Newsletter date: 3 December 2012
Contents:
* Brisbane Book Launch: 'A Decision to Discriminate' - 12 Dec 12
* Darwin Introduction to the Book: 'A Decision to Discriminate' - 10 Dec 12
* Adelaide Book Launch: 'A Decision to Discriminate' - 9 Dec 12
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Australian Human Rights Commission: Social Justice Report 2012 & Native Title Report 2012
* SBS World News Video: Gooda calls for Indigenous governance overhaul
* SBS Audio: Effective governance starts with us: Gooda
* The Wire: BHP Billiton bombarded by protests
* Background to expansion of Olympic Dam mine challenge
* Amy McQuire: WA govt’s "mean-spirited" refusal to extend Stolen Wages deadline
* Amy McQuire: Act of Recognition introduced to lower house
* Congress: Positive Step by Parliament but Substantive Reform Remains
* Castan Centre for Human Rights Law: Closing the Referendum gap
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens remain committed to Constitutional Recognition
* SNAICC News: NATSILs and SNAICC joint submission on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
* SBS Living Black: A Senate Inquiry Into Justice Reinvestment
* Other articles
* BRISBANE BOOK LAUNCH: 'A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE' - 12 DEC 12
- Upcoming event
Event: Wed 12 December 2012: South Brisbane, Qld
Brisbane Book Launch: 'A Decision to Discriminate'
- Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
Launched by: Graeme Mundine, respected Aboriginal leader
and Executive Officer of Australian Catholic Ministry in Sydney
Supporting the launch will be two special guests:
* Aunty Lilla Watson, Birrigubba and Gungalu woman,
leader, teacher and advocate in the Murri community
* Les Malezer, Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi man,
Co-Chair, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
"Through the use of direct quotations,
this new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
Sponsored by:
* Amnesty International QLD http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld
* and ANTaR Queensland http://antarqld.org.au/
A 'concerned Australians' publication: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Brisbane flyer: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_launch_flyer_Brisbane.pdf
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/30572/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Brisbane
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Book reviews:
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/review-of-a-decision-to-discri...
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
* DARWIN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK: 'A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE' - 10 DEC 12
- Upcoming event
Event: Mon 10 December 2012: Darwin, NT
International Human Rights Day Celebration
NT Council for Human Rights Education
celebrates with the community
Opening and Introduction to the book
'A Decision to Discriminate' by
Rosalie Kunoth Monks OAM
Darwin program: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_flyer_Darwin.pdf
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
'A Decision to Discriminate' is a
'concerned Australians' publication: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Book Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Book reviews:
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/review-of-a-decision-to-discri...
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
* ADELAIDE BOOK LAUNCH: 'A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE' - 9 DEC 12
- Upcoming event
Event: Sun 9 December 2012: Adelaide CBD, SA
International Human Rights Day Book Launch
Note new date and venue!
The Women’s International League for Peace
and Freedom (WILPF) will be launching the book:
A Decision to Discriminate
- Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
released by 'concerned Australians'
Launched by:
* Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM,
representing the Yolngu Nations
* Rosalie Kunoth Monks OAM,
representing the Alyawaar Nations
"This is a rare opportunity to meet with
these two distinguished Elders and
to hear first-hand stories."
New venue: Pilgrim Hall at rear of Pilgrim Uniting Church,
12 Flinders St, Adelaide CBD
"Through the use of direct quotations,
this new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation."
"Following the book launch
Amnesty International Australia
will have the regional launch of their
2012 Reconciliation Action Plan
at which the honoured guest will be
Kaurna Elder Lynette Crocker."
Adelaide flyer: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_launch_flyer_Adelaide.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Adelaide
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/30409/
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians.html
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians/a-...
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Book reviews:
http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/review-of-a-decision-to-discri...
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-ab...
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
'concerned Australians' Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
Last updated: 11 November 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt...
* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Last updated: 26 November 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-...
* AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORT 2012 & NATIVE TITLE REPORT 2012
- Reports
Australian Human Rights Commission: Social Justice Report 2012
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/sj_report/sjreport12/index....
Australian Human Rights Commission: Native Title Report 2012
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/nt_report/ntreport12/index....
- Related Video
SBS World News: Social Justice and Native Title Report launched
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/2311278679/Social-Justice-and-Native-Ti...
30 Nov 12: "Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has launched the 2012 Social Justice and Native Title Reports in Sydney. The reports focus on Indigenous governance, and the failure of Governments to appropriately support Indigenous communities undertaking it."
- Related Event
Event: 30 November 2012: Sydney, NSW
Social Justice and Native Title Launch 2012
The event will include:
* Keynote Address by Mr Geoff Scott,
CEO, NSW Aboriginal Land Council
* Launch of the Social Justice Report 2012
and the Native Title Report 2012 by Mr Mick Gooda,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Social Justice Commissioner
* Launch of the introductory DVD to the
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
Hosted by Australian Human Rights Commission
Event details: http://humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#sjlaunch
Event details: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2012/108_12.html
See:
Australian Human Rights Commission: Speeches on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Issues
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/index....
Australian Human Rights Commission is on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/aushumanrights
WGAR Background to Mabo and Native Title: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/07/02/background-to-mabo-and-native-title
* SBS WORLD NEWS VIDEO: GOODA CALLS FOR INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE OVERHAUL
- Video
SBS World News: Gooda calls for Indigenous governance overhaul
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1716531/Gooda-calls-for-Indigenous-go...
30 Nov 12: "The way Indigenous Australians are governed needs a complete overhaul, said Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda as he handed down his annual report. The way Indigenous Australians are governed needs a complete overhaul, according to a report from the Australian Human Rights Commission. "We need Government to sometimes just get out of the road and give us a chance to make some decision sin out own communities and in our own ways," said Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda as he handed down his annual report."
* SBS AUDIO: EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE STARTS WITH US: GOODA
- Audio
SBS Radionews: Effective governance starts with us: Gooda
By Nikki Canning/Peggy Giakoumelos
http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/244047/Effecti...
30 Nov 12: "Australia's Social Justice Commissioner says more needs to be done to encourage effective governance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The comments come as the Australian Human Rights Commission releases its Social Justice Report for 2012, along with its Native Title Report. The two reports look at major events affecting indigenous people in the reporting period from July 1 2011 to June 30 2012."
* THE WIRE: BHP BILLITON BOMBARDED BY PROTESTS
- Audio Interviews
The Wire: BHP Billiton bombarded by protests
Produced by Daniel Fitzgerald
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9909
29 Nov 12: "Protests were held around the country today against BHP Billiton, while the mining giant held its Annual General Meeting in Sydney. The focus of the protests was on the environmental impact of its South Australian Olympic Dam mine and the release of an alternative shareholder's report, known as the Dirty Deeds Report, which details concerns over BHP's environmental record. Protestors in Adelaide, Mia Pepper, from the Western Australian Conservation Council and Nectaria Callan were both concerned about the radioactive run-off from BHP's Uranium mining. At the protest in Sydney, four activists were arrested for abseiling down the front of the Sydney Convention Centre, where the BHP Billiton AGM was being held.
Featured in story:
* Nectaria Callan, Protestor in Adelaide
* Mia Pepper, Nuclear Free Campaigner at the Western Australian Conservation Council"
- Related News
newsTracker: Abseiling BHP protesters charged
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/abseiling-bhp-protesters-charged/
30 Nov 12: "NATIONAL: Two men face charges after abseiling down the Sydney Convention Centre as part of an environmental protest outside BHP Billiton’s annual general meeting. Police riot squad and rescue officers were called to Darling Harbour on Thursday where about 40 people gathered to protest against the mining giant. Several groups were involved in the demonstration, including anti-uranium protesters and Aboriginal elders."
The West Australian: Protesters dog BHP Billiton AGM
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/national/15512950/proteste...
29 Nov 12: "Four abseilers who scaled the Sydney Convention Centre as part of an environmental protest outside BHP Billiton's annual general meeting will likely be charged. Police riot squad and rescue officers were called to Darling Harbour this morning where about 40 people gathered to protest against the mining giant. Several groups were involved in the demonstration, including anti-uranium protesters and Aboriginal elders. ... Arabunna man Kevin Buzzacott was among protesters who gathered at Darling Harbour for the launch of an alternative annual report, Dirty Deeds, which was distributed to shareholders."
- Related Event
Event: Thu 29 November 2012: Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW
Reclaim the Future - BHP AGM Sydney 2012
BHP Billiton Sydney AGM Protest
"BHP Billiton has the opportunity to begin a
transition out of dirty energy minerals
(oil, uranium and coal) Instead they are at the
forefront of expanding these industries,
leaving a toxic legacy for our future generations
whilst 85% of their profits go offshore."
"Come join us at there annual general shareholders
meeting in Sydney and have your voice heard
towards the actions of these corporate parasites."
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/240677119387432/
Event details: http://bhpbillitonwatch.net/2012/11/23/bhp-billiton-sydney-agm-thursday-...
- Related Audio Interviews
The Wire: Protesters put pressure on WA uranium plan
Produced by Lisa Burns and Emily Erickson
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9905
28 Nov 12: "Protesters in Adelaide had their eyes on Toro Energy today - the company held its Annual General Meeting with members and key stakeholders about its planned uranium exploration near the remote community of Wiluna, in Western Australia. All the project needs now is the green light from the Federal Government for mining to begin, but various environmental and Aboriginal groups oppose the bid. Pending Federal Government approval, Toro Energy aims to have the Wiluna Project in production by 2013. ...
Featured in story:
* Dave Sweeney, Nuclear Free Campaigner, Australian Conservation Foundation
* Greg Hall, Managing Director of Toro Energy Limited
* Vicki McCabe, Traditional Land Owner from Leonora in Western Australia, Member of the West Australia Nuclear Free Alliance"
* BACKGROUND TO EXPANSION OF OLYMPIC DAM MINE CHALLENGE:
Last updated: 1 September 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/background-to-expansion-of-olympic-da...
* AMY MCQUIRE: WA GOVT'S "MEAN-SPIRITED" REFUSAL TO EXTEND STOLEN WAGES DEADLINE
- News
newsTracker: WA govt’s "mean-spirited" refusal to extend Stolen Wages deadline
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/wa-govts-mean-spirited-refusal-to-extend-s...
29 Nov 12: "WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Hundreds of Aboriginal Western Australians who had their wages withheld from successive state governments could miss out on a reparations payment, after the Barnett government refused to extend the deadline. The Stolen Wages Reparations Scheme was announced earlier this year, offering a $2000 ex-gratia payment in exchange for the millions of dollars in Aboriginal wages and entitlements withheld within a system of trust accounts from 1905 to 1972. The withholding of wages and pensions compounded the disadvantage and poverty of Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia." By Amy McQuire, a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman, editor of Tracker
- Related News
National Indigenous Times: No extension for WA’s Stolen Wages victims
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2296-no-extension-for-was-stolen-wages-victim...
28 Nov 12: "The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia has criticised the West Australian Government for refusing to extend the deadline for the Stolen Wages Reparation Scheme passed this Friday, November 30. Last month Legal Service wrote to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Peter Collier seeking an extension but the Minister has refused. "I am so sad for all of the people who will miss out... "
* AMY MCQUIRE: ACT OF RECOGNITION INTRODUCED TO LOWER HOUSE
- News
newsTracker: Act of Recognition introduced to lower house
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/act-of-recognition-introduced-to-lower-house/
28 Nov 12: "NATIONAL: The Gillard government has introduced its Act of Recognition bill, designed to replace the promised referendum into constitutional reform in the interim, which could be for at least the next two years. Labor announced the bill earlier this year following concerns there was not enough public support for a referendum into recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the constitution. The promise, to acknowledge Indigenous Australians in the preamble of the constitution, was an election eve commitment by former Prime Minister John Howard." By Amy McQuire, a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman, editor of Tracker
- Related Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/am-29.11.12.mp3
29 Nov 12: "* Federal Indigenous affairs minister Jenny Macklin has put forward a legislation act to the parliament to recognise Australia’s first peoples in the constitution.
* A respected Western Arrente man and Red Ochre recipient has spoken out against the Stronger Futures legislation likening it to a best hits record all the same songs but with different names."
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Human rights group calls for support for Act of Recognition bill
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7654-human-rights-group-calls-fo...
29 Nov 12: "The Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has introduced into Parliament the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Recognition Bill to acknowledge Indigenous people as Australia's first inhabitants. ... International human rights organisation Oxfam has welcomed the introduction of the bill. Andrew Meehan, Indigenous Rights Advocacy spokesperson at Oxfam, says the bill needs parliamentary support and constitutional recognition would help eliminate legal racial discrimination."
newsTracker: Act of Recognition introduced to Parliament
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/act-of-recognition-introduced-to-parliament/
28 Nov 12: "NATIONAL: The Gillard government has introduced legislation to put through an Act of Recognition. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin on Wednesday introduced to parliament legislation for an act of recognition, initiating a bipartisan step towards recognising Indigenous Australians in the constitution. "We do not underestimate the challenge of achieving nationwide consensus," she told parliament. "Change will not happen without support from across the political spectrum and the support of the majority of Australians.""
Koori Mail: Indigenous Recognition Bill welcomed
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Nov 12: "THE Australian Human Rights Commission, ANTaR, Oxfam Australia and church groups have welcomed the introduction of legislation aimed at building support for a referendum to recognise Australia’s First Peoples in the constitution. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012 was a 'significant step on the path to constitutional recognition'."
Koori Mail: Bill to recognise First Australians
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Nov 12: "THE Australian Government has introduced the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012 into Parliament. Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said the Act of Recognition provided Parliament with the opportunity to show its support and commitment to constitutional recognition of Indigenous people.The Bill includes a sunset date of two years, which sets a timeframe to build community support towards a referendum."
newsTracker: Yothu Yindi in constitution push
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/yothu-yindi-in-constitution-push/
30 Nov 12: "NEW SOUTH WALES: Music group Yothu Yindi have used their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame to call for the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the Constitution. While being inducted at the ARIA awards in Sydney on Thursday, the band urged fans to get behind the campaign to change Australia’s foundation document. "As musicians, recognition from our peers is important to us," Yothu Yindi frontman Mandawuy Yunupingu said. "As Aboriginal Australians, recognition from our Constitution is even more important.""
ABC Radio Australia: Yothu Yindi cements its place in musical history
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-11-29/yothu-yindi-ce...
29 Nov 12: "Northern Territory band Yothu Yindi will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the 26th annual music awards ceremony in Sydney tonight. ... Mr Garrett [Federal Minister and former lead singer of Midnight Oil Peter Garrett] says the latest move to include recognition in the constitution is more than just symbolism, and follows the band's work in breaking down social barriers. "The apology, constitutional recognition, and then consideration of issues like treaties or contracts, we are getting there step by step," he said."
- Related Audio Interviews
The Wire: SA to officially acknowledge Aboriginals were there first
Produced by Annie Hastwell
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9912
29 Nov 12: "Official recognition of Aboriginal South Australians as the state's First People is to be written into the State's constitution. Premier Jay Weatherill today introduced legislation into parliament which will give symbolic recognition of indigenous people's prior possession of the land when white settlement arrived in 1836. Chair of the Advisory panel,Narunga man and Professor at UniSA Peter Buckskin says the reogntion is an historic moment and an important step forward. However the changes are not intended to convey any extra legal rights to Aboriginal people.
Featured in story: Professor Peter Buckskin"
* CONGRESS: POSITIVE STEP BY PARLIAMENT BUT SUBSTANTIVE REFORM REMAINS
- Media Release
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Positive Step by Parliament but Substantive Reform Remains
http://nationalcongress.com.au/positive-step-by-parliament-but-substanti...
http://nationalcongress.com.au/news-pics/
28 Nov 12: "Congress acknowledges the introduction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012 into the Federal Parliament as a genuine commitment towards achieving real Constitutional reform.
"It is appropriate that the Parliament demonstrate there is strong bipartisan political support and co-operation for recognition of our Peoples," said Co-Chair Jody Broun.
"Our eyes remain on one prize and that is a successful referendum that delivers true recognition and equality for First Peoples.
"Congress has written to the Government and Opposition re-iterating the importance of the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Expert Panel.
"This consensus report was the result of an enormous amount of time, resources and engagement and must be accepted as the framework for reform," she said. ... "
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...
* CASTAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LAW: CLOSING THE REFERENDUM GAP
- Analysis / Opinion
Castan Centre for Human Rights Law: Closing the Referendum gap
http://castancentre.com/2012/11/28/closing-the-referendum-gap/
28 Nov 12: " ... It was feared that this bill might merely be parliamentary procrastination, and be seen by both Indigenous communities and the wider Australian public as a panacea for genuine constitutional reform. But if bipartisan support can be maintained, if the review process is robust, and if wide ranging engagement on the meaning of reform ensues, then we can look forward to a referendum in the not too distant future. We should grasp the historic opportunity to remedy our constitutional deficit, close the referendum gap and fully recognize Indigenous Australians in our fundamental legal document." By Melissa Castan, Law Lecturer, Deputy Director at the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
* GREENS SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT: GREENS REMAIN COMMITTED TO CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION
Media Release
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens remain committed to Constitutional Recognition
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-rem...
28 Nov 12: "Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Issues
The Federal Government has today announced their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill and are in the process of establishing a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee to examine the Bill.
"The Australian Greens are committed to ensuring that the process from here is one which sets us on the best possible path towards a ‘yes’ vote when the referendum is held," Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
"I was proud to be a member of the Expert Panel examining Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We undertook extensive consultations over a 12 month period before delivering a consensus report to the Prime Minister in January 2012. This process included wide ranging discussions, consultations and public hearings.
"The Joint Select Committee should build on the work already undertaken by the Expert Panel and continue to consult widely on this issue. ... " [Senator Rachel Siewert said]"
* SNAICC NEWS: NATSILS AND SNAICC JOINT SUBMISSION ON THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
- News and Submission
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care:
SNAICC News: NATSILs and SNAICC joint submission on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=932
28 Nov 12: "NATSILs [National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services] and SNAICC have provided a joint submission on the Consultation Paper on the establishment of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. This redresses core issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth in the terms of reference and the form that the Royal Commission should take. NATSILs and SNAICC in particular call for use of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a framework for its work and specific reference to the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, in the context of forcible removal by past Government protection and segregation policies, and over-representation in state care and in places of detention. Representation of appropriately qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples among the appointed Commissioners and respectful processes and supports for those participating in the Royal Commission were among other key recommendations."
See:
WGAR News: SNAICC News: Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse (22 Nov 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/21/wgar-news-the-wire-call-for-indigenou...
WGAR News: The Wire: Call for indigenous commissioners to head up abuse investigation [Interview with Tjanara Goreng Goreng] (22 Nov 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/21/wgar-news-the-wire-call-for-indigenou...
WGAR News: ABC: Abused Indigenous children 'must be heard' [Tjanara Goreng Goreng] (22 Nov 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/21/wgar-news-the-wire-call-for-indigenou...
* SBS LIVING BLACK: A SENATE INQUIRY INTO JUSTICE REINVESTMENT
- Audio Interview
SBS Living Black: A Senate Inquiry Into Justice Reinvestment
By Michelle Lovegrove
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/243789/t...
28 Nov 12: "This is by no means the first inquiry into imprisonment, over imprisonment, deaths in custody. The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was 20 years old just last year - with many asking the question - so what has changed? ... But what of justice reinvestment itself? Director at the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples and leader of Congress' Justice Policy Tammy Solonec speaking live with Michelle Lovegrove."
- Related News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Justice reinvestment an investment in communities: ANTaR
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7658-justice-reinvestment-an-inv...
30 Nov 12: "Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation has welcomed the Senate inquiry into the implementation of justice reinvestment strategies in Australia. National Director Jacqui Phillips says since the Royal Commission into deaths in custody 20 years ago, imprisonment rates have increased, demonstrating dysfunction of Australia's prison system. Ms Phillips says justice reinvestment could save the taxpayer millions of dollars and a revised system should give control to communities to implement crime prevention programs."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Calls for justice reinvestment inquiry answered
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7655-calls-for-justice-reinvestm...
29 Nov 12: "The National Congress of Australia's First Peoples has welcomed the announcement of a Senate inquiry into the implementation of justice reinvestment strategies in Australia. Greens Senator Penny Wright successfully moved a motion for the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee to investigate justice reinvestment. Congress and a number of other Indigenous rights organisations have been advocating for the strategy, which aims to reduce imprisonment rates by redirecting incarceration funds to crime prevention programs."
See:
WGAR News: Aboriginal Legal Services from around Australia welcome Justice Reinvestment Inquiry: ALS News (29 Nov 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/29/wgar-news-aboriginal-legal-services-f...
* OTHER ARTICLES:
- Audio
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Breaking News: Tennant Creek Protest
http://caama.com.au/breaking-news-tennant-creek-protest
http://caama.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/30.11.12-Breaking-News-Te...
30 Nov 12
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service: Banning sniffable fuel in troubled communities gives opportunities to youth, say Greens
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7657-addressing-petrol-sniffing-...
30 Nov 12: "The Australian Greens Indigenous affairs spokesperson Rachel Siewert says addressing petrol sniffing in Indigenous communities will allow youth programs to run more successfully. The Senate this week passed the Low Aromatic Fuel Bill to give the Federal Government power to force petrol stations to sell Opal fuel. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives."
National Indigenous Radio Service: Taser misuse not good for community-police relationships: ISJA
30 Nov 12: "The Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA) says questionable uses of Tasers on Indigenous people 'destroy' relationships between police and communities. High profile cases of police Taser use on Aboriginal people, both in New South Wales, include that of Phillip Bugmy in Wilcannia and a 14-year-old boy in Crescent Head. Mr. Bugmy's Tasering was deemed to be inappropriate and the boy's case is being looked at by the Aboriginal Legal Service."
Koori Mail: Support for mental health report card
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
30 Nov 12: "THE Lowitja Institute has backed a national 'report card' recommending that improved Indigenous mental health be added to targets pursued by Governments under its Close the Gap (CTG) agenda. The National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) report, handed to the Prime Minister on Tuesday, focused on high suicide rates and lack of mental health support. The Lowitja Institute says having mental health as a CTG target would ensure that governments treated mental health as a priority. It also wants mental health prioritised in the next Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal Health Plan."
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