Newsletter date: 6 April 2012
Contents:
* Aboriginal elder challenges expansion of Olympic Dam mine
* Tracker: Fight for Muckaty: TOs vow it’s not over
* Moree Champion: Tent Embassy set up in Moree
* Interview with Damien Curtis of Stand for Freedom
* Jeff McMullen: Aussies should stand strong for freedom
* CRA: Call for consultation not legislation
* UTS: Listening but not hearing
* Amnesty: Ask your local MP to speak up on homelands
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* ABORIGINAL ELDER CHALLENGES EXPANSION OF OLYMPIC DAM MINE:
- Audio Interview
The Wire: Aboriginal elder challenges Olymic Dam mining expansion
Produced by Chris Brunner
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8994
4 Apr 12: "Aboriginal elder, Kevin Buzzacott of the Arabunna Nation in South Australia's north, today challenged the Environment Minister, Tony Burke's decision to approve the expansion of Olympic Dam. Mr Buzzacott took his challenge to the federal court on the grounds that Mr Burke's approval didn't meet the standards set out in the Environment Act. As the court adjourned Mr Buzzacott told the media why he'd targeted the Federal Minister over the State Government or BHP Billiton.
Featured in story:
* Kevin Buzzacott - Aboriginal Elder, Arabunna Nation
* Buzzacott supporters"
- Audio
ABC AM: Aboriginal elder takes on BHP over Olympic Dam
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3469544.htm
3 Apr 12: "The Federal Court in Adelaide will today become the setting for a David and Goliath style battle. An Aboriginal Arrabunna elder Kevin Buzzacott, has launched court action against BHP Billiton and the creation of what is set to be the world's biggest open-cut mine. The mining giant has been given State and Federal Government approval to expand its copper, gold and uranium Olympic Dam mine near Roxby Downs.
Kevin Buzzacott: I don't think these people- I don't think they've done proper consultation, not only with all us - our mob - but also with the people of South Australia." Nicola Gage reports
- News
ABC Indigenous: Elder takes on mining giant in legal challenge
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-03/elder-takes-on-mining-giant-in-leg...
3 Apr 12: "Mr Buzzacott argues the mining giant did not properly consider a number of environmental issues. Mr Buzzacott, known as Uncle Kevin, is an elder of the Arabunna Nation in South Australia's north. Environment Minister Tony Burke gave the $20 billion expansion of the state's Olympic Dam Mine a tick of approval in October last year. But Mr Buzzacott claims environmental impacts such as the effect on groundwater resources, including the Great Artesian Basin, were not properly considered." Nicola Gage
Adelaide Now: Aboriginal elder Kevin Buzzacott challenges decision to expand Olympic Dam
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/aboriginal-elder-kevi...
3 Apr 12: "WASTE from the expanded Olympic Dam mine will remain radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years and the risks weren't properly considered by the Federal Government, the Federal Court has heard. Aboriginal elder Kevin Buzzacott is challenging the government's approval of the uranium and copper project in South Australia, which is destined to become the world's largest open cut mine. He argues the approval by Environment Minister Tony Burke last year was too uncertain because ... "
Adelaide Now: Olympic Dam accord 'is flawed'
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/olympic-dam-accord-is-flawed/stor...
3 Apr 12: "FEDERAL Government approval of BHP's Olympic Dam expansion did not consider full radioactive impact, the Federal Court has heard. Aboriginal elder and anti-nuclear campaigner Kevin Buzzacott is challenging the Government's approval of the $30 billion project, arguing its environmental assessment was too shortsighted and too small in scope. Representing Mr Buzzacott, Geoffrey Kennett SC said BHP was only asked to assess the impact of nuclear waste over the course of 10,000 years."
Eco News: Court told uranium mine waste 'danger for years'
http://econews.com.au/news-to-sustain-our-world/court-told-uranium-mine-...
4 Apr 12: "The Federal Court in the South Australian capital, Adelaide, has been told that waste from the expanded Olympic Dam uranium and copper mine will remain radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years and the risks weren’t properly considered by the Australian government. Aboriginal elder Kevin Buzzacott is challenging the minority Labor government’s approval of the uranium and copper project in South Australia, which is destined to become the world’s largest open cut mine." David Twomey
- Photo
ABC: Protesters showed support for Kevin Buzzacott outside the Federal Court
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-03/protestjpg/3929740
See:
WGAR News: The Lizard's Revenge over uranium mine - Festival protest against Olympic Dam expansion (31 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/31/wgar-news-the-lizards-revenge-over-ur...
* TRACKER: FIGHT FOR MUCKATY: TOs VOW IT'S NOT OVER:
- News
newsTracker: Fight for Muckaty: TOs vow it’s not over
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/fight-for-muckaty-tos-vow-it%E2%80%99s-not...
3 Apr 12: "Northern Territory: The Gillard government’s plans to put a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory have been labelled "disgraceful" and a case of "radioactive racism" by opponents. ... Dave Sweeney from the Australian Conservation Foundation told Tracker the government’s actions had been very disappointing. "This legislation is in two parts. The first part specifically and solely names Muckaty as the only site under active consideration for a waste dump. It’s the only place named and yet it’s the focus of a current federal court case," Mr Sweeny told Tracker." Amy McQuire, a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman and editor of Tracker
See:
WGAR News: Interviews re Federal Court challenge over Muckaty (31 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/31/wgar-news-the-lizards-revenge-over-ur...
YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia's nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo
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...
Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/
Vimeo: Nuclear Medicine & the need for a Waste Dump?
http://vimeo.com/29971907
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
* MOREE CHAMPION: TENT EMBASSY SET UP IN MOREE:
- News
Moree Champion: Tent Embassy set up in Moree
http://www.moreechampion.com.au/news/local/news/general/tent-embassy-set...
5 Apr 12: "About 15 people have taken up camp on the bank of the Mehi River near the skate park. Bronwyn Speraim said this establishment was a branch of the original Tent Embassy in Canberra. "We feel it’s time to make our movement and to honour and respect our history," Ms Speraim said. The group are fighting for sovereignty. They want self-governance, better law and order, health and education, and change - "right here, right now"." Greg Hoy said." Cady Anderson
* INTERVIEW WITH DAMIEN CURTIS OF STAND FOR FREEDOM:
- Audio Interview
Radio Adelaide Breakfast with Tim Brunero: Stronger futures, weaker legislation
http://radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com/tag/northern-territory-inter...
3 Apr 12: "Could you face 6 months in prison for the possession of a can of beer? Could your home be searched by police without a warrant? Could your welfare benefits be cut due to your child missing school? The Northern Territory Intervention will expire come August and the Stronger Futures Legislation is set to take its place, but has the government missed the fine line between helpful and harmful? The new bill has attracted attention from Amnesty International and the UN over concerns of racial discrimination.
Stand for Freedom is a platform for people to speak against the Stronger Futures Legislation and the National Director, Damien Curtis, spoke to us this morning." Producer: Kristin Theologou
See:
Stand for Freedom:
There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/
* JEFF McMULLEN: AUSSIES SHOULD STAND STRONG FOR FREEDOM:
- Analysis / Opinion
agendaTracker: The Way Ahead: Aussies should stand strong for freedom
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/the-way-ahead-aussies-should-stand-strong-...
4 Apr 12: "NATIONAL: The Stronger Futures legislation, which will expand the NT intervention, has not yet passed the Senate. JEFF MCMULLEN* believes Australia should stand against the discriminatory bills. The shadow of the great white Protector once more falls across Aboriginal people as government and coalition politicians agree to bury genuine self-determination and land rights in the Northern Territory. "Should we call Jenny…'Protector Macklin'? I think perhaps she fits that role at the moment all too well and it’s a tragedy," said former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser ... " Jeff McMullen, a prominent Australian journalist and a winner of the UN Media Peace Prize
See:
Stand for Freedom:
There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/
* CRA: CALL FOR CONSULTATION NOT LEGISLATION:
- Analysis / Opinion
Catholic Religious Australia: Call for consultation not legislation
http://www.catholicreligiousaustralia.org/index.php/109-justice-network/...
"CRA's Justice Network urges the Federal Government to abandon the ‘Stronger Futures Northern Territory 2011 Bill’, and move towards developing strategies, based on trust and respect with the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory. We join with the many Indigenous and other Australians who have already spoken about the need to consult Aboriginal people and their Elders in the planning of actions and recommendations that will affect their lives for years to come."
* UTS: LISTENING BUT NOT HEARING:
- News
UTS News Room: Listening but not hearing
http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2012/04/listening-but-not-hearing
2 Apr 12: "In summary:
* Three UTS experts in Indigenous law reform will trace the history of the Northern Territory Intervention and consider its successes and failures in this month’s UTSpeaks public lecture
* The speakers will discuss the latest round of government consultations with Indigenous communities and question the degree to which consultation truly took place"
- Upcoming Event
Event: Tue 24 April 2012: UTS, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW
Public Lecture: UTSpeaks: More Intervention
"Will the Government’s Stronger Futures law
reforms aid indigenous communities or
further divide Australia’s people?"
Lecture by three UTS experts in Indigenous law reform:
* Nicole Watson
* Alison Vivian
* Craig Longman
All are senior researchers with the UTS
Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning
Event details: http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/events/2012/04/more-intervention
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/utspeaks-more-intervention
Event details: http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/sites/all/files/pdfs/event/utspeaks_more_inte...
See:
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: "Listening But Not Hearing" - Audio recordings from the launch of the report (3 Apr 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/03/wgar-news-listening-but-not-hearing-a...
* AMNESTY: ASK YOUR LOCAL MP TO SPEAK UP ON HOMELANDS:
- Action
Amnesty International Australia: Ask your local MP to speak up on homelands
http://www.amnesty.org.au/action/action/28301/
"The Federal and Northern Territory governments have just announced a $221 million, long-term funding commitment to Aboriginal homelands. This is thanks to the pressure that Amnesty supporters like you have put on the government. But it isn't time to break out the champagne quite yet. Now we need to build on this funding promise and ensure homelands are included in policy and programs beyond Indigenous portfolios - including health, education and infrastructure. It's your MP's job to make sure your voice is heard inside Parliament. Open up a dialogue ... "
- Background
WGAR News: Responses to Ten-Year Funding of NT Aboriginal Communities (1 Apr 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/01/wgar-news-responses-to-ten-year-fundi...
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Family advocacy group pleased by funding, but planning is needed
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7100-family-advocacy-group-pleas...
5 Apr 12: "Community service organisations in the Northern Territory continue to praise the long-term funding commitments by the Federal Government announced recently. Josie Crawshaw, CEO of Stronger Aboriginal Families, Together, a peak body for Aboriginal youth and families, says the funding pledge of over half-a-million dollars will help but more needs to be done in terms of planning. The Federal Goverment says the money will go towards health and education in NT Indigenous communities, but it's the 10-year committment of funding that has pleased many community groups."
Australian: ALP 10-year plan for Aborigines 'a joke'
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/alp-10-year-...
5 Apr 12: "THE Coalition has declared the radical Northern Territory intervention, extended by Labor for a further 10 years, should be moving to a "normalisation stage" where Aborigines are leading the reforms and funding is over a shorter period."
Australian: Macklin stands by ten-year NT intervention commitment
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/macklin-stan...
5 Apr 12: "INDIGENOUS Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has hit back at the Coalition's claim that a ten-year funding commitment to the Northern Territory intervention was a "joke.""
Katherine Times: $221 million homelands funding sparks debate
http://www.katherinetimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/221-million-hom...
4 Apr 12: "More than $220 million in funding will be invested in outstations and homelandsacross the Northern Territory. The investment - which is part of the Federal Government’s Stronger Future package - aims at improving basic essential and municipal services in Aboriginal communities across the NT. ... Northern Land Council Chief Executive Kim Hill has welcomed this morning’s announcement by Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin that will see a $221 million investment in Northern Territory outstations and homelands over the next ten years."
Koori Mail: Macklin’s millions
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
4 Apr 12: "THE Federal Governement has announced more than a billion dollars in funding to support its planned continuation of the Northern Territory intervention for another 10 years. Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin last week announced $719 million in funding for health services, $619 million for community safety, and another $443 million for family and children services. She said another $443 million would be used to fund programs for children, parents and youth, and $221 million would be used to support homelands and outstations."
newsTracker: Bankstown wary of 'Stronger Futures'
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/bankstown-wary-of-%E2%80%98stronger-future...
3 Apr 12: "NATIONAL: Compulsory income management is being extended into five disadvantaged centres around the country, who are ill-prepared to deal with it, writes AMY McQUIRE*. ... "I said to the old girls, you know what this means?," Aunty Noelene told Tracker. "That’s going back to those mission days. Rations are being served. It really upset me when it was mentioned. "… Even when I first heard of what was happening in the NT (under the intervention), I said to one of my kids 'You know, they’re going through the same thing that happened to us when we were on those missions.'" Amy McQuire, Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman and editor of Tracker
* 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 Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation
WGAR News: "Listening But Not Hearing" - Audio recordings from the launch of the report (3 Apr 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/03/wgar-news-listening-but-not-hearing-a...
WGAR News: Responses to Ten-Year Funding of NT Aboriginal Communities (1 Apr 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/01/wgar-news-responses-to-ten-year-fundi...
WGAR News: STICS: Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
WGAR News: Photograph your feet and 'Stand For Freedom' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...
WGAR News: Stand For Freedom campaign delivers a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 people (22 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...
WGAR News: Responses to Senate Committee report on 'Stronger Futures' New NT Intervention laws (18 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...
WGAR News: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert provides an overview: "Ending the NT Intervention" (15 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
WGAR News: Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...
WGAR News: 28 Leading Australians call on Government to abandon the Stronger Futures legislation (14 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...
WGAR News: "Hear the Voice of the People!": Video of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012 (13 Mar 12)
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...
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 Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF
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...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...
Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/
STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/
The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...
Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/
Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/
CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention
Our Generation: http://ourgeneration.org.au/
'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention
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 (Justice, Rights and Respect for Australia's First Peoples) - 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:
- Audio Interviews
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Nyoongar Elder speaks on Perth protest and media coverage
http://caama.com.au/nyoongar-elder-speaks-on-perth-protest-and-media-cov...
3 Apr 12: "Richard Wilkes - a Nyoongar elder from Western Australia - is unhappy with the way the mainstream media has portrayed a protest in Perth. He speaks to Paul Wiles on CAAMA Radio to share what really happened from his perspective."
The Wire: Brisbane gets a tent embassy as sovereignty campaign heats up
Produced by Tim Roxburgh
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8993
3 Apr 12: "A new tent embassy has been established in Brisbane as indigenous activists rally around a reinvigorated campaign for recognition and sovereignty. In addition to the 40 year old aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra, campaigners say that encampments have also been created at Portland in Victoria, and at Moree in New South Wales. In the West of the country indigenous locals continue to return to an ongoing camp at Heiresson island near Perth, despite constant pressure from police, who have made arrests and, confiscated camping equipment. Participants in the push to establish these sites of protest say that native title and the reconciliation process have so far failed to deliver for their people, and they’re returning to a more basic demand: for sovereignty.
Featured in story:
* Mary Ann McKay - a Whadjuk / Yuet woman involved in the protest site at Heiresson Island
* Jenny Munro - activist with a life-long association with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra"
- News
Koori Mail: Embassy warrior
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
4 Apr 12: "YOUNG Jandarcan Coolwell joined other dancers to celebrate the official opening of the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy at Musgrave Park on 24 March. The event featured a welcome and smoking ceremony and was followed by a corroboree, music performances, bush tucker, arts and crafts and sovereignty workshops."
Koori Mail: Turtle nests found at WA gas hub site
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
4 Apr 12: "RESEARCHERS have found a large turtle nesting area at a proposed $30 billion gas hub site in the Kimberley, contradicting the results of a West Australian Government study. The State Government has been locked in battle with conservationists, local Aborigines and other Kimberley residents over plans to compulsorily acquire the James Price Point site, about 60km north of Broome."
ABC Kimberley: Aboriginal gas benefits at the mercy of the market
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/04/03/3470106.htm
3 Apr 12: "Despite decisions on Kimberley gas dragging out amidst economic uncertainty, traditional owners are positioning themselves to distribute the benefits of the billion dollar plus deal. It was supposed to be the year where all the speculation, planning and assessments were going to lead to certainty one way or the other on gas processing in the Kimberley."
- Analysis / Opinion
agendaTracker: The Contrarian: White myth-making and a State of Denial
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/the-contrarian-white-myth-making-and-a-sta...
4 Apr 12: "NATIONAL: White Australia must first develop a greater awareness of the issues confronting Aboriginal Australia before we can advance, writes GARY FOLEY*. White Australia has a Black History, but it also has a long history of denial of that fact. It also has an extensive track record of carefully constructing and reinforcing its own mythologies that help to maintain its denialism." Gary Foley, 'elderly anarchist agitator' and a historian and lecturer at Victoria University
agendaTracker: Little Black Duck: As long as we have youth, we still have hope
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/little-black-duck-as-long-as-we-have-youth...
4 Apr 12: "NATIONAL: NICOLE WATSON* reflects on the importance of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and why Australia should revere it. The media’s portrayal of events at the Aboriginal Embassy on Invasion Day were so disturbing that it’s taken me some months to process my thoughts. I felt anger, disillusionment and hurt. Most of all however, I was stunned. How could a day that was both a solemn reminder of warriors no longer with us, and a celebration of our resilience, be treated with such derision?" Nicole Watson, a Murri lawyer and researcher with the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning
West Australian: Embrace, don't fear land rights
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/opinion/post/-/blog/13335552/embrace-do...
3 Apr 12: "I am an 85-year-old senior Noongar elder, one of the few surviving elders whose personal testimony to the Federal Court of Australia proved Noongar native title in the Swan River region and led to the current native title negotiations between the State Government and the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. I did not support the way Aboriginal people protested on Heirisson Island because they were trouble makers." Patrick Hume
- - -
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.
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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.
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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/