Newsletter date: 9 November 2012
Updated 22 November 2012 to include new venue for the Adelaide Book Launch on Sun 9 Dec 12
Contents:
* Launch of 'A Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory'
* Yolngu Nations Assembly: Statement from 2nd assembly, 11-13 Oct 2012
* APO NT: Grog in the Territory: listening to the people, listening to the evidence
* Interview with Anthony Kerin of the Australian Lawyers Alliance re Stronger Futures Laws
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* LAUNCH OF 'A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE: ABORIGINAL DISEMPOWERMENT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY'
- Media Release
'concerned Australians': A Decision to Discriminate
Australian Government Process Fails Aboriginal Peoples of the Northern Territory, and Everyone Else
http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/MR-ADTD-Launch-5-11...
1 Nov 12: "A new book to be launched in Sydney on 5 November shows how our democratic processes failed Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory.
On June 29th the Stronger Futures legislation package was passed imposing discriminatory and unjust legislation on Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory, effectively extending the failed Northern Territory Intervention for another ten years.
More importantly it shows the process which led to decisions were badly flawed, miserably failing the people who provided evidence to its inquiries by disdainfully pushing the legislation through the House of Representatives before the Senate Inquiry report had been completed.
Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO in the foreword to the book makes the point,
What I find almost equally disturbing as the policy of ignoring the participation and input of Aboriginal people into the decision making process is Government willingness to perpetuate and cloak racial discrimination against them as so called 'special measures' purporting to protect them, while at the same time abandoning any semblance of compliance with international obligations. ... "
- Book Reviews
ACM Sydney: Review of a Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the NT
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/review-of-a-decision-to-discri...
8 Nov 12: "A new book from ‘concerned Australians’[1], A Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory[2] is a powerful antidote to the scant attention paid to the diverse opinions and experiences of NT Aboriginal people. This book gives voice to those who have been most affected by the Intervention and presents a picture of widespread dissatisfaction which has largely been ignored by Government, media and consequently the wider population." By Gabrielle Russell-Mundine
Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney: New Book Charts Disempowerment of Aboriginal People
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
5 Nov 12: "Aboriginal elders and communities from the Northern Territory tell their stories of disempowerment in a hard-hitting new book to be launched tonight. The book, "A Decision to Discriminate - Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory" charts the Government's lack of consultation with Indigenous people when designing the Stronger Futures legislation. The stories are taken from evidence presented to the senate hearings prior to the legislation. Georgina Gartland, of Concerned Australians, the group behind the publication of the book says it is an historic record that uses quotes as a way of recording what the people have said, and documents how Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory are being denied the right of taking responsibility for their communities."
Overland literary journal: Stronger Futures and Aboriginal disempowerment
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
19 Oct 12: "Let me begin by laying my cards on the table. I think Concerned Australians (cA) are wonderful. They are a group of volunteers across Australia, including Georgina Gartland and Michele Harris (the latter prepared this book). They have produced amazing and important work on the Intervention in the Northern Territory, producing reports, UN submissions and books. Their work has been impeccable, and particularly valuable in bringing to a broader Australian public the views of Indigenous communities living under the Intervention, whose voices otherwise may have gone unheard." By Michael Brull, studying Juris Doctor at University of NSW, written for ABC Drum, Indigenous Law Bulletin, National Times, Overland
- Audio Interviews
The Wire: New book offers counter narrative to govt's Indigenous policies
Produced by Tawar Razaghi
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
6 Nov 12: "Legislation was passed in June to extend Howard-era policies concerning Indigenous people in the Northern Territory. The government called it the ‘Stronger Futures’ legislation. It continues welfare quarantining and alcohol management in Indigenous communities for another 10 years. But a book launched on Monday claims to offer a counter narrative to the Government’s version of events. Entitled ‘A Decision to Discriminate’, the book documents evidence of strong resistance to the policy among aboriginal communities. ...
Featured in story:
* Graeme Mundine - Aboriginal leader and Executive Officer of Australian Catholic Ministry in Sydney
* Jeff McMullen - well known journalist and Indigenous rights advocate"
- Video clips from the Sydney book launch
Respect and Listen: Video clips from the Sydney book launch
[scroll down page] http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians/a-...
8 Nov 12: "1. Jeff McMullen
2. Graeme Mundine
3. Jeff McMullen - reading the letter from Deni Langman
4. Barbara Shaw
5. Senator Sekai Holland"
- Speech at Sydney launch
Launch of A Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
Graeme Mundine, Executive Officer, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese
http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/Graeme-Mundine-ADTD...
5 Nov 12: "I am extremely happy to be here tonight to help launch this very important book A Decision to Discriminate. For so long many of us have been going around trying to make people understand what has actually happened in the Northern Territory since 2007. It’s hard to articulate the impact that the Intervention has had on Aboriginal people across the NT. There are plenty of Government reports - which to be honest completely confuse even the most analytical of minds. There are lots of numbers and dollars floating around, but little in the way of evidence that shows us measurable outcomes and improvements. But these reports mean little if they don’t reflect the experiences of those who are most affected by the Intervention. There have been some very strong statements, for example from the Yolngu Nations Assembly, in recent years and this book adds to and reinforces those statements."
- Review of Sydney launch
A Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians.html
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/decision-to-discriminate-abori...
6 Nov 12: "A large crowd gathered in Glebe on Monday night to launch the latest book from ‘concerned Australians’ A Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory. Jeff McMullen, Graeme Mundine ... and Barbara Shaw all gave very moving talks about the impact of the NT Intervention and the importance of this book. We were also honoured that Senator Sekai Holland, Co-Minister for Reconciliation, Healing and Integration in Zimbabwe attended the launch and contributed her insight and observations about what she heard. Senator Holland’s powerful words cut to the core of what people were expressing about the progress of Indigenous rights in Australia particularly since the 1967 referendum." Gabrielle Russell-Mundine
- Video of Melbourne launch
SBS: "Stronger-Futures" legislation causes uproar
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/2301446569/StrongerFutures-legislat...
7 Nov 12: "Eminent legal figures and prominent leaders of the indigenous community have unleashed a scathing attack on the government's "Stronger-Futures" legislation for remote communities in the Northern Territory. It's caused controversy in the wake of the Howard-era NT intervention. At a Melbourne book launch, it was claimed the current government's consultation process was a sham and that the laws could fail if tested in the High Court."
- Video of Sydney launch
SBS: NITV News - 6 November part 1
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/2300980562/NITV-News-6-November-part-1
6 Nov 12: "NITV's team of news journalists, editors and technicians produce a daily half hour bulletin at 5.30 pm that reflects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concerns and interests."
- Launches
Event: Mon 5 November 2012: Glebe, Sydney, NSW
Book Launch: A Decision to Discriminate
Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
To be launched by:
* Graeme Mundine, respected Aboriginal leader and
Executive Officer of Australian Catholic Ministry in Sydney
* Deni Langman, Traditional Owner from
Uluru in Central Australia
* Jeff McMullen AM, well known Journalist and
Indigenous advocate
"This new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
A 'concerned Australians' publication
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Sydney
Event details: http://www.gleebooks.com.au/default.asp?p=events/2012/nov/Launch-A-Decis...
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/30198/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/a-decision-to-discriminate-sydney-book-launch-5-...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/52643
Book review: http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
gleebooks Homepage: http://www.gleebooks.com.au/default.asp
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event: Wed 7 November 2012: Melbourne University, Vic
Book Launch: A Decision to Discriminate
Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
Launched by:
* Hon Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC
* Elder Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM from Utopia, NT
* Professor Muriel Bamblett AM,
CEO Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
"This new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
A 'concerned Australians' publication
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Melbourne
Event details: http://www.antarvictoria.org.au/events/a-decision-to-discriminate-book-l...
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/vic/event/30200/
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/52605
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event: Tues 13 November 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Book Launch: A Decision to Discriminate
Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
Launched by:
* John Falzon, CEO St Vincent de Paul
* Janet Hunt, Fellow at Centre for Aboriginal Economic
Policy Research and former President of ANTaR
"This new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
A 'concerned Australians' publication
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Canberra
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/event/30199/
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event: Fri 16 November 2012: Murray Bridge, SA
Book Launch: A Decision to Discriminate
Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
The Ngoppon Together Inc. AGM, Ninkowar
"This new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
A 'concerned Australians' publication
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Murray_Bridge
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/30201/
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event: Sun 9 December 2012: Adelaide CBD, SA
(to mark International Human Right’s Day)
Note new date and location!
Book Launch: A Decision to Discriminate
Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
Launched by:
* Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
* Rosalie Kunoth Monks OAM
New venue: Pilgrim Hall, 12 Flinders St, Adelaide CBD
"This new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
A 'concerned Australians' publication
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Adelaide
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians.html
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians/a-...
'concerned Australians' Media Release: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/MR-ADTD-Launch-5-11...
Book reviews:
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/review-of-a-decision-to-discri...
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
* YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY: STATEMENT FROM 2ND ASSEMBLY, 11-13 OCT 2012
- Media Release
Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Yolŋu Nations Assembly)
Statement from the second assembly, Maningrida: October 11th - 13th, 2012
MediaFire: http://www.mediafire.com/view/?09zf40ofjh7w1bh
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/Yolngu_Nations_Assembly_Stateme...
ACM Sydney: http://acmsydney.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/121014_media-release_yolngu...
"The Yolnguw Makarr-Dhuni (Yolngu Nations Assembly) met over the weekend.
Independently established 12 months ago in Galiwinku, the Yolngu Nations Assembly held its 2nd annual gathering in Maningrida from the 11th to the 13th of October. Male and Female representatives from East, Central and West Arnhem Land came together to talk about current and future governance issues affecting their people.
The assembly opened with a march through Maningrida to represent the long walk toward self-management and self-determination. ...
Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni represents the people of 8 nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas of the Northern Territory:
Miwatj, Laynha, Raminy, Marthakal, Garriny, Gumurr-Rawarraŋ, Gaṯtjirrik and Miḏiyirrk"
- Audio Interview
3CR Radio Interview with Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra and George Gaymarani about the Yolngu Nations Assembly (MP3)
http://podcast.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-10-24-80003.mp3
- Related Letter
Green Left: Aboriginal elder welcomes union’s income management bans
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/52436
9 Oct 12: "Uniting Church minister and prominent opponent of the NT intervention, Reverend Dr Djiniyini Gondarra, recently sent the letter below to the NSW Public Sector Association (PSA). Last month, PSA members in government Community Services Centres began union bans against implementing income management for welfare recipients in Bankstown. * * *
To our courageous sisters and brothers in NSW,
We would like to congratulate NSW Public Service Association members for taking the courageous step of enforcing bans against the implementation of income management in Bankstown. Your confident actions will protect the rights and dignity of your clients and your community. ... "
* APO NT: GROG IN THE TERRITORY: LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE, LISTENING TO THE EVIDENCE
- Media Release
Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT):
Grog in the Territory: listening to the people, listening to the evidence
http://apont.org.au/attachments/article/46/121029-Media%20release-CC-Gro...
29 Oct 12: "A Summit on alcohol policy and its impact on Aboriginal people and communities will be sponsored this month by the Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the Northern Territory [APO NT], alliance spokesperson and NAAJA CEO Priscilla Collins said today.
"Whatever else might be said, the effects of grog on our people here in the Territory cannot be denied," said Ms Collins.
"It is reflected in the health of our people, in the levels of alcohol-related family and communal violence, and our encounters with the justice and jail systems.
"At this critical moment in the Northern Territory’s history, this summit will give a voice to Aboriginal people throughout the Territory so they can give their views.
"As well, we will have access to evidence from the alcohol policy professionals - what works and what doesn’t work. ... "
- Upcoming event
Event: 16 November 2012: Rapid Creek, Darwin, NT
Grog in the Territory:
Summit on alcohol policy and its impact on
Aboriginal people and communities
Sponsored by:
Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT)
APO NT is an alliance comprising:
* the Central Land Council (CLC),
* Northern Land Council (NLC),
* North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA),
* Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service (CAALAS) &
* Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the NT (AMSANT)
Event details: http://apont.org.au/
APO NT MR: http://apont.org.au/attachments/article/46/121029-Media%20release-CC-Gro...
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Summit meeting on alcohol managment in NT called
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7598-summit-meeting-on-alcohol-m...
2 Nov 12: "A summit meeting will be held in Darwin later this month to seek consultation with communities on alcohol management in the Northern Territory, in a bid to lodge a report to the NT Government. ... The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency's CEO Priscilla Collins says the summit is a response to years of failed Government policies. She says communities are fed up with a top-down approach."
* INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY KERIN OF THE AUSTRALIAN LAWYERS ALLIANCE RE STRONGER FUTURES LAWS
- Audio Interview
Breakfast on Radio Adelaide: Amnesty the Law and the Howard era
http://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/amnesty-the-law-a...
29 Oct 12: "The Stronger Futures Legislation attracted much criticism when it was rushed through the Senate back in June this year – Amnesty International Australia even said that it has put Australia’s human rights record to shame. Reflective of the Howard-era Intervention, the legislation is set to carry on for another decade, but even though Stronger Futures has been passed and is now a reality for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory, the Australian Lawyers Alliance thinks it is still key to keep it on the agenda, which it was why it was a point of call at the ALA National Conference. Anthony Kerin is the National President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and he spoke to Angus Randall this morning."
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Analysis / Opinion
Canberra Times: Inconvenient truths of the intervention
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/inconvenient-tru...
6 Nov 12: "The new Northern Territory government abolished the office of its coordinator-general for remote services early last month, though it barely made the news in Canberra. The incumbent, Olga Havnen, had been in the job for only a year and had just published her first report on government spending, programs and service delivery in the territory's remote communities. It was a case of ''if you don't like the message, shoot the messenger''. ... Shooting the messenger doesn't mean the message isn't worth hearing." By Dr Janet Hunt, a fellow with the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University
- News
newsTracker: Bid to kill off income managment fails
http://tracker.org.au/2012/10/bid-to-kill-off-income-managment-fails/
30 Oct 12: "NATIONAL: Income management is a failed social experiment and should be killed off, the Senate has been told. The Senate debated a motion from Australian Greens senator Rachel Siewert to disallow the expansion of income management in five trial sites across Australia. Laws passed in June to expand income management for people on welfare to five trial sites at Bankstown (NSW), Playford (South Australia), Shepparton (Victoria), and Rockhampton and Logan (Queensland). Income management has been used across the Northern Territory in Aboriginal communities as part of the intervention program."
Herald Sun: Martin regrets not fighting intervention
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/martin-regrets-not-fighti...
30 Oct 12: "FORMER Northern Territory chief minister Clare Martin says she regrets not taking the fight up to John Howard when the former prime minister began the intervention into Aboriginal communities. In a new book that chronicles the thoughts of eight former chief ministers, Ms Martin says Mr Howard was playing politics with Aboriginal issues in the Northern Territory."
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 5 October 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Last updated: 5 October 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-...
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Michael Mansell speaks on Strong Voices
http://caama.com.au/michael-mansell-speaks-on-strong-voices
7 Nov 12: "Michael Mansell joined Paul Wiles on Strong Voices, following the 30th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Games protests in 1982."
The Wire: A better future for Aboriginal heritage protection in Tasmania?
Produced by Lisa Burns
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9820
7 Nov 12: "It’s what Aboriginal people in Tasmania have long been waiting for – a new draft Aboriginal Heritage Protection Bill that will help them to preserve and manage their own heritage. Groups will be consulted on the draft laws over six weeks, before a final all-clear is given by the Tasmanian Government. But Michael Mansell, Legal Director of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, believes the new bill is discriminatory and falls short of the "fair, balanced and modern" heritage laws the Government has promised. ...
Featured in story: Michael Mansell, Legal Director of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre"
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/am-7-11-update.mp3
7 Nov 12: "A leading Australian researcher in Aboriginal economic development says pressure from Canberra for successful indigenous organisations to become increasingly commercial and grow rapidly … is unrealistic and not linked to local circumstances."
The Wire: NITV for all Australians on digital TV
Produced by Eduardo Jordan
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9805
2 Nov 12: "After initial concerns about the future of NITV, SBS has just announced it will get its own channel. NITV will go to air on digital television at the end of the year offering exclusive Indigenous programming for Australians. To celebrate this historic moment for Indigenous media, the launch of NITV will be deadly with many Indigenous programs, such as Living Black, children content, and a performance at Uluru. Since its launching in 2007 on cable TV, NITV has provided a wide variety of Indigenous content. On 12 December, SBS4 will be the home of NITV, entering to every Australian household. ...
Featured in story: Tanya Denning - NITV Channel Manager"
- News
Koori Mail: Elders target stolen wages
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
31 Oct 12: "ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander Elders met in Mackay last week to vent their ongoing frustration and anger over the issues of stolen wages in that state. It is ten years and six months since the then-Labor Queensland Government made its reparations offer for those affected by stolen wages. Last week’s meeting, hosted by the Queensland Council of Unions, was part of an ongoing campaign to encourage the Government, via local MPs, to prioritise and resolve the issue."
newsTracker: Report urges support for Aboriginal women
http://tracker.org.au/2012/10/report-urges-support-for-aboriginal-women/
30 Oct 12: "NATIONAL: Investing in programs that help Aboriginal women and girls is vital because they act as catalysts for change in their communities, according to a new report. The report, The Best of Every Woman, looks at the education and development of Aboriginal women and girls from birth to the age of 34. It was commissioned by the AMP Foundation to help philanthropists and policy makers make decisions on how to help them."
Australian: Native title doesn't go far enough: group
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/native-title-doesnt-g...
23 Oct 12: "NATIVE title reforms to be introduced to parliament this year fail to address the major inequalities in the system, an indigenous rights group claims. ... But the government has shied away from acting on calls from indigenous groups to reverse the onus of proof in native title claims. ... Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR), in a submission on the bill's exposure draft, said although the changes would make some improvement, they "fail to address the major underlying inequities in the native title system"."
- - -
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;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.
'WGAR News' publishes information and opinions from a wide range of sources. These opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of WGAR.
The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces, news items and events. Subscribers can expect to receive about 4 e-newsletters each week.
To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR News" in the message header.
To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "unsubscribe WGAR News" in the message header.
- - -
You can also subscribe to our second list 'Contact WGAR' which focuses on activities and events and provides a point of contact.
To subscribe, email contactwgar@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR Contact" in the message header.
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/