Dear P.M,
We wish to formally register our opposition to the drastic cuts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs in the 2014 Federal budget.
The Coalition’s Intervention in this country is still traumatising communities. Therefore the budget cuts further compound the oppression and defeat any chance of Self-determination.
If this is the Coalition’s intention we sincerely advise that the Coalition desists and takes a more Humanitarian approach to this country’s First Nations Peoples, consistent with International U.N Human Rights standards.
We remind you that the wealth of this country comes from Aboriginal Land and Aboriginal Peoples hold the oldest cultures and languages in the world.
We are appalled by the Coalition’s attempt to mainstream, that is assimilate, First Nations Peoples into the illegally occupied colonial society: an example of this is the way Aboriginal children are being removed from their families at a faster rate than ever before (one in ten Aboriginal children in NSW) while the foster families are being paid approximately $30,000 per annum, per child. Removing children from the group is a definition of genocide.
The 2014 budget is another facet of genocide policy which creates conditions of life set to destroy the group in whole or in part, as well as compounding the mental harm to members of the group. [1948 Convention on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide].
As a matter of urgency we encourage the Coalition to fund Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations for the long term.
Yours Sincerely,
Ffionnan Brooke-Watson
Convenor
WGAR
28/5/14
Keri James
WGAR
28/5/14
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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Appendix:
WGAR NEWSLETTERS ON THE 2014 FEDERAL BUDGET:
WGAR News: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the 2014 Federal Budget (20 May 14)
http://indymedia.org.au/2014/05/19/wgar-news-aboriginal-peoples-and-the-...
"Contents:
* Amy McQuire, The Guardian: Cash for jails: Tony Abbott's budget for Indigenous Australia
* Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: "Warren Mundine, show your face," Tauto Sansbury [Featuring Tauto Sansbury]
* Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Chris Graham speaking about and breaking down the recently announced Australian Budget
* Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Mary Graham & Monica Morgan about the upcoming Budget announcement
* NACCHO: CONGRESS 2014 Budget Response: Concern over impact of the Budget on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
* NACCHO: NACCHO Budget Response: Pressure on Indigenous health outcomes
* Statement by SNAICC Chairperson, Sharron Williams: Budget cuts will hurt Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
* SNAICC Media Release: End the damaging stalemate NOW on funding for Aboriginal Children and Family Centres
* Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT): ALS News: An update on our services
* IAHA Media Release - Allied Health Flies Under Budget Radar
* ANTaR: A shocking Budget for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people ...
* Reconciliation Australia: 2014-15 Federal Budget Summary ... "
WGAR News: This budget could devastate Indigenous Australians: Mick Gooda, ABC The Drum (22 May 14)
http://indymedia.org.au/2014/05/22/wgar-news-this-budget-could-devastate...
"Contents:
* Mick Gooda, ABC The Drum: This budget could devastate Indigenous Australians
* Joint Press Release - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders call for scrapping of co-payments
* Joline Samawi, The Wire: Aboriginal leaders upset over co-payments [Featuring Jill Gallagher and Justin Mohamed]
* NIRS: Call to give Aboriginal Medical Centres a Co-payment break
* NIRS: GP co-payment 'removes safety net to health' ...
* SNAICC News: Where to now for Aboriginal Child and Family Centres?
* CAAMA Radio: Congress Get Cuts [Featuring Congress Co-Chair Kirstie Parker] ...
* Marnie Round, Radio Adelaide: Budget Cuts Won't Help Close The Gap [Featuring Dr Tom Calma] ... "
WGAR News: Where to now? Budget reveals attacks against Culture and our connection to our Land: Dr Woolombi Waters, The Stringer (1 Jun 14)
http://indymedia.org.au/2014/05/31/wgar-news-where-to-now-budget-reveals...
"Contents:
* Pam Reilly, CAAMA Radio: New Charges to see a Doctor...Death Tax for Aboriginal people [Featuring John Paterson, CEO, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT]
* Dr Woolombi Waters, The Stringer: Where to now? Budget reveals attacks against Culture and our connection to our Land [Courtesy of The National Indigenous Times]
* WGAR: Open Letter: WGAR advocates long-term funding for Aboriginal community controlled organisations
* ANTaR: Budget Response 2014: Take Action! Write to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs
* Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Federal Budget hits hardest the most vulnerable ...
* Robert Crawford, South Coast Register: Budget 2014: 'We risk a new stolen generation' ...
* Lighting Fires: Liam McNicholas: Indigenous early learning budgets cuts are cruel and inexplicable
* Cate Swannell, MJA InSight: Budget threat to Indigenous health ...
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: Budget cuts threaten future Closing the Gap outcomes
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: PMC job cuts to affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
* WGAR News: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the 2014 Federal Budget (20 May 14)
* WGAR News: This budget could devastate Indigenous Australians: Mick Gooda, ABC The Drum (22 May 14)"
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
About WGAR News:
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-abo...