WGAR News: Petition calling for a national moratorium on government’s income management

Submitted by WGAR - Working ... on Tue, 06/09/2011 - 11:57am

Newsletter date: 6 September 2011

Contents:
* Indigenous groups challenge 'Doctrine of Christian Discovery and Domination'
* Petition calling for a moratorium on Income Management
* Upcoming 'Save the Kimberley' events
* Environmentalists: Kimberley Heritage listing inadequate
* AMSANT: Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker
* Unions support Aboriginal opposition to nuclear waste dump
* Remembering Wave Hill Walk-Off
* Sydney activists celebrate Wave Hill Walk-Off
* "Walk With Us" presents views of NT Elders on Intervention
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 33 events from 6 September 2011
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles

* INDIGENOUS GROUPS CHALLENGE 'DOCTRINE OF CHRISTIAN DISCOVERY AND DOMINATION':

- News Analysis

Truthout: Indigenous Groups Challenge Doctrine of Christian Discovery and Domination
http://www.truth-out.org/indigenous-groups-challenge-doctrine-christian-...
22 Jul 11: "Romero was speaking at a side event about the root of the problems affecting her people - the dehumanization caused by the "Doctrine of Christian Discovery." The "doctrine," which will be the theme of next year's highly anticipated UNPFII, would have sounded like
conspiracy not too long ago. Today, thanks to exhaustive research by indigenous scholars and law researchers, the doctrine has been brought front and center." Jason Coppola

- Interview

Spiritual Space Magazine: Aboriginal Spirituality: insights from an Australian Aboriginal senior man
http://spiritualspace.com.au/aboriginal-spirituality/
30 Aug 11: "What do you think is the biggest misconception about Aboriginal spirituality?
[Michael Williams:] People try to make sense of it from their own perspective [spiritual] and do not often open themselves up to knowing it from the inside. ... By the time the British and others arrived on Australian shores they had long-established behaviours relating to Indigenous cultures. With this entrenched behaviour, coupled with Christianity and Missionary zealousness, there was little chance of Aboriginal spirituality being assessed from a standpoint of respect and a desire to understand it on its own terms."

* PETITION CALLING FOR A MORATORIUM ON INCOME MANAGEMENT:

- Petition

Petition to call for a moratorium on Government’s Income Management:
http://www.sayno2gim.info/index.php/2-uncategorised/10-petition

- Media Releases

Call for moratorium on Income Management following release of damning study
http://www.sayno2gim.info/download/Media_Release_21_Aug_2011_Call_for_a_...
21 Aug 11: "The 'Say No to Government’s Income Management: Not in Bankstown, Not Anywhere' campaign coalition has joined with groups opposing the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention to launch a petition calling for a national moratorium on Income Management.
The call comes following the release of a report by the Women's Equality Rights Alliance last Friday examining the experiences of more than 180 women on Income Management in the NT. 'The Women’s Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory' report shows that the vast majority of women surveyed wanted to exit Income Management. The report also documents a disturbing range of problems with the system.
The petition for a moratorium that is being launched calls for the government to:
1. Abandon plans to expand Income Management to the five 'trial sites' in 2012, including Bankstown in south-west Sydney;
2. Grant immediate amnesty to all people seeking to exit Income Management in the NT, Western Australia and Queensland;
3. Redirect spending planned for Income Management into employment creation and social services. ..."

Rachel Siewert: Income management targets the vulnerable - Greens
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/income-mana...
30 Aug 11: "The Australian Greens said today the Government should abandon compulsory income management and plans to expand it into other centres, such as Bankstown, in the face of an ever-growing body of evidence highlighting the detrimental effect of the policy. "The personal degradation caused by this policy is clear in a recent study into women and income management," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens community services spokesperson said today. "This policy inherently targets the most vulnerable people in our community," Senator Siewert said. ... "The Equality Rights Alliance’s report Women’s Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory found the policy had, in many cases, led to social exclusion, loss of self-respect, and confusion and had little impact on women’s spending habits."

- Audio

The Wire: 'Discrimination by postcode': welfare quarantining to be rolled out in southwest Sydney
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8379
29 Aug 11: "Welfare groups and residents in the southwest suburb of Bankstown have condemned a Federal Government plan to roll out welfare quarantining beyond the Northern Territory to five trial sites across Australia, including Bankstown in NSW, from next July. The contentious policy, also called ‘income management’, was a central part of the government’s Northern Territory Intervention strategy introduced in 2007. At a rally outside federal Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek’s office in the Sydney CBD on Friday, members from a coalition of 40 Bankstown community groups called for a moratorium on income management. ...
Featured in story:
Metro Migrant Resource Centre chief executive Violet Roumeliotis
Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning social policy researcher Eva Cox
Bankstown Aboriginal Elder Daphne Lake
Bankstown residents"

- News Analysis

Solidarity: New evidence damns Income Management
http://www.solidarity.net.au/38/new-evidence-damns-income-management/
September 2011: "A NEW report has damned Labor’s income management policy. The report is from the Equal Rights Alliance (ERA), representing more than 50 groups advocating for women’s rights. ... More than 180 women with direct experience of Income Management participated in surveys and focus groups, making this the most extensive study of the system. Seventy-nine per cent said they wanted to exit Income Management immediately. ... The campaign against the NT Intervention has initiated a petition demanding a moratorium on Income Management. The petition is also sponsored by a new coalition in Bankstown, “Say No to Government Income Management”, formed following the announcement in May that Bankstown would be one of the five new “trial sites” for Income Management. Their founding statement, published in the local press, gained endorsement from more than 40 organisations, including Unions NSW, the Migrant Resource Centre, Catholic Care and Uniting Care." Paddy Gibson

See:

Welcome to the campaign website of Say No to Government’s Income Management, Not in Bankstown, Not Anywhere!
http://www.sayno2gim.info/

WGAR News: Interview with Randa Kattan about expansion of Income Management to Vic, NSW, Qld and SA (27 Jul 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/28/wgar-news-interview-with-randa-kattan...

Report: Equality Rights Alliance: Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory
http://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/projects/womens-experience-inco...

WGAR News: Interview with Equality Rights Alliance's Emma Davidson (23 Aug 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/08/23/wgar-news-book-launch-walk-with-us-ab...

WGAR News: Interviews with Emma Davidson of Equality Rights Alliance (28 Aug 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/08/28/wgar-news-45th-anniversary-of-gurindj...

* UPCOMING 'SAVE THE KIMBERLEY' EVENTS:

Event: Ongoing protest: James Price Point, Kimberley, WA
Kimberley gas plant protest
Save the Kimberley info: http://www.savethekimberley.com/
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aborigina...
Aboriginal elder Elsta Foy at the protest camp: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3296152.htm
Protest updates: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/blog/
Environs Kimberley: http://www.environskimberley.org.au/
Kimberley info: http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/
Kimberley Country and Culture: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/whats-the-fuss/country-culture/
WGAR News: Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade (28 Jun 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest...
WGAR News: 25 protesters arrested at JPP blockade (9 Jul 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/09/wgar-news-25-protesters-arrested-at-j...

Event: Fri 9 September 2011: Manly, Sydney, NSW
A International Conference of Eco Ideas:
Home: http://mec.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=6&Ite...
Program: http://mec.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=16:program&Itemid...
12.30 pm: Campaigning with Indigenous Communities:
* Neil McKenzie - 'Save the Kimberley'
* Dr Anne Poelina - 'Save the Kimberley'

Event: Sat 10 September 2011: Manly, Sydney, NSW
A International Conference of Eco Ideas:
Home: http://mec.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=6&Ite...
Program: http://mec.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=16:program&Itemid...
11.00 am: The Wilderness Society 'Save the Kimberley' Launch:
* Lyndon Schneiders, National Campaign Director of The Wilderness
Society
* Neil McKenzie
* Dr Anne Poelina

Event: Sat 10 September 2011: Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Save the Kimberley Benefit Gig
Supported by SASEN (SA Student Enviro Network) &
The Wilderness Society
"A night of music, speakers and banner painting awaits you!!"
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/adelaide-save-the-kimberley-benefit-gig

Event: Sun 23 October 2011: Bendigo, Vic
A Benefit for the Kimberley
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171353649603731
Flyer: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/276751_171...

Event: Sat 19 November 2011: Annandale, Sydney, NSW
Save the Kimberley: Cans for Country, Songs for change!
"A super sick show with super sick bands, to help raise
funds and awareness to aid in the fight against the WA
Government and Woodsides attempted destruction of the
Kimberley Coast"
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/

* ENVIRONMENTALISTS: KIMBERLEY HERITAGE LISTING INADEQUATE:

- Audio

The Wire: Kimberley protection no comfort to environmentalists
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8389
31 Aug 11: "Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today announced that 19 million hectares of the west Kimberly will be given national heritage listing - with the exception of the controversial area earmarked for gas drilling. James Price Point, the site of Woodside's proposed 30 billion dollar gas hub, will be excised from the listing. Environmentalists descibe the announcement as 'greenwash' and say they will push on with their campaign to save the Kimberley from mining. ...
Featured in story: Heidi Nore, manager of The Wilderness Society's Kimberley campaign"

- Media Release

Rachel Siewert: Greens: Kimberley must not be surrendered for short term greed
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/kimberley-m...
31 Aug 11: "Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on the Kimberley says heritage listing announcement for the West Kimberley demonstrates why the area must not be given up to the short term greed of the resource boom. ... "It is unfortunate that today’s announcement does nothing to protect the Kimberley from the construction of the proposed LNG factory at James Price Point."

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Heritage listing falls short: Environmentalists
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6242...
2 Sep 11: "Environmental groups say the federal government's Heritage listing of parts of the Kimberley region of Western Australia doesn't go far enough to protect the outstanding natural values of the region. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has announced that more than 19 million hectares of the west Kimberley will be given National Heritage listing. However, the listing doesn't include Woodside's controversial proposed gas hub project at James Price Point."

Tracker: Kimberley heritage listing too weak: Green groups
http://tracker.org.au/2011/09/kimberley-heritage-listing-too-weak-green-...
1 Sep 11: "WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The heritage listing of parts of the Kimberley doesn’t go far enough to protect the outstanding natural values of the region in northern Western Australia, environmental groups say. But they also say federal recognition of the need to protect a dinosaur track along the Dampier Peninsula coast could pose problems for a proposed gas hub at James Price Point, 60km north of Broome."

SMH: 'What's the point?': tourism questions west Kimberley heritage listing
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whats-the-point-tourism-questions-west...
1 Sep 11: "Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said his decision to add almost 20 million hectares of the west Kimberley to the National Heritage List - the largest area to be listed in Australian history - would preserve culturally and naturally significant sites but would not automatically shut-down the area to development. However, the decision was criticised from all sides, with conservationists calling for the James Price Point project near Broome to be included and industries and the state government slamming the blanket approach."

ABC: Kimberley heritage listing under fire
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-31/kimberley-heritage-listing-under-f...
1 Sep 11: "There has been swift criticism of the Federal Government's announcement of National Heritage Listing for the west Kimberley region of Western Australia. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke announced on Wednesday more than 19 million hectares of the Kimberley region would be heritage listed. But environmentalists are unhappy the listing will not stop development in the Kimberley region, in particular, the gas hub proposal for James Price Point, north of Broome, which was left out of the process."

SMH: Minister confirms west Kimberley heritage listing
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/minister-confirms-west-kimberley-herit...
31 Aug 11: "Almost 20 million hectares of the west Kimberley will be heritage listed, but the area around the James Price Point gas processing hub has been excluded, in a controversial decision confirmed this morning."

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 29-08-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-29-08-2011
29 Aug 11: "protests over the proposed gas hub at james price point near broom in WA escalated late last week when police were called in to remove demonstrators who were blocking a road preventing woodsides drilling rigs from entering the site."

- Related Media Release

Rachel Siewert: Greens: Wikileaks cables cast doubt on LNG hub legitimacy
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/wikileaks-c...
1 Sep 11: "Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says Wikileaks cables about the development of a gas hub at James Price Point cast increasing doubt over the legitimacy of the development. In Broome today, Senator Siewert called on the hub’s joint venture partners to reassess their involvement in the project after cables indicated there was Government pressure on them to accept Woodside's choice of development pathway."

- Related News

National Indigenous Times: Chains, blockades as the gas hub protest continues
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22723
1 Sep 11: "Protests and blockades resumed at the controversial gas hub project site near Broome in Western Australia last week as anger among the town’s residents increased with claims Woodside was carrying out work on the site that had yet to be approved by the Federal Government. A series of protests took place with protestors chaining themselves to machinery and equipment on several separate occasions. Two women chained themselves to a concreted 44 gallon drum to block a convoy of Woodside trucks and another woman was arrested earlier after she locked herself onto a low-loader trailer."

National Indigenous Radio Service: Shock turn-around by Kimberley Land Council
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6234...
1 Sep 11: "The man who spearheaded negotiations over a controversial gas plant, north of Broome, has withdrawn his support for the project. In June, Kimberley Land Council director Wayne Bergmann helped traditional owners of the site negotiate a $1.5 billion benefits package with Woodside and the State Government. But, in a surprise about-turn, Mr Bergmann said the plant at James Price Point should not be given the go-ahead."

West Australian: Native title deal leader withdraws gas hub support
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/10161359/native-title-deal-leade...
1 Sep 11: "The architect of the native title deal that paved the way for the James Price Point gas hub is withdrawing his support for the project. Former Kimberley Land Council boss Wayne Bergmann led the negotiations that culminated in a deal struck in May when Premier Colin Barnett praised him for his tireless work securing the benefits for the Aboriginal community. ... But in a shock about-face, Mr Bergmann told the ABC yesterday the liquefied natural gas project should not go ahead."

National Indigenous Radio Service: Police slam Kimberley protesters
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6223...
31 Aug 11: "Police have labelled protesters campaigning against the Kimberley gas hub as "selfish" and recommended Woodside take legal action to recoup costs. The protest against the LNG precinct north of Broome flared up at the weekend when four protesters chained themselves to machinery and a drum of concrete on the road to James Price Point."

Koori Mail: No Gas campaign rumbles on
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Aug 11: "PROTESTERS continue to stymie developer Woodside’s efforts to undertake investigative works at the site of a planned multi-billion gas hub at James Price Point near Broome. Despite some of their number being arrested, several women locked themselves on to company machinery on Friday and yesterday to prevent Woodside workers moving in. The gas proposal has in-principle agreement from some native title claimants but Broome Community No Gas Campaign spokesperson Nik Wevers says the 'vast majority' of the Broome community opposes it."

Green Left: Bid to save Kimberley: Locals, protesters defy Woodside and gov't
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48645
27 Aug 11: "A convoy of 30 trucks and cars loaded with drilling equipment and workers from energy company Woodside set out from Broome in northern Western Australia at 2.30am on August 26. It was heading for James Price Point. Two protesters locked onto two vehicles when the convoy arrived and another two locked onto a strong point on the road, halting the convoy. The action was the latest drama in a vibrant local campaign against a planned gas hub at James Price Point. A community blockade at the site has been in place for the past three months."

* AMSANT: YEAR OF THE ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER:

- Media Releases

Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT):
Closing the Gap through caring for our people: Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker launched
http://www.amsant.org.au/documents/article/83/110901-MR-JP-YAHW%20Launch...
1 Sep 11: "That’s all we ask from of the year ahead:
* a recognition of the profession of Aboriginal Health Workers, and the fundamentally important role they play in improving the health of our people.
* equity in the treatment of Aboriginal Health Workers in housing and benefits that accrue to other health professions, such as nurses and GPs;
* the commitment and resources to grow the profession to build on the successes we have in Aboriginal Comprehensive Primary Health Care; and
* a recognition of the vital role our Aboriginal Health Workers have in Closing the Gap in Aboriginal health outcomes."

Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT):
Health Worker veterans honoured as patrons of the Year Of the Aboriginal Health Worker
http://amsant.org.au/documents/article/83/110901-MR-PA-YAHW%20Patrons.pdf
1 Sep 11: ""Two of the Northern Territory’s longest serving Aboriginal Health Workers were honoured as co-patrons for the Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker in Katherine, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory [AMSANT] Board member Paula Arnol announced today. "Jack Little was first recruited as an Aboriginal Health Worker by the legendary Dr John Hargreaves," said Ms Arnol. ... "Kathy Abbott is an Arrernte woman who was a trailblazer in Aboriginal health in Central Australia, being recruited by Trevor Cutter in the early 1970s."

Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT):
We want action on Aboriginal Health Worker training
http://amsant.org.au/documents/article/83/110901-MR-PA-YAHW%20Launch.pdf
1 Sep 11: "Key opportunities to improve Aboriginal health would be lost unless there is immediate action to improve Aboriginal Health Worker training, Aboriginal Medical Services Northern Territory Board Member Paula Arnol said today. "We have a profession that is acknowledged as a key to improving the health of our people that is collapsing because no one will take responsibility for properly resourcing the training of Aboriginal Health Workers," said Ms Arnol. "Over the past 20 years there have been endless reports and studies telling us we need more Aboriginal Health Workers. "Instead we face a profession critical to the health of our people that seems to be in terminal decline in the Northern Territory."

* UNIONS SUPPORT ABORIGINAL OPPOSITION TO NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

- News

MUA: Unions Pledge Support To Oppose Nuclear Waste Dump
http://www.mua.org.au/news/unions-pledge-support-to-oppose-nuclear-waste...
23 Aug 11: "Trade union officials have pledged support to traditional owners who oppose the construction of a nuclear waste dump on their land. The delegation met in Tennant Creek last week where they were received by Muckaty traditional owners and community members. ... Aboriginal women danced for the union officials who later spoke to the crowd about their commitment to hindering the construction and operation of the proposed nuclear storage facility. ... The Senate is yet to vote on legislation written specifically to allow the nuclear dump to proceed at Muckaty. ... Meanwhile, a legal challenge to the Federal Government’s waste dump plans at Muckaty will be heard in October."

See:

Unions NT Resolves to Fight Radioactive Waste Dump (12 Apr 11)
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/media-releases/

WGAR News: Muckaty Voices and Our Generation screening at 'Down Under Berlin - Australian Film Festival'
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/08/23/wgar-news-book-launch-walk-with-us-ab...

Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News
http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/

- Related News

Green Left: Aboriginal people battle radioactive waste dump plan
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48716
3 Sep 11: "The land around Muckaty Station, 120 kilometres north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, was nominated as a possible site for a nuclear waste dump by the Northern Land Council in May 2007. This was accepted by the federal government in September 2007. ... "If Muckaty gets announced as the dump site, traditional owners are asking people to travel to Tennant Creek (when they put the call out) and help block the road to show they are serious about not letting the waste travel through to the dump site.""

LeftClick: Derek Wall and Muckaty women to participate in CCSC conference
http://leftclickblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/derek-wall-and-muckaty-women-t...
30 Aug 11: "Leading British ecosocialist Derek Wall (pictured left) has confirmed that he will prepare a video presentation especially for the World At A Crossroads: Climate Change Social Change conference in Melbourne September 30-October 3. ... We also have confirmation that two women traditional landowners from Muckaty (the site of the planned nuclear waste dump opposed by the local Aboriginal community and many others), Dianne Stokes (pictured below left) and Kylie Sambo (who is also a hip hop artist-- pictured below right), will be travelling all the way from Central Australia to the conference."

- Related Analysis/Opinion

NT News Editorial: Nuke dump not all bad
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/08/23/255241_opinion.html
23 Aug 11: "TERRITORIANS have every right to feel angry about the Federal Government's decision to force the NT to host a nuclear waste dump. ... a federal scientific report found that the best site was in South Australia. The SA State Government - motivated by politics, not science or environmental concerns - fought the decision and won. The Territory has no such constitutional power and has no choice but to accept the dump."

* REMEMBERING WAVE HILL WALK-OFF:

- Audio

ABC Radio National - Awaye!: Remembering Wave Hill
27 Aug 11: "In the first part of our Wave Hill commemoration series, we travel to the communities of Kalkarindji and Daguragu south-west of Darwin where the Gurindji stockmen led the famous walk-off in August 1966 and which galvanised the Aboriginal land rights movement. We replay a feature produced by Matthew Leonard in 2006 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary."

- Reportbacks

Anita Heiss Blog: 45th Anniversary of the Gurindji Wave Hill Walk-Off
http://anitaheissblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/45th-anniversary-of-gurindji-...
3 Sep 11: "Last week I flew from Sydney to Darwin and then drove 800km in a convoy via Katherine to Kalkarindji and Dagaragu, the home of the Gurindji nation (and supported by the associated nations of the Malgnin, Mudpurra, Bilinara, Nyarinman and Warlpiri peoples). It was there that I felt the strength and dignity of those who walked off Wave Hill Station (then 'officially' owned by British Lord Vestey) some 45 years previously. The protest was a demand for rights to their traditional country, and to be treated equally with other Australians employed on the land."

Green Left: Celebration and protest mark Gurindji freedom day
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48717
3 Sep 11: "“It’s just a great honour to be here,” iconic singer-songwriter Paul Kelly told Green Left Weekly. "What happened here is a fascinating and amazing story." Kev Carmody, another legend of Australian music, added: "It’s brought all these people together from diverse backgrounds and from all across the country and it’s an honour to the strength of Gurindji people." ... This event [the 45th anniversary of the Gurindji walk off from Wave Hill station], which gave birth to the land rights movement, was commemorated with three days and nights of discussion, music and protest." Ruth Ratcliffe

- News

National Indigenous Times: Emotions run high as call is renewed to end Intervention
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22724
1 Sep 11: "Aboriginal stockmen led more than 200 people last weekend in re-enacting the 45th anniversary of the famous Wave Hill Walk-off of 1966 at Kalkarindji, on the Victoria River, 800km south of Darwin. The Walk-off anniversary also presented traditional owners with the opportunity to speak out about the current state of Indigenous affairs in Australia and they left no-one in any doubt about their anger and frustration, particularly with the Northern Territory Intervention. The heat and emotions ran high as the Northern Territory and Australian Federal governments took a verbal beating over the Intervention in particular as men and women told their stories from a stage. The Federal Intervention in remote Territory communities remains a great source of angst for many who attended the anniversary of the 1966 Walk-off."

National Indigenous Times: Walk-off anniversary
http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=22725
1 Sep 11: "They came from near and far - hundreds of people last weekend to remember and pay their respects to the Gurindji people and their actions back in 1966 in the now famous Wave Hill Walk-off. Traditional owners, politicians, unionists and even camp dogs made the 20 minute walk from Kalkarindji community, 550 kilometres south of Darwin, to the original meeting place where the Wave Hill Walk-off began to commemorate what the Gurindji people did and achieved 45 years ago. Australian musicians with ties to the community, including Paul Kelly and Dan Sultan were there. Especially significant was the attendance of Gabi Hollows whose late husband, Fred Hollows restored Vincent Lingiari’s sight. She proudly took part in the Walk-off re-enactment."

Katherine Times: Historic walk off re-enacted to mark 45 years
http://www.katherinetimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/historic-walk-o...
31 Aug 11: "More than 200 Indigenous stockmen - joined by over 400 family members, politicians and unionists - re-enacted the Wave Hill Walk Off on the weekend to commemorate the strike that led to better working conditions for Aboriginal stockmen 45 years ago. ... Gurindji elder Jimmy Wavehill, who joined the large group in their 20-minute re-enactment of the walk, said he still had a vivid memory of the walk-off. "I'm the eldest here and I got a good knowledge," he said. "I want to be with my people and walk from here back to our old meeting place at the old crossing.""

National Indigenous Radio Service: Basics Card anger expressed at celebrations
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6213...
30 Aug 11: "A three-day event to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Wave Hill walk-off has been held in the Northern Territory. ... SBS reporter Bill Code attended the festival and says most people attending the event remain very concerned about the impact of the intervention. Bill Code: There continues to be a frustration and anger at the use of the Basics Card. Many people are angry their benefits money go on to the so-called Basics Card and people are unable to buy certain items - those sort of everyday groceries. ... Voice ends."

ABC Rural: Lingiari lecture attacks NT intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201108/s3304425.htm
29 Aug 11: "Speakers at the festival to mark the 45th anniversary of the Wave Hill walk-off have strongly condemned the Federal Government's Northern Territory intervention. The inaugural Vincent Lingiari Memorial Lecture was heard by 200 people in the community of Kalkarindji, 400 kilometres south-west of Katherine. Gurindji woman Josie Crawshaw delivered the address, saying the intervention had stripped away the rights won in the famous Wave Hill Station strike."

ABC Rural: Role of unions remembered in Wave Hill walk off
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nt/content/201108/s3304816.htm?site=katherin...
29 Aug 11: "The Gurindji strike from Wave Hill Station may not have suceeded if it wasn't for the support of unions from Darwin and around the country. Brian Manning was part of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Rights Council, and was instrumental in convincing the Waterside Workers Union to support the strike."

ABC Rural: They treated us like dogs: Gurindji strikers
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nt/content/201108/s3304833.htm?site=katherin...
29 Aug 11: "Paddy Dujack and Gus George were both teenagers when the Gurindji people walked off Wave Hill Station. They showed the Country Hour aroudn the site that they left to demand their own lands. "We had no water supply, no electricity, they treated us like dogs.""

National Indigenous Radio Service: Walk-Off celebrated over weekend
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6205...
29 Aug 11: "The Northern Territory Chief Minister says he will not support using the word "intervention" to describe new Federal Government programs in the Territory. ... Speakers at the event called on Aboriginal people to remember the strength and courage of the Gurindji Wave Hill strikers to fight against the federal government intervention. One elder, Gus George, said the loss of freedom Aboriginal people experienced at Wave Hill is being repeated under the intervention."

See:

WGAR News: 45th anniversary of Gurindji Wave Hill Walk-Off - Kalkarindji NT - 26-28 August 2011
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/08/28/wgar-news-45th-anniversary-of-gurindj...

* SYDNEY ACTIVISTS CELEBRATE WAVE HILL WALK-OFF:

- News

Alternative Media Group: Activists celebrate historic Gurindji walk-off, oppose 'BasicsCard'
http://www.altmedia.net.au/activists-celebrate-historic-gurindji-walk-of...
2 Sep 11: "On a bright Spring day last week, 100 people gathered at the Broadway offices of Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Inclusion. The crowd as celebrating the 45th anniversary of the historic struggle for wages and land rights by the Gurindji people in the Northern Territory. ... They [the Gurindji people] pushed for both equal pay and Aboriginal land rights, and made history in 1975, with the hand-back of land at Daguragu. ... Dave Suttle from the Stop the Intervention Collective, Sydney (STICS) told the crowd that 45 years on the NT Intervention has taken away many of these rights."

* "WALK WITH US" PRESENTS VIEWS OF NT ELDERS ON INTERVENTION:

- Book launch

Event: Thu 8 September 2011: Turner, Canberra, ACT
Book launch: "Walk With Us"
- Aboriginal views on the NT Intervention
To be launched by Jilpia Nappaljari Jones and Digby Habel
Brought to you by 'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/WWU_booklaunches.html
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/canberra-book-launch-of-walk-with-us-aboriginal-...
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with-us
Event details: http://www.isx.org.au/events/1313980450_5678.html
Book info and order form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/WWU_Order_Form.pdf
Book info: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Austr...
Videos from the Sydney book launch: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with...

- Media Release

"Walk With Us" Launched By 'concerned Australians'
http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
28 Aug 11: "In all the discussion, debate, and commentary generated on Indigenous issues, the virtual absence of the voices of the people concerned is startling. The opportunity to hear from people most affected by government Indigenous policy does not come often for most of us. This is why the launch this week of another slim volume by the group ‘concerned Australians’ is cause for celebration”, says Canberra writer, Michelle Fahy. ...
"Walk With Us provides a useful starting point on the current situation with the Intervention and recent happenings in the Northern Territory. Topics covered include government changes to the Racial Discrimination Act, the visit of two Aboriginal Elders to the United Nations, and the recent Australian visit of Navi Pillay, the UN Human Rights High Commissioner. Most importantly, the impact of the Intervention on the lives of the people who live under it is explained by those people in their own words"."

- News

ABC Melbourne: Book captures views of NT elders on intervention
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-30/20110830intervention-book-launch/2...
30 Aug 11: "Seven indigenous elders from the Northern Territory have had their thoughts on the federal intervention published in a book being launched in Melbourne today. The book, Walk With Us, was compiled by a group called Concerned Australians, which campaigns against the federal government's emergency response in remote communities. It calls on Australians to campaign against the intervention. Editor Michele Harris says the elders, from areas such as Utopia, Wallaby Beach and the Daly River, all spoke of feelings of helplessness arising from the intervention."

Sydney Archdiocese: Aboriginal Elders Urge End to Intervention
http://www.sydney.catholic.org.au/news/latest_news/2011/2011830_1180.shtml
30 Aug 11: "The Northern Territory's Aboriginal Elders have long fought to have their voices heard and be consulted as part of the Government's controversial and painful Intervention Policy, which was instigated by the Howard Government and continues four years later under the present Government. ... The result is Walk With Us, a book compiled from the words of seven Northern Territory Elders, giving them a much-needed voice across the wider community about the impact and failure of the Intervention, and why it must be halted."

- Analysis / Opinion

On Line Opinion: Resetting our relationship with Aboriginal people
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=12535&page=0
29 Aug 11: "Walk With Us is the sequel to the remarkable This Is What We Said, which was published in February 2010 and gave voice to the suffering of many Aboriginal people under the Intervention. Walk With Us explores recent happenings. It covers government changes to legislation, the visit of two Elders to the UN, and the recent Australian visit of Navi Pillay, the UN Human Rights High Commissioner. Most importantly, we read of the ongoing impact of the Intervention on the lives of Aboriginal people in their own words." Michelle Fahy

- Related Videos

Stop the Intervention: Videos from the booklaunch of "Walk With Us" in Sydney at gleebooks on 1 Sept 2011
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with...
"Part 1 - Auntie Millie Ingram
Part 2 - Nicole Watson
Part 3 - Jeff McMullen
Part 4 - Q & A"

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 33 EVENTS FROM 6 SEPTEMBER 2011:

Click on the links for details of the events ...

Event: 3 July to Sun 25 September 2011: Sydney, NSW
Exhibition: FREEDOM RIDERS
- Art and activism 1960s to now
Sydney University Art Gallery
"A unique and daring exhibition has pulled together some of
the most important political artworks produced by NSW's
leading Aboriginal artists and put them in one room for the
public to see." ABC News
Event details: http://sydney.edu.au/museums/events_exhibitions/art_gallery_exhibitions....
Featured in Video: http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/07/01/3259282.htm

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 18 August - Sun 30 October 2011: Wiluna to Perth, WA
Walk Away from Uranium Mining
"By coming to Wiluna you will be supporting Traditional
Owners in their opposition to 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...
About the walk: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48231

Upcoming Event: Central Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Kimberley Support Rally postponed
"a bigger better event is already being planned,
date and details soon!"
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/07/13/upcoming-events/

Upcoming Event: Darwin, NT
Darwin book launch: "Walk With Us"
- Aboriginal views on the NT Intervention
Darwin – Time and venue yet to be announced
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/WWU_booklaunches.html
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with-us
Brought to you by 'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Book info and order form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/WWU_Order_Form.pdf
Book info: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Austr...
Videos from the Sydney book launch: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with...

Event: Tue 6 September 2011: Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Qld
Homelands campaign training session
Amnesty International Qld/Northern NSW
"The training is designed for activists who want to play an
active role in the campaign, within their local group or as
a part of the Homelands Action Group."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/26520/

Event: Wed 7 September 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous Social Justice Association:
Discussion of Justice Reinvestment
"On to 20th anniversary of the Royal Commission into
Aboriginal Deaths in Custody ANTAR issued a statement
criticising the lack of progress and putting forward a
range of strategies, including Justice Reinvestment,
a program being trialed in a number of U.S. States.
This meeting will discuss this program and evaluate its
usefulness in the Australian context"
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/indigenous-social-justice-association-discussion...

Event: Wed 7 September 2011: Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
Building Bridges Course 2011
Graham Merritt - Aboriginal Activism in WA/NT & STICS
Organised by Reconciliation for Western Sydney
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Brochure: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/Buil...
Register for course (it's free!): http://www.parramattacollege.com.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Parramatta.woa/wa...
Course details: http://indymedia.org.au/building-bridges-2011-3
Course details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/26384/

Event: Thu 8 September 2011: Armidale, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Tue 13 September 2011: Acton, Canberra, ACT
Our Generation Film Screening
Q&A with special guests:
Dr. Helen Watchirs and Dianne Collins
Hosted by ACT Human Rights Commission and Community Partners
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Tue 13 September 2011: CBD, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
With special guests Jeff McMullen and the filmmakers
Hosted by Amnesty International Pitt Street Action Group
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/26461/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Thu 15 September 2011: Bundoora, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
With special guest speaker:
Walpiri leader Valerie Martin Napaljari from Yuendumu
Hosted by ESP (Equality, Sustainability and Peace) group at
La Trobe University
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 16 September 2011: Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Qld
Our Generation Film Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 16 September 2011: Northcote, Melbourne, Vic
Ballerrt Mooroop Strong Spirit Festival - Fundraiser
Featuring: Uncle Kutcha Edwards
Johnny Mac and Meriki Hood
Jessie Llyod - Julia Mahatuwe
Mattrix - Squid Squad
Ballerrt Mooroop Dancing Troupe
"Join us for a very special night to celebrate
Indigenous culture and raise awareness of the
struggle to save Ballerrt Mooroop College,
Melbourne's last Indigenous school."
Event details: http://ballerrtmooroop.org/?q=content/ballerrt-mooroop-strong-spirit-fes...
Campaign updates: http://ballerrtmooroop.org/

Event: Sat 17 September 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Media Skills Workshop for Activists
Organised by Radical Women &
Indigenous Social Justice Association – Melbourne
"Do you want to use the mainstream and community media more
effectively to promote social change? ... "
Register to attend
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/media-skills-workshop-for-activists

Event: Mon 19 September 2011: Cronulla, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by Amnesty International Sutherland Shire Action Group
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/26574/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Tue 20 September 2011: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
More details to come
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Tue 20 September 2011: Kensington, Sydney, NSW
Close the Gap Debate
- Is positive discrimination the only way to close the gap?
Hosted by Amnesty UNSW in collaboration with UNSW DebSoc
"A debate in recognition of Amnesty International
Australia's focus on Indigenous rights and the Utopia
Homelands."
Please RSVP
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/26642/

Event: Thu 29 September 2011: Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Q&A with Jeff McMullen
Hosted by Women’s Reconciliation Network
and Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
Poster: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info-Our-...
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Wed 5 October 2011: Brisbane, Qld
One-day Conference:
Human rights and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Hosted by Amnesty International Qld/Northern NSW
"Hear how human rights instruments, including the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
can be applied to governance, law enforcement and justice
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in
Queensland."
RSVPS are essential
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/24476/

Event: Fri 7 & Sat 8, Tue 11 to Sat 15 Oct 2011: Melbourne, Vic
Presented by Melbourne Festival
in association with Sydney Festival
Ilbijerri Theatre Company (Australia): FOLEY
"Political agitator Gary Foley presents a swag of stories
from a life lived in the spirit of resistance. ... "
Event details: http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/program/production?id=3860&idx=1&max=12

Event: Wed 12 October 2011: St Lucia, Brisbane, Qld
Our Generation Film Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Tue 8 November 2011: Hurstville, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by Amnesty International Sutherland Shire Action Group
"Our group is hoping to engage more with AI members and
residents of the St George area and we hope that this will
be a launch event for the creation of a St George Action
Group ... "
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/26576/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

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: Sun 20 November 2011: Mullumbimby, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
With live music and Q&A with the filmmakers
More details to come
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

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...

- 'Our Generation' Film Reviews

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Our Generation - Showing in London - page 8
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaWinter2011.pdf
Winter 2011: "The Intervention is yet another example of the appalling treatment the Aboriginal People of Australia have been subjected to in such a short period of time compared to thousands of years of survival. Sinem Saban and Rev. Dr Gondarra supported by the Yolngu people and cinematographer, Damien Curtis, have created a sensitive and realistic view of the plight of those who wish to live a more traditional life in their homelands and of those who appear to be dispossessed." Christine Waterer

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
ASG Information Night: Our Generation - page 6
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2010.pdf
Summer 2010: "Local resident and journalist, Jeff McMullen introduced "Our Generation", the film by Sinem Saban and Damien Curtis which we were there to see. The film explored in depth the Federal Government Intervention into Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory. Jeff had told us that the film’s producers were not having any success in having the film shown on government or commercial media outlets and they were having to screen it in local community halls to show the community at large just what was involved in the Intervention. It is basically a war on Aboriginal culture. The dispossession of the Aboriginal people is simply continuing in a new guise." Carol Gerrard

See:

Our Generation: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/

Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

On Line Opinion: Resetting our relationship with Aboriginal people
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=12535&page=0
29 Aug 11: "'The Intervention has brought the history of welfare reform back today. We don't want that. It hurts. Today a lot of our people are committing suicide; today a lot of our people can't cope with the Intervention.' George Gaymarani Pascoe, Milingimbi
'We are the Australians. Don't let…the First People of this country be rejected!...We have lived in this country as a foreigner! We invite you brothers and sisters, walk with us, then fight a system that victimises people.' Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, Galiwin'ku"

- News

ABC Radio Australia News: China blows whistle on Australia's human rights stance
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201109/3308910.htm?desktop
2 Sep 11: "A confidential cable posted on whistle-blowing website Wikileaks says Chinese officials "sought answers" on how the Australian Government had been handling human rights issues. ... The cable says Chinese delegates wanted the Australian Government to explain its treatment of Aborigines, specifically in regard to the Northern Territory Intervention. ... The document contains a comment about the federal intervention in the Northern Territory being a case of "one size does not fit all". ... "

* 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/

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights...

The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

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/

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:

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Scrymgour language policy revised
http://www.nirs.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6238...
2 Sep 11: "Labor backbencher Marion Scrymgour says she is pleased the Northern Territory Government has clarified the policy she introduced on bilingual teaching in schools while she was Education Minister. The government says a draft framework on literacy has "revised and expanded" its existing stance on bilingual education that ordered teaching in English for the first four hours of school days."

National Indigenous Times: Report shows why our people must be given a say: Congress
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22706
1 Sep 11: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must have a greater say over and involvement in service delivery to our communities, the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples has said. The Congress was responding to the Federal Government report "Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key indicators 2011". "A common theme throughout the report and the recent release of the Department of Finance spending report, is that where the small improvements have been made, they have been in programs that are innovative and developed from the ground up or by involving community at all levels," Congress Co-Chair, Les Malezer said."

National Indigenous Times: Hollows group questions report findings on food
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22713
1 Sep 11: "The Fred Hollows Foundation has called on the Federal Government to address critical gaps in the food security of remote Indigenous communities and questioned the claimed outcomes of a report which suggested more viable stores meant "more money was being spent on healthy foods". The Foundation’s Manager of Indigenous Programs, Joy McLaughlin, said the Foundation was concerned that statements about the recent ORIC report “Strong Corporations, Strong Stores, Strong Communities” suggested a link between an increase in the viability and profitability of community stores and an actual increase in the purchase of healthy food."

National Indigenous Times: Dodson’s bond plan
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=22714
1 Sep 11: "One of Australia’s most prominent and respected leaders, Professor Patrick Dodson has called on the Federal Government to adopt a bold new initiative that has worked successfully overseas to achieve effective outcomes from funding initiatives for Indigenous Australians. The initiative, called Impact Bonds, would create incentives for investors to become actively engaged in promoting initiatives to assist Indigenous Australians and ease the burden on governments to fully fund the programs."

Koori Mail: Congress releases first report
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Aug 11: "THE National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples has released its report from the inaugural delegates meeting in June. Co-chairs Les Malezer and Jody Broun said the Building our Foundations: National Congress Report 2011 was a ‘foundational document’ and the start of a conversation between Congress members, communities, organisations and governments. To see the report go to http://nationalcongress.com.au/ "

- Analysis / Opinion

Indigenous Peoples: Misleading? No Worries, It’s Aboriginal!
http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
30 Aug 11: "When will Aboriginal People in Australia get a fair go? When will Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory get a fair go? The Productivity Commission Report on Aboriginal Disadvantage released last Thursday was followed by screaming headlines of 'Child Abuse'. Even some of our very best papers were full on, 'Spike in Child Abuse Mars Indigenous Gains', 'Aboriginal Child Abuse Rates Rise', 'Child Abuse Six Times Higher for Aboriginals' But just how accurate are these headlines and what did the Productivity Commission Report actually say?"

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
NT Government rethinks delivery of teaching English to Aboriginal schoolchildren.
http://caama.com.au/nt-government-rethinks-delivery-of-teaching-english
1 Sep 11: "NT Training and Educatiion Minister Chris Burns has released a draft policy which re examines the delivery of teaching English in community schools. Dr Burns says the draft policy follows a review of the teaching of English literacy and numeracy in the first 4 hours of each school day."

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 02-09-2011
2 Sep 11: "Northern Territory Education and Training Minister Dr Chris Burns has defended the Territory Governments move to re asses the teaching of English numeracy and literature to aborignial children."

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 31-08-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-31-08-2011
31 Aug 11: "Calls for a fair go in the way Aboriginal issues are reported in the mainstream media following last week’s release of the Productivity Commission Report on indigenous disadvantage."

- - -

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 along with other Aboriginal rights issues.

'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 2 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/

Geography:

ACT

Canberra