Australia

Early this year an expert panel reported on how indigenous Australians should be recognized in the nation’s constitution. It was hoped a referendum would be put to the people at, or by, the next federal election. That now seems unlikely. So, where to now for indigenous recognition? A special “constitution day” panel discussion on ABC Radio National. It plays for about 53 minutes.

Participants were:

Alison Page

Newsletter date: 13 July 2012

Contents:
* Sisters of Saint Joseph: Younger Sisters Voice their Solidarity
* Background: Calls for 'Stronger Futures' laws to be subject to Human Rights scrutiny
* Craig Longman: Stronger Futures shines a light on a nation’s racism
* Jon Altman: NT intervention: what happened to outcomes?
* Michael Brull: Strong Futures: no evidence things are getting better
* Emma Murphy: Aboriginal rights movement mourns stolen futures
* Eva Cox: Income management starts throughout Australia
* Interview with Eva Cox on the extension of income management

The Lizard's Revenge protest against the expansion of the Olympic Dam mine into the world's largest uranium mine began early yesterday (July 12th). After police announced that road would be blocked to the mine throughout the protest a surprise early contingent including the Lizard itself arrived at the "Gates of Hell". In the spirit of the event music, dancing and generally theatrical freakiness descended upon the gates to the mine. A banner was unveiled declaring "Torch Olympic Dam". Police against protestors to move on but the exclusion zone did not begin until midnight that night. The protest camp begins in earnest on July 14th.
RelatedVideo of base camp set up -- Lizard has arrived video -- Lizard's Revenge Facebook page

Gerry Georgatos
(This is the first time Rex Jnr has given an interview)

Rex Bellotti Jnr was fifteen years old when a police-four-wheel-drive struck him grievously near midnight on a March night in 2006. In an unfettered debacle since the tragic event the Western Australian police have refused to admit adequate culpability and the now 18 year old is still waiting for the State Insurer's payout.

I have written over 70,000 words on this young man and of the incident that wrecked many of his dreams.