Newsletter date: 10 May 2012
Contents:
* 'concerned Australians' gives its full support to the Yolngu Nations Assembly statement
* SNAICC
stands
in
solidarity
with
Yolngu
Nations
Assembly
* St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully supports Yolngu Elders
* UCA: Federal Government should heed Yolngu voices
* Mornington IAAG stands with Yolgnu Elders in their opposition to the "Stronger Futures" legislation
* ACM Melbourne: Yolngu Nations Reject "Stronger Futures Proposed Legislation"
* ACM Sydney: Yolngu Nations Reject "Stronger Futures"
* Institute of Sisters of Mercy supports Statement of Yolngu Nations Assembly
* Congress: Stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations
* NATSICC Calls for Senators not to pass Stronger Futures NT Bill
* NATSIEC: Stronger Futures or Stronger Policing
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* The Wire: Muckaty community living 'under the nuclear cloud'
* Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* The Wire: Indigenous languages have role in education
* ABC: Indigenous languages disappearing as lobbying starts for bilingual programmes
* Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
* Other articles
See:
Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Yolŋu Nations Assembly)
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
"Statement regarding Australian Federal Government Stronger Futures Bills and Northern Territory Policies, to the Leaders of the Australian Federal and Northern Territory Parliaments"
WGAR News: Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement concerning 'Stronger Futures' laws and NT policies (4 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/04/wgar-news-yolngu-nations-assembly-sta...
Respect and Listen compilation:
http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/stronger-futures.html
"Statements and Media Releases ... calling to abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation and supporting the Yolŋu Nations Assembly Statement"
'concerned Australians' compilation:
Churches, Religious, Organisations and Reconciliation Groups
http://concernedaustralians.com.au/Stronger_Futures_Yolngu_supporters.html
"Calls to Abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation, and Calls to Support the Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement"
* 'CONCERNED AUSTRALIANS' GIVES ITS FULL SUPPORT TO THE YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY STATEMENT:
- Media Release
'concerned Australians':
Initiative and Ability to Listen - but - a Change is Desperately Needed
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/concern...
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/initiative-and-abili...
2 May 12: "Today the Yolngu Nations Assembly sent a statement to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and Opposition leader Tony Abbott. It was also sent to other senior politicians in the Federal and Northern Territory governments, calling for a changed approach to policy in the Northern Territory.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly is made up of 8 Nations from West, Central and East Arnhem Land.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly statement clearly informs Government that it does not support the proposed Stronger Futures legislation. It has stated that it believe its aims and those of Government can be achieved through partnerships in communities and based on the principles of self-determination.
‘concerned Australians' acknowledges this statement and gives its full support to it.
Spokesperson, Michele Harris, states that, " 'concerned Australians' joins with the Yolngu Nations Assembly, other social justice organisations and leading Australians, in calling for an end to the interventionist policies of the last five years. ... ""
* SNAICC STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY:
- Media Release
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
SNAICC
stands
in
solidarity
with
Yolŋu
Nations
Assembly
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news-events/dsp-default-e.cfm?loadref=86&txnid=...
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/_uploads/rsfil/02813.pdf
2 May 12: "SNAICC stands in solidarity with the Yolnuw Makarr Dhuni (Yolnu Nations Assembly) of Western, Central and East Arnhem Land.
The Yolnu Nations have called on the Senate to discard in full the Stronger Futures package of bills that, if enacted, would extend the intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities for 10 years.
SNAICC agrees with this unambiguous position.
In our submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, SNAICC recommended that the legislation be completely redeveloped in accordance with international human rights laws to which Australia is bound.
Some of the basic human rights that SNAICC considers are not fully reflected in the Stronger Futures bills are the right to self-determination and the right for communities to give their free, prior and informed consent to measures that may affect them.
These are the same principles that the Yol?u Nations are asking the Australian and Northern Territory governments to uphold - and to work in meaningful partnership with Aboriginal communities to arrive at effective long-term solutions."
* ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY RESPECTFULLY SUPPORTS YOLGNU ELDERS:
- Media Release
St Vincent de Paul Society National Council:
St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully supports Yolngu Elders
http://vinnies.org.au/files/NAT/SocialJustice/2012/Stronger%20Futures%20...
3 May 12: "St Vincent de Paul Society National Council CEO, Dr John Falzon, issued the following statement in response to the Statement released this morning by Elders of the Yolngu Nations Assembly in Arnhem Land:
"The Elders of the Yolngu Nations Assembly today issued an historical statement regarding the Australian Government’s Stronger Futures Bills.
"Their words are born from a strong and positive vision for Australia.
"All of us, especially those elected as legislators, have a duty to listen to these words and to take heed of their rejection of the Stronger Futures Bills. ...
"The St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully acknowledges and supports the Statement of the Elders of the Yolngu Nations Assembly and calls on the Australian Government to do likewise.""
* UCA: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HEED YOLNGU VOICES
- News
Uniting Church of Australia ASSEMBLY
Federal Government should heed Yolngu voices
http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/1128-federal-government-should-heed...
2 May 12: "The Uniting Church in Australia has welcomed a statement by the Yolngu Nations Assembly that rejects any further extension of the Northern Territory Intervention. "The best and only way forward for Indigenous Australians is through genuine partnerships between communities and all levels of Government," said President of the Uniting Church in Australia's National Assembly Rev. Alistair Macrae. "When self-determination is side-lined any progress for our First Peoples is an illusion.""
* MORNINGTON IAAG STANDS WITH YOLGNU ELDERS IN THEIR OPPOSITION TO THE "STRONGER FUTURES" LEGISLATION:
- Statement
Mornington Interchurch Aboriginal Awareness Group Stands With Yolgnu Elders In Their Opposition To The "Stronger Futures" Legislation
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Morning...
30 Apr 12: "The Mornington Interchurch Aboriginal Awareness Group, which draws its membership from five Christian denominations on the Mornington Peninsula, has had first hand contact with the Elders of the Yolgnu nations of north east Arnhem Land and their concerns for more than a year. The opposition of many Indigenous clan leaders, particularly the Yolgnu Elders, to the Federal Government’s "Stronger Futures"” legislation, is very well known to us.
As a Group, we strongly support their criticisms set out in their current statement of the Yolgnu Nations Assembly of the legislation about to go before the Senate for debate.
On the occasion of the original Howard Government’s Emergency Intervention, we made contact with the Yolgnu Elders, and studied the concerns they expressed with their people, especially how they were being discriminated against by the Intervention’s actions, and without any effective consultation – before or afterwards."
* ACM MELBOURNE: YOLNGU NATIONS REJECT "STRONGER FUTURES PROPOSED LEGISLATION"
- Statement
Yolŋu Nations Reject "Stronger Futures Proposed Legislation" - Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne Statement
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Aborigi...
4 May 12: "The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas of the Northern Territory, have released a statement rejecting the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures legislation.
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne (ACMM) supports the recent statement by the Nations of the Yolŋuw Makarr Dhunni (Yolŋu Nations Assembly) of the Western, Central and Eastern Arnhem Land areas, Northern Territory.
The Government has received 454 submissions to the Senate Community Affairs committee’s inquiry into the Bills. The vast majority of submissions, which included Aboriginal peoples and organisations, community groups, Churches, human rights groups, welfare groups and individuals, strongly opposed measures, rejected the Bills, or asked for its withdrawal. More than 35,000 people have signed the Stand for Freedom petition. Other Traditional owners have also made strong statements. Yet the Government is ignoring all this informed opposition and is pushing through its own agenda to pass the Stronger Futures legislation."
See:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 ... :
Submissions received by the Committee
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
* ACM SYDNEY: YOLNGU NATIONS REJECT "STRONGER FUTURES"
- Statement
Yolŋu Nations Reject "Stronger Futures" - Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese Statement
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Aborigi...
8 May 12: "The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas of the Northern Territory, have released a statement rejecting the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures legislation. Graeme Mundine, Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese has welcomed the statement.
Mr Mundine said "The statement by the Yolŋu Nations Assembly cannot be any clearer. The Yolŋu have consistently asked for partnership and self-determination, not intervention and discrimination. The Yolŋu peoples do not want disempowering relationships with Government.
"The Yolŋu Assembly are also asking all NT Traditional Owners to refuse to participate in land lease negotiations and approval of exploration licenses until the Government throws out the Stronger Futures legislation. In doing this the Yolŋu Nations are clearly stating they have had enough of being pressured to agree to things that are negatively impacting their communities.""
See:
WGAR News: Graeme Mundine, ACM Sydney: "Stronger Futures Legislation. Points Against" (8 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/08/wgar-news-stronger-futures-or-stolen-...
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Sydney Archdiocese:
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee:
Social Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 and Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
https://senate.aph.gov.au/submissions/comittees/viewdocument.aspx?id=634...
* INSTITUTE OF SISTERS OF MERCY SUPPORTS STATEMENT OF YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY:
- Statement
Response To The Statement Of The Yolnu Nations Assembly In Arnhem Land Regarding The Stronger Futures Bills And Northern Territory Policies
'concerned Australians': http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/stronger_futures_yolngu/Institu...
4 May 12: "The Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea supports the Statement of the Yolnu Nations Assembly in Arnhem Land which calls on both the 'Australian Federal and Northern Territory Governments to end their interventionist policies and agendas, and return to a mindset of partnership based on the principles of Self-Determination'.
Sister Annette Schneider RSM, spokeswoman for the Institute of more than 900 Sisters of Mercy, joins with all people of good-will who seek an end to the intervention policies in the Northern Territory.
The Stronger Futures Bill (and those associated) which is not supported by the Yolnu Nations will soon come before the Senate. "We hope that each Senator will genuinely consider the legislation and its impact before they vote on the Bill" said Sister Annette."
* CONGRESS: STOP, LISTEN AND TEST NT LAWS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
- Media Release
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations
http://nationalcongress.com.au/stop-listen-test-nt-laws-for-human-rights/
4 May 12: "Congress says Govt should stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations
Congress says it will continue to oppose new Intervention laws because they have not been tested for human rights violations as part of its on-going support to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
Congress Co-Chairs Jody Broun and Les Malezer said more Aboriginal people are calling for the laws before Parliament to be scrapped, most recently the Yolgnu Nations Assembly, which represents 8000 traditional owners in west, central and east Arnhem Land.
"Here is another significant group of our peoples, directly affected by the laws, who are actually calling this legislation 'racist' in their letter to the Prime Minister," said Mr. Malezer.
"This is a strong and simple message to the Government that these laws must be independently reviewed to ensure they do not breach human rights standards and international obligations.
"The Government has 'willful deafness' on such a fundamental issue, even after critical reports on the Intervention by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples. ... ""
- Related Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio Online News 09.08.2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-online-news-09-08-2012
9 May 12: "Australia’s peak national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islanders says it will continue to oppose proposed new Intervention laws for the Northern Territory because they have not been tested for human rights violations."
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Congress supports Yolngu rejection of Stronger Futures
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7183-congress-supports-yolngu-re...
8 May 12: "The nation's peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative body says there are serious human rights concerns over the Federal Government's Stronger Futures legislation. The National Congress of Australia's First Peoples says it will continue to oppose the proposed expansion of the Northern Territory Intervention. Co-Chair Les Malezer has acknowledged a recent move by Arnhem Land's Yolngu Nations Assembly to send a letter to the Prime Minister saying they don't want Stronger Futures."
Koori Mail: Congress flags Budget support
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
9 May 12: "THE National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has welcomed funding arrangements for the Northern Territory, detailed in last night’s Federal Budget, but says it is still analysing the Budget’s Indigenous spend to gauge how much of it is new investment. Congress Director Rod Little said the ten-year NT funding would mean greater certainty for Aboriginal community organisations and enable better planning and program continuity. He said communities would be more viable with strengthened local decision-making and greater flexibility rather than blanket approaches and punitive measures that didn't increase long-term sustainability."
Koori Mail: Congress lobbies for bills to be scrapped
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
8 May 12: "THE National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has established an electronic letter campaign to encourage Australians to protest Federal Government plans to extend the NT Intervention for a decade. Congress co-chairs Les Malezer and Jody Broun say the Government's new Intervention laws, encapsulated in Stronger Futures bills currently before the Senate, have not been tested for human rights violations. The representative body's letter campaign (at http://nationalcongress.com.au ) encourages people to write to their local federal parliamentarian to do what they can to have the bills withdrawn and Aboriginal people consulted properly."
Australian: Intervention laws face human rights hurdle
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/intervention-laws-face-...
4 May 12: "THE National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has threatened to use "domestic and international human rights forums" to humiliate the Gillard government over the next stage of its radical intervention into Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The new peak Aboriginal representative body, which is partly funded by the federal government and has discussion meetings with Julia Gillard, is becoming increasingly active in opposing Labor's approach to indigenous affairs."
See:
Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Last updated: 5 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-national-congress-o...
* NATSICC CALLS FOR SENATORS NOT TO PASS STRONGER FUTURES NT BILL 2011:
- Statement
NATSICC Calls For Senators Not To Pass Stronger Futures Northern Territory Bill 2011
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...
8 May 12: "The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) fully endorses the stance taken by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Catholic Religious Australia in calling for Senators not to pass the Stronger Futures Northern Territory Bill 2011.
NATSICC have been consulting and listening to our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in the Northern Territory and have come to the conclusion that the Stronger Futures Bill is not the answer for all Aboriginal people. "In its true sense, it (the NTER) has really disempowered Indigenous Australians living in the NT" said one respondent to our consultations. Because our communities are made up of so many different language groups, ages, personalities and geographical boundaries, the council strongly advises against a 'one size fits all' mentality when legislating for our people."
- Related News
Catholic Leader: Church on indigenous elders' side
http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/top-stories/church-on-indigeno...
13 May 12: "AUSTRALIA'S Catholic bishops and leaders of religious congregations have added their voice to Aboriginal elders calling for an end to the Northern Territory Intervention and the Federal Government's proposed Stronger Futures legislation. On May 2, the Yolngu National Assembly, involving eight indigenous nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Lands areas of the Northern Territory representing 8000 Aboriginal people, sent a statement to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Federal Opposition Leader Tont Abbott calling for a changed approach to Northern Territory policy."
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese:
Bishops & Religious Back Calls for Halt to NT "Intervention"
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/201258_1842.shtml
8 May 12: "Australia's Catholic bishops and religious have appealed to Federal Senators not to pass "Stronger Futures Northern Territory 2011 Bill" which would see the Territory's controversial "Intervention" policy extended for a further 10 years. "We urge the Federal Government to abandon this legislation and develop strategies based on trust and respect which will promote collaboration with the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory in decision-making relating to their future," said Archbishop Philip Wilson and Sister Anne Derwin rsj, in a statement issued on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA)."
See:
WGAR News: "Stronger futures or stolen futures - Bishops and Religious question legislation" ACBC (8 May 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/08/wgar-news-stronger-futures-or-stolen-...
* NATSIEC: STRONGER FUTURES OR STRONGER POLICING
- Statement
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission:
Stronger Futures or Stronger Policing
http://www.ncca.org.au/departments/natsiec/666-stronger-futures-or-stron...
"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. ...
Stronger Futures can be visionary. To be authentic it must reflect the Indigenous voices as well as observe International Human Rights laws and the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Australian Indigenous Peoples."
* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:
- Media Releases
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Congress Statement on the Federal budget 2012-13
9 May 12: "Congress notes the $5.2 billion announced in tonight’s "Indigenous Budget Statement" as part of the 2012-13 Federal Budget.
The joint Ministerial announcement for employment, education, health, community development and community safety, identifies the Government’s funding commitments in their efforts to close the gap.
Congress and all of our peak Member organisations are analysing the detail of these announcements to gauge what is new investment by the Government and together will monitor the effectiveness of this investment.
Congress specifically welcomes the ten-year funding arrangements for the Northern Territory which will ensure greater certainty for Aboriginal community organisations to influence positive change. ...
We also know that blanket approaches and punitive measures do not increase long-term sustainability of our communities and we need to see more flexibility and working in equal partnerships with communities."
ANTaR: Budget delivers investment in remote communities
http://www.antar.org.au/budget_delivers_investment_in_remote_communities_0
9 May 12: "ANTaR has welcomed long-term funding delivered by the Budget for essential services in remote communities, along with new governance and leadership programs.
"ANTaR has welcomed long-term funding of more the $3.4 billion over 10 years to fund health, education, justice and homelands services in the NT as a significant development. This offers funding security for remote communities and will enable local community organisations to plan for the future," said Jacqueline Phillips, National Director.
"The announcement of funds to employ Indigenous Engagement Officers in remote communities and programs to support governance and leadership are also welcomed as positive developments."
"ANTaR hopes this will facilitate increased local Aboriginal participation in the coordination and delivery of services and build governance and leadership capacity in communities."
"However, these initiatives sit uneasily with the Government's Stronger Futures bills which are listed for debate in the Senate today. Should these bills pass without major changes, ANTaR fears further long-term damage to relationships between many NT Aboriginal communities and governments." ... "
See:
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...
ANTaR: Long term commitment to NT communities welcomed
http://www.antar.org.au/long_term_commitment_to_nt_communities_welcomed
- News
Koori Mail: ANTaR: Govt bills risk relationships
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
9 May 12: "LOBBY group ANTaR has welcomed 2012 Federal Budget announcements of more the $3.4 billion over ten years to fund health, education, justice and homelands services in the Northern Territory. But it says funding for positive initiatives such as Indigenous Engagement Officers in remote communities and programs to support governance and leadership sit uneasily with the Government's Stronger Futures bills, listed for debate in the Senate today. ANTaR National Director Jacqueline Phillips said relationships between many NT Aboriginal communities and governments would be damaged if the bills were passed without major changes."
Koori Mail: Greens prepare for Intervention fight
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
9 May 12: "THE Australian Greens have vowed to vote against the Federal Government's Stronger Futures legislation in the Senate today, but will propose a range of amendments to limit its harm if the Coaltion and Government senators are determined to support the controversial bills. Senator Rachel Siewert said the time had come for a new approach, and called on her fellow Senators to pay attention to the wishes of communities and individuals speaking out against the measures."
newsTracker: Stronger Futures expected to pass Upper House
http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/stronger-futures-expected-to-pass-upper-ho...
9 May 12: "NATIONAL: The federal government’s controversial plans to extend the NT intervention for another 10 years is expected to pass the upper house today. Stronger Futures is intended to fill the gap when the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) expires in August this year. The controversial legislation has largely continued the aspects of the Northern Territory intervention, which was launched by the Howard government in 2007 following a media panic over reports of child sexual abuse in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities."
BUDGET ’12: Funds committed to Stronger Futures
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/budget-12-funds-committed-to-stronger-futu...
The West: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/13636548/indigenous-cash-t...
9 May 12: "The decade long continuation of the NT intervention in Aboriginal communities will receive $3.4 billion but only modest sums will be spent in the first year. The Gillard government's Stronger Futures legislation is expected to clear the Senate this week. They include measurers such as alcohol restrictions and the controversial scheme that links school truancy to parents welfare payment cuts. The laws continue the Howard government's NT intervention in 2007."
Australian: Jobs, housing to 'close the gap' between black and white Australia
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/treasury/jobs-housing-t...
8 May 12: "MEASURES to "close the gap" between black and white Australia will receive $5.2 billion, with the centrepiece a $3.4 billion 10-year package to continue the Northern Territory intervention with a focus on employment and housing. And under new spending unveiled by Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, State governments, including Western Australia and South Australia, will receive a $43.4 million investment."
Koori Mail: Stronger Futures bills listed for debate
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
7 May 12: "THE Australian Senate is set to debate the Federal Government's proposed Stronger Futures legislation on Wednesday, as critics including the group 'concerned Australians', the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), SNAICC and ANTaR continue their calls for the controversial bills to be scrapped. If passed, the legislation will continue the Northern Territory intervention for up to another ten years."
9 News: Fears intervention laws will sneak through
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8463099/bishops-slam-nt-intervention...
7 May 12: "Indigenous leaders fear the government will use the cover of the federal budget to rush through controversial laws to continue the Northern Territory intervention program. The government's Stronger Futures draft laws are likely to clear the upper house with bipartisan support after federal parliament resumes this week and the 2012/13 budget is released on Tuesday. ... "Compulsory income management remains offensive and does not support local decision-making, governance or self-determination," National Congress of Australia's First People representative Jody Broun said on Monday."
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 8 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Last updated: 29 April 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-...
* THE WIRE: MUCKATY COMMUNITY LIVING 'UNDER THE NUCLEAR CLOUD'
- Audio
The Wire: Muckaty community living 'under the nuclear cloud'
Produced by Biwa Kwan
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9101
7 May 12: "A rare glimpse into the everyday lives of people in the Indigenous community of Muckaty in the Northern Territory has been revealed at a photo exhibition in Sydney. For the past six years, the community has been living under the threat of being the site of Australia’s first permanent nuclear waste dump. Organisers say the goal of the exhibition is to raise awareness of the nuclear threat faced by this remote community, often described as being 'in the middle of nowhere'. Biwa Kwan was at the exhibition launch. (Image by Jagath Dheerasekara from the 'Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud' exhibition)
Featured in story:
Jagath Dheerasekara - documentary photographer
Dianne Stokes - a traditional owner of the Muckaty community, Northern Territory"
- Event
Event: 4 May - 8 July 2012: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW
Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud
Photographs by Jagath Dheerasekara
Curated by Sandy Edwards
Head On Photo Festival
""The photographs are excellent. They are a moving
portrayal of Aboriginal Australia that all Australians
aught to know about on an issue that wont go away."
- John Pilger, Writer and Filmmaker, January 2012"
Event details: http://jagathdeerasekera.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/manuwangku-under-nuclea...
Event details: [scroll down page] http://sydneyartgalleriesandartcommunity.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/openin...
Article: [scroll down page] http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/picture-a-world-of-ob...
* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:
Last updated: 6 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nu...
* THE WIRE: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES HAVE ROLE IN EDUCATION
- Audio
The Wire: Indigenous languages have role in education
Produced by Natalie Muller
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9103
8 May 12: "Australia used to be one of the most language-diverse countries on earth, with over 250 dialects spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. But that number has been decimated by more than 90 per cent, and today there are less than 20 indigenous languages still going strong. How these languages can be used to improve education and tackle disadvantage in communities is the subject of an inquiry that has been going for a little over a year. Advocates say it’s a crying shame so many tongues have died off, and it’s up to the government to channel more funding towards language education programs so they can be revived. ...
Featured in story:
Gary Williams - Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-op, Nambucca Heads
Shayne Neumann MP - Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Susan Poetsch - Lecturer at the Koori Centre, University of Sydney
Ghil’ad Zuckermann - Professor of Linguistics and Endangered Languages, University of Adelaide"
See:
Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...
[Includes 147 submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry.]
Main Government webpage on the Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...
* ABC: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES DISAPPEARING AS LOBBYING STARTS FOR BILINGUAL PROGRAMMES
- News
ABC Far North Queensland: Indigenous languages disappearing as lobbying starts for bilingual programmes
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/05/08/3498263.htm
8 May 12: "The Chair of an Aboriginal language group in north Queensland says urgent funding is needed before 80 per cent of indigenous languages spoken in the region are lost. ... Mr Stockley, [Trevor Stockley] ... said it was vital to give indigenous children a strong grounding in their first language. ... "Schools are really important places but if they're alien places that don't represent your language, your culture or uphold your knowledge, then the kid attending that school at the end of the day is not going to feel good about himself, his language, culture or the school and the consequences roll on."" By Sam Davis
* BACKGROUND TO THE USE OF ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES IN NT SCHOOLS:
Last updated: 7 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-use-of-aboriginal-l...
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Audio
3CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Out of the Pan - 7 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-06-83452.mp3
7 May 12: "Guest is Alison Thorne talking about the indigenous deaths in custody rally (Saturday 12 May 11am Bourke and Elizabeth Sts; (then on to Equal Love); bi and trans invisibility from gay and lesbian organisations; Russia; DSM 5 update and more."
- Upcoming event
Event: Sat 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Rally: Stop Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Protest NSW police shootings
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/108437109276373/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stop-aboriginal-deaths-in-custody-2012-autumn-ac...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50705
- Audio
3CR Community Radio 855 AM - Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Radioactive Show - 6 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-05-32532.mp3
6 May 12: "Highlights from the Lizard Rising Fundraiser for the Lizards Revenge Festival and protest at Roxby Down Olympic Dam expansion."
See:
WGAR News: Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-da...
- News
Australian: Delay urged on indigenous referendum
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/delay-urged-...
9 May 12: "A REFERENDUM to recognise indigenous Australians in the Constitution should be delayed until after next year because of the "toxicity" that will surround the next federal election, members of the government's expert panel say. Warning a defeat would devastate the campaign for constitutional recognition, several members of the now-disbanded panel want the government to reconsider its commitment to hold a referendum at or before next year's election."
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About WGAR News:
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-abo...
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;
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and tent embassies;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.
'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 3 e-newsletters each week.
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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/