Newsletter date: 6 July 2011
Contents:
* Interviews with Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra about the Government’s consultation process
* New round of consultations in the NT over the intervention
* Petition to Jenny Macklin: A Fair Go for Aboriginal People in the NT
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 17 events
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* INTERVIEWS WITH REV DR DJINIYINI GONDARRA ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S CONSULTATION PROCESS:
- The Audio Interviews
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra voices concerns on Government’s consultation process
http://caama.com.au/rev-dr-djiniyini-gondarra-voices-concerns-on-governm...
4 Jul 11: "Adding his voice to the many across the country expressing concern about the Gillard Labor Government’s consultation processes, Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra speaks to Paul Wiles on Strong Voices. Dr Gondarra, along with other elders in the top end, is concerned that the consultation process was started too soon after Government’s announcement, and the release of the discussion paper which forms the basis of the talks."
PAW Media: Rev Dr Gondarra interview with Harry Nelson
http://www.pawmedia.com.au/library/rev-dr-gondarra-interview-with-harry-...
27 Jun 11: "Yuendumu resident Harry Nelson and Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra discuss Rev Dr Gondarra's official response to the Federal government's announcement of a second Intervention in the Northern Territory. Rev Dr Gondarra is a senior Dhurili Clan leader of the Yolngu peoples of Northeast Arnhem Land."
- Media Release
Response to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard's announcement of a Second Intervention in the Northern Territory
By Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/MR-Dr-Djiniyini-Gondarra-Re...
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/consultations-mid-2011/MR-by-Rev-Dr...
Our Generation: [download document] http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Djiniyini-Res...
26 Jun 11: "The Government and the people of Australia are only able to achieve true reconciliation with Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory if the environment for negotiation is changed and justice, that was so brutally removed by the Intervention, is restored. Only through respectful dialogue and working together can we call Australia a nation based on the principles of democracy.
Future negotiations will rely upon: ... [click in above link to the read five points made]"
See:
Our Generation: Aboriginal leaders respond to "next intervention" (June 11)
http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/2011/06/aboriginal-leaders-respond-to-ne...
WGAR News: Reactions to government discussion paper: 'Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory' (24 Jun 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/24/wgar-news-reactions-to-government-dis...
WGAR News: More reactions to Government discussion paper and consultations (29 Jun 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest...
WGAR News: New round of Government consultations in the NT over the Intervention (1 Jul 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/01/wgar-news-new-round-of-government-con...
See more about Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
Message from a Traditional Owner of Elcho Island, North East Arnhem Land (8 Mar 09)
By Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/your-voice/dr-djiniyini-gondarra-oam
WGAR News: Aboriginal elder raises international awareness of the NT Intervention (14 May 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/14/wgar-news-aboriginal-elder-raises-int...
WGAR News: Global call to action for Aboriginal rights in Australia (17 May 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/17/wgar-news-global-call-to-action-for-a...
Dhurili Nation considers court action, while Prime Minister celebrates historic agreement in Gove Peninsula, NT (7 Jun 11)
By Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra, OAM (on behalf of the Dhurili Nation)
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/your-voice/dr-djiniyini-gondarra-oa...
WGAR News: NT traditional land owners claim they were not consulted about mining deal (11 Jun 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/11/wgar-news-nt-traditional-land-owners-...
* NEW ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS IN THE NT OVER THE INTERVENTION:
- Letter
Open Letter To Hon. Jenny Macklin MP
By Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL, Hon Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC and Hon Ian Viner AO QC
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/consultations-mid-2011/letter-from-...
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
4 Jul 11: "As to the consultations, it is also now clear that not only are they are being conducted in haste but without proper consideration. If, as in the past, the consultations are carried out by public servants according to a rote process that is not properly recorded and without the aid of suitable interpreters, such consultations will be utterly flawed as were the previous ones.
We also think it is extremely important that they be observed by an independent source and not from contracted consultants as occurred in 2009. The UN should be involved for this purpose and we strongly suggest this option be explored. Failing this it is essential that observers are entirely independent of Government and in no way financially dependent on it."
[Click on above link to read many more points made.]
- Media Release
Decision to include interpreters in Northern Territory consultations welcome, but concerns remain
http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/NewsAndViews/Pages/DECISION-TO-INCL...
5 Jul 11: "Dr Philip Freier, the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, has today welcomed the decision by the Hon. Jenny Macklin, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, to include interpreters in the Northern Territory consultations over the Intervention and the discussion paper 'Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory.' ...
He added: "At the same time I reiterate my concern that as the discussion paper 'Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory' has only been published in English, this will be a barrier to understanding and genuine consultation for many Indigenous Australians.
"I therefore urge the Government to make available a summary of the paper’s key points in Indigenous languages.""
- Analysis / Opinion
The Conversation: The Intervention: Government’s refusal to consult damages community relations
http://theconversation.edu.au/the-intervention-governments-refusal-to-co...
5 Jul 11: "The federal government’s consultation process on the next phase of the "Intervention' in the Northern Territory is excluding those to whom it matters most: Indigenous communities. ... Nearly two weeks ago Macklin released a discussion paper titled "Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory" allegedly written to inform the consultation process. What a shame, then that the timing of the consultation process and the release of the paper repeats past mistakes that have undermined Indigenous confidence in government policy making." Sarah Maddison
WA Today: Latest chapter ignores the fatal flaw in Territory intervention
http://www.watoday.com.au/opinion/politics/latest-chapter-ignores-the-fa...
4 Jul 11: "But consultation will not likely be enough. The international evidence is compelling in showing that listening to indigenous people is by itself insufficient to bring about real change. This is the most important finding of the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. It has run hundreds of research studies over more than two decades on what does and does not work in Native American communities. Its most important finding is that ''sovereignty matters''." George Williams
- News
Tennant & District Times: Outspoken Indigenous activist labels Intervention consultation a SHAM
http://tennantcreek.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/outspoken-i...
1 Jul 11: "INDIGENOUS Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin was warned against using the plight of Indigenous Territorians as a 'photo opportunity' at the first consultation into the future of the Intervention. The President of the Barkly Shire was close to tears as she begged the Federal Minister to take the issues surrounding the talks seriously. Rosalie Kunoth-Monks told the crowd of around 75 at the consultation in Tennant Creek on Tuesday that she would have to "try hard to believe" the Minister would listen to peoples’ concerns."
* PETITION TO JENNY MACKLIN: A FAIR GO FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE IN THE NT
Treaty Republic: Petition to Jenny Macklin
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/petition-jenny-macklin
"We encourage you to sign this letter-petition and also to write to Minister Jenny Macklin and Julia Gillard MP regarding the continuing injustice of the situation in the Northern Territory."
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 17 EVENTS:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
Event: Ongoing: James Price Point, Kimberley, WA
Kimberley gas plant protest camp and blockade
Protest and blockade updates: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/blog/
Save the Kimberley info: http://www.savethekimberley.com/
Kimberley protest info: http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/
Broome NO GAS: http://www.kimberleypage.com.au/tag/broome/
Event: 27 May to Sun 9 October 2011: Kalgoorlie, WA
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
Event: Thu 30 June to Sun 17 July 2011: Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Exhibition: Stars, Sky, Breeze, Trees
Photo artist: Jagath Dheerasekara
Gallery: At The Vanishing Point
Gallery Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10am-6pm
Event details: http://www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au/index.php?p=1_2_Future-Exhibitions
Artist statement and event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/47966
Article: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Magazine/sundaytimesmagazine_01.html
Photos: http://jd.photoshelter.com/
Event: Wed 6 to Sun 10 July 2011: Albury, NSW
Conference: Students of Sustainability
Thu 7 July Programme includes:
* The fight against the Muckaty nuclear waste
* Fighting the Intervention
* The Campaign for James Price Point
* Fighting for Land Justice
* Film: Wiradjuri Forever: Lake Cowal
Students of Sustainability 2011: http://studentsofsustainability.org/
Programme: http://studentsofsustainability.org/wp-content/media/SOS-Programme.pdf
Event: Fri 8 July 2011: Carlton, Melbourne, Vic
Forum: Rebuilding from the ground up.
The grassroots alternative to the failed NT Intervention
Speakers: Valerie Martin (from Yuendumu)
& speakers from Indigenous communities affected by the Intervention
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/taxonomy/term/2663
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/forum-with-valerie-martin-from-yuendumu-and-chri...
Event: Sat 9 July 2011: Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Open Forum Discussion:
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture
Hear from Traditional Owners, Neil Mckenzie and Kerrianne Cox
Media Release and event details: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
Flyer: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/ccr-hub-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Redfe...
Event: Mon 11 July 2011: Mona Vale, Sydney, NSW
Information Night: Aboriginal Support Group (ASG)
Manly Warringah Pittwater
Film: Murundak - songs of freedom
Event details: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm
Film details: http://murundakdocumentary.com/
Flyer: http://www.asgmwp.net/Muranduk%20information%20night.pdf
Event: Sun 24 July 2011: Avalon, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Poster: http://www.asgmwp.net/avalon-OG.pdf
Event: Thu 28 July 2011: Carlton, Melbourne, Vic
Gary Foley speaks on the history of Aboriginal resistance
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/gary-foley-speaks-on-the-history-of-aboriginal-r...
Event: Tue 9 August 2011: Adelaide, SA
'Our Generation' Community Screening
With open panel discussion including:
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Tue 9 August 2011: Gymea, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Wed 10 August 2011: Manly, Sydney, NSW
'Our Generation' Community Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Event: Thu 18 August - Sun 30 October 2011: Wiluna to Perth, WA
Walk Away from Uranium Mining
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/walk-away-from-uranium-mining
Event details: http://www.nuclearfreefuture.com/
Walk Schedule: http://footprints.footprintsforpeace.net/nffcampaign/upload/files/Wiluna...
Event: Fri 26 - Sun 28 August 2011: Kalkarindji/Daguragu, NT
Gurindji Walkoff from Wave Hill
- 45th Anniversary Commemoration
Event location and details: http://www.gurindjifreedomday.com/
Event: Wed 7 Sep 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous Social Justice Association:
Discussion of Justice Reinvestment
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/indigenous-social-justice-association-discussion...
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: Fri 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...
* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- Audio
3 CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Stick Together - 4 Jul 2011
4 Jul 11: "First up, Paddy Gibson, organiser with the Stop the Intervention Collective in Sydney, on the current state of indigenous workers rights in the Northern Territory. ... "
Download this interview: http://podcast.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2011-07-03-37585.mp3
- Analysis / Opinion
Solidarity: Protests say: Alternative to Intervention needed
http://www.solidarity.net.au/36/protests-say-alternative-to-intervention...
July 2011: "On June 21, hundreds of Aboriginal people and supporters marched in the biggest Aboriginal rights demonstration seen in Darwin since John Howard announced the Intervention in 2007. The demonstration launched a statement, Rebuilding from the Ground Up: An Alternative to the Intervention. This eleven-point program was initiated by the anti-Intervention campaign and endorsed by a Prescribed Area Peoples’ Alliance meeting representing more than 15 language groups on the day before the rally." Jean Parker and Paddy Gibson
See:
Jumbunna: "Rebuilding from the Ground Up" Alternatives to the Northern Territory Intervention
http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/alternatives.html
Solidarity: 'They should not be able to have that power over us'
http://www.solidarity.net.au/36/%E2%80%98they-should-not-be-able-to-have...
July 2011: "Aunty Carol Carter from the Bankstown area spoke to Solidarity about the decision to make it one of the new trial sites for Income Management"
Solidarity: Bankstown says no to Income Management
http://www.solidarity.net.au/36/bankstown-says-no-to-income-management/
July 2011: "Local Aboriginal groups, migrant organisations and community workers are coming together in Bankstown to stand up against Income Management (IM), set to be introduced in the Western Sydney suburb in July 2012. ... More than 60 people attended a Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) lunch time forum in Bankstown on June 20 to hear about the hardship and discrimination suffered by Aboriginal communities forced onto IM under the Northern Territory Intervention." Paddy Gibson
WSWS: Australia: Labor’s "welfare quarantining" trials target unemployed
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/jul2011/welf-j01.shtml
1 Jul 11: "In May, the Labor government of Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a series of punitive measures targeting the unemployed as part of its federal budget. Alongside more onerous workforce "participation requirements" for welfare recipients, trials are to commence next year of compulsory income management, or "welfare quarantining." These measures will make life increasingly unbearable for welfare recipients and force them to accept whatever work is available, no matter how insecure, temporary or low-paid." Will Morrow
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Northern Territory National Emergency Response: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Territory_intervention
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights...
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/
MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/
New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention
Amnesty International Australia: Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/
Students For Indigenous Rights - UQ: The Northern Territory Intervention: http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-fact...
Defending Indigenous Rights: http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/
Intervention walk-off's Blog: http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/
Australian Human Rights Commission: Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response' intervention: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html
FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC: Australia's compliance with CERD - Fact Sheet 2: Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf
Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732
WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights): http://wgar.wordpress.com/
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Analysis / Opinion
The Guardian: The invasion of Australia
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/01/invasion-australia-f...
1 Jul 11: "The City of Sydney council has voted to replace the words "European arrival" in the official record with "invasion". The deputy lord mayor, Marcelle Hoff, says it is intellectually dishonest to use any other word to describe how Aboriginal Australia was dispossessed by the British. "We were invaded," said Paul Morris, an Aboriginal adviser to the council. "It is the truth and shouldn't be watered down. We wouldn't expect Jewish people to accept a watered-down version of the Holocaust, so why should we?"" John Pilger
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Tent Embassy Reunion!
http://caama.com.au/tent-embassy-reunion
30 Jun 11: "Down in Canberra a reunion of the original tent embassy has taken place. Aboriginal rights campaigner Sam Watson, an old friend of CAAMA attended the reunion. He speaks to Paul Wiles on Strong Voices, to tell us all about it and the history of the tent embassy."
The Wire: Police arrest - protesters at Kimberly Woodside gas site
[scroll down page] http://www.thewire.org.au/daydetail.aspx?SearchDay=2011-07-05
5 Jul 11: "Protesters against a controversial gas hub site in the Kimberley were dispersed by police today. Woodside Petroleum is the main company behind the proposed operations for liquefied natural gas. They've been met with fierce resistance from the locals - who've been blocking the site for 30 days. A stand off between police and activists at James Price Point led to 10 people being arrested. Those removed from the site reportedly included an elderly Indigenous woman who was forcibly carried away in her wheelchair. Interview with Nik Wevers from the Broome NO GAS community group."
- Media Release
Rachel Siewert: JPP arrests a 'sad reflection' on WA - Greens
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/jpp-arrests...
5 Jul 11: "The Australian Greens said today the arrest and forcible removal of protesters from James Price Point is an indictment on the process being undertaken to develop a LNG hub in the area.
WA Senators Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam have today called for the Environment Minister to put a stop to any land clearing at James Price Point until heritage and environmental assessments have been completed.
"Aboriginal people have been arrested while protesting in protection of their land during NAIDOC Week. This is a sad reflection on Western Australia," Senator Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on the Kimberley and Aboriginal Issues said today."
- News
West Australian: Gas protesters defiant as deal signed
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/business/9760024/gas-prote...
30 Jun 11: "The proposed $30 billion gas processing precinct at James Price point is a step closer after traditional owners, the State Government and Woodside finalised a heads of agreement to secure access to land this morning. ... But protesters were defiant this morning, calling on Aboriginal people around the country to "fight to the death" to protect the land and pledging to blockade the site for as long as it took."
See:
WGAR News: Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade (28 Jun 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest...
- Video
Melbourne Protests Weblog:
Protest as Martin Ferguson arrives at Growth Conference in Melbourne, 30 June 2011
http://melbourneprotests.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/protest-as-martin-ferg...
30 Jun 11: "The speakers list at a conference entitled 'Growth Challenge - Riding the Resources Boom to Lasting Prosperity' had been described as "A Who’s who that's Screwing You" (callout on Melbourne Indymedia), but in the event it was only Energy and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson who attracted a concerted protest, courtesy of Friends of the Earth ACE collective, who brought Mr Nuke Death with them … "
See:
Beyond Nuclear Initiative: http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/
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