Newsletter date: 13 June 2013
Contents:
* Nicola Butler, The Stringer: National call to reduce high number of Aboriginal children removed
* Paddy Gibson, The Guardian UK: We have to stop the creation of another Stolen Generation
* The Wire: Are we on the brink of another Stolen Generation? [Interviews with Frank Hytten and Paddy Gibson]
* Melbourne event hosted by SNAICC: Stop the Creation of Another Stolen Generation! (14 June 13)
* Northern Territory (NT) Forced Aboriginal Adoption Media Coverage
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Brian Johnstone, Tracker: Backtracker: Pass the bucks, not the buck
* Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Aboriginal Affairs under fire - funding cuts guaranteed
* NACCHO health alert: Gambling causing harm to Aboriginal children's health - Menzies research
* NIRS: Problem gambling hurts kids' health: Study
* Roger Smith & Kirsty Pringle, The Conversation: Kidney disease in Aboriginal Australians perpetuates poverty
* NIRS: Raising remote kidney transplant numbers 'possible'
* NIRS: Snowdon: NT to blame for lack of kidney treatment
* Ben Cooper, Port Macquarie News: New resource offers hope to indigenous Australians [Alzheimer's disease]
* NIRS: Consultation program with children with disabilities
* NACCHO No smokes health news: Fresh resources give health workers the edge to tackle Indigenous smoking
* NICOLA BUTLER, THE STRINGER: NATIONAL CALL TO REDUCE HIGH NUMBER OF ABORIGINAL CHILDREN REMOVED
- Analysis / Opinion
The Stringer: National call to reduce high number of Aboriginal children removed
http://thestringer.com.au/national-call-to-reduce-high-number-of-aborigi...
10 Jun 13: "In an emotionally-charged few days, delegates attending the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care’s (SNAICC) Fifth National Conference held in Cairns this week - the biggest forum of its type ever held with over 1100+ delegates from right around the country - committed to support the national campaign demanding action by the Australian Government to achieve its objective by 2018. Delegates unanimously endorsed a national campaign, calling the Australian Government to accountability in halving the unacceptable high number of Aboriginal and Islander (including the Torres Strait) children in out-of-home care by 2018." By Nicola Butler, born in Rose Park South Australia.
Nicola’s family descends from the Eastern Aranda and Luritja peoples of the central desert regions on her Father’s side and Scottish, English, German and Swedish on her Mother’s side.
- Past Event
Event: 4 to 6 June 2013: Cairns, Qld
SNAICC’s Fifth National Conference
For Our Children: Living and Learning Together
Organised by SNAICC:
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Keynote Speakers:
* Marta Maurás Perez (Chile)
* Cindy Blackstock (Canada)
* Assoc. Prof. Cynthia Kiro (New Zealand) - of Maori descent
* Prof. Judy Atkinson - a Jiman and Bundjalung woman
* Kathy Guthadjaka (Gotha) - a Gatjirrk Warramiri woman
living at Gawa (north-east Arnhem Land)
"The SNAICC National Conference is the largest
conference of its type in the southern hemisphere
and provides the opportunity for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander organisations, policy makers,
researchers, government representatives, other
non-government organisations and industry
representatives to gather and make renewed
commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children."
Keynote Speakers: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=931
Event details: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=67
Event details: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=965
SNAICC News: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=1053
SNAICC News: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=1044
SNAICC News: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=1032
NIRS News: http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/29184/Peak-child-care-group-to-...
* PADDY GIBSON, THE GUARDIAN UK: WE HAVE TO STOP THE CREATION OF ANOTHER STOLEN GENERATION
- Analysis / Opinion
The Guardian UK: We have to stop the creation of another Stolen Generation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jun/12/stolen-generation-ab...
12 Jun 13: "Millions of dollars have gone into bureaucracies to control Aboriginal life, but this has not made children any safer. An alternative is needed. ... Last month, friends from a remote community in the Northern Territory (NT) called me in shock. Police had turned up unannounced with child protection workers to take a young child from a local family. The child was driven many hundreds of kilometres away and placed in a non-Indigenous foster home. The grounds for removal were a "mandatory report" from the local clinic that the child was losing weight. Clinic staff said no support had been offered to the family before removal." Paddy Gibson
* THE WIRE: ARE WE ON THE BRINK OF ANOTHER STOLEN GENERATION?
- Audio Interviews
The Wire: Are we on the brink of another Stolen Generation?
Produced by Emmie Dowling
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=10463
12 Jun 13: "Billions of dollars have been allocated to help improve the lives of Aboriginal people, which includes the expansion of Indigenous child protection agencies. Since the expansion, the number of children taken from families in the Northern Territory has doubled because of reports of neglect. Some say funding needs to be redirected to Aborignal development and support services.
Featured in story:
* Paddy Gibson, Senior Researcher at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning
* Frank Hytten, CEO of the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care"
* MELBOURNE EVENT HOSTED BY SNAICC: STOP THE CREATION OF ANOTHER STOLEN GENERATION! (14 JUNE 13)
- Upcoming Event
Event: Fri 14 June 2013: Melbourne, Vic
Stop the Creation of Another Stolen Generation!
Stepping up for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Rights!
* Hosted by SNAICC, the national peak body for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
"It will be a dynamic conversation with an amazing group of
speakers, including special international guest, the
Vice Chairperson of the United Nations Committee
on the Rights of the Child, Ms Marta Mauras-Perez."
Event details: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=1056
* NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) FORCED ABORIGINAL ADOPTION MEDIA COVERAGE
- Campaign
Keeping Them Home Campaign
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
- Compilations
Respect and Listen: Keeping Them Home: Media Coverage
[scroll down page] http://www.respectandlisten.org/
WGAR News: "call for action to reduce high number of Aboriginal Children in out-of-home care" (9 Jun 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/06/08/wgar-news-call-for-action-to-reduce-h...
WGAR News: Do forced adoptions mean forced assimilation?: Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (5 Jun 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/06/04/wgar-news-do-forced-adoptions-mean-fo...
WGAR News: Keeping Them Home - Stop the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families (Sorry Day - 26 May 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/05/26/wgar-news-keeping-them-home-stop-the-...
WGAR News: Keeping them Home - What have we learnt from Bringing them Home?: ACM Sydney (23 May 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/05/22/wgar-news-keeping-them-home-what-have...
WGAR News: Indigenous adoption push prompts Stolen Generation fears: ABC Radio Australia Video (18 May 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/05/17/wgar-news-indigenous-adoption-push-pr...
- Video
NITV News - 11 June part 1: Children at risk
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/33083971565/NITV-News-11-June-part-1
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Last updated: 4 June 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-...
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 4 June 2013
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt...
* BRIAN JOHNSTONE, TRACKER: BACKTRACKER: PASS THE BUCKS, NOT THE BUCK
- Analysis / Opinion
agendaTracker: Backtracker: Pass the bucks, not the buck
http://tracker.org.au/2013/06/backtracker-pass-the-bucks-not-the-buck/
11 Jun 13: "NATIONAL: As you read this you can be certain police officers in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will be arresting Aboriginal men, women and children for one offence or another, writes BRIAN JOHNSTONE*. Most will end up contacting the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT). In fact in NSW you can bet almost all will. Under NSW law, police must contact the ALS whenever they have taken an Aboriginal person into custody. The police phone the Custody Notification Service (CNS) operated by the ALS. Those in custody receive early legal advice from an ALS lawyer, ensuring their fundamental legal rights are respected and less Aboriginal people are imprisoned." Brian Johnstone, a Walkley and Human Rights award winning journalist, employed by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council
See:
WGAR News: Deaths in custody on conscience of all Australians - Save the CNS: ALS News (8 Jun 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/06/07/wgar-news-deaths-in-custody-on-consci...
WGAR News: Greens Jamie Parker MP: NSW government refuses funding for live-saving Aboriginal legal advice line (1 Jun 13)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2013/05/31/wgar-news-suicide-prevention-strategy...
WGAR News: Petition: "Stop Aboriginal deaths in police custody by saving the Custody Notification Service" (15 May 13)
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/05/14/wgar-news-stop-aboriginal-deaths-in-p...
Background to Justice Reinvestment, Aboriginal imprisonment and Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/12/17/background-to-aboriginal-imprisonment...
* GERRY GEORGATOS, THE STRINGER: ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS UNDER FIRE - FUNDING CUTS GUARANTEED
- Analysis / Opinion
The Stringer: Aboriginal Affairs under fire - funding cuts guaranteed
http://thestringer.com.au/aboriginal-affairs-under-fire-funding-cuts-gua...
10 Jun 13: "Western Australia’s Premier Colin Barnett has signalled what may become a national trend; the finding of budget saves by cutting spending to initiatives assisting Aboriginal peoples. The Closing the Gap targets are being touted by some as having been reached, while others claim otherwise, may begin to spiral out of control once again in the decade ahead with less funding to be made available by Governments. WA’s Premier Colin Barnett is refusing to sign the Closing the Gap Indigenous health agreement until after his Government’s August Budget." By Gerry Georgatos, a life-long human rights and social justice campaigner, a multi-award winning investigative journalist
* NACCHO HEALTH ALERT: GAMBLING CAUSING HARM TO ABORIGINAL CHILDREN'S HEALTH - MENZIES RESEARCH
- News
NACCHO health alert: Gambling causing harm to Aboriginal children’s health - Menzies research
[NACCHO: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation]
http://nacchocommunique.com/2013/06/12/naccho-health-alert-gambling-caus...
12 Jun 13: "A study by the Menzies School of Health Research has confirmed that gambling problems in remote Indigenous communities are associated with poorer health outcomes for children. The study by Dr Matthew Stevens is the first of its kind to look at the association between reported gambling problems and Indigenous child health. The study entitled, Gambling, housing conditions, community contexts and child health in remote Indigenous communities in Australia, analysed data from 10 Northern Territory communities collected as part of a larger housing and child health study."
* NIRS: PROBLEM GAMBLING HURTS KIDS' HEALTH: STUDY
- Audio
National Indigenous Radio Service: Problem gambling hurts kids' health: Study
http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/29378/Problem-gambling-hurts-ki...
12 Jun 13: "A Menzies School of Health Research survey has found three quarters of homes in remote Northern Territory communities report having gambling problems. Author Dr. Mathew Stevens says the study, which surveyed nearly 300 homes about illness in the previous fortnight, looked at the impact of gambling on children’s health."
* ROGER SMITH & KIRSTY PRINGLE, THE CONVERSATION: KIDNEY DISEASE IN ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS PERPETUATES POVERTY
- Analysis / Opinion
The Conversation: Kidney disease in Aboriginal Australians perpetuates poverty
http://theconversation.com/kidney-disease-in-aboriginal-australians-perp...
10 Jun 13: "The recent death of the lead singer of Yothu Yindi, is a high-profile example of an event all too common in Aboriginal Australia. Older Aboriginal Australians (40 to 60 years old) are more than 15 times more likely to die of kidney disease than non-Aboriginal Australians. This is an age that’s normally the prime life. But not only is it a tragedy for the individuals involved but has a much wider effect on the community. Elders in all communities are a repository of knowledge and of accumulated wealth. Early death of key older family members deprives younger community members ... " Authors: Roger Smith & Kirsty Pringle
Roger Smith, Director of The Mothers and Babies Research Centre at the Hunter Medicial Research Institute at University of Newcastle
Kirsty Pringle, Research Fellow in Reproductive Health at University of Newcastle
* NIRS: RAISING REMOTE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT NUMBERS 'POSSIBLE'
- Audio
National Indigenous Radio Service: Raising remote kidney transplant numbers 'possible'
http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/29365/Raising-remote-kidney-tra...
11 Jun 13: "Kidney Health Australia says it is possible to raise the number of kidney transplants for remote community residents, but many challenges lie in way. The lead singer of the pioneering band Yothu Yindi passed away in the Northern Territory last week after a battle with kidney disease. In a statement, his family said they wanted to increase the number of remote transplant recipients."
* NIRS: SNOWDON: NT TO BLAME FOR LACK OF KIDNEY TREATMENT
- Audio
National Indigenous Radio Service: Snowdon: NT to blame for lack of kidney treatment
http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/29364/Snowdon%3A-NT-to-blame-fo...
11 Jun 13: "The Federal Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowdon says the Northern Territory Government is to blame for a lack of treatment options for kidney disease sufferers in the bush. ... Mr. Snowdon says the kidney health is getting worse in the Territory and its sad many people have to pass away from their country."
* BEN COOPER, PORT MACQUARIE NEWS: NEW RESOURCE OFFERS HOPE TO INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
- News
Port Macquarie News: New resource offers hope to indigenous Australians
http://www.portnews.com.au/story/1549527/new-resource-offers-hope-to-ind...
5 Jun 13: "THE launch of a new DVD and online resource last Friday offers great hope to indigenous Australians affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Port Macquarie was chosen for the statewide launch of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW’s engagement plan for Aboriginal communities. The launch coincided with National Reconcilliation Week. Special guests included the head of Alzheimer’s Australia, John Watkins, Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, and chairman of Birpai Aboriginal Land Council, Uncle Bill O’Brien." By Ben Cooper
* NIRS: CONSULTATION PROGRAM WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
- Audio
National Indigenous Radio Service: Consultation program with children with disabilities
http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/29375/Consultation-program-with...
12 Jun 13: "The Western Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People is asking children with a disability to share their daily challenges and give their ideas about how to better support their health and wellbeing. The Speaking Out About Disability consultation program aims to engage with children and young people with disability through an online survey and a series of face-to-face discussions."
* NACCHO NO SMOKES HEALTH NEWS: FRESH RESOURCES GIVE HEALTH WORKERS THE EDGE TO TACKLE INDIGENOUS SMOKING
- News
NACCHO No smokes health news: Fresh resources give health workers the edge to tackle Indigenous smoking
[NACCHO: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation]
http://nacchocommunique.com/2013/06/06/naccho-no-smokes-health-news-fres...
6 Jun 13: "A suite of new No Smokes Health Worker Guides was launched on World No Tobacco Day (Friday, 31 May) providing a culturally relevant toolbox for health workers, including Aboriginal tobacco workers, to tackle Indigenous smoking rates. For your convenience see quick links below to NACCHO resources. No Smokes project leader, Associate Professor Sheree Cairney said that with Indigenous Australians smoking at more than twice the rate of their non-Indigenous counterparts, World No Tobacco Day reminds us why tackling smoking in these communities is a priority."
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