Newsletter date: 16 June 2012
Contents:
* avaaz.org Petition: Stop the next indigenous intervention - bring self-partnership back to Aboriginal policy making
* ACM Sydney: Last-ditch call to Senators to drop Stronger Futures
* Background to support for the Yolngu statement
* The Malpa Project fully supports the statement of the Yolngu Nations Assembly and the people of the Eastern Alyawarr Region
* Australian Peace Committee expresses support for the Yolngu Nations
* Bankstown Sydney Rally marks 5 years of NT Intervention: 12 noon, 16 June 2012
* Fitzroy Melbourne Forum on the NT Intervention: 21 June 2012
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Paddy Gibson: Twenty years since Mabo: why Native Title hasn’t delivered
* Other articles
* AVAAZ.ORG PETITION: STOP THE NEXT INDIGENOUS INTERVENTION - BRING SELF-PARTNERSHIP BACK TO ABORIGINAL POLICY MAKING
- Petition
avaaz.org community petitions: Stop the next indigenous intervention - bring self-partnership back to Aboriginal policy making
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/SAVE_THE_WORLDS_OLDEST_LIVING_CULTURE_1/
14 Jun 12: "Why this is important: In just four days time, on June the 18th, the Australian Senate will decide whether or not to continue John Howard’s intervention into seventy-three targeted Aboriginal communities across Northern and Central Australia. They will vote on the Government’s so-called Stronger Futures legislation, a suite of bills that are set to continue, and exacerbate, the failed and punitive policies that control the every-day lives of 45,000 Indigenous people across the Northern Territory. These policies have not worked in the past, nor will they work in the future. ... "
* ACM SYDNEY: LAST-DITCH CALL TO SENATORS TO DROP STRONGER FUTURES
- News
ACM Sydney: Last-ditch call to Senators to drop Stronger Futures
ACM Sydney: http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/last-ditch-call-to-senators-to...
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/NT_Intervention/Strong...
14 Jun 12: "It is expected that the Senate will finally debate and pass the Stronger Futures Bills on Monday. In passing this legislation Senators, like their Lower House colleagues, will ignore widespread condemnation from NT Aboriginal Nations; Aboriginal organisations and individuals; churches; welfare agencies; human rights organisations; the international community; reconciliation groups and a swathe of prominent Australians. Forty thousand people have signed the Stand for Freedom petition. ... "
- Related Petitions
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...
avaaz.org community petitions: Stop the next indigenous intervention - bring self-partnership back to Aboriginal policy making
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/SAVE_THE_WORLDS_OLDEST_LIVING_CULTURE_1/
- Other Related Actions
WGAR News: UnitingJustice: Stronger Futures Call to Action (21 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/21/wgar-news-australia-challenged-at-uni...
"The Stronger Futures debate in Parliament will resume 18th June. This gives us a few more weeks to voice our opposition to the introduction of the legislation. ...
If passed, some of the discriminatory measures that would be introduced through the Stronger Futures legislation include: ...
You can download the Call to Action Kit which includes: background material on the Stronger Futures legislation; advocacy strategies; information postcards to distribute; and a form letter to complete and send to politicians."
WGAR News: Amnesty: Tell your Senators: scrap Stronger Futures (25 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/25/wgar-news-stronger-futures-continues-...
"Stronger Futures is a package of legislation before the Senate that will extend some of the most controversial elements of the Northern Territory Intervention for the next decade - stripping Aboriginal people of their dignity, and taking away their right to control their own lives. ...
Write to your Senators today and tell them to scrap Stronger Futures ... Let's send a clear message to politicians that it's time to listen."
Stand for Freedom - Take Action
http://standforfreedom.org.au/take-action/
"The Stronger Futures legislation is opposed by Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory and civil society across the nation. We need to generate a mass movement to make the Government listen to their concerns. That Aboriginal people have the right to control their own futures; that freedom is the right of ALL Australians.
Let’s come together and stop Stronger Futures! ... "
Stand for Freedom: The Kit
http://standforfreedom.org.au/the-kit/
"We believe that the oppression of Aboriginal rights in the Northern Territory must not be allowed to continue anymore. The nation must wake up to cultural genocide in its own backyard. To get the word out there far and fast, we have developed an action kit for people to spread the word about the campaign in their own communities. We don’t have much time. On 18th June, the legislation comes back before the Senate and may be voted on any time after that."
* BACKGROUND TO SUPPORT FOR THE YOLNGU STATEMENT:
Last updated: 14 June 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/10/background-to-support-for-the-yolngu-...
* THE MALPA PROJECT FULLY SUPPORTS THE STATEMENT OF THE YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY AND THE PEOPLE OF THE EASTERN ALYAWARR REGION:
- Statement
The Malpa Project:
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/The_Mal...
"The Intervention has failed in nearly every way and has created havoc and trauma. The prospect of it being entrenched for a further decade is shocking to contemplate. The Intervention flies in the face of the wise counsel of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders. It should be a source of shame to a nation capable of much better.
We fully support the statement of the Yolngu Nations Assembly and the people of the Eastern Alyawarr Region. ... "
See:
Malpa - closing the gap
http://www.malpa.org.au/
* AUSTRALIAN PEACE COMMITTEE EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR THE YOLNGU NATIONS:
- Public Statement Letter
Australian Peace Committee (SA Branch): To Whom it May Concern
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Austral...
13 Jun 12: "The Australian Peace Committee wishes to sign this public statement expressing our support for the Yolgnu Nations opposing the passage of the Stronger Futures Bill in the senate. We are aware of Aboriginal Elders who feel strongly that they are being rushed into something they do not agree with and that their opinions are not being adequately heard."
See:
Australian Peace Committee (SA)
http://www.peacecourier.com/
* BANKSTOWN SYDNEY RALLY MARKS 5 YEARS OF NT INTERVENTION: 12 NOON, 16 JUNE 2012
- Media Release
Bankstown rally marks 5 years of NT Intervention, says no to government income management
http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-PR/M...
15 Jun 12: "A rally marking five years since the announcement of the NT Intervention and protesting the expansion of income management will be held tomorrow in Bankstown, Sydney.
The rally will call for 'Stronger Futures' legislation to be immediately withdrawn, ahead of a Senate debate on the new laws on Monday, June 18.
'Stronger Futures' will extend key NT Intervention powers for a further 10 years. ...
George Pascoe is a community leader from Maningrida who is traveling to speak at the rally. Mr Pascoe was part of a meeting of the Yolngu Nations Assembly who released a major statement of opposition to Stronger Futures on May 2. The statement threatens a boycott of all community and mining lease negotiations and has gained widespread support, ... "
Event: 16 June 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Rally: Not in Bankstown, not in the NT, not anywhere
- say NO to government income management
Stop 'Stolen Futures' laws
- no to another decade of discrimination
Speakers include:
* George Gaymarani Pascoe, Maningrida community, NT
* Rosie Pearson, Yirrkala community, NT
* Larissa Behrendt, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning UTS
* Representatives from the Bankstown Coalition
Rally organised by the:
* Say No to Government Income Management Campaign Coalition and
* Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney
Event details: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#16Jun12
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51259
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stop-the-nt-intervention-bankstown-rally
Resolutions: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=379047862158737
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/P...
Media Release: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-PR/M...
* FITZROY MELBOURNE FORUM ON THE NT INTERVENTION: 21 JUNE 2012
Event: Thu 21 June 2012: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Vic
Arena Magazine and Arena Journal, and
concerned Australians invite you to attend
INTERVENTION
A Public Forum on the Northern Territory Intervention
into Indigenous communities and the
Stronger Futures legislation.
Chair: Gary Foley
Speakers:
* Professor Jon Altman
* Rosalie Kunoth-Monks
* The Hon. Alastair Nicholson
* Barbara Shaw
Incorporating the launch of:
Arena Magazine’s special issue on the NT Intervention
and Arena Journal’s special issue on settler colonialism
Event details: http://www.arena.org.au/2012/06/nt-intervention-public-forum/
Event details: http://www.arena.org.au/category/events/project-space-events-and-discuss...
Event details: http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/NT_Intervention_forum_Invitatio...
Event details: http://events.leader-news.whereilive.com.au/events/northern-territory-in...
Arena homepage: http://www.arena.org.au/
'concerned Australians' homepage: http://concernedaustralians.com.au/
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Analysis / Opinion
intentious: Stronger Futures, Weaker Citizens: Australia slammed at United Nations
http://intentious.com/2012/06/11/stronger-futures-weaker-citizens-austra...
11 Jun 12: "Unbeknown to most citizens, a series of powerful, rights-stripping bills are being passed through Australian Federal parliament in the coming weeks, hoping to draw as little attention as possible. These bills are called Stronger Futures legislation, a series of 10-year long federal and state laws detailing mandatory programs the Australian Government will use to control your income, limit your fortnightly salary and dictate what exact shopping items you must buy in order to continue to receive Centrelink (Social Security) payments." Andrew Beato
agendaTracker: At Large: A planetary phenomenon and an earthly invasion
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/a-planetary-phenomenon-precedes-an-earthly...
6 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: You’ll forgive Aboriginal people for not jumping over the moon today at the Transit of Venus. One of the last times the ‘Evening Star’ got between the Earth and Sun, it was used as the pretext for invasion. Ever a suspicious lot, the British had long wanted to claim the 'Great Southern Land' for themselves, ... And just as Aboriginal people never had a say in Cook’s 'discovery' of their lands, they haven’t had a say in legislation that will impact on them for a decade and beyond." Chris Graham, managing editor of Tracker magazine
- News
Herald Sun: Gurindji vow to fight NT Intervention
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/gurindji-vow-to-fight-nt-...
14 Jun 12: "AN Aboriginal group who famously won land rights after walking off the Wave Hill Cattle Station say they are preparing to fight again - to stop the Stronger Future laws. The Gurindji people from Daguragu and Kalkaringi in the Northern Territory on Thursday issued a statement saying the government should abandon the laws. "This Intervention must be abolished, not extended for another 10 years," it said. "It's clear the government wants us to leave our lands in search of work but we will keep fighting until we get the message through - our land is our life and we will not leave.""
See:
WGAR News: Gurindji People of Daguragu and Kalkarinji call on government to get rid of 'Stronger Futures' laws (14 Jun 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/14/wgar-news-tangentyere-ceo-and-the-gur...
thestar.com : Australian Aboriginals call money-management policy racist
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1208523--australian-aboriginal...
9 Jun 12: "Living in Australia’s Northern Territory, a vast stretch of sun-baked desert, swamps and tropical forests, a tough-as-nails truck is the only way to get around. ... While the retired public-housing manager receives a monthly pension of $786, the Australian government demands Djiwada spend at least half of his stipend on food or clothing in a government-approved store. It leaves little leeway for discretionary purchases, such as parts for his decrepit truck, ... Djiwada faces the spending restrictions because he’s an Aboriginal and, therefore, his pension is subject to income management ... "
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 14 June 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Last updated: 24 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-...
* PADDY GIBSON: TWENTY YEARS SINCE MABO: WHY NATIVE TITLE HASN'T DELIVERED
- Analysis / Opinion
Solidarity: Twenty years since Mabo: why Native Title hasn’t delivered
http://www.solidarity.net.au/highlights/twenty-years-since-mabo-native-t...
June 2012: "The 20th anniversary of the Mabo case, where the High Court recognised Native Title, has been celebrated by the government and the media as an historic step for Aboriginal rights. But while Mabo formally rejected the legal doctrine of "terra nullius", used to justify colonial dispossession, the High Court did not challenge the legitimacy of this dispossession. It fact it ruled that Aboriginal ownership had been extinguished over the vast majority of the Australian continent-and that Aboriginal people were not entitled to any compensation for this. Aboriginal activist Gary Foley calls the Mabo decision in 1992 and the Native Title Act that followed in 1993, "the greatest single act of dispossession since 1788". ... " By Paddy Gibson
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- News
Manica Post: Australia to speed up native land claims
http://www.manicapost.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2...
12 Jun 12: "Twenty years after a landmark court ruling recognising Aboriginal land rights, Australia said Wednesday it will speed up the claiming process amid criticism it can take too long to resolve. Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said the reforms to the Native Title Act, which come 20 years after the historic Mabo ruling, would include creating clear requirements for negotiators to act in "good faith"."
See:
WGAR News: "To make Native Title meaningful government must ...Drop proof of ownership" NIT (11 Jun 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/10/wgar-news-to-make-native-title-meanin...
SMH: 'I won't be travelling too far from Broome': Bob Brown
http://www.smh.com.au/wa-news/i-wont-be-travelling-too-far-from-broome-b...
11 Jun 12: "Days from the end of a 29-year political career Australian Greens stalwart Bob Brown had one thing on his mind when he passed through Perth last week. Mr Brown likened opposition to plans for a $35 billion gas hub at James Price Point in the Kimberley to Queensland's Mary River protests in 2008 ... "You can't be in Broome now without knowing that town doesn't want this project, the banners are up, people are talking about it, the literature's around, tourists are there putting on the anti-gas hub stickers on their caps – they're taking the story home.""
Australian: Crash sparks calls for Adelaide to Darwin rail line probe
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/crash-sparks-calls-for-...
11 Jun 12: "THE third derailment on the Adelaide to Darwin railway in just 19 months has reignited demands for an inquiry into the integrity of the track amid plans to increase the amount of uranium the line carries through central Australia. The Greens and environmental groups yesterday called for a government inquiry into the line after a freight train carrying 6000 tonnes of Om Minerals' manganese from the Bootu Creek mine derailed near Tennant Creek on Thursday."
See:
WGAR News: ECNT / ALEC / BNI: Nuclear waste dump plan should be taken off the table before it goes off the rails (11 Jun 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/10/wgar-news-to-make-native-title-meanin...
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