Newsletter date: 14 March 2012
Contents:
* Statement supported by 28 Leading Australians
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Nuclear waste dump laws pass the Senate
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 19 events from 14 March 2012
* STATEMENT SUPPORTED BY 28 LEADING AUSTRALIANS:
- The Statement
Statement supported by 28 Leading Australians
is sent to Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Bob Brown
calling on Government to Abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#Stronger_Futures_AN_statement
13 Mar 12: "In late 2011 the Government introduced three Bills as part of its Stronger Futures Program. These Bills have been referred to a Senate Committee that is currently considering them. ... We therefore call on the Government to abandon this legislation and set up an appropriate and agreed mechanism to enable the Elders and Aboriginal Leaders of the Northern Territory to participate on equal terms in decision making relating to their future. The precise nature of such a mechanism should be decided in discussion with Elders and Aboriginal Leaders and would require their agreement before being implemented."
[Click on this link to read the many more points made in the statement: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/Stronger-Futures-AN-Stateme... ]
- The names of supporters of the Statement
Supporters of the statement from 13 March 2012
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/Stronger_Futures_AN_statement_sup...
- Media Release
Leading Australians angered by Government plans that will continue discrimination in the Northern Territory
‘concerned Australians'
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/leading-australians-...
13 Mar 12: "Twenty-seven leading Australians have signed a statement which focuses on the proposed Stronger Futures legislation. The statement will be delivered to the leaders of Australia's three main political parties - Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Bob Brown.
The legislation is currently before the Senate, having been passed in the Lower House by agreement between the two major parties. Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon Ian Viner AO QC made the observation,
"Now we have the perversion of good governance and parliamentary practice by the Government which, whilst encouraging a Senate Inquiry into the proposed Stronger Futures legislation so as to inform the Parliament, passes the legislation through the House of Representatives with miniscule debate BEFORE the Senate Committee has reported the results of its Inquiry." ...
Many Australians, individuals and organisations, have expressed concern at the discriminatory and disrespectful manner in which Government has disregarded Northern Territory Elders and is attempting to impose upon them discriminatory legislation. ... "
- News
newsTracker: Abandon Stronger Futures: prominent Australians
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/abandon-stronger-futures-prominent-austral...
13 Mar 12: "A group of prominent Australians have called on the government to abandon the controversial Stronger Futures policy, which will continue many of the contentious aspects of the NT intervention. ... A statement prepared by former Chief Justice of the Family Court Alastair Nicholson will be given to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Greens leader Bob Brown. It has been signed by 27 prominent Australians, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, former Aboriginal affairs minister Ian Viner, Galiwin’ku elder Rev Dr Djinyini Gondarra and Balibo filmmaker Robert Connolly amongst others." Amy McQuire, editor of Tracker
SMH: Prominent Aussies slam indigenous bill
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/prominent-aussies-slam-ind...
13 Mar 12: "Twenty-seven prominent Australians have written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Greens Leader Bob Brown to express their anger over plans to extend the Northern Territory intervention. ... A statement prepared by former Family Court chief justice Alastair Nicholson and signed by prominent Australians such as former prime minister Malcolm Fraser and well-known academics, authors and film makers aims to highlight a number of the bill's "unsavoury elements"."
Australian: Abandon Aboriginal intervention, group tells leaders
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/abandon-abor...
13 Mar 12: "A GROUP of prominent Australians has signed a letter to the country's political leaders protesting the continuing federal intervention in Top End Aboriginal communities. Drafted by former Family Court Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson QC, the letter calls on the Gillard government to abandon legislation which will extend the intervention. "Again we have the spectacle of the Government going through the motions of 'consulting' without really doing so in order to pursue its pre-determined and Canberra driven policies," the letter says."
Koori Mail: Abandon Stronger Futures, says group
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/
13 Mar 12: "NEARLY 30 leading Australians have written to the Gillard Government asking it to abandon its proposed Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation and instead negotiate with Aboriginal Elders and other leaders on ways to improve the lives of Indigenous Territorians. Former Family Court chief justice Alastair Nicholson has analysed elements of the Government's parliamentary bills. He and others in the high-level group including former politicians, Elders, academics, church representatives and justice campaigners say the Government's approach is demeaning, coercive, racist and a return to failed policies of the past."
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Audio
The Wire: "Stronger futures" another intervention, say activists
Produced by Natalie Muller
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8914
13 Mar 12: "Many indigenous groups are calling the Gillard government’s "Stronger Futures" proposals a second version of the Northern Territory intervention. Under the bills, which replace the intervention laws, alcohol restrictions would be extended, and children’s attendance at school would be linked to welfare payments. Dozens of community groups have sent in scathing submissions about the new laws to a senate inquiry, and a report is due to be handed down this evening. But few are expecting to have any influence over the legislation, as it’s likely the bills will be passed regardless. ...
Featured in story:
Eileen Hoosan - Chairperson of the Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit in Alice Springs
Claire Moore - Queensland Labor Senator and Chair of the Senate Community Affairs Committee
Eva Cox - Professorial Research Fellow at Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning"
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News - 13.3.12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-13-3-12
13 Mar 12: "The Senate committe inquiry into the Stronger Futures consultation process in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities will be be tabled in federal Parliament on Tuesday afternoon."
- Media Release
National Council of Churches in Australia: Stronger Futures or Stronger Policing
from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC)
http://www.ncca.org.au/home/media-releases/667-stronger-futures-or-stron...
2 Mar 12: "The Stronger Futures Legislation is disproportionate with the peoples wishes and catapults Indigenous communities back to the micro-management of Mission days is the message from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC). NATSIEC, as the peak Indigenous ecumenical body and commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) requests that the Government heed the message of the Northern Territory Elders, communities and service providers in their quest for authentic consultation and negotiation to gain stronger and better futures for themselves."
- Analysis / Opinion
Croakey - the Crikey health blog:
The "Stronger Futures" legislation will weaken health
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2012/03/08/the-stronger-futures-legis...
8 Mar 12: "More than 400 submissions have been made to the Senate committee that is due to report next week on the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills. One submission was from the Public Health Association of Australia, whose representatives Vanessa Lee, Gabriel Moore and Melanie Walker also presented to a committee hearing this week. In the article below, Lee and Moore cite a wealth of public health evidence that the legislation will undermine health and wellbeing."
- Video
TrackerVision: Stand for Freedom campaign
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/stand-for-freedom-campaign/
13 Mar 12: "NORTHERN TERRITORY: Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists around the country make their voices known about the controversial Stronger Futures legislation. The video features messages from John Butler, Archie Roach, Shane Howard, Danielle Caruana (Mama Kin) and Shellie Morris. It has been released by Stand for Freedom, a campaign against the NT intervention laws." Amy McQuire, editor of Tracker
- News
newsTracker: Stronger Futures inquiry report delayed
Tracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/stronger-futures-inquiry-report-delayed/
SMH: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nt-intervention-inquiry-re...
14 Mar 12: "The Senate committee examining draft laws to extend the Northern Territory intervention for another decade has delayed releasing its report. The federal government's Stronger Futures legislation, which continues the former Howard coalition government's NT intervention that began in 2007, passed the lower house on the day of Labor leadership ballot. If passed, the next phase of the intervention will last another decade. ... But committee chair Senator Claire Moore will ask the Senate for an extra day's extension of time to deliver the report."
The Guardian: Action call at Canberra rally
http://www.cpa.org.au/guardian/2012/1539/10-action-call.html
14 Mar 12: "Aboriginal people from the Northern Territory and Bankstown in Sydney rallied in Canberra last week demanding that the Senate rejects the proposed Stronger Futures legislation. ... Activist Barbara Shaw from the Mt Nancy town camp in Alice Springs said the legislation should be withdrawn, saying billions of dollars had already been wasted on the first Intervention. "These laws continue the demonisation of Aboriginal people and culture," Ms Shaw said. "The untold story is the ever-increasing incidents of attempted self-harm and suicide that are occurring. ... ""
SMH: Call for NT intervention policy to face human rights test
http://www.smh.com.au/national/call-for-nt-intervention-policy-to-face-h...
13 Mar 12: "Proposals to extend aspects of the Northern Territory Intervention for a decade should not proceed until they can be shown to be consistent with Australia's international human rights obligations, the representative body for indigenous Australians says. ... While the government says its proposals comply with the Racial Discrimination Act, the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has told the Senate inquiry it believes provisions in the legislation would ''in effect discriminate against Aboriginal people''."
Jumbunna UTS: Consultation in name only
Report calls for withdrawal of Stronger Futures bills
http://datasearch2.uts.edu.au/jumbunna/news-events/news-detail.cfm?ItemI...
13 Mar 12: "Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia Professor Alastair Nicholson, who launched the report said, "As so many have pointed out, until Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory are allowed to gain ownership over their future, Government will fail to improve their overall circumstances and they will remain second-class citizens of this country.""
Koori Mail: Senate report on Stronger Futures looms
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/
12 Mar 12: "THE Senate Inquiry into a planned ten-year expansion of the Northern Territory Intervention will report tomorrow afternoon. Last month, a Senate committee examining the Labor Government's Stronger Futures bill spent a week in Alice Springs, Hermannsburg, Darwin and Maningrida and heard that the Government had ignored the concerns of many Aboriginal people affected by the controversial policies on welfare, school attendance, alcohol management and more."
ABC: Stronger Futures 'disappoints' Licensing Commission
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-12/licensing-body-condemns-flawed-str...
12 Mar 12: "The Northern Territory Licensing Commission says the Federal Government's Stronger Futures bill will strip the commission of some of its control over alcohol sales and consumption. In its submission to the Senate inquiry into the Stronger Futures bill, the commission says it is disappointed it was not consulted about the bill by the Federal Government."
Australian Policy Online: Listening but not hearing: a response to the NTER Stronger Futures Consultations June to August 2011
http://apo.org.au/research/listening-not-hearing-response-nter-stronger-...
9 Mar 12: "This report evaluates whether the Stronger Futures consultation process complies with Australia's obligations under international law to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in relation to decisions that affect them. ... This report reviews the consultation process in the pre-consultation, consultation and post-consultation stages, including analysis of transcripts of a representative sample of consultation meetings."
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Human Rights Petition: Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures: New compilation weblink -Petition -NITV Forum
http://www.stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/...
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation
Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF
WGAR News: "Hear the Voice of the People!": Video of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/13/wgar-news-hear-the-voice-of-the-peopl...
WGAR News: New report into 'Stronger Futures' consultations by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS (9 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
[New university report entitled 'Listening but not Hearing']
WGAR News: Former PM Malcolm Fraser launches new report into consultations (9 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
WGAR News: Our Generation and ANTaR have launched a new video and campaign (8 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/08/wgar-news-our-generation-and-antar-ha...
WGAR News: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida (3 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/03/wgar-news-nitv-current-affairs-presen...
WGAR News: Press Conference on Stronger Futures legislation by Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (1 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...
WGAR News: "NT Aboriginal leaders reject Stronger Futures" Tracker (23 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...
WGAR News: New Website for Stronger Futures info and submissions (21 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...
WGAR News: Book report launched: "NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations" (19 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...
[Includes link to transcripts of consultations and book of quotations: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ ]
WGAR News: More on the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (9 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/09/wgar-news-tent-embassy-protest-interv...
WGAR News: Submissions received on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...
Main Government page for Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
Direct Government link to view all uploaded submissions
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
Direct Government link to view all uploaded hearing info
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
* NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP LAWS PASS THE SENATE:
- Media Releases
Beyond Nuclear Initiative: Half-truths and half-lives double community resolve to stop Muckaty nuclear dump
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2012/03/13/half-truths-and-half-lives...
13 Mar 12: "The Beyond Nuclear Initiative (BNI) says radioactive waste management legislation passed this afternoon in the Senate is deeply flawed and will not slow down the campaign against the proposed Muckaty radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory. The dump is earmarked for low and long-lived intermediate level waste, including spent fuel rods and decommissioned reactor parts from the Lucas Heights nuclear facility in Sydney. ...
BNI coordinator Natalie Wasley said, "Passing this law before consulting with the affected community is putting the radioactive cart before the horse. The Minister has never visited Tennant Creek to talk with Traditional Owners or the broader community. The discussion about Muckaty should be had sitting on red dust, not the red carpet of the Senate"."
Greens Scott Ludlam: Fight to stop Muckaty nuclear waste dump "just getting started"
http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/fight-stop-m...
13 Mar 12: "The Australian Greens today vowed to step up the campaign against the planned nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory.
The Greens spokesperson for nuclear issues, Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam, said Labor and the Coalition colluding to pass the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill in the Senate today was "just the beginning of the next phase in the campaign to stop this waste dump".
"The locals don't want it and the Northern Territory government does not want it. Traditional Owners visited the parliament and Dianne Stokes wept here in this very place telling the story of her country. There is a Federal Court case currently unresolved as to the status of this land, yet the Government pushes on - led by an energy and resources minister obsessed with the nuclear industry.""
- News
newsTracker: Parliament approves waste dump at Muckaty
Tracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/parliament-approves-waste-dump-at-muckaty/
9 News: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8434590/parliament-approves-waste-du...
14 Mar 12: "Traditional owners and environmental groups have vowed to continue fighting the federal government's plan to store radioactive waste at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory. The Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that paves the way for medical, research and industrial waste to be stored at the site near Tennant Creek for hundreds of years. ... Muckaty Station was nominated by the Northern Land Council in 2007. But since then several traditional owners have argued they were not properly consulted and did not give their consent. That dispute is before the Federal Court."
ABC: Traditional owners to fight nuclear waste dump
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-14/traditional-owners-to-fight-nuke-w...
14 Mar 12: "People who say they are traditional owners of Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory say they will not stop fighting against a nuclear waste dump on their land. Federal Parliament has passed legislation that will allow a dump to be built on the station near Tennant Creek. The Federal Government insists it will not defy the wishes of traditional land owners in the area. But the Federal Court is still deciding who the traditional owners of the land are."
SBS World News Australia: Nuclear waste dump plans pass Senate
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1633901/nuclear-waste-dump-plans-pass...
13 Mar 12: "Legislation to establish Australia's first national nuclear waste dump has passed the Senate, the ABC reports, paving the way for a dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory government and various local clan groups are opposed to the plan to build a medium-level nuclear waste dump on the aboriginal land north of Tennant Creek. The Bill was backed by the Opposition but opposed by the Greens and Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, the ABC reports."
ABC: Nuclear dump protesters disrupt Parliament
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-13/nuclear-dump-protesters-disrupt-pa...
13 Mar 12: "Anti-nuclear protesters have tried to stop debate in Federal Parliament on legislation for Australia's first national nuclear waste dump. The Government's bill to establish the dump has been passed in the Senate with Opposition support. The Greens and independent senator Nick Xenophon opposed the legislation. A group in the public gallery disrupted proceedings, calling out for the dump to be stopped. They are concerned it will be built on Aboriginal land at Muckaty Station, near Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory."
See:
YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo
Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/
Australian Conservation Foundation: Muckaty radioactive dump:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/be-informed/northern-australia-nuclear/mucka...
Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News
http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste
Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty, NT
Briefing Paper - February 2011
Jim Green B.Med.Sci.(Hons.), PhD
National nuclear campaigner - Friends of the Earth, Australia
Friends of the Earth: http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/nontdump/Dump%20briefing%20...
Vimeo: Nuclear Medicine & the need for a Waste Dump?
http://vimeo.com/29971907
* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- News
ABC: Intervention prohibition signs show more respect
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-13/nt-intervention-sign-changes/38869...
13 Mar 12: "The Federal Government says it will erect more "respectful" signs across the Northern Territory indicating areas where alcohol and pornography are banned. The Indigenous Affairs Department says a large number of the roadside signs no longer serve a functional purpose and will be removed. The controversial signs were erected on Indigenous lands and roadsides across the Territory in 2007 under federal intervention laws. They have been widely criticised. with Indigenous people telling the Federal Government they felt the signs humiliated all Aborigines."
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
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
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...
Our Generation: http://ourgeneration.org.au/
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention
Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/
Equality Rights Alliance: Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory: http://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/projects/womens-experience-inco...
ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention
MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/
The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention
Australian Human Rights Commission: Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response' intervention: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html
Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/
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/
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
Adelaide Stop the Intervention: http://www.stoptheintervention.com.au/
Central Land Council: The Australian Government Intervention 2007: http://www.clc.org.au/Media/issues/intervention/intervention_intro.html
WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights): http://wgar.wordpress.com/
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- News
newsTracker: No evidence of offences at tent embassy: AFP
http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/no-evidence-of-offences-at-tent-embassy-afp/
14 Mar 12: "Federal police have found no evidence of criminal behaviour in the lead-up to the Survival Day protest that caused Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott to be rushed out of a Canberra restaurant. The coalition had asked the Australian Federal Police to investigate the circumstances that prompted a protest by Aboriginal Tent Embassy supporters. The AFP referred the matter to its crimes operations special references portfolio for evaluation."
Treaty Republic: World Council of Churches Disowns "Doctrine of Discovery"
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/world-council-churches-disowns-doctrin...
3 Mar 12: "In a gesture that may be almost five hundred years too late, the World Council of Churches Executive Committee last month released a statement that denounced the "Doctrine of Discovery." The Doctrine was used to subjugate and colonize Indigenous Peoples, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Executive Committee issued a statement calling the nature of the doctrine "fundamentally opposed to the gospel of Jesus"."
* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 19 EVENTS FROM 14 MARCH 2012:
Click on the links for details of the events ...
Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, 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: Tue 28 February to Sun 25 March 2012: Adelaide, SA
Exhibition: Deadly: in-between heaven and hell
Tandanya NACI and Adelaide Festival
"A major exhibition of newly commissioned works
by eight leading Australian Aboriginal artists and
collectives. ... For many Indigenous peoples,
'heaven on Earth' is the divine world shaped by
ancestral creators, where connection to country
and culture are in harmony with the experience
of self and community. At the other extreme, the
legacies of incursion and assimilation are a
'living hell'. The in-between is uneasy, lined
with hope and echoing with resilience."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27911/
Event: Intermittent 1 March - 3 May 2012: Various Locations
House of Representatives Committees
Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
Public hearings:
Canberra, ACT: 1 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 15 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 22 March 2012
Adelaide, SA: 2 April 2012
Utopia Homelands, NT: 3 April 2012
Alice Springs, NT: 4 April 2012
Broome, WA: 30 April 2012
Halls Creek, WA: 1 May 2012
Darwin, NT: 2 May 2012
Nhulunbuy, NT: 3 May 2012
Event details: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...
Event: Fri 16 March 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Rally for Aboriginal Cultural Education
Save Ballerrt Mooroop College
"Ballieu's government is attempting to close
Melbourne's Last Indigenous School.
This will be met with peaceful community
resistance and a rally from Parliament to the
Minister for Education's office in Collins St."
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50333
Event: Sat 17 March 2012: Prospect, SA
Amnesty International at the Prospect Fair
"The government is currently deciding whether
they will fund essential services on Aboriginal
homelands in the next Federal Budget.
Nearly one-third of Indigenous people in the
Northern Territory live on homelands.
Research shows that with proper services,
people can be happier, healthier and live
longer and on homelands."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/28019/
Event: 21 March 2012: various locations internationally
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Event details: http://www.un.org/en/events/racialdiscriminationday/
Let's Fight Racism!: http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/
Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...
Event: Sat 24 March 2012: Fullarton, SA
Amnesty International Fullarton Markets Group
"The government is currently deciding
whether they will fund essential services
on Aboriginal homelands in the next
Federal Budget.
Nearly one-third of Indigenous people in the
Northern Territory live on homelands.
Research shows that with proper services,
people can be happier, healthier and live
longer and on homelands."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27913/
Event: Mon 26 March 2012: Burwood
ANTaR Inner West's free screening of an Indigenous film
Film: "Here I Am"
Burwood Westfield Greater Union Cinema
" ... the story of a young Aboriginal woman's
struggle to stay off drugs and reconnect with
her young daughter and her Mother now that
she's out of jail."
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-February/000687.html
Event: Wed 28 March 2012: Parramatta Park, Qld
Black Deaths in Custody Watch Group meeting
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49933
Event: Thu 29 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Discussion with Damien Curtis, Jeff McMullen,
Alec Doomadgee, Rosealee Pearson and John Pilger
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
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 30 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Tent Embassy & Identity
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Ningla A-Na
Discussion with Gary Foley and Larissa Behrendt
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event: Sat 31 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
What's the Fuss in the Kimberley?
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Old Country New Country
Q&A with George Negus Stephen Pigram,
Mitch Torres and Albert Wiggan
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event: Fri 6 April 2012: University of Melbourne, Vic
Gary Foley will be speaking on his amazing life and times
"The legendary Aboriginal activist has been at the
centre of major political activity for over 40 years.
In the 1970’s he joined the growing circle of Aboriginal
resistance in Australia, and formed the Aboriginal
Legal Service in Sydney. ... "
Part of Marxism 2012 Conference, Easter weekend
Presented by Socialist Alternative & ISO of NZ
Supported by Community Radio 3CR 855 AM
Event details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...
Marxism 2012 details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=front...
Event: Sat 7 April 2012: Darwin, NT
Rock Against Racism
Organised by DASSAN and Darwin Aboriginal Rights Collective
Event summary: http://dassan.weebly.com/rock-against-racism.html
Event: Sun 6 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Followed by Q&A with Dr Jeff McMullen
and Dr Thalia Anthony
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
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: 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
- '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
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