Newsletter date: 4 October 2012
Contents:
* Alice Springs Rally to Stop Black Deaths in Custody - 5 Oct 2012
* Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Jaqui Phillips (ANTaR) and Craig Longman (NPAN)
* Gerry Georgatos: Climate of Death: justice denied means more will die
* 98.9 FM: 30th Anniversary Commonwealth Games Protest [5-7 Oct 2012]
* The Telegraph: Fire crews called to tent embassy blaze in South Brisbane
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies
* Other articles
* ALICE SPRINGS RALLY TO STOP BLACK DEATHS IN CUSTODY - 5 OCT 2012
- Upcoming event
Event: Fri 5 October 2012: Alice Springs, NT
Protest: Stop Black Deaths in Custody
Justice for Kwementyaye Briscoe
No to the CLP’s prison camps
"On Friday, the Country Liberal’s new
Minister for Central Australia Robin Lambley
will convene a forum with "key stakeholders"
to discuss "all aspects of alcohol policy".
The meeting is being held in response to
recommendations by the NT Coroner
Greg Cavanagh, following the death of
Kwementyaye Briscoe in the Alice Springs
watch house on January 5 this year.
Ms Lambley says, "the Coroner’s report
into the death of Kwementyaye Briscoe will
form the basis for discussions".
None of the Briscoe family were
invited to the meeting."
"Note Change of Venue:
- meeting has moved, so rally will now
start outside Andy McNeil room"
Event details: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/deaths-in-custody/
- Statement
Rollback the Intervention: Deaths in Custody
In a statement below written on Monday October 1, family spokesperson Patricia Morton Thomas responds to Ms Lambley’s meeting, the Coroners recommendations and the unresolved issue of justice for her nephew:
[scroll down page] http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/deaths-in-custody/
1 Oct 12: " ... To the many Aboriginal organisations and Aboriginal politicians that have my nephews death on their meeting agendas. I understand you are using his name to address alcohol issues in this town. This town has problems with alcohol that of course need to be addressed.
But when will you address the issue of police brutality and indifference to us as human beings? Im asking you to keep this as the focus. Did you see the coroners findings that the police were responsible?
Will you stand with my family and the other families whose members have suffered at the hands of the police in calling for justice? How many more deaths will it take for the power of your voice to join with ours?"
- Related News
newsTracker: Briscoe family angry over use of name
http://tracker.org.au/2012/10/briscoe-family-angry-over-use-of-name/
4 Oct 12: "In a media release last month the NT government said the death of Mr Briscoe showed the previous administration’s policies to stop problem drunks getting alcohol had not worked. "I am insulted by the use of my nephew’s name and his memory to push the CLP government’s ... propaganda," Mr Briscoe’s aunt Patricia Morton-Thomas said. "I would like to know what the deputy chief minister is doing to change the culture of racism ingrained in the Northern Territory police force," she said in a statement."
* LET'S TALK'S TIGA BAYLES INTERVIEWS JAQUI PHILLIPS (ANTaR) AND CRAIG LONGMAN (NPAN)
- Audio Interviews
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Let's Talk: Jaqui Phillips & Craig Longman
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
27 Sep 12: "* Jaqui Phillips - Australians for Native Title & Reconciliation (ANTaR) National Director
* Craig Longman - National Police Accountability Network (NAPN) member"
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/jaqui-phillips-craig-longman/
See:
WGAR News: "Coronial report highlights systemic flaws" ANTaR & National Police Accountability Network (21 Sep 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/09/21/wgar-news-coronial-report-highlights-...
WGAR News: Let's Talk's Tiga Bayles interviews Gerry Georgatos on Deaths in Custudy (27 Sep 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/09/26/wgar-news-lets-talks-tiga-bayles-inte...
WGAR News: STICS's response to Coroner’s report about the Death in Custody of Kwementyaye Briscoe (1 Oct 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/09/30/wgar-news-sticss-response-to-coroner%...
* GERRY GEORGATOS: CLIMATE OF DEATH: JUSTICE DENIED MEANS MORE WILL DIE
- Analysis / Opinion
National Indigenous Times: Climate of Death: justice denied means more will die
Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/09/29/climate-of-death-justice-denied-means...
NIT: http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/1988-climate-of-death-justice-denied-means...
NIT: http://www.nit.com.au/news/1989-climate-of-death-justice-denied-means-mo...
4 Oct 12: ""We have to get rid of racist cops. I don't want to dwell on the past but I have grown up bitter," said Nyungar Elder Ben Taylor. Mr Taylor is on the mark when he says, "They have been killing our people for two hundred years." ... There have been more than 300 Aboriginal deaths in custody since 1991 - the year of the 339 recommendations from the 1987-1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody." By Gerry Georgatos, National Indigenous Times journalist, PhD Law researcher in Australian Custodial Systems & Australian Deaths in Custody
- Related News
National Indigenous Times: 100 remember John Pat but still no end to the deaths in custody
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1961-100-remember-john-pat-but-still-no-end-t...
4 Oct 12: "By National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos. Every September 28 the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee WA (DICWA) coordinate the memorial remembrance of the murder by police of 16 year old John Pat and so it was again this year, the 29th anniversary of his death. There is a permanent memorial to John Pat inside the grounds of the former... "
* 98.9 FM: 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMMONWEALTH GAMES PROTEST [5-7 OCT 2012]
- News
98.9 FM: 30th Anniversery Commonwealth Games Protest
http://www.989fm.com.au/news/30th-anniversery-commonwealth-games-protest/
4 Oct 12: "The year was 1982, Queensland was the last State to have an 'Aborigines Act' as law, nationally the Land Rights movement was a powerful grassroots political force and from 30th September to 9th October Brisbane was hosting the Commonwealth Games. Aboriginal people and their supporters from all over Australia joined the militant Brisbane Blacks to show Australia and the World that Aboriginal sovereignty over the land had never been ceded, to demand land rights and the repeal of the Aborigines Act. ...
From 5-7th October the Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy will host a series of events to honour this important historical event."
- Related Event
Event: 5, 6 & 7 October 2012: Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld
30th Anniversary of the
1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games protests
Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy
"5th Oct: Opening corroboree, a feast and the
premiere screening of a documentary shot at
the 82 protests.
6th Oct: Towards a Sovereign Republic concert,
a re-enactment of one of the many marches
into the city, talks and workshops featuring
participants of the 82 protests and those
currently involved in the sovereign movement.
7th Oct: Closing corroboree."
Event details: http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/indigenous-voices/2012/09/19/new-publication...
Event details: http://www.989fm.com.au/events/30th-anniversary-of-the-brisbane-commonwe...
Event details: http://www.989fm.com.au/news/30th-anniversery-commonwealth-games-protest/
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/333885113372680/
* THE TELEGRAPH: FIRE CREWS CALLED TO TENT EMBASSY BLAZE IN SOUTH BRISBANE
- News
The Telegraph: Fire crews called to tent embassy blaze in South Brisbane
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/fire-crews-called-to-tent...
2 Oct 12: "BRISBANE'S Aboriginal tent embassy was gutted by fire this morning with most of the embassy destroyed in the blaze. At about 7.15am Tuesday, firefighters received calls reporting a series of tents were on fire in Musgrave Park, West End. Two crews arrived on the scene to find several tents alight but were able to put out the blaze easily. ... A Queensland Fire and Rescue spokesman said the fire did not look suspicious."
- Related News
National Indigenous Times: Brisbane Tent Embassy fire won’t stop anniversary party
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1960-brisbane-tent-embassy-fire-wont-stop-ann...
4 Oct 12: "BY National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan. Organisers of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games said a suspicious fire that destroyed the Aboriginal Tent Embassy at Brisbane's Musgrave Park in the early hours of Tuesday morning have dampened their spirits but won't stop the planned activities for the... "
Brisbane Times: Tent embassy fire treated as suspicious
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tent-embassy-fire-treated-as-...
2 Oct 12: "This morning, officers cordoned off a corner of Musgrave Park, in Brisbane’s inner south, where up to five tents were almost completely burnt out. Forensic investigators spent the morning sifting through the charred remains of the 20 metres by 20 metres site. ... A local Aboriginal leader who inspected the damage said he was trying to contact the residents. "Everyone’s pretty shaken up by this. This embassy site is a very important place to us," Sam Watson told reporters at the scene. He said Musgrave Park has traditionally been a sacred gathering place for his people."
- Related Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/am-3-10.mp3
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
3 Oct 12: "Aboriginal rights campaigners in Qld say that the destruction of Brisbane’s Musgrave Park Tent embassy was upsetting but it will not deter them in their struggle and that its business as usual."
- Related Event
Event: 5, 6 & 7 October 2012: Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld
30th Anniversary of the
1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games protests
Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy
"5th Oct: Opening corroboree, a feast and the
premiere screening of a documentary shot at
the 82 protests.
6th Oct: Towards a Sovereign Republic concert,
a re-enactment of one of the many marches
into the city, talks and workshops featuring
participants of the 82 protests and those
currently involved in the sovereign movement.
7th Oct: Closing corroboree."
Event details: http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/indigenous-voices/2012/09/19/new-publication...
Event details: http://www.989fm.com.au/events/30th-anniversary-of-the-brisbane-commonwe...
Event details: http://www.989fm.com.au/news/30th-anniversery-commonwealth-games-protest/
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/333885113372680/
* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSIES:
Last updated: 27 September 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-aboriginal-sovereig...
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/am-4-10.mp3
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
4 Oct 12: "The founding CEO of Australias’s peak Aboriginal and Islander doctors representative body says institutionalised racism still persists in schools, hospitals and the medical profession, and it is part of their responsibility to work hard and overcome it."
- News
National Indigenous Times: Give the grass roots people a say, demands Rex Bellotti Snr
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1971-give-the-grass-roots-people-a-say-demand...
4 Oct 12: "BY National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos. The seventh annual National Indigenous Legal Conference has been criticised by Aboriginal activists with claims grass roots Indigenous people were being disenfranchised from the debate about improving the lives of Indigenous Australians. Nyoongar Rex Bellotti said the panel of the Legal Conference was made up... "
National Indigenous Times: NACCHO joins chorus of anger
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1958-naccho-joins-chorus-of-anger.html
4 Oct 12: "The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has joined other Aboriginal leaders in condemning the latest round of cuts to primary and community healthcare services by the Queensland government. NACCHO Chair, Mr Justin Mohamed said the cost-saving measures were likely to bite deeply into the service delivery capability of crucial non-government agencies such as drug and... "
National Indigenous Times: Queensland "shirking responsibility" to primary health care, says Selwyn Button
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1957-queensland-shirking-responsibility-to-pr...
4 Oct 12: "Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) Chief Executive Officer, Selwyn Button has strongly attacked the Queensland Government's cuts to funding grants for non-government health providers. Mr Button said the decision to cut the funding grants was a clear demonstration the Queensland Government was trying to shirk its responsibility to primary health care provision"
National Indigenous Times: We will fight Wiluna uranium mine plan because it’s not safe: Kado Muir
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1964-we-will-fight-wiluna-uranium-mine-plan-b...
4 Oct 12: "BY National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos. Toro Energy's Wiluna uranium project's final environmental approval looks near certain from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the uranium mine will become the front runner for more uranium mining throughout Western Australia and predominately on Aboriginal lands where communities continue to thrive - for... "
National Indigenous Times: Here’s a way to give the communities control and some self-empowerment
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1950-heres-a-way-to-give-the-communities-cont...
4 Oct 12: "By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall. There are many complaints Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around the country make about government services and program delivery to either refurbish homes or build new ones. Two of the most common complaints are the fly-in, fly-out workers who "parachute" into communities, build things, often shoddily... "
National Indigenous Times: Last of the River People
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1970-last-of-the-river-people.html
4 Oct 12: "BY National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos. In 2003 the West Australian State Government closed down the Swan Valley Nyungah community in the north eastern Perth suburb of Lockridge because of allegations of sexual abuse against only one of its Elders."
National Indigenous Times: Government has let us down angry Malezer tells Congress
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1963-government-has-let-us-down-angry-malezer...
4 Oct 12: "Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, Les Malezer has lambasted the Federal Government for failing to consult meaningfully on policy, saying he would now push for a declaration of self-determination. Les Malezer also attacked the government for its approach on constitutional recognition. He argued while the Congress had... "
Koori Mail: Queensland reviews alcohol plans
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
4 Oct 12: "INDIGENOUS mayors have welcomed a Queensland Government move to review alcohol bans in remote communities. The bans are currently in place in 19 Indigenous communities, but Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Glenn Elmes says they will be reviewed. Yarrabah Mayor Errol Neal and other community leaders have jumped at the chance for input into the plans, saying Indigenous communities should not be treated any differently to the rest of the populace. However Aurukun Mayor Dereck Walpo said he opposed lifting the ban and wanted complete prohibition of alcohol in his Cape York community."
National Indigenous Times: Cherbourg Mayor: "lift racist alcohol management plan"
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1962-cherbourg-mayor-lift-racist-alcohol-mana...
4 Oct 12: "Alcohol management plans (AMP) in Aboriginal communities are a racist policy and should be removed, the Cherbourg Mayor, Ken Bone has said. The plans were introduced in 2002 and restrict or ban alcohol in Indigenous communities. The Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Glen Elmes said he intended to meet with community leaders in the next few... "
National Indigenous Times: SERCO fined $600,000 for prison failures
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1956-serco-fined-600000-for-prison-failures.html
4 Oct 12: "By National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos. SERCO, the multinational company engaged by the West Australian Government to manage various services for the Department of Corrective Services, has been hit with a fine of nearly $600,000 and has been told to get its act together after it was revealed it had failed to meet its commitments."
National Indigenous Times: Jackie Trad: No evidence to back up rushed LNP laws
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1953-jackie-trad-no-evidence-to-back-up-rushe...
4 Oct 12: "BY National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan. The severity of the Newman Government's criminalisation laws for traditional hunting remained a major concern, the State Opposition Environment spokesperson, Jacki Trad has said. Ms Trad, speaking exclusively with the National Indigenous Times, said the penalties Traditional Owners faced under the proposed laws were serious."
National Indigenous Times: NSW Land Council confirms uranium mining discussions
http://www.nit.com.au/news/1965-nsw-land-council-confirms-uranium-mining...
4 Oct 12: "Australian and overseas companies including the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council are queuing up to explore for uranium in New South Wales and will likely begin doing so next year, the State's Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has said. A spokesman for the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) confirmed it had held talks with Mr Hartcher regarding uranium mining. But the spokesman said... "
Koori Mail: Referendum fear
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
3 Oct 12: "A CO-CHAIR of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples has expressed growing cynicism that a referendum will ever be held to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution. Les Malezer said the Federal Government hadn’t responded properly to its own expert panel on the subject but was still asking the Congress and others to blindly back legislation that it had yet to spell out and was unlikely to reflect the panel’s recommendations."
Koori Mail: Congress leaders look to the future
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
3 Oct 12: "THE National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples has a strong future but must grow its membership base, firm up future funding arrangements, and garner more broad community support. That was the assessment of the two-year-old representative body by its leaders last week. About 80 delegates drawn from three Congress 'chambers' joined the organisation’s board and its ethics council in Alice Springs last week for a second annual national policy meeting, dubbed 'NC12'."
- - -
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 4 e-newsletters each week.
To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR News" in the message header.
To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "unsubscribe WGAR News" in the message header.
- - -
You can also subscribe to our second list 'Contact WGAR' which focuses on activities and events and provides a point of contact.
To subscribe, email contactwgar@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR Contact" in the message header.
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/