Newsletter date: 5 June 2012
Contents:
* Sovereign Union: Sovereignty Conference 2012 - Sound & Pictures
* CAAMA: Academic takes look at legal implications of sovereignty
* Background to the Aboriginal sovereignty movement
* Congress: Congress tells PM: Native Title is not real land rights
* AHRC: The promise of Mabo is yet to be realised
* National Indigenous Times: Celebrating Mabo
* Congress: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Languages
* Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
* Interview with Dianne Stokes Nampin and Elizabath O'Shea on Muckaty waste dump
* Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* Michael Anderson: Gomeroi sovereigns go on rental strike
* Interview with Sam Watson & Graham Quirk on the Brisbane Tent Embassy
* ABC: [Brisbane] Tent embassy protesters appear in court
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies
* ABC: Olympic Dam expansion may fall at last hurdle
* Background to expansion of Olympic Dam mine challenge
* Other articles
* SOVEREIGN UNION: SOVEREIGNTY CONFERENCE 2012 - SOUND & PICTURES
See:
Sovereign Union: Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty - Symposium Day 1
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/litigating-boundaries-soverei...
- Audio and Photos
Sovereign Union: Sovereignty Conference 2012 - Sound & Pictures
Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty - Symposium
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/sovereignty-conference-2012-s...
24 May 12: "* Litigating Sovereignty Welcome - Aunty Barb Nicholson
* Litigating Sovereignty - Professor Nan Seuffert
* Litigating Sovereignty - Dr Alessandro Pelizzon
* Litigating Sovereignty - Michael Anderson
* Juristiction Prudence & Int. Law - M Anderson
* Litigating Sovereignty, Virginia Marshall - Solicitor
* Litigating Sovereignty - Fred Hooper
* Litigating Sovereignty - Roy 'Dootch' Kennedy"
See also:
Sovereign Union: Day 2 - Formal establishment of interim National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/day-2-formal-establishment-in...
WGAR News: "Sovereign Union - interim National Unity Government has now been officially formed." (28 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/28/wgar-news-sovereign-union-interim-nat...
Sovereign Union: Call for delegates to Sovereign Union 2012
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/call-delegates-sovereign-unio...
"DAY 1: 9am - 5pm - Wednesday 23 May at Law School, Wollongong University
DAY 2: 8am till late - Thursday 24 May at Sandon Point Embassy"
- Related News
National Indigenous Times: 35 nations stand up and vote to form sovereign Aboriginal government
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1173-35-nations-stand-up-and-vote-to-form-sov...
1 Jun 12: "By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall
A sovereign Aboriginal government is set to be formed after a group representing nations from across the breadth of the continent met last week at Wollongong south of Sydney. Michael Anderson, convenor of the Sovereign Union and leader of the Euahlayi people, confirmed representatives of... "
Koori Mail: Tolerance plea
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
30 May 12: "ABORIGINAL activists are calling for a more tolerant approach from police and governments towards the growing number of Aboriginal tent embassies that have sprung up across the nation. The United Nations has been informed of raids on the Nyoongar embassy in Western Australia; court action is being considered in Queensland after a raid on Musgrave Park; and a protest was held outside New South Wales Parliament last Friday to condemn the 'overzealous policing' of those pushing for Aboriginal sovereignty, or attempting to protect sites of significance."
* CAAMA: ACADEMIC TAKES LOOK AT LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF SOVEREIGNTY
- Audio Interview
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Academic takes look at legal implications of sovereignty
http://caama.com.au/academic-takes-look-at-legal-implications-of-soverei...
1 Jun 12: "A University academic and expert in the field of law and Justice says he believes Australia could lead the international community toward a new way of acknowledging indigenous rights.
Southern Cross University lecturer Dr Allesandro Pelizzon recently co-convened a forum which discussed and examined the legal implications of the the call for the recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty. ... Dr Pelizzon says sovereignty is undeniable and it’s not something that can be denied."
- Related Analysis / Opinion
National Indigenous Times: Aboriginal Sovereignty: Aboriginal Right to control the use of their traditional land
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/1144-aboriginal-sovereignty-aboriginal-rig...
1 Jun 12: "by Associate Professor Rosemary van den Berg
Not long ago I wrote in the National Indigenous Times my thoughts on democracy and the Australian Constitution. In that article I wondered why Aboriginal people were the invisible race in Australia. The answer is, of course, Aboriginal Sovereignty. Aboriginal people have never ceded their lands to the British intruders... "
* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT:
Last updated: 31 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-aboriginal-sovereig...
* CONGRESS: CONGRESS TELLS PM: NATIVE TITLE IS NOT REAL LAND RIGHTS
- Statement
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Congress tells PM: Native Title is not real land rights
http://nationalcongress.com.au/congress-tells-pm-native-title-is-not-rea...
30 May 12: "On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the 1992 Mabo decision, the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (Congress) has called for unity and for a new conversation with the Government on the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Congress published an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for action on the current state of land rights and the Native Title Act.
Congress Co-Chair Les Malezer says although the Mabo High Court decision set a legal high watermark, it has sadly never been fully realised."
- Related Q&A
Facebook: Human Rights Law Centre
http://www.facebook.com/HumanRightsLawResourceCentre
"This week is the 20th anniversary of the historic Mabo decision. To celebrate, we're having a live Facebook Q&A with leading Aboriginal human rights advocate and Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, Les Malezer, from 3.30-4.15 on Friday. It'll be a great opportunity to ask questions and share comments on the history and future of Indigenous rights with one of the world's experts. We look forward to seeing you right here then!"
- Related Audio
ABC AM: Native Title not living up to expectations
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3517171.htm
4 Jun 12: "Twenty years on from the High Court's historic Mabo decision the Federal Government is under increasing pressure to make it easier and faster for traditional owners to prove they have a connection to the land. The Attorney-General Nicola Roxon will announce changes to the Native Title system on Wednesday. The congress representing Indigenous people says the system hasn't lived up to the expectations set by the Mabo ruling. It's joined the Greens and independents in calling for significant changes to the act."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 1.6.12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-1-6-12
1 Jun 12: "The nation’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative body says Australian lawmakers and Governments have failed to respond to the significant rulings of the Mabo decision… twenty years after the historic determination was made."
- Related News
newsTracker: Land struggle goes on, 20 years after Mabo
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/land-struggle-goes-on-20-years-after-mabo/
4 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: Two decades after the Mabo judgment, Indigenous leaders don’t know where the next round of reform will come from. In fact, some grow weary talking about the same issues 20 years on. On June 3, 1992, the High Court handed down its decision in the Mabo case; overturning 200 years of the common law assumption of terra nullius ... Les Malezer, the co-chairman of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, says even where title is granted, it does not give adequate autonomy to traditional owners."
Koori Mail: Congress seeks native title conversation
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 May 12: "THE National Congress of Australia's First Peoples says the Native Title Act 1993 has failed to truly deliver to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and has written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, asking her to commit her Government to robust and inclusive conversations to address the situation. The Congress letter, signed by co-chairs Les Malezer and Jody Broun, acknowledged the impending 20th anniversary of the High Court's Mabo decision but said more needed to be done to protect the property rights of Indigenous Australians."
SMH: Native title laws failing: leaders
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/native-title-laws-failing-...
30 May 12: "On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the landmark Mabo High Court decision, Aboriginal leaders say the ensuing native title laws never fulfilled expectations. National Congress of Australia's First People spokesman Les Malezer has penned a letter to Prime Minister Julia Gillard asking for the laws to be reformed."
See:
Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Last updated: 5 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-national-congress-o...
* AHRC: THE PROMISE OF MABO IS YET TO BE REALISED
- Media Release
Australian Human Rights Commission: The promise of Mabo is yet to be realised
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/news/2012/48_12.html
1 Jun 12: "The native title system remains challenging 20 years after Mabo but there’s still cause to be optimistic, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.
Speaking ahead of the 20 year anniversary of the historic decision, Commissioner Gooda said Mabo’s recognition that terra nullius was a myth was a defining moment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"Mabo was also a moment that divided the Australian community, with the mining industry and some state governments particularly strident in their opposition, fuelled in no small part by headlines peddling ill-founded fears that the humble backyard would soon be swallowed up by Aboriginal and Torres Strait land claims," Commissioner Gooda said. ...
"This reform Bill is a big step in the right direction but we need to go much further to ensure that the Native Title Act is consistent with the Declaration [UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples] in upholding the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.""
* NATIONAL INDIGENOUS TIMES: CELEBRATING MABO
- News
National Indigenous Times: Aunty Bonita speaks about the positives and negatives of what Native Title has delivered and of Koiki’s lone fight for justice
http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1174-celebrating-mabo.html
1 Jun 12: "By National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan
Whilst the nation begins the celebrations of the great man Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo, reflective comments offered exclusively to the National Indigenous Times by Aunty Bonita Mabo, Eddie's wife, is sobering narrative of a family's angst at witnessing Eddie's long solitary pursuit for justice. Aunty Bonita spoke of the pain of witnessing her husband Eddie not gaining the support from his people during his legal campaign and of witnessing our mob not embracing the spirit of native title the way Eddie had intended it to be."
- Related Audio Interview
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Michael Mansell and Trudy Maluga
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
4 Jun 12
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/michael-mansell-and-trudy-mal...
[Michael Mansell discussed Native Title with Tiga Bayles."
The Wire: Gail Mabo - remembering my father
Produced by Anna Gillam
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9194
31 May 12: "Parliament today recognised the 20th anniversary of the High Court's historic Mabo decision. It began when Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo decided to challenge the Crown through the Queensland Supreme court over the ownership of his island home. It ended with a High Court decision which opened the door for recognition of native title. Gail Mabo remembers her father and talks about his passion for his country, a passion which she and her children share. ...
Featured in story: Gail Mabo"
- Related Video
ABC: Native Title changes flagged on Mabo anniversary
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-03/roxon-flags-native-title-changes-o...
4 Jun 12: "Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has flagged changes to the native title system on the 20th anniversary of Australia's historic Mabo ruling. Ms Roxon says the laws Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo fought for have provided economic benefits and ensured Indigenous Australians have access to their traditional lands. But she says the system has been slower than many people expected and there are improvements that can be made."
- Related Audio
3CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Anarchist World - 31 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-30-92754.mp3
31 May 12: "Austerity madness, wealth and power, Terra Nullius - Mabo Day and crime statistics plus much much more Joseph Toscano"
- Related News
newsTracker: Speed up native title: Roxon
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/speed-up-native-title-roxon/
4 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: A day after the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon says the native title process needs speeding up. Ms Roxon is expected to announce a government review when she addresses a native title conference in Townsville this week. She said there were predictions that some native title claims could take 30 to 40 years to resolve. "It’s an overly slow process," she told ABC radio on Monday, adding the playing field needed to be made more fair."
Koori Mail: Countdown to Mabo film premiere
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
4 Jun 12: "THE much anticipated feature length movie based on the real life story of the late Eddie Koiki Mabo, his wife Boita and their family will premiere at the Sydney Film Festival on Wednesday. Made by Blackfella Films, 'Mabo' stars Jimi Bani as Eddie Mabo and Deb Mailman as his wife Bonita. Bani told the Koori Mail the film would reveal what really happened 'behind the legend', while Mailman said it was a love story that she hoped would reignite Indigenous pride in the Mabo family's fight. The film will screen on ABC TV next Sunday night, 10 June."
Koori Mail: AG 'mum' on native title review
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
3 Jun 12: "FEDERAL Attorney General Nicola Roxon has refused to confirm that she'll announce changes to the Native Title Act 1993 when she addresses the National Native Title Conference in Townsville on Wednesday. This morning, on the anniversary of the High Court's historic Mabo decision, Ms Roxon said the current native title system had delivered 'enormous economic benefit' but could be improved, including through speedier resolution of claims. She said she'd be making announcements at the conference but refused to be drawn further on them."
SMH: Tent embassy shuns Mabo anniversary
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/tent-embassy-shuns-mabo-ann...
3 Jun 12: "THE 20th anniversary of the High Court's Mabo decision was not celebrated at the Musgrave Park Tent Embassy in Brisbane yesterday. For some of the protesters the historic land rights victory is just part of Aboriginal legal history, for some it was an anniversary to acknowledge but did not warrant a celebration. For others it was just pointless."
Australian Times: Hundreds march for Mabo anniversary
http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/news/in-australia/hundreds-march-for-ma...
3 Jun 12: "On June 3, 1992, the High Court handed down its decision in the Mabo case, overturning 200 years of the common law assumption of terra nullius - the idea that Australia belonged to no-one when European settlers arrived. ... EDDIE MABO used to tell his daughter that he’d prove them wrong and 20 years ago his battle for justice was finally won."
National Indigenous Times: Aunty Bonita Mabo, wife of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo: My reflections on the Mabo Decision 20 years on
Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/03/aunty-bonita-mabo-wife-of-eddie-%E2%8...
NIT: http://nit.com.au/chat/1147-aunty-bonita-mabo-wife-of-eddie-koiki-mabo-c...
3 Jun 12: "Courtesy of The National Indigenous Times - Wednesday May 30 edition - Editor Stephen Hagan's interview with Aunty Bonita Mabo, wife of Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo. ... Who's your mob Aunty Bonita? I was born in Ingham in north Queensland. My people (Neehows) are from the Malanbarra Clan from Palm Island on my mother's side. My Dad can trace his people to Tanner Island in Vanuatu."
Koori Mail: Mabo - Twenty Years On
http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
30 May 12: "THIS Sunday, 3 June 2012, will be the 20th anniversary of arguably the nation’s most momentous legal judgment around land – the High Court of Australia’s decision in the matter of Mabo v Queensland. In an eight-page souvenir wraparound this edition, we celebrate the foresight and courage of Murray Islanders the late Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo and his co-plaintiffs Dave Passi and the late James Rice whose actions set the nation on a new, more just course. And we look at what the future holds for their island home. Words by Koori Mail Managing Editor Kirstie Parker, photos by JOSEPH MAYERS and others."
National Indigenous Radio Service: NNTT president says Australians should celebrate Mabo legacy
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7265-nntt-president-says-austral...
"The president of the National Native Title Tribunal says the historic Mabo decision in 1992 represented a fundamental shift in legal thinking on Indigenous land rights. The 20th anniversary of the High Court judgment in favour of Torres Strait Islander, Eddie Mabo, that the lands of this continent were not 'terra nullius' will be celebrated on Sunday. Graeme Neate says Australians should celebrate the legacy of Mr. Mabo, with Native Title determinations now covering 17 per cent of the country."
* CONGRESS: ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER LANGUAGES
- Statement
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Languages Statement
31 May 12: "Key Congress recommendations:
* Congress recommends that policies and programs must be targeted to local community needs in active partnership and engagement with that community.
* Congress recommends reinstating bilingual education in the Northern Territory in those communities that have requested it. Experts have provided evidence which documents that learning an Aboriginal language enhances Aboriginal children’s English language learning.
* Congress recommends that a National Interpreter Service is established to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are allowed the same access to services as other Australians as a matter of urgency.
* Congress recommends a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages institute is necessary to build capacity, strengthen evidence, support better practice, drive aspirations and strategically and effectively target language resources."
"Read our full submission here: http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/111214-Congres...
See:
Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Last updated: 5 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-national-congress-o...
* BACKGROUND TO THE USE OF ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES IN NT SCHOOLS:
Last updated: 7 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-use-of-aboriginal-l...
* INTERVIEW WITH DIANNE STOKES NAMPIN AND ELIZABETH O'SHEA ON MUCKATY WASTE DUMP:
- Audio Interview
ABC Darwin - Drive with Vicki Kerrigan: Who own's Muckaty?
http://blogs.abc.net.au/nt/2012/05/do-you-think-the-northern-territory-s...
31 May 12: "Do you think the Northern Territory should be used as a dumping ground for Australia's nuclear waste? Here are the facts: 5 years ago the Northern Land Council, on behalf of traditional owners, offered Muckaty station as a nuclear waste dump. In the Federal Court, another group who say they are the traditional owners are challenging that offer and they say as TO's they were not consulted and don't want the dump on their country. ... Listen to Dianne Stokes Nampin, a traditional owner of that country explains the significance of the site and then Elizabath O'Shea, talks about the case in the Federal Court."
- Related Video
Beyond Nuclear Initiative: Muckaty support messages from Alice Springs residents
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2012/05/31/muckaty-support-messages-f...
31 May 12
- Related Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA News 31-05
http://caama.com.au/caama-news-31-05
31 May 12: "Aboriginal traditional owners at Muckaty near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory are continuing their opposition to a nuclear waste dump on their land as their Federal court challenge continues to gain momentum."
- Related Press Release and Annoucements
Maurice Blackburn: Darwin public meeting on Muckaty nuclear waste dump
http://www.mauriceblackburnqld.com.au/news/press-releases-and-announceme...
30 May 12: "Aboriginal traditional owners opposed to a nuclear waste dump on their land at Muckaty Station are continuing to stand strong and gather support as their legal challenge moves forward, a public meeting in Darwin will be told this evening 30 May, 2012. Social justice practice lawyer Elizabeth O'Shea, and one of the lawyers involved in a Federal Court challenge, will address the public meeting at 6pm at the Crowne Plaza. ... "
- Related News
Green Left: Darwin meeting condemns Muckaty nuke waste dump plan
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51226
2 Jun 12: "“One spill could kill our country” Muckaty traditional owner Penny Phillips told 100 people at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on May 30. The meeting was organised by Anti-Nuclear NT to condemn legislation passed by the federal government on March 13 that names Muckaty station, 200km north of Tennant Creek as the site for a proposed nuclear waste dump. The meeting was opened by Larrakeyah woman Donna Jackson whose traditional lands cover the East Arm Wharf, which is one area the waste could be taken through to get to the Muckaty site."
* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:
Last updated: 28 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nu...
* MICHAEL ANDERSON: GOMEROI SOVEREIGNS GO ON RENTAL STRIKE
- Media Statement
Gomeroi sovereigns go on rental strike & slam Land Council
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/moree-gomeroi-go-rental-strik...
1 Jun 12: "Gomeroi tribal people in the Moree area have been advised by their clans to stop paying rent for houses they live in as part of an assertion of sovereignty.
They have also slammed the NSW Aboriginal Land Council for "contemptuously" and "tyrannically" doing lease deals with state and commonwealth governments.
Michael Anderson, National Coordinator of the interim National Unity Government of the 'Sovereign Union', whose father was a Gomeroi man, says in a statement released here this morning that "Gomeroi ancestral owners of the Moree region have asserted ancient sovereign title over the Gomeroi owned lands within and around the Moree town's precinct, effective as of today."
... I have been advised that the residents will assume total responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of their own houses and the community over the years has acquired the necessary skills to make this possible."
- Related News
Koori Mail: Gomeroi urged not to pay rent
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
3 Jun 12: "... Michael Anderson is urging Gomeroi Aboriginal people around Moree in northern NSW to assert their sovereignty by refusing to pay rent for the houses they live in. Mr Anderson, convenor of the Sovereign Union and National Unity Government and a Gomeroi descendant, criticised the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) for dealing with State and Commonwealth governments over leases and issued a statement asking why Gomeroi should pay to live on their own land."
See:
Sovereign Union: Moree Sovereign Embassy
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/moree-sovereign-embassy
[Moree, NSW]
Facebook: Goomeroi Sovereign Tent Embassy
http://www.facebook.com/GoomeroiSovereignTentEmbassy
[Moree, NSW]
Let's Talk: Live from Moree Tent Embassy, NSW
23 Apr 11: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/live-from-moree-tent-embassy-...
24 Apr 11: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/live-from-moree-tent-embassy-...
[Moree, NSW]
NITV News: Moree Tent Embassy
http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-story.cfm?sid=0BE1B333-FA29-E915-EF1DCB5B58A90B26
[Moree, NSW]
* INTERVIEW WITH SAM WATSON & GRAHAM QUIRK ON THE BRISBANE TENT EMBASSY:
- Audio Interview
ABC Brisbane - Drive with Tim Cox:
Musgrave Park & The Tent Embassy - a fortnight on. Sam Watson & Graham Quirk
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/05/musgarve-park-the-tent-embass...
30 May 12: "It was a fortnight ago today that the occupants of Brisbane's Tent Embassy were evicted from Musgrave Park. The Embassy has since moved to an area at the top of Musgrave park, and there has been talk that this new location will be a permanent one for members of our Indigenous community, but there's further good news in the wind for them as well. With more, Sam Watson, spokesperson for the Tent Embassy community and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk."
See:
Sovereign Union: Sovereign Embassy Brisbane
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/sovereign-embassy-brisbane
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
Facebook: Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park
http://www.facebook.com/BrisbaneSovereignEmbassyMusgravePark
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
WGAR News: "Brisbane City Council to try to forcibly remove Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy" MR (16 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/16/wgar-news-brisbane-city-council-to-tr...
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
WGAR News: "Brisbane police move on Aboriginal Tent Embassy" The Wire (18 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/18/wgar-news-brisbane-police-move-on-abo...
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
WGAR News: Interview with Sam Watson over Brisbane tent embassy eviction (21 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/21/wgar-news-australia-challenged-at-uni...
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
WGAR News: GL: Eyewitness: Brisbane tent embassy eviction was an outrage (21 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/21/wgar-news-australia-challenged-at-uni...
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
WGAR News: "Brisbane tent embassy given permanent site" Tracker (24 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/24/wgar-news-brisbane-tent-embassy-given...
[Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld]
* ABC: [BRISBANE] TENT EMBASSY PROTESTERS APPEAR IN COURT
- Video
ABC: Tent embassy protesters appear in court
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-31/tent-embassy-protesters-appear-in-...
1 Jun 12: "About 30 people who were charged after police broke up a tent embassy in Brisbane's Musgrave Park have appeared in court this morning. Several unionists were among the group who were charged with offences, including obstructing police, after more than 200 officers moved in and shut down the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy a fortnight ago. This morning a small band of supporters stood outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court under the watchful eyes of police. ... About 30 people were granted bail and remanded to appear in court again next month and in early July."
- Related Brisbane Tent Embassy News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Brisbane Tent Embassy supporters front court
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7263-brisbane-tent-embassy-suppo...
1 Jun 12: "Aboriginal community worker Sam Watson was outside court in support of those charged. Mr. Watson says he was astounded with the costs involved in the police action in May, considering the charges have so far been minor. "Well it was amazing, but they've been charged with the less serious charges on the scale," he says.
"So, it just mystifies me as to how many dollars the police action cost on May 16 with hundreds of police, an enormous amount of planning and execution. ... ""
National Indigenous Times: Tent Embassy and Brisbane Council reach agreement
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1163-tent-embassy-and-brisbane-council-reach-...
1 Jun 12: "A scaled down Aboriginal Tent Embassy will remain permanently in a Brisbane park but protesters will not be allowed to return to the original site. Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk agreed to hand over an area of South Brisbane's Musgrave Park to Indigenous protesters during a meeting last week. Tent Embassy protesters have been camped at the alternative location at one end of the park since police... "
- Related Tent Embassy News
National Indigenous Times: Cowra launches its Tent Embassy
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1165-cowra-launches-its-tent-embassy.html
1 Jun 12: "By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall
Aboriginal Australia's newest Tent Embassy was established last Sunday by the Wiradjuri people of Erambie Mission in Cowra in central west New South Wales with the lighting of a sacred fire by four men following in the footsteps of the four proud young Aborigines who faced down Prime Minister William McMahon 40 years ago when... "
Koori Mail: No charges against Embassy protesters
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
3 Jun 12: "ACT Police say no prosecutions will be pursued following their investigation into alleged public order offences by Aboriginal Tent Embassy supporters who protested Canberra's Lobby Restaurant in Canberra on Australia Day. The investigation was separate to one by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) into the alleged disclosure of event details, which also recommended no charges. However, the AFP is still reviewing the appropriateness of the actions of AFP officers during the fracas."
* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSIES:
Last updated: 31 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-aboriginal-sovereig...
* ABC: OLYMPIC DAM EXPANSION MAY FALL AT LAST HURDLE
- News and Audio
ABC: Olympic Dam expansion may fall at last hurdle
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-31/doubts-thrown-on-olympic-dam-mine-...
31 May 12: "Analysts estimate the cost of BHP Billiton's proposed Olympic Dam mine expansion at $30 billion, making it one of the biggest corporate investment commitments in history. But the latest global economic wobbles appear to have given the world's largest miner a severe case of commitment-phobia. Two weeks ago, BHP's chairman Jacques Nasser said the company would not proceed with all of its previously planned $80 billion worth of expansion plans."
- Related Analysis
Conventus Law: Australia - Aboriginal Elder Fails In Federal Court Challenge To Olympic Dam Expansion Project.
http://conventuslaw.com/australia-aboriginal-elder-fails-in-federal-cour...
31 May 12
* BACKGROUND TO EXPANSION OF OLYMPIC DAM MINE CHALLENGE:
Last updated: 21 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/background-to-expansion-of-olympic-da...
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Analysis / Opinion
Green Left: We need an Abbott-proof fence
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51217
2 Jun 12: "What would Australia look like if Tony Abbott became the next prime minister? The Liberal leader is an outspoken climate denier, a hardliner on locking out refugees, determined to crackdown on union and workers’ rights and wants to extend racist and draconian attacks on Aboriginal rights. Yet polls have consistently shown Abbott and the Coalition far ahead of the Julia Gillard Labor government, whose pro-business policies and internal scandals have made it deeply unpopular." By Jay Fletcher
National Indigenous Times: Restorative Justice - "We need 'Problem Solving' Courts"
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/1140-restorative-justice--we-need-problem-...
1 Jun 12: "Restorative Justice Week will be held in November and a number of themes will be discussed by specialist academics, legal eagles, front-line field workers in the pursuit of a justice that works, that helps people and that does not break down people into a life of crime and self-hate. One of the themes of Restorative Justice Week will be 'Diverse Needs, Unique Reponses' and will look into... " by Gerry Georgatos
New Matilda: The Battle For James Price Point
http://newmatilda.com/2012/05/30/kimberleys-gas-port-protest-quashed-0
30 May 12: "Woodside plans to build a LNG port in the Kimberleys to rival Qatar. Protests from activists and locals have fallen on deaf ears or been met with police batons, reports Marie Bout. It’s the home of the rising staircase to the moon, a never-ending Cable beach, exquisite sunsets over turquoise waters and untouched wilderness in pindan earth. Now the Kimberley could also become Australia’s home to a liquid natural gas (LNG) export facility to rival Qatar." By Marie Bout
- News
National Indigenous Times: Big crowd braves chilly Canberra to mark Sorry Day
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1171-big-crowd-braves-chilly-canberra-to-mark...
1 Jun 12: "By National Indigenous Times ACT reporter Geoff Bagnall
It was a cold, windy and overcast day. The temperature gauge barely crept past 8 degrees Celsius but still the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in Canberra swarmed with more than 500 people last Friday to mark Sorry Day. Indigenous and non-Indigenous, babes in prams and pre-schoolers right through to retirees and workers taking... "
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