Newsletter date: 17 June 2012
Contents:
* Background to support for the Yolngu statement
* WFWP Australia acknowledge and support the Statement by the Yolnuw Makarr Dhuni
* SNAICC: Opposition to Stronger Futures Bills continues to mount
* Dr. Fiona McAllan with endorsement from Aunty Sandra Lee DTAC
* ANTaR Victoria: Abandon the Stronger Futures legislation
* AMA: Re - Statement of the Yolnju Nations Assembly
* ACBC: Catholic Church speaks out on "Stronger Futures" legislation
* Rachel Siewert: Housing comments overlook the needs of homelands
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* June 2012 WGAR News on Mabo and Native Title
* Kado Muir: Aboriginal title is not Native Title: real reform is practicing sovereignty
* NIT: Native Title: Roxon’s missed opportunity
* CAAMA: Interview with National Native Title Council CEO
* CAAMA: Interview with Les Melezer on Native Title
* CAAMA: Interview with First Nations Political Party spokesperson
* The Wire: Senator Bob Brown still fighting to save the Kimberley
* Other Articles
See:
WGAR News: Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement concerning 'Stronger Futures' laws and NT policies (4 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/04/wgar-news-yolngu-nations-assembly-sta...
'concerned Australians' compilation:
Churches, Religious, Organisations and Reconciliation Groups
http://concernedaustralians.com.au/Stronger_Futures_Yolngu_supporters.html
"Calls to Abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation, and Calls to Support the Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement"
Respect and Listen compilation:
http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/stronger-futures.html
"Statements and Media Releases ... calling to abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation and supporting the Yolŋu Nations Assembly Statement"
[Includes Further Statement from 'Solidarity']
* BACKGROUND TO SUPPORT FOR THE YOLNGU STATEMENT:
Last updated: 16 June 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/10/background-to-support-for-the-yolngu-...
* WFWP AUSTRALIA ACKNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT THE STATEMENT BY THE YOLNUW MAKARR DHUNI:
- Statement
Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Australia:
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Womens_...
"The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Australia, a branch of WFWP International, an NGO in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN, writes to acknowledge and support the Statement by the Yolnuw Makarr Dhuni regarding the Stronger Futures Bill.
We affirm the necessity for a respectful partnership between local communities and the Australian and Northern Territory Governments. Through WFWP International’s experience working with indigenous peoples around the world, who under developmental pressures are likewise facing many difficulties, we recognise the importance of strategies developed by local communities in conjunction with governments and NGO’s in adapting to changing circumstances. ...
The Yolnuw Makarr Dhuni statement clearly indicates the communities’ willingness to partner constructively with governments, but also not to be bullied and pushed to abandon or discard all that is precious to them. ... "
See:
Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Australia
http://www.wfwpaustralia.com/default.aspx
Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) International
http://www.wfwp.org/wfwpi/index.cfm
* SNAICC: OPPOSITION TO STRONGER FUTURES BILLS CONTINUES TO MOUNT
- News
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care:
SNAICC News: Opposition to Stronger Futures Bills continues to mount
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=813
14 Jun 12: "Opposition continues to mount against the Stronger Futures Bills and pressure is being placed on Senators who are due to meet next week to resume their debate on the Bill. The Yolnu National Assembly of Arnem Land has called on the Federal and Territory Governments to end their interventionist policies and agenda, and return to a mindset of partnership based on the principles of self-determination. The SNAICC website provides a chronology of some of the major responses to the Stronger Futures Bills since their release for more detailed information on opposition in recent months."
See:
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care:
Stronger Futures legislation attracts widespread opposition - SNAICC invites your comments
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/policy-advocacy/dsp-landing-policyarea.cfm?load...
19 Jun 12: "Following is a rough timeline, highlighting the extent of criticism to the Stronger Futures legislation from various sections of the community."
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC):
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/index.cfm
* DR. FIONA McALLAN WITH ENDORSEMENT FROM AUNTY SANDRA LEE DTAC:
- Letter
Dr. Fiona McAllan with endorsement from Aunty Sandra Lee, Secretary, Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation:
To Whom it May Concern
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/NT_Intervention/Strong...
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Dr_Fion...
9 Jun 12: "We wish to join our voices with the many collective and individual voices petitioning with the Yolngu peoples, and all Homeland’s Traditional Elders and communities who are currently facing further government implementation of the Stronger Futures Legislation. ...
We ask all relevant government representatives to take immediate action to withdraw the current legislation, as petitioned by the Yolgnu Nations Assembly, and to begin a genuine partnership with all Aboriginal Peoples of the Northern Territory."
* ANTaR VICTORIA: ABANDON THE STRONGER FUTURES LEGISLATION
- Statement
ANTaR Victoria - Working for Land Justice and Reconciliation:
Abandon the Stronger Futures legislation
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/ANTaR_V...
"ANTaR Victoria urges the Senate not to pass the Stronger Futures legislation. We are opposed to this legislation and call upon Government to abandon it for the following reasons:
Statements from Aboriginal people affected who oppose it and the NT Emergency Response ...
Concern that land rights are being undermined as a consequence of this legislation ...
The legislation negates self-determination ...
The legislation is not going to be reviewed prior to the upcoming Senate vote as to whether it is compatible with human rights norms ...
ANTaR Victoria urges Government to work in true partnership with Aboriginal people, and to do so while enabling the realisation of the rights set out in the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which the Government supports. In particular, ANTaR Victoria is concerned about the absence of Government commitment to gaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ free, prior and informed consent to laws that the government makes relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also note with concern the imminent extension of NTER-style legislation into Shepparton, Victoria."
See:
ANTaR Victoria - Working for Land Justice and Reconciliation
http://www.antarvictoria.org.au/
* AMA: RE - STATEMENT OF THE YOLNJU NATIONS ASSEMBLY
- Letter
Australian Medical Association (AMA):
Re - Statement of the Yolnju Nations Assembly regarding the Commonwealth Stronger Futures Bills
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Austral...
13 Jun 12: "It is concerning ... to note the issues raised by the Yolnju Nations Assembly regarding the measures proposed in the Stronger Futures program for the Northern Territory. The AMA believes that measures which limit or reduce the fundamental rights of Aboriginal peoples, and the control they have over their lives are not appropriate ones to improve health. ... "
See:
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
http://ama.com.au/
* ACBC: CATHOLIC CHURCH SPEAKS OUT ON "STRONGER FUTURES" LEGISLATION
- Media Release
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC): Catholic Church speaks out on "Stronger Futures" legislation - questions its appropriateness for Aboriginal people
ACBC Media Blog: http://mediablog.catholic.org.au/?p=844
15 Jun 12: "The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) and the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (BCRATSI) of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) today take the opportunity to remind senators of some issues surrounding the Stronger Futures legislation that will come before the Senate on Monday.
"The blanket approach endorsed in the Stronger Futures legislation is simply inappropriate. ... " said Ms. Parker [Chair of NATSICC Thelma Parker].
"The legislation asks for the trust of the Aboriginal people for the next ten years - but this trust has not been earned."
With a long tradition of working in Aboriginal communities, the Catholic Church’s concerns are about the excellent programs on a local level which will be affected by this legislation. ...
NATSICC and the ACBC also endorse the use of bilingual teaching in schools. ... "
See:
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)
http://www.natsicc.org.au/
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) Media Blog
http://mediablog.catholic.org.au/
* RACHEL SIEWERT: HOUSING COMMENTS OVERLOOK THE NEEDS OF HOMELANDS
- Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert: Housing comments overlook the needs of homelands
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/housing-co...
14 Jun 12: "The Australian Greens say Government claims that Aboriginal housing issues have 'turned a corner' downplays continuing overcrowding and a significant and ongoing lack of funding to support people on homelands.
"Rather than turning a corner, the Government are turning their back on some significant issues around housing," Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
"Despite the investments made, overcrowding would remain at levels well beyond those in the rest of the country.
"A major area of concern is the lack of funding for housing and refurbishments on homelands that is pushing people towards hub towns despite the clear benefits homelands provide.
"The Government has been pushing people to sign over tenure to their lands, and despite talk of supporting smaller communities, the overall approach of government does not look set to change. ... " [Senator Siewert said]"
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Order of Australia recipient Calma wants better housing
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7305-order-of-australia-recipien...
15 Jun 12: "Dr. Calma received the honour for his work in Indigenous health and social justice. He is currently in Canada at the first World Indigenous Housing Conference, where human rights issues of Indigenous peoples around the world are being discussed. He says while smoking is a significant problem, housing remains an issue which needs to be addressed to empower Indigenous communities. "Housing and the relationship to health and why we need to have good housing - undercrowded not overcrowded housing. ... ""
Koori Mail: Greens dismiss housing claims
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
15 Jun 12: "THE Australian Greens say Government claims that Aboriginal housing issues have ‘turned a corner’ downplayed continuing overcrowding and a significant and ongoing lack of funding to support people on homelands. Senator Rachel Siewert accused the government of turning its back on significant issues around housing."
newsTracker: Macklin’s new address on Aboriginal housing: Dream Street
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/macklins-new-address-on-aboriginal-housing...
14 Jun 12: ""Australia has 'turned a corner' on Aboriginal housing following the construction of more than 600 homes in communities throughout the Northern Territory, with plans to have 1000 built by June next year. "I am optimistic that we have turned the corner in Australia. We are building homes to last." So said Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, at the World Indigenous Housing Conference in Canada overnight. I’m not sure what corner Macklin thinks she’s turned, but if she’s talking about the intersection of "Fantasy Avenue" and "Spin Boulevard", then she might have a point … " Chris Graham, managing editor of Tracker magazine
- Related Analysis / Opinion
Crikey: No corner turned on indigenous housing
http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/06/15/no-corner-turned-on-indigenous-housing/
15 Jun 12: "Indigenous housing: Professor Jon Altman, of the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at ANU, writes: Re. "Macklin on 'Fantasy Avenue' over Aboriginal housing" (yesterday, item 11). Like Chris Graham I was stunned by The Australian’s uncritical reporting of Minister Macklin’s self-congratulatory self-assessment that Australia has "turned a corner" on indigenous housing."
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Video
OCUPPII: (2012-06-163) NT Income management Bankstown [ABC news]
http://occupii.org/video/2012-06-163-nt-income-management-bankstown-abc-...
"Stop the NT Intervention - Stop the expansion. Rally 12pm June 16th, Paul Keating Park, Bankstown"
- News
newsTracker: Activists rally against Macklin’s income management
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/activists-rally-against-macklins-income-ma...
16 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: Around 70 people have gathered in Sydney’s west to protest the rollout of income management in the region, which they say will further stigmatise vulnerable people. The rally, held in Bankstown on Saturday, also marked the fifth anniversary of the intervention in the Northern Territory and included speakers from the Aboriginal community, Maningrida. Pam Batkin from the Say No to Government Income Management Campaign Coalition said people in the NT had experienced first-hand the damage income management had done."
7 News: Activists to rally against NT intervention
http://au.news.yahoo.com/australian-news/a/-/australian-news/13964343/ac...
16 Jun 12: "Activists are set to gather in Western Sydney to mark the fifth anniversary of the Northern Territory intervention and protest income management in Aboriginal communities. The rally in Bankstown will call for the immediate withdrawal of the government's Stronger Futures legislation, ahead of the Senate debate on Monday, organisers said. George Pascoe from the Aboriginal community of Maningrida in the Northern Territory said he had lived under the "dictatorship" of the intervention and did not want it anymore. "We are struggling to cope," he said in a statement on Friday."
SMH: Centrelink income trial unwelcome, say residents
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/centrelink-income-trial-unwelcome-say-resident...
16 Jun 12: "AS PEOPLE in Bankstown rally today to protest the start of the federal government's controversial income management measure in the area, they are asking "Why Bankstown?" The suburb is one of five sites in the country to trial a variation of the Northern Territory intervention that corrals 50 per cent to 70 per cent of welfare payments for some recipients onto a 'BasicsCard'. The card can only be used in approved stores on food, clothes, health items, and basic household items. "Bankstown people feel they are being targeted," says Randa Kattan, ... "
Intercontinental Cry: Australia to decide whether or not to continue northern territory intervention
http://intercontinentalcry.org/australia-decide-whether-continue-norther...
16 Jun 12: "Two days from now, on June the 18th, the Australian Senate will decide whether or not to extend the infamous Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) for another ten years. The controversial piece of legislation opened the doors to one of the most abhorrent attacks on Indigenous rights in the past decade. Heard enough? Visit http://standforfreedom.org.au/ to learn what you can do to help. ... Before June 18 rolls in, please take a moment to raise your voice in support of the Indigenous Peoples of Australia"
newsTracker: Wave Hill walkers put boot into NT Intervention
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/wave-hill-walkers-put-boot-into-nt-interve...
15 Jun 12: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: 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 ... ""
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...
Crikey: NT prescribed communities: not normalised, exited, eliminated
http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/06/12/nt-prescribed-communities-not-normal...
12 Jun 12: "The NT intervention was dramatically declared as a national emergency in respect of reported widespread child s-xual abuse on June 21, 2007, an emergency that necessitated the deployment of the Australian army, at least for a short symbolic time, soon followed by a plethora of "helping" professionals and bureaucrats. The government’s chief spokesperson Mal Brough articulated with military precision a ... " By professor Jon Altman, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 16 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-...
* JUNE 2012 WGAR NEWS ON MABO AND NATIVE TITLE:
WGAR News: Paddy Gibson: Twenty years since Mabo: why Native Title hasn’t delivered (16 Jun 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/15/wgar-news-avaazorg-petition-stop-the-...
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...
"Contents:
* NIT: To make Native Title meaningful government must ...Drop proof of ownership
* Michael Anderson: Mabo Judges Perverted The Course Of Justice
* Congress: Keep door open for more substantial Native Title reform
* Mick Gooda: Native title reform could go closer to fulfilling Mabo's legacy
* Greens Rachel Siewert: Onus of proof omission a native title letdown
* The Wire: Native Title reform fails to make key change to law
* Mabo and Native Title News"
WGAR News: Audio from the 'Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty' symposium (5 Jun 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/05/wgar-news-audio-from-the-litigating-t...
"Contents: ...
* 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"
* KADO MUIR: ABORIGINAL TITLE IS NOT NATIVE TITLE: REAL REFORM IS PRACTICING SOVEREIGNTY
- Analysis / Opinion
Treaty Republic: Aboriginal title is not Native Title: real reform is practicing sovereignty
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/aboriginal-title-not-native-title-real...
"This month we celebrate twenty years since the Mabo decision overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius. This was a watershed decision for Australia an outpost of the British empire founded on an argument that the land was not inhabited, in legal terms a desert. Few Australians realise the real significance of the Mabo decision and fewer still understand its true nature. The Mabo decision was not granting land rights and it was not what we know today as native title. Why?" By Aboriginal Activist Kado Muir, a Tjarurru man, a member of the Ngalia tribe, WA
* NIT: NATIVE TITLE: ROXON'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY
- News
National Indigenous Times: Native Title: Roxon’s missed opportunity
http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1262-native-title-roxons-missed-opportunity.html
14 Jun 12: "Indigenous groups have described changes to Native Title laws as "tinkering at the edges" and warned their Elders will continue to die before some claims are settled. Federal Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon unveiled the changes at the National Native Title conference in Townsville last week but her announcement received only a lukewarm response from Indigenous leaders who said the changes should have gone further and should have included removing the onus of proof of connection to the land that is currently required of Traditional Owners. The National Native Title Council said the changes did not go far enough."
- Related Analysis / Opinion
National Indigenous Times: Malezer: Mabo and the framework of dominance
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/1234-malezer-mabo-and-the-framework-of-dom...
14 Jun 12: "The following is the Speech by Les Malezer, for the 20th Anniversary of the outcome of the High Court 'Mabo' Case. As is tradition, I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Aboriginal people who have traditional connection to the country upon which I speak, and thank them for the opportunity to be here today on this occasion. In addition, and in solemn reverence, I respect today as... "
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: 'Good faith' changes won't reduce court cases: Expert
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7310-good-faith-changes-wont-red...
15 Jun 12: "An expert in Native Title law says he doesn't think a proposed change to the Native Title Act will greatly reduce the number of claims that go to court. The Federal Government announced intended amendments last week, including to create criteria for the concept of 'good faith' in negotiations between traditional owners and other parties. Griffith University's Professor Ciaran O'Faircheallaigh says he's sceptical that the move will help claimants avoid lengthy court processes."
National Indigenous Times: Malezer’s warning: "our people face being dispossessed of their land"
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1251-malezers-warning-our-people-face-being-d...
14 Jun 12: "By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people risk being dispossessed of their land once again under the Federal Government's proposed changes to the Native Title Act. Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, Les Malezer told ABC radio Native Title had now become an impediment to Aboriginal and Torres... "
National Indigenous Times: Reforms represent more flexible, responsive approach, says Gooda
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1252-reforms-represent-more-flexible-responsi...
14 Jun 12: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has welcomed the Native Title reforms announced at the National Native Title conference last week. "I am heartened by these significant reforms which overall appear to indicate a more flexible and responsive approach on the horizon to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Islander... "
* CAAMA: INTERVIEW WITH NATIONAL NATIVE TITLE COUNCIL CEO
- Audio Interview
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Continued call for more substantial changes: National Native Title Council CEO Brian Wyatt on CAAMA
http://caama.com.au/national-native-title-council-ceo-brian-wyatt-on-caama
13 Jun 12: "Following the announcement of changes to the Native Title Act, Aboriginal leaders, legal experts and politicians are making comment in the media…and a loud voice is calling for the ‘burden of proof’ to be reversed… National Native Title Council CEO Brian Wyatt says the council is disappointed that Government sees it as too hard politically to introduce changes to the burden of proof. He says the council wanted a more fundamental shift in the Native Title Act and that having the burden of proof reversed would be of greater benefit to Aboriginal people."
* CAAMA: INTERVIEW WITH LES MELEZER ON NATIVE TITLE
- Audio Interview
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Les Melezer on Native Title
http://caama.com.au/les-melezer-on-native-title
13 Jun 12: "The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples is remaining steadfast in their push for the ‘burden of proof’ to be reversed for Native Title. This would mean that instead of Traditional Owners needing to prove an ongoing connection to the land in Native Title claims… those opposing a claim would need to prove that the connection to the land no longer exists. Co-Chair of the National Congress Les Melezer told CAAMA Radio the biggest problem… 20 years after High Court Mabo decision… is that a generation of people are dying… "
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...
* CAAMA: INTERVIEW WITH FIRST NATIONS POLITICAL PARTY SPOKESPERSON
- Audio Interview
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Australia’s first Aborignal political party First Nations Political Party launches policies…
http://caama.com.au/australias-first-aborignal-political-party-first-nat...
13 Jun 12: "Australia’s first Indigenous political party has held its official policy launch in Alice Springs… First Nations Political Party spokesperson Kenny Lechleitner says the party was set up to look at the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People…and is registered at both the local Territory level and the national level…because Aboriginal people need to have a voice both locally and nationally. ... The party, which is headed by Maurie Japarta Ryan, aims to represent the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Party to contest 'Super Shires' at NT election
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7304-party-to-contest-super-shir...
15 Jun 12: "The founder of an Aboriginal political party says a lack of Indigenous representation in politics is a key reason for the party running candidates in the Northern Territory election. The poll will be held on the 25th of August, with Labor's Paul Henderson seeking re-election as Chief Minister. Maurie Japarta Ryan from the First Nations Political Party says one of his party's major platforms is a reversal of the Henderson Government's 'Super Shires' policy. "The Shires in the Northern Territory have gone backwards. ... ""
* THE WIRE: SENATOR BOB BROWN STILL FIGHTING TO SAVE THE KIMBERLEY
- Audio
The Wire: Senator Bob Brown still fighting to save the Kimberley
Produced by Michele Harris
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9247
15 Jun 12: "It may have been Senator Bob Brown's last day in office... but he was the one handing out the presents. The Greens leader retires from Australian politics on Friday 15th June, and his farewell gift to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other MPs is a poster featuring part of the Kimberley coastline being threatened by the Woodside liquefied natural gas project. The Wire spoke to Senator Brown, who said Australians have to educate themselves about the Kimberley, and the risks posed by Woodside's LNG plant to threatened animals, indigenous heritage sites and some of the biggest dinosaur footprints ever found...
Featured in story:
* Bob Brown - Retiring Greens Leader and Senator
* Martin Pritchard, Director, Environs Kimberley"
- Related Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert: Bob Brown launches Kimberley Greens campaign
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/bob-brown-...
7 Jun 12: "After his return visit to the contentious James Price point yesterday, former Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown has launched the Kimberley Greens' 'vision statement' and campaign for the next WA state election.
Senator Brown was accompanied by Greens Senator for Western Australia, Rachel Siewert.
'Woodside's destructive gas hub will be in centre focus for the March election. Kimberley voters opposing the gas hub will have the strong clear option of voting Green: a vote to keep intact the Kimberley’s worldwide reputation for wild and scenic beauty, and stunning Indigenous culture," Senator Brown said.
At a packed meeting organised by the Broome Community No Gas group in Broome last night, Senator Brown said he would be 'knocking on the door' of the board of Woodside ...
Yesterday, Senator Brown met Traditional Owners and visited cultural sites, as well as the famous foreshore dinosaur prints."
- Related News
newsTracker: Brown seeks Woodside meeting over WA plan
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/brown-seeks-woodside-meeting-over-wa-plan/
14 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: Retiring Australian Greens leader Bob Brown’s last move before handing in his Senate seat on Friday is to lobby all federal MPs to protect part of Western Australia’s Kimberley region from gas drilling. Woodside Petroleum has agreed to hold off on drilling at its contentious Browse liquid natural gas project until a court dispute about planning approvals is resolved. Senator Brown told reporters in Canberra on Thursday his "parting gift" to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other MPs was a poster featuring a photograph of James Price Point."
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Muckaty Station resident concerned by latest train derailment
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7302-muckaty-station-resident-co...
15 Jun 12: "A Muckaty Station resident says a recent train derailment north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory raises concerns about a proposed nuclear waste dump. The train, travelling from the Bootu Creek manganese mine to Darwin, derailed last Friday afternoon, leaving more than 200 passengers stranded in Alice Springs. Penelope Philips says she's a traditional owner of Muckaty Station and believes this shows how risky it is to transport nuclear material through the Territory."
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...
National Indigenous Times: Perth Tent Embassy bigger and stronger than ever
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1260-perth-tent-embassy-bigger-and-stronger-t...
14 Jun 12: "By National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos.
Nyoongar Tent Embassy is bigger and stronger despite four police raids and despite on three occasions the confiscation of their tents and resources and several arrests. Embassy spokesperson, Marianne Mackay said there would have been a perception after the huge police raid involving more than 100... "
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