part of the Government's Stronger futures package. It includes funding for both new and established services, and broadly covers the areas of:
* children, youth and families
* community safety
* primary health care
* outstations and homelands."
newsTracker: Aboriginal organisations welcome homelands funding
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/aboriginal-organisations-welcome-homelands...
30 Mar 12: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: A peak coalition of NT Aboriginal organisations has welcomed the federal government’s $206 million investment in homeland communities. ... The funding comes under the controversial Stronger Futures legislation, which will extend many of the contentious planks of the Northern Territory intervention for the next ten years. ... But the government’s decision to inject $206 million in federal money to the outstations and homelands in the Northern Territory has won praise from the Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APO NT)." Amy McQuire, a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman and editor of Tracker
National Indigenous Radio Service: Peak health service welcomes funding announcement
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7085-peak-health-service-welcome...
30 Mar 12: "The Northern Territory's peak Aboriginal community-controlled health service has welcomed the Federal Government's funding commitment for dental and allied health services. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says $719 million over 10 years will go towards improving access to primary health care for the Territory's Indigenous people. John Paterson from the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT says the decade-long commitment provides communities and health services with more certainty than before."
Koori Mail: AMSANT welcomes 10 year funding
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
30 Mar 12: "THE Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory [AMSANT] has welcomed the Federal Government’s ‘historic’ announcement of a ten year funding commitment for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory as part of its Stronger Futures funding package. AMSANT chief executive John Paterson said it was the first time in history that Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations in any sector had received a commitment funding extending to ten years."
Koori Mail: $443 million to support NT families
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
30 Mar 12: "MORE than $443 million will be spent over 10 years to strengthen the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, youth and their families in Northern Territory communities, as part of the Stronger Futures package. The Federal Government said the funding would help support families by continuing to fund playgroups, home and parenting support services, youth workers and safe houses to communities for the next decade."
Canberra Times: Govt injects $1b into NT services
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/govt-injects-1b-into-nt-service...
30 Mar 12: "The Gillard government will spend more than $1 billion over the next decade to deliver better health and family services to indigenous people in the Northern Territory. Announcing the funding in Alice Springs yesterday, Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said the May budget would contain $719 million for health services and $443 million for services for children and families. The funding is part of Labor's plan to extend elements of the Commonwealth intervention in the territory for a further 10 years."
Alice Springs News: Funding announcements flow for ‘Stronger Futures’ in Aboriginal communities
http://www.alicespringsnews.com.au/2012/03/29/funding-announcements-flow...
29 Mar 12: "The spectre of outstations and homelands in the Northern Territory forsaken by governments has receded, at least for another decade. A $221 million "investment" to provide them with basic essential and municipal services over 10 years was announced this week by Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, joined by Lingiari MHR Warren Snowdon and NT Senator Trish Crossin. ... Although the total funding sounds large, in reality it is basically more of the same, as the Australian Government has been providing the NT Government with $20 million each year since 2007 for this purpose."
NT News: Billions will be spent in bush
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/03/29/296255_ntnews.html
29 Mar 12: "THE Federal Government is to spend billions of dollars to try to end Aboriginal disadvantage in the Territory. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin flew to Darwin yesterday to announce that $619 million is to be spent on policing remote communities over the next 10 years."
Australian: Cash for indigenous services, health
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/cash-for-indigenous-s...
29 Mar 12: "PLAYGROUPS and youth mentoring programs in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory will receive a $443 million cash boost during the next decade. The money also will cover home and parenting support services, youth workers and safe houses."
9 News: Govt pledges $825m for outback communities
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8442751/govt-pledges-825m-for-outbac...
28 Mar 12: "The federal government plans to spend $825 million over the next ten years to boost policing and services in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The funding will pay for 60 full-time police officers in 18 communities and build four remote area police stations. It will also pay for legal aid services to be extended and to fund police 'substance abuse intelligence desks' and a dog operations unit, to clamp down on drug networks."
ABC: Don't mention intervention but cash keeps flowing
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-28/macklin-on-more-moen-for-intervent...
28 Mar 12: "The Federal Government will spend nearly $620 million over the next 10 years for extra police, night patrols and legal services in Northern Territory communities. The move is part of its Stronger Futures legislation, which replaces the Commonwealth's intervention powers in the Territory. There will be a budget for 60 police officers to continue working in remote communities."
- Video
YouTube: NT intervention to be revised
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmsUzyVlNXY&feature=youtube_gdata
29 Mar 12: "The Federal Government has announced an overhaul of the NT intervention including spending more than $600 million on extra police, night patrols and legal services."
- Analysis / Opinion
inCISe Blog: ‘Stronger Futures’ funding a mixed bag
http://www.incise.org.au/2012-03-30/stronger-futures-funding-a-mixed-bag/
30 Mar 12: "This week (28 and 29 March), Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin announced new funding arrangements under the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory package. The Australian government will provide a total of $619 million for services in remote communities in the Northern Territory over the next 10 years. ... Although more money is not necessarily the solution in Indigenous affairs, it is hard to argue against initiatives that seek to make remote communities safer." Sara Hudson
* STICS PUBLIC MEETING: CAN INCOME MANAGEMENT HELP WITH CHILD PROTECTION?:
- Upcoming Event
Event: Mon 2 April 2012: Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW
Public Meeting:
Can Income Management help with Child protection?
Speaker: Sue Gillett
Hosted by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS)
"Under the scheme that set commence in Bankstown and four
other "trial sites" around Australia, Child protection
workers will be granted the power to put people on the
system against their will. 70 percent of Centrelink
payments are income managed in child protection cases.
There are serious concerns amongst both workers in the
sector and communities facing income management ... "
Event details: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#2April2012
Coalition: http://www.sayno2gim.info/
Greens: http://wa.greens.org.au/content/end-bankstown-trial-income-management-an...
- Related Analysis / Opinion
Stop the Intervention: Income Management and Child Protection workers
http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#2April2012
14 Mar 12: "Under the scheme that set commence in Bankstown and four other "trial sites" around Australia, ... Child protection workers are on the front line of implementing income management, with the power to put people on the system against their will. 70 percent of Centrelink payments are income managed in child protection cases. Many in the sector are concerned that this could seriously impact on relationships with clients. At a time when resources are being withdrawn from the sector by premier Barry O'Farrell, there is a real danger that income management will become a "band-aid" solution, replacing proper case-work." Sue Gillett, STICS member and former Aboriginal policy officer at DOCS
WA Greens: End Bankstown trial of income management and consult with locals: Greens
http://wa.greens.org.au/content/end-bankstown-trial-income-management-an...
15 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens have vowed to oppose the Bankstown trial of income management following last night's release of the Senate Inquiry into the Stronger Futures legislation report and evidence given to the committee questioning whether the government consulted with locals before announcing the Bankstown trial. Bankstown is one of five locations nationally where the government is set to trial compulsory income management from 1 July 2012. Greens Senator and spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues Rachel Siewert said: "The Australian Greens strongly oppose the continuation of compulsory income management in the NT and its expansion to five trial sites, including Bankstown. ... ""
- Related News
The Express: Government defends income management trial
http://express.whereilive.com.au/news/story/government-defends-income-ma...
27 Mar 12: "THE federal government has answered criticism of its impending income management trial on Bankstown residents, citing the local community as “doing it tough” compared with the average Australian. A spokeswoman for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said income management would stabilise people’s lives. ... Federal Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon said the plan to impose a "basics card" system on low-income earners had been “rolled out by stealth” with very little local consultation."
See:
Stop the Intervention: Information about Income Management (IM)
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/income-management
* COUNTRY LIBERALS: HOMELANDS AND OUTSTATIONS POLICY:
- News
Country Liberals: Homelands and Outstations policy
http://www.countryliberals.org.au/media.php?id=3081
30 Mar 12: "The Country Liberals today launched their Homelands and Outstations policy in Maningrida. Shadow Minister for Indigenous Policy, Adam Giles, said Outstations and Homelands are crucial to the maintenance of traditional culture and quality of life for Aboriginal people. ... "The Country Liberals are committed to the preservation and maintenance of Homelands and Outstations and will back that up with significant support into the long term. ... " [Mr Giles said]"
* INTERVIEWS RE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION:
- Audio Interviews
3CR Community Radio 855 AM: Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Women on the Line - 27 Mar 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-03-26-25661.mp3
27 Mar 12: "The "Stronger Futures" Legislation, three bills that will extend the intervention in the NT, are currently before the senate and have been the subject of a senate inquiry. Despite overwhelming opposition, the legislation looks set to pass. We speak to Jacqui Phillips, National Director of AnTAR, and Vanessa Lee, Vice President of the Public Health Association of Australia, to find out more.
Listening but Not Hearing Report: http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/listeningbutnothearing.html
AnTAR: Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation: http://www.antar.org.au/
Public Health Association of Australia: http://www.phaa.net.au/ "
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Video
YouTube: Sydney Rally for Terrance Briscoe & Against the Intervention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbOiGRU2kNM&feature=email
28 Mar 12: "Rally held in Sydney 21st March 2012"
[Featuring Ray Jackson, Nicole Watson and Paddy Gibson.]
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...
- News
Stand For Freedom: Vote on legislation delayed – Let’s aim for 100,000!
http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/03/27/vote-on-legislation-delayed-let...
27 Mar 12: "The Senate did not reach a decision on the legislation before the end of its March sitting. This means that we have until their next sitting on 8 May (and possibly later), to build an EVEN BIGGER CAMPAIGN against Stronger Futures.
Let’s aim for 100,000 signatures!
Please, keep spreading the word and getting others to sign the petition.
So that by the time Parliament resumes in May, they hear it loud and clear: "AUSTRALIA STANDS FOR FREEDOM!""
See Petition:
https://www.change.org/petitions/attorney-general-stop-stronger-futures-...
ABC: Stronger Futures attacked as 'veil of exclusion'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-30/pat-dodson-on-stronger-futures-law...
30 Mar 12: "Aboriginal activist and academic Pat Dodson says proposed new federal laws seek to impose measures that punish Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory rather than encourage them to find solutions to long-term issues. Professor Dodson made the comments during a memorial lecture for former Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Tony Fitzgerald in Darwin last night. He says there was no adequate consultation when forming the Stronger Futures bill, which is set to replace the powers of the Federal Government intervention in the Territory."
Australian: Ex-chairwoman calls for NT intervention use-by date
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/ex-chairwoma...
29 Mar 12: "FORMER Northern Territory intervention chairwoman Sue Gordon has called for an exit strategy to the emergency response launched in 2007 after the government yesterday committed to fund it for the next decade."
National Indigenous Times: Intervention delayed
http://www.nit.com.au/news/818-intervention-delayed.html
29 Mar 12: "Opposition to the federal government's Stronger Futures legislation has been given extra time to gather support after the proposed legislation to extend the Northern Territory Intervention was not tabled with the Senate. The Senate is now on a six week break which means the... "
Guardian: NT "intervention" plan condemned
http://www.cpa.org.au/guardian/2012/1541/07-nt-intervention.html
28 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. ... ALA national president Greg Barns said the plans to extend the Intervention for another decade were akin to apartheid in South Africa, a system of racial segregation that existed between 1948 to 1994. ... Church groups were also critical of the Senate committee’s report. ... Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) national director Jacqueline Phillips also called for the bills to be withdrawn. ... " Darren Coyne
Right Now: Human Rights in Australia: This week's human rights news
http://rightnow.org.au/news-article/this-weeks-human-rights-news-17/
23 Mar 12: "Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Established. ... The joint committee has been established to "examine Bills for Acts and legislation for compatibility with Human Rights." South Australian Greens Senator Penny Wright who has been appointed to the Human Rights Committee said "it is vital the committee acts as more than a rubber stamp and must ensure legislation is properly considered in the light of human rights standards which will benefit us all. Human rights groups have called on the committee to investigate the Northern Territory Intervention legislation, Stronger Futures as its first task."
* 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 Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation
WGAR News: STICS: Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
WGAR News: Photograph your feet and 'Stand For Freedom' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
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...
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 Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF
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...
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
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...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/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/
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/
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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