Newsletter date: 21 June 2012
Contents:
* Richard Downs, a leader of the Alyawarra nation: The true path to stronger Indigenous futures
* Background to the Ampilatwatja Anti-Intervention Walk-off
* Greens MPs Audio: Aboriginal and church leaders oppose the NT intervention extension legislation
* IRAG: Central Australian Human Rights Defender and campaigner Barbara Shaw has been in Canberra this week
* Dr John Falzon: Statement to Stronger Futures press conference
* ACM Sydney: Public Outcry Mounts against Stronger Futures
* 'concerned Australians': 'Stronger Futures' Bills opposed
* Congress letter to Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
* ACM Sydney: The ACM endorses requests to send Stronger Futures for scrutiny by Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
* Greens Rachel Siewert: Human rights examination of parenting and intervention laws is an important step
* SBS World News Special Coverage: NT Intervention set to continue
* The Wire: Longer Futures
* Background to support for the Yolngu statement
* AASW: Co-operation not Coercion - Restoring Respect for Australia’s First Peoples by Saying NO to Stronger Futures Legislation
* Las Casas Dominican Centre for Justice, Peace and Care of Creation: Statement concerning Stronger Futures Legislation
* Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Versammlung der Yolngu Nationen)
* Amnesty International Buchtip - „This Is What We Said“ - Dies ist was wir sagten
* Amnesty International - Our Generation - ein Film über die Aborigines
* Videos from the Bankstown Rally - Stop the Intervention expansion
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* BHP Billiton Watch: Invitation to the Lizards Revenge from uncle Kevin Buzzacott
* MR: Legal challenge of Federal approval of the Olympic Dam expansion continues
* Background to expansion of Olympic Dam mine challenge
* Dr John Falzon: Aboriginal solidarity with refugees
* Other articles
* RICHARD DOWNS, A LEADER OF THE ALYAWARRA NATION: THE TRUE PATH TO STRONGER INDIGENOUS FUTURES
- Analysis / Opinion
ABC The Drum Opinion: The true path to stronger Indigenous futures
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4076734.html
18 Jun 12: "Since the Northern Territory intervention began in 2007, our people have faced a renewed level of destruction and denial of our basic human rights. The intervention was introduced under the guise of protecting women and children, but it has simply served to cause more hardship and shame for our people. Under the intervention our leaders have been silenced, our people disempowered and humiliated. I have felt like an outcast because the government has ignored us and our leaders who have been pushed away into the background." Richard Downs, a leader of the Alyawarra nation and of the Ampilatwatja walk-off
* BACKGROUND TO THE AMPILATWATJA ANTI-INTERVENTION WALK-OFF
Last updated: 21 June 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/21/background-to-the-ampilatwatja-anti-i...
* GREENS MPs AUDIO: ABORIGINAL AND CHURCH LEADERS OPPOSE THE NT INTERVENTION EXTENSION LEGISATION
- Audio and Photos
Greens MPs: Aboriginal and church leaders oppose the NT intervention extension legislation
http://greensmps.org.au/content/audio/aboriginal-and-church-leaders-oppo...
18 Jun 12: "A coailition of Aboriginal, church and community leaders come together to oppose the Government's proposed legislation to extend the Northern Territory intervention for Aboriginal communities. Australian Greens leader, Senator Christine Milne, was presented with a petition to stop the legislation, signed by 43,000 Australians. Community leaders present NT Intervention petition."
[Includes audio comments by Barb Shaw, George Gaymarani Pascoe, Graeme Mundine and the Greens.]
- Related Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert: Anti Intervention campaign gathers further strength
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/anti-inter...
18 Jun 12: "The Australian Greens have today accepted a petition against the expansion of the NT Intervention from a growing group of people opposed to the discriminatory regime.
"Today's gathering at Parliament House represents the broad community opposition to the Intervention," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"In the five years since the Intervention began, Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory have been subject paternalistic and racist policies.
"The proposed Stronger Futures legislation will expand the Intervention's powers to unprecedented levels and see it continue for another ten years.
“It is unacceptable for the Government to continue with this unjustified approach in the NT despite the clear community calls for a new path to be taken. ... " [said Senator Siewert]"
- Related Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 20.06.2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-20-06-2012
20 Jun 12: "Aboriginal Catholic leader Graeme Mundine has joined others in Canberra to present a petition to Parliament against the Stronger Futures Bills."
- Related News
Feds urged to scrap NT intervention expansion laws
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/feds-urged-to-scrap-nt-intervention-expans...
9 News: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8485506/govt-urged-to-dump-nt-interv...
18 Jun 12: "Church leaders and Aboriginal community representatives are urging the federal government to scrap a plan to extend the intervention policies targeted at Aboriginal communities. Labor's Stronger Futures legislation is before the Senate and likely to pass with bipartisan support. ... Barbara Shaw, who represents Aboriginal communities in central Australia, said communities weren't properly consulted by the government on its plans. ... Catholic bishop Pat Power urged senators on Monday to dump the bill." By Ehssan Veiszadeh
CathNews: Bishop and church group urge senators to reject NT bill
http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=31827
18 Jun 12: "Indigenous community representatives are urging the federal government to scrap a plan to extend the intervention policies targeted at Indigenous communities, report SBS and the ABC. Catholic bishop Pat Power (pictured) urged senators yesterday to dump the bill. He said the measures would undermine the good work done by former prime minister Kevin Rudd, who formally apologised to the Stolen Generations in 2008. ... The ABC reports that indigenous Catholic leader, Graeme Mundine joined others in Canberra yesterday to present a petition against the proposed Stronger Futures legislation."
ABC Alice Springs: Church group says 'no' to Stronger Futures
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/06/18/3527865.htm
18 Jun 12: "Indigenous Catholic leader, Graeme Mundine joined others in Canberra today to present a petition against the proposed Stronger Futures legislation. A petition against the Federal government's Stronger Futures bill was presented in Parliament today by a lobby group involving church, welfare and health organisations across Australia. The 42,000 signature petition was presented in the lead up to the legislation being voted on in the Senate this week. ... "
* IRAG: CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER AND CAMPAIGNER BARBARA SHAW HAS BEEN IN CANBERRA THIS WEEK
- Media Release
Intervention Rollback Action Group Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/irag-mr-21-6-...
21 Jun 12: "Central Australian Human Rights Defender and campaigner Barbara Shaw has been in Canberra this week, holding discussions with senators and presenting a major petition calling for the scrapping of the Stronger Futures legislation, due before the Senate next week.
Tonight in Melbourne she will take part in a forum organised by Arena Magazine and chaired by Gary Foley. The forum will focus on the past 5 years of the intervention, and Arena will launch a special publication of writings on the NTER.
Whilst in Melbourne, Ms Shaw will meet with human rights lawyers to discuss legal issues in relation to the proposed legislation and the possible lodging of a discrimination complaint.
"The proposed laws are racist" Ms Shaw stated. "They treat Aboriginal people differently from the rest of the community. ... ""
* DR JOHN FALZON: STATEMENT TO STRONGER FUTURES PRESS CONFERENCE
- Statement
St Vincent de Paul Society: Statement to Stronger Futures press conference
http://blog.vinnies.org.au/statement-to-stronger-futures-press-conference/
18 Jun 12: "Chief Executive of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Dr John Falzon, made the following statement at a press conference held at Australian Parliament House on June 18, 2012. The press conference was called to oppose the Stronger Futures legislation and was also addressed by Aboriginal Elders from the Northern Territory and Bankstown, as well as representatives from the Catholic Church, the Uniting Church, the Australian Lawyers Alliance and other church and community organisations.
It is with deep sadness that we must remember that since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody handed down its final recommendations over 20 years ago there have been 270 Aboriginal deaths in custody.
The Stronger Futures legislation stands to increase the rate of Aboriginal incarceration. ... "
* ACM SYDNEY: PUBLIC OUTCRY MOUNTS AGAINST STRONGER FUTURES
- News
ACM Sydney: Public Outcry Mounts against Stronger Futures
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/public-outcry-mounts-against-s...
19 Jun 12: "The pressure of opposition against the proposed Stronger Futures legislation is reaching boiling point, as dozens more organisations join the ever-growing list of support for Aboriginal demands that the Stronger Futures legislation be withdrawn. The legislation is due to be voted on in the Senate this week. Leaders of wide ranging organisations including the Catholic Church, the Australian Lawyers Alliance and Quakers Australia will come together in Canberra to demonstrate the united front that has developed across the community sector against the legislation. They will join in solidarity with Aboriginal leaders from the NT George Gaymarani Pascoe and Barbara Shaw and other Aboriginal organisations including the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. ... "
* 'CONCERNED AUSTRALIANS': 'STRONGER FUTURES' BILLS OPPOSED
- Media Release
'concerned Australians': 'Stronger Futures' Bills opposed
ISX: http://www.isx.org.au/forums/read.php?18,9997,9997,quote=1
15 Jun 12: "Strong statements have been issued by the Yolngu Nations Assembly (YNA) of Arnhem Land, the Eastern Alyawarr Peoples and the Gurrindji Peoples of Daguragu and Kalkarinji, all of whom are demanding an end to the interventionist policies of Government and the return of control over their communities. ...
At the 45th anniversary of the walk-off at Kalkarindji late last year the Central Land Council called for an end to the Intervention. Last week, Walter Shaw, CEO of Tangentyere Council made reference to 'deaf governments' and resorted to the people of goodwill as fair-minded Australians to promote Aboriginal rights.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly believes that, The Australian Federal Government can achieve all its aims through partnership in our communities. ‘concerned Australians’ believes this is a good beginning point."
* CONGRESS LETTER TO PARLIAMENTARY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE:
- Letter
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Congress letter to Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
http://nationalcongress.com.au/congress-letter-to-parliamentary-human-ri...
20 Jun 12: "The Chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Labor MP Harry Jenkins has told parliament that the Committee had received correspondence from Congress asking the Committee to examine the Stronger Futures bills for compatibility with human rights under Section 7(a) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act (2011).
Read the full text of the Congress letter here: http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/CongressStatem...
Congress also has an ongoing electronic letter campaign calling for the bills to be properly scrutinised to ensure that they comply with Australian human rights standards.
Check it out at this link: http://congressmob.good.do/stoplisten/bnmb/ ."
- Related News
Macklin must justify human rights: groups
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/macklin-must-justify-human-rights-groups/
9 News: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8486592
20 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: A parliamentary committee has demanded the government justify any human rights limitations an extension of the Northern Territory intervention imposes on remote Aboriginal communities. Chairman of the joint committee on human rights, Labor MP Harry Jenkins, on Wednesday told parliament that members had received correspondence from the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples asking them to examine the Stronger Futures bills now before the Senate. The committee was working out how it would respond to the request, he said. ... "
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...
* ACM SYDNEY: THE ACM ENDORSES REQUESTS TO SEND STRONGER FUTURES FOR SCRUTINY BY PARLIAMENTARY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
- News
ACM Sydney: The ACM endorses requests to send Stronger Futures for scrutiny by Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/the-acm-endorses-requests-to-s...
20 Jun 12: "The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese, congratulates the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights for questioning the compatibility of the Stronger Futures Bills with Human Rights. The Committee was established in March this year to examine legislation to ensure that it is compatible with Human Rights and to report to Parliament. In a statement made to Parliament today, Chair, Harry Jenkins MP said that the Human Rights Committee has received a written request from the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples to examine the Stronger Futures Bills."
* GREENS RACHEL SIEWERT: HUMAN RIGHTS EXAMINATION OF PARENTING AND INTERVENTION LAWS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP
- Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert: Human rights examination of parenting and intervention laws is an important step
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/human-righ...
20 Jun 12: " ... Senator Siewert has also welcomed news that the joint committee has asked Minister Jenny Macklin to advise them on the compatibility of the Stronger Futures legislation with Australia’s human rights obligations.
"Widespread concerns have been raised about the Intervention and the consultation processes that have been undertaken as part of Stronger Futures.
"This is especially true in regards to programs such as income management and SEAM, which could have discriminatory impacts on Aboriginal people.
"The Attorney General has the capacity to ask the Joint Committee on Human Rights to examine the Stronger Futures package and the Greens have written to Ms Roxon asking for this to occur, a process we regard as essential," Senator Siewert concluded."
* SBS WORLD NEWS SPECIAL COVERAGE: NT INTERVENTION SET TO CONTINUE
- Special Coverage
SBS World News: NT Intervention set to continue
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1658795/Factbox:-The-Northern-Territo...
20 Jun 12: "As the nation prepares to mark the fith anniversary of the NT Intervention, the federal government wants to extend it for another 10 years. Check out what the key measures of the 'Stronger Futures' bills are. The 'Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011' is before the Senate and is likely to pass with bipartisan support at the end of June. The laws aim to continue the Northern Territory Emergency Response, introduced by the Howard government in 2007, for another 10 years." Chiara Pazzano
* THE WIRE: LONGER FUTURES
- Audio
The Wire: Longer Futures
Produced by Chris Brunner
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9263
20 Jun 12: "A Bill to extend the so-called Stronger Futures Legislation is expected to pass through the senate in the next two weeks. So comes as no surprise that Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, was out trumpeting its success today with an update on Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory. It puts in place the necessary legal framework to extend the NT intervention another ten years.
Featured in story: Damien Curtis - Campaign Director, Stand For Freedom"
* BACKGROUND TO SUPPORT FOR THE YOLNGU STATEMENT:
Last updated: 18 June 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/06/10/background-to-support-for-the-yolngu-...
* AASW: CO-OPERATION NOT COERCION - RESTORING RESPECT FOR AUSTRALIA'S FIRST PEOPLES BY SAYING NO TO STRONGER FUTURES LEGISLATION
- Media Release
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW):
Co-operation not Coercion - Restoring Respect for Australia’s First Peoples by Saying NO to Stronger Futures Legislation
http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Austral...
18 Jun 12: "On the eve of the 5th Anniversary of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, the Australian Association of Social Workers, representing 7000 members nationally is calling on Senators to oppose the Stronger Futures Legislation which discriminates against Australia’s First Peoples.
The AASW joins with the Yolŋu Nations Assembly in supporting their statement that "The Australian Federal Government can achieve all its aims through partnership in our communities. They have no need to grant themselves the continued and new powers contained within these bills."1 ...
The AASW joins with over 400 organisations to strongly urge all Senators in the Australian Parliament to listen to the Yolngu Nations Assembly and reject the Stronger Futures Bills when they come before the Senate. ... "
* LAS CASAS DOMINICAN CENTRE FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND CARE OF CREATION: STATEMENT CONCERNING STRONGER FUTURES LEGISLATION
- Statement
Las Casas Dominican Centre for Justice, Peace and Care of Creation:
Statement concerning Stronger Futures Legislation, due to go to the Senate in the week of 18th June,2012.
http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Las_Cas...
15 Jun 12: "We are convinced that the Stronger Futures legislation which was passed by the House of Representatives with minimal debate needs to be revised.
We ask that Senators of all parties use the right of review of the Senate for a better future for all Australians.
Australia’s international reputation was sadly damaged by legislation and policies for Aboriginal communities under the Howard government and these have not been not sufficiently changed under two successive Labor governments. ...
The Yolgnu People were leaders with their Bark petition but the Federal Government of that time did not understand. They are still trying to defend their land and culture. They are now appealing to the Senators to vote not on party lines but on principle for better legislation. We support their Petition. ... "
* VIDEOS FROM THE BANKSTOWN RALLY - STOP THE INTERVENTION EXPANSION:
- Videos
Stop the Intervention Videos:
Stop the NT Intervention - Stop the expansion Rally 12pm June 16th, Paul Keating Park, Bankstown
http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/16-jun-2012-stop-the-nt-inter...
"Videos from the event:
Compilation:
Speakers:
1. Paddy Gibson (Bankstown Coalition)
2. George Gaymarani Pascoe, Milingimbi, NT
3. Rosie Pearson, Yirrkala community, NT
4. Message from the African community in Darwin
5. Larissa Behrendt (Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning UTS)
6. Pam (Bankstown Coalition)
7. Paddy Gibson (Bankstown Coalition)"
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Bankstown rally marks five years since Intervention
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7314-bankstown-rally-marks-five-...
19 Jun 12: "A rally was held in Bankstown in New South Wales over the weekend, calling for the Federal Government to dump the Stronger Futures legislation which is being debated in the Senate this week. The rally marked five years since the announcement of the NT Intervention. Paddy Gibson from the Stop the Intervention Collective says the legislation would extend the Intervention another 10 years and expand compulsory income management to other parts of Australia."
* YOLNUW MAKARR DHUNI (VERSAMMLUNG DER YOLNGU NATIONEN)
Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Versammlung der Yolngu Nationen)
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/NT_Intervention/Strong...
Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Versammlung der Yolngu Nationen) representieren die Menschen von 8 Nationen in den westlichen, zentralen und östlichen Gebieten des Arnhem Landes des Nordterritoriums:
Miwatj, Laynha, Raminy, Marthakal, Garriny, Gumurr-Rawarraŋ, Gaṯtjirrik und Miḏiyirrk ... "
* AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL BUCHTIPP - „THIS IS WHAT WE SAID“ - DIES IST WAS WIR SAGTEN
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL RUNDBRIEF
THEMENKOGRUPPE - MENSCHENRECHTE UND INDIGENE VÖLKER
Austalien
http://www.karin-roth.de/media/archive1/_EP/Rundbrief_IA_120811.pdf
August 2011: "BUCHTIPP
THIS IS WHAT WE SAID: AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL PEOPLE GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE NORTHERN TERRITORY INTERVENTION
Eine kurze Übersicht/Erläuterung des Buches
„This Is What We Said“ - Dies ist was wir sagten - stellt Ansichten und Meinungen von Ureinwohnern im nördlichen Teil Australiens vor, die von einer Gesetzgebung, der sogenannten NT Intervention, betroffen sind. Diese Gesetzgebung verletzt ihre Menschenrechte und greift massiv in ihr Leben ein."
* AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - OUR GENERATION - EIN FILM ÜBER DIE ABORIGINES
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL RUNDBRIEF
THEMENKOGRUPPE - MENSCHENRECHTE UND INDIGENE VÖLKER
Austalien
http://www.karin-roth.de/media/archive1/_EP/Rundbrief_IA_120811.pdf
"Ende Mai 2011 zeigte die Stadtbücherei-Zweigstelle in Iserlohn-Letmathe den Dokumentarfilm "Our Generation - The ground breaking new documentary on Aboriginal rights". Der Film erklärt die Hintergründe der aktuellen Situation der Aborigines und ihrer Kultur im "sonnigen und glücklichen" Australien. Er präsentiert Ansichten von Ureinwohnern, die zum Teil in abgelegenen Gegenden von Australien leben, und lädt ein zu einem Dialog über partnerschaftliche und respektvolle Wege zur Ver- besserung der Lage."
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 18.6.12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-18-6-12
18 Jun 12: "* Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has declared that Australia has "turned a corner" on Aboriginal housing...after more than 600 homes were built in communities throughout the NT.
* The Australian Greens have slammed this statement...saying the claim that Aboriginal housing issues have turned a corner downplays the issues of overcrowding, and a lack of funding for support for people on homelands."
- News
ABC: Closing the Gap a slow process, report finds
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-20/closing-the-gap-monitoring-report-...
20 Jun 12: "The Federal Government says more Indigenous people are being employed at remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The Government's latest report on the federal Intervention in the Territory says more than 1,000 people were employed in communities in the six months to December last year. The Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory report says job placements for the period were 20 per cent higher, compared to the same period in 2010."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Stronger Futures forum seeks to educate
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7312-strong-futures-forum-seeks-...
19 Jun 12: "A national forum will be held in Melbourne this week in response to five years of the Northern Territory Intervention and the potential passing of the Stronger Futures bill in the Federal Senate. Speakers at the forum will include Alice Springs resident Barbara Shaw and Professor Jon Altman from the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy and Research. Organiser Alison Caddick says the forum will help educate people about the Intervention and the Stronger Futures legislation."
See:
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/
- News
ABC: State scraps trial linking welfare payments, school attendance
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-18/state-scraps-pilot-tying-welfare-p...
18 Jun 12: "The State Government says it has terminated a Federal Government trial linking school attendance to welfare payments because it is not working. Under the trial some parents in Logan south of Brisbane have had to prove their children are regularly attending school or lose welfare payments. The pilot has been running in about 30 schools since 2009 and was due to end this month. The Federal Government wants to extend it but the state's Education Minister John Paul Langbroek says attendance has not improved."
Koori Mail: Congress: Bills breach UN Declaration
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
18 Jun 12: "THE National Congress of Australia's First Peoples says it’s obvious that Australian Government attempts to extend the controversial NT Intervention by ten years breach the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Australia formally endorsed the declaration in 2009 but Intervention opponents say the Government has failed to properly consult Indigenous communities on its Stronger Futures bills, which could pass the Senate this week."
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 18 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-...
* BHP BILLITON WATCH: INVITATION TO THE LIZARDS REVENGE FROM UNCLE KEVIN BUZZACOTT
- Video
BHP Billiton Watch: Invitation to the Lizards Revenge from uncle Kevin Buzzacott
http://bhpbillitonwatch.net/2012/06/16/invitation-to-the-lizards-revenge/
16 Jun 12: "From 14th-18th July people from around Australia will be converging at the gates of BHP Billiton’s Roxby Downs uranium mine in South Australia. Watch this video for the official invite from Traditional Owner, Uncle Kevin Buzzacott. http://lizardsrevenge.net/ "
- Upcoming Events
Event: Sat 23 June 2012: Trades Hall, Melbourne, Vic
Nonviolent direct action/legals briefing - Lizards Revenge
"Have you not participated in civil disobedience/
non violent direct action and want a bit of an
idea of the basics?"
Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/476190445741032/
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
[See below: Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012:
Olympic Dam, SA
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]
Event: Mon 25 June 2012: Adelaide CBD, SA
Adelaide Lizards Revenge Info Session
"Want to know more? Come along for an
informal chat to find out more about the event.
Legal questions, logistical queries,
what to expect, what to bring,
what needs to be done, how you can help."
Event details: http://en-gb.connect.facebook.com/events/399604390089651/
[See below: Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012:
Olympic Dam, SA
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]
Event: Tue 3 - Fri 20 July 2012: Bendigo & Roxby Downs
Road Trip for Change
- Step Out(back) and Learn from Country
"In July the South Australian Student Environment Network
will be running a series of epic road trips that will take you
on a journey of learning from Adelaide to Australia’s
biggest grass roots Environment Conference:
Students of Sustainability (SoS), then via the great
SA outback to Roxby Downs for the
Lizards Revenge Music/Art festival."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Website: http://www.roadtripforchange.org/
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
[See below: Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012:
Olympic Dam, SA
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]
Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard's Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
"Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come."
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musica...
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-bi...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
Road Trip for Change Tue 3 - Fri 20 July 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from...
Sat 23 June 2012 Melbourne event: https://www.facebook.com/events/476190445741032/
Mon 25 June 2012 Adelaide event: http://en-gb.connect.facebook.com/events/399604390089651/
Invitation from uncle Kevin Buzzacott: http://bhpbillitonwatch.net/2012/06/16/invitation-to-the-lizards-revenge/
* MR: LEGAL CHALLENGE OF FEDERAL APPROVAL OF THE OLYMPIC DAM EXPANSION CONTINUES
Media Release
Legal challenge of Federal approval of the Olympic Dam expansion continues
FoE Adelaide: http://www.adelaide.foe.org.au/2012/06/legal-challenge-of-federal-approv...
21 Jun 12: "On the 20th April 2012 Justice Besanko dismissed Uncle Kevin Buzzacotts’ case challenging the Federal Environment Ministers approval of the Olympic Dam expansion. Uncle Kevin is appealing the decision on the following grounds:
1. The judge was mistaken in ruling that the Minister did not need to consider existing conditions imposed by the state of South Australia on water extraction from the Great Artesian Basin. ...
2. The judge was mistaken in holding that the approval was sufficiently certain with regard to the EPBC Act (the Act under which the approval was made). ...
Please come to court and show your support on the 21st June at 9am outside the courthouse. The hearing is listed for 9.30 am, court 1, level 5, Federal Court, Angus St. Adelaide. ... "
- Related News
newsTracker: Elder continues fight against SA mine
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/elder-continues-fight-against-sa-mine/
19 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: Aboriginal elder Kevin Buzzacott is pushing ahead with his bid to block the giant expansion of the Olympic Dam copper, uranium and gold mine in South Australia after an initial court decision went against him. The Federal Court ruled in April that the commonwealth had properly taken into account the long-term impact of the mine, ... Mr Buzzacott has appealed against the court’s decision and a hearing has been scheduled for Thursday."
* BACKGROUND TO EXPANSION OF OLYMPIC DAM MINE CHALLENGE:
Last updated: 5 June 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/background-to-expansion-of-olympic-da...
* DR JOHN FALZON: ABORIGINAL SOLIDARITY WITH REFUGEES
- Analysis / Opinion
Eureka Street Guest Editorial: Aboriginal solidarity with refugees
http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=31815
17 Jun 12: "In May this year, Ray Jackson, President of the Indigenous Social Justice Association, issued passports on behalf of Australia's First Peoples to the two Tamil men indefinitely detained at Villawood Detention Centre. He said: 'Locking people up doesn't solve any problems, it only causes harm. We have seen that time and time again with Indigenous people, and now the government is making the same mistake with asylum seekers. This has to stop. The Australian Government must stop imprisoning Indigenous people, and they must stop imprisoning asylum seekers. I am proud to welcome people in need into our community.'" Dr John Falzon, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council Chief Executive
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Analysis / Opinion
agendaTracker: The Contrarian: Politics of mediocrity or a Machiavellian Macklin?
http://tracker.org.au/2012/06/5673/
14 Jun 12: "NATIONAL: The current Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jenny Macklin, is regarded by some as an enigma. This is probably because she is mostly invisible in the mainstream media. She appears to have adopted the strategy of a very low public profile in order to remain unaccountable for her appalling policies. She has taken the idea of 'flying under the radar' to a new level, so to speak. All we ever see or hear of her is ten seconds on TV or radio announcing the latest repressive measure her bureaucrats have dreamed up to make life more miserable for as many blacks as possible." Gary Foley, historian and lecturer at Victoria University
- News
Guardian: Embassy backers call for tolerance
http://www.cpa.org.au/guardian/2012/1552/06-embassy-backers.html
20 Jun 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 in Western Australia; court action is being considered in Queensland; and a protest was held outside New South Wales Parliament just last month. ... Meanwhile, the Aboriginal sovereignty movement led by Michael Anderson, ... called on the United Nations to send peacekeepers to protect them against "increasing aggression by the Australian authorities"." By Darren Coyne
National Indigenous Radio Service: First Nations Political Party: Learn a trade through defence force
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7316-first-nations-political-par...
20 Jun 12: "The First Nations Political Party says it has every chance of picking up seats in the upcoming Northern Territory election on the 25th of August. Party founder Maurie Japarta Ryan says he'll be running candidates in a number of seats, arguing the Labor Party under Paul Henderson is no longer the party for Aboriginal people. Mr. Ryan says the mainstream parties' policies haven't worked and he wants to introduce compulsory military service for unemployed Indigenous people in order to learn a trade."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Education is key to overcoming racism: Lovett
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7311-education-is-key-to-overcom...
19 Jun 12: "Victorian Indigenous rights advocate Ted Lovett says early education is a key to overcoming racism in Australia. Mr. Lovett received a letter during the recent Reconciliation Week demeaning Aboriginal people and culture, saying they should stop "whinging and "whining" about disadvantage. The issue made front page news in his hometown of Ballarat and he's since received a large amount of support from the community."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Keep constitutional recognition high on the agenda: Calma
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7315-keep-constitutional-recogni...
19 Jun 12: "Dr Calma says he's putting constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians high on the agenda at international human rights conferences. "All these opportunities, we should take them when we can and just keep the message going. "We are the first peoples of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and we should be duly recognised in the Constitution and be given the rights that we deserve as first peoples.""
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 20.06.2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-20-06-2012
20 Jun 12: "The founder of the Countries first Aboriginal political party says he plans to put a land rights claim across the whole of the Northern Territory and eventually across Australia."
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 19.6.12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-19-6-12
19 Jun 12: "An independent politician says the Government has not kept promises made to councils in Northern Territory Aboriginal Communities before they were amalgamated into Super Shires... "
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Chris Graham & Alberta Hornsby
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
19 Jun 12
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/chris-graham-alberta-hornsby/
The Wire: Social issues playing a large role in Indigenous male health
Produced by Anthony Sonego
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9255
19 Jun 12: "There is still a large gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous males when it comes to life expectancy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males have a life expectancy of 11 years less than non-Indigenous males. Medical research has often traditionally focused on physical and lifestyle factors behind disease. But a recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) seeks to highlight social determinants of this gap in life expectancy. The report says factors like discrimination, incarceration and education have a big impact on the health of indigenous men.
Featured in story:
* John Macdonald - Director of the Men's Health Information & Resource Centre at University of Western Sydney
* Mark Wenitong - Public Health Medical Officer at National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
The Wire: Melbourne's fight to remember Aboriginal resistance
Produced by Liz Cush
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9254
19 Jun 12: "For seven years now, two of Melbourne's Aboriginal resistance fighters have been commemorated at the site where they were hanged in 1842. Now plans are afoot to build a memorial to the warriors Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner on Melbourne's Franklin Street. The two men, Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, had taken part in a six-week guerilla warfare against the expansion of the British colony. Activists say it is time to remember the Aboriginal fighters who died in the frontier wars against the expansion of the British colony. ...
Featured in story: Joe Toscano - Anarchist Media Institute, Melbourne"
3CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Fire First - 15 Jun 2012
Right Now Radio - 15 Jun 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-06-14-21820.mp3
15 Jun 12: "To mark 20 years since the High Court’s decision to grant native title to Eddie Mabo and the people of the Murray Islands, we speak with Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen QC. Dr Keon-Cohen appeared in the High Court for Mabo, as well as being counsel in the Wik case. He reflects on 20 years of native title, and speaks about the significance and preparation for the famous case."
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About WGAR News:
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-abo...
Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.
'WGAR News' monitors the media, including alternative media, focusing on:
* the Australian Federal government intervention into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities;
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and tent embassies;
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/