I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of this land, the Ngunnawal people and recognise their sovereignty here today. I thank their Elders, past, present and future, for their kind welcome to their country, and the safety, and courtesy that to those of us who are not from their peoples, who live, work and walk on their lands receive. I will honour your country, walk softly and leave no footprints. I also acknowledge the representatives of other Aboriginal nations represented here today and thank them for their support. Thank you to everyone else for showing your support for democracy in this country by being here to support this launch.
I also wish to thank Michele Harris, and Eleanor Gilbert for inviting me to launch this book, “This is what we said” in Canberra today. On Tuesday the 9th February, this book was launched in Melbourne by the former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, Professor Alastair Nicholson and Irene Fisher, former CEO of the Katherine Sunrise Health Service, located in Katherine in the Northern Territory. I am privileged to follow in their footsteps.
I am Christine Fejo-King, an Aboriginal woman from the Northern Territory. My father was a Larakia man, and my mother is a Warrumungu woman. My skin name is Napaljarri. All my relations through blood and through the kinship system reside in the Northern Territory, our homelands. Only my small family, which include my partner and three children, are away for a season. I speak to you today as I launch this very commendable book with two hats on. One as the Chairperson of the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Workers Association and the second as an Aboriginal woman from the Northern Territory, whose family has been impacted upon by the Northern Territory Intervention and who will be even further impacted upon, if the extended powers of the income management special measures go ahead.
From the perspective of the Association we agree with Professor Nicholson that there are many objectionable features of the NTER”, but given the time I have here I concentrate on the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act within the Northern Territory. We are gravely concerned as social workers who believe in and work toward human rights and social justice, that the rights of our peoples have been and continues to be violated. Firstly, by the Howard government who repealed the Racial Discrimination Act in the Northern Territory, to enable what has been described by Jim Ife (2007) a leading community development professor in Australia, as “a quasi military action” against a group of the most disadvantaged, ill serviced, poverty stricken and disempowered members of this nation.
By deploying the army and police against our peoples, using the cover of concern about the sexual abuse of Aboriginal children, we believe a political agenda was served, against which the human rights and social justice of our peoples came a sad second. How would you our fellow Australians feel if this action had been carried out against you and your communities, because the statistics, the imperial evidence that governments rely so heavy upon, shows that the sexual abuse of non-indigenous children is relative to that of Aboriginal children.
By no means imaginable do we as a group of social workers, or as human beings, support practices that harm our children, we know they are not cultural and we find them abhorrent, or we would not work in the areas that we do. But we will not be railroaded into the, “you are either with us or against us” mindset. We are for the safety of all children, be they black, white or brindle, but actions taken must fall within what has been found to work. Domination, and neo-colonialism (which is the only way the Northern Territory Intervention can be seen) and punitive measures is way beyond what is considered “good practice”.
The Rudd government, through their lack of action in reinstating the Racial Discrimination Act which was an election promise, seem bent on continuing Howard government policy which they supported at the time. This is despite their recent support for the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous peoples. It is time for the Racial Discrimination Act to be reinstated with no strings attached and for governments to stop using our peoples as a political football. As Professor Nicholson points out, the present bill will in fact protect the Commonwealth from any claims for damages that might otherwise have arisen (I wish our peoples had enjoyed this kind of protection). It will also prolong Income management in the Northern Territory for a further twelve months “from the date that the Bill becomes law” and extend it to all other people in the Northern Territory and leaves open it’s extension anywhere the government and bureaucrats deem it should be taken.
For so long Aboriginal Australians lived under the policy of ‘protectors’, it almost seems that we have gone full circle and have arrived back at that point. A state of affairs spoken of by a number of people in this book! Will we in the future be taken back to the time when the approval of the ‘Protector of Aboriginals’ must be sought for our movements, our education, employment and our marriages as noted on my parents marriage certificate here, or the ‘Register of our Births’ as shown here on my grandmothers birth certificate which I have permission by the matriarch of our family to raise and to show. Will we have to seek exemption from a new ‘Protector of Aboriginals’ before we can again experience life outside the policies of the Northern Territory Intervention? We will not do it! We are proud of our law, our culture and the resilience of our peoples.
Free us from your paternalistic yoke, we are not children, stop privileging the voice of so called Aboriginal leaders (your tag, not ours) who aren’t even from the Northern Territory and have no right to speak above the voices of our elders and community leaders who are on the whole good and honourable men and women. Yes there is a difference of opinion about income management but why should that be surprising? Give people a choice and support them where necessary to manage their money, but do not disempower and shame us more than you already have and are currently doing.
This book is a collection of quotes from members of communities directly affected by the Northern Territory intervention, and other concerned Australians. As such it is very powerful, as it gives voice to those who have been marginalised and whose voices have been silenced and unheard. It is very important that all voices be heard on this issue, not just those privileged by the government. By hearing all sides of the story a balanced understanding might be had by the wider Australian population.
You may think that this issue only concerns Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory however, it is an issue that should concern all Australians. Today we are here to launch the book “This is What We Said”. Along with my friends in Melbourne who launched it in their fair city a couple of days ago, I too congratulate the efforts of concerned Australians to produce it. May the voices of the people who speak within it be heard loudly and clearly, may what they have said not fall on deaf ears. I join my voice with the voice of Irene Fisher in urging you all “to read the book so that you too can help take it from a whisper to a loud roar that will reverberate across this great country of ours and bring about equality for all Australians”.
15 Feb 10: “I got up early yesterday morning to drive 300
kilometres – most of it over rough roads muddy and puddled
by recent storms – from Alice Springs to the Ampilitawatja
walk off camp, where a ceremony would be held to hand-over
a house recently donated to the walk-off campers by a
generous donor and good “friend in the south”. Lots of
other friends of the walk-off camp – from the north, south,
east and west – also made the long, hot trek out to the
walk-off camp to celebrate the occasion … ” Bob Gosford
[Includes impressive photos!]
Solidarity: Black and white unite to build protest house
Feb 10: “A “protest house” built at the walk-off camp
established by the Alyawarr people, is set to be opened on
February 14. It will coincide with national demonstrations
against the NT Intervention. Many Alyawarr walked off their
community at Ampilatwatja, 350kms northeast of Alice
Springs, in July last year. They set up camp outside the
boundaries of the “prescribed area” established by the
Intervention. The strong stand at Ampilatwatja has become
an important focal point for the national campaign. … “
Paddy Gibson
Green Left:
Our Common Cause: A brilliant showcase of solidarity
14 Feb 10: “In October, when Ampilatwatja walk-off
spokesperson Richard Downs toured the eastern states with
Yuendumu elder Uncle Harry Nelson, … They also made a
very specific appeal for solidarity: for trade unionists
with the appropriate skills and qualifications to travel to
Ampilatwatja to help build a house. This is something the
government had failed to do, despite housing being promised
to NT Aboriginal communities in exchange for the rights
that the intervention took from them.” Tony Iltis
Age: ‘Outcast’ Aborigines stage red desert walk-out
13 Feb 10: “Sixty-eight years later Mr [Banjo] Morton has
led another walk-off, this time from Ampilatwatja, a
settlement in central Australia’s red desert country, …
But three kilometres away at Honeymoon Bore volunteers this
week poured a concrete slab, and a $25,000 kit home donated
by an Adelaide company arrived by truck and was expected to
be erected in time for a traditional smoking ceremony
opening tomorrow.” Lindsay Murdoch
Green Left:
NT protest house: union solidarity with Aboriginal struggle
12 Feb 10: “On February 14, the house was launched with
traditional Alyawarr songs and dancing as well as speakers
including MUA Sydney branch secretary Paul McAleer. A bus
load of Anangu from the APY lands in South Australia joined
the celebrations. Elder Banjo Morton told GLW: “That’s the
way we wanted it with the unions helping us. All different
people working here together, helping us with the
walk-off.”” Emma Murphy, Ampilatwatja
Socialist Alternative:
Unions help build a house of Aboriginal resistance
12 Feb 10: “A house being built at a protest camp against
the NT Intervention will be publicly opened on Sunday 14
February at Honeymoon Bore, near Ampilatwatja. … Trade
unions from around the country have come in behind the
walk-off. Representatives from the CFMEU, AMWU, AWU, LHMU
and Unions NT have sent volunteers to help build the house,
with donated materials.”
- Slideshow of construction of Alyawarr Protest House
“Laying a concrete slab for the protest house being by the
Alyawarr people of central Australia as part of a protest
against the federal government’s intervention program.”
- Photos at opening of Alyawarr Protest House
The Northern Myth: Kevin Rudd’s “clanging gong” rings
hollow at the Ampilitawatja walk-off camp. By Bob Gosford
15 Feb 10: “The Government says that Bills now before the
Parliament fulfill its promise to reinstate the Racial
Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) so that the Northern
Territory Emergency Response complies with Australia’s
human rights treaty obligations. However, in reality,
passage of these Bills would deliver business as usual:
discrimination, disempowerment and disappointment.”
Robyn Seth-Purdie
13 Feb 10: “The federal government’s commitment to
‘evidence-based policy’ falls short when it comes to
payments management. … It is not overly dramatic to say
the government is setting about the biggest overhaul of the
social security system since it began. At first glance the
changes look like little more than a tinkering with the
intervention into indigenous communities in the Northern
Territory. … ” Stephanie Peatling
13 Feb 10: “Minister for Aboriginal affairs Jenny Macklin
will move in March to restore the Racial Discrimination Act
(RDA) in the Northern Territory. But the move has been
described by Aboriginal advocates as a cynical ploy. …
Macklin’s change will mean that the RDA would be restored
in December and income management would be rolled-out to
other welfare recipients in the NT … The government plans
to extend welfare management to welfare recipients in the
rest of Australia over time.” Peter Robson
SMH: Far-reaching welfare reform quarantined from evidence
13 Feb 10: “No friends, no money, and no support in high
places. Australians reliant on welfare payments – we once
called it social security – have not a speck of political
clout. They are easy targets for a government hell-bent on
showing its tough side, and getting out of a bind.”
Crikey: Failure to restore Racial Discrimination Act means
double jeopardy for Aboriginal people
12 Feb 10: “The legislation to change the basic social
security system is attracting some very interesting
tensions. The Government has nastily linked a range of
legislation that has different constituencies and the
conflicts are emerging. The Government has surpassed itself
in political trickiness and manipulation by trying to play
various groups against each other.” Eva Cox
Solidarity: New laws will entrench Intervention’s racism
Feb 10: “The changes will do nothing to end the racist
measures of the Northern Territory Intervention. Worse, the
delay in the reinstatement of the RDA allows the government
enough time to force communities to sign over their land on
40-year leases, without the risk of court challenges. This
will provide the government with a much greater scope to
control the lives of the people in these communities.”
Ben Dharmendra
15 Feb 10: “A Senate inquiry into proposed changes to
social welfare will sit in Darwin today. Government
legislation aimed at making income management compulsory
for many people on welfare benefits has been introduced to
Parliament. … Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, who is on
the committee, says there have been about 30 submissions
to the Senate. “Virtually all of the submissions are
opposed to legislative changes,” she said.”
15 Feb 10: “Today, a Senate committee sitting in Darwin
heard from the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency.
It believes the proposed changes to welfare quarantining
could still conflict with the Racial Discrimination Act
because Aboriginal communities could be disproportionately
affected.”
14 Feb 10: “Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has
criticised the Government’s moves to make welfare
quarantining measures comply with the Racial Discrimination
Act. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has
introduced legislation that will make income management
compulsory for disadvantaged people.”
11 Feb 10: “GOVERNMENT moves to expand ”welfare
quarantining” across the country are paternalism gone mad,
Australia’s most senior indigenous banker says. As Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd releases a progress report on his
”close the gap” targets today, NAB’s senior manager of
community finance, Glen Brennan, said indigenous people
needed more power to control their finances, not less.”
Koori Mail: AMSANT supports NTER reform bill
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
11 Feb 10: “THE Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance
Northern Territory (AMSANT) has called on all political
parties to pass proposed federal legislation to reform the
NT Emergency Response. AMSANT Chairperson Stephanie Bell
says the bill, which seeks to introduce compulsory income
management for welfare recipients nationwide, isn’t
perfect but deserves support because it would restore
Indigenous rights under the Racial Discrimination Act.”
Koori Mail: Mounting criticism over welfare plan
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
10 Feb 10: “CRITICISM is mounting over Federal Government
plans to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act in
Aboriginal communities under the Northern Territory
intervention, by extending compulsory income quarantining
to all Australian welfare recipients.”
OTHER NT INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Northern Territory National Emergency Response
Feb 10: “After four years of struggle, the federal
government has finally secured 40-year leases over the
Aboriginal town camps in Alice Springs, represented by the
Tangentyere Council. The takeover push started before the
Intervention, when Liberal Minister Mal Brough announced
that no new houses would be built in the camps until
99-year leases were signed by Tangentyere. Despite a
desperate need for resources, town campers consistently
refused to sign away their land. … ” Paddy Gibson
14 Feb 10: “An Alice Springs town camp resident says people
in remote Indigenous communities are finding it difficult
to get transport because of the changeover from councils to
shires. Barbara Shaw says when local Aboriginal councils
controlled council assets, including vehicles, local
communities had access to them to get to medical
appointments and for other transport needs.”
Australian:
Income card failing to prevent `humbug’ in Tiwi Islands
13 Feb 10: “INCOME-QUARANTINING was supposed to stop young
Aboriginal people hassling their elders for money, but on
the Tiwi Islands, just north of Darwin, residents say
there is still “too much humbug”.”
Croakey: The latest on the Australian Crime Commission’s
invasion of medical records and patient privacy
12 Feb 10: “It’s taken some of Australia’s finest legal
minds, but after two years of deliberation the result is
clear-cut. The Australian Crime Commission — the
clandestine organisation set up to do battle with organised
crime — can legally seize the medical records of Aboriginal
children and adults in the NT.”
ABC: Expectations too high: Indigenous housing boss
11 Feb 10: “Remote community residents cannot expect major
upgrades to their homes when they are refurbished, the
manager of an Aboriginal housing program says. The
executive director of the Strategic Indigenous Housing and
Infrastructure Program, Andrew Kirkman, says an average of
$75,000 will be spent on each of the 2,500 houses due for
repairs.”
Koori Mail: Houses at last
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
10 Feb 10: “THE largest Indigenous housing program ever
undertaken in Australia has finally delivered its first
houses. The remote community of Wadeye, south-west of
Darwin, is celebrating the completion of two three-bedroom
houses under the Strategic Indigenous Housing and
Infrastructure Projects (SIHIP) program. And more are set
to follow, with a number of slabs poured and electricity
and sewerage connected.”
National Indigenous Times:
Commonwealth strikes deal to takeover Ilpeye Ilpeye
4 Feb 10: “The Rudd government took steps on Monday to
compulsorily acquire the Alice Springs town camp of Ilpeye
Ilpeye, utilising legislation under the Northern Territory
Emergency Intervention, while cutting a deal with
traditional owners who will receive “just terms”
compensation under the new deal.”
- Radio
Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane
Let’s Talk – Indigenous presented talkback:
11 Feb 10: “Blair McFarland – Karen Dorante spoke with
Blair McFarland from the Central Australian Youth Link Up
Service (CAYLUS). They spoke about the Northern Territory
Intervention and Indigenous Health Issues.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
ABC1 Television Guide: Message Stick – Talking Stick: Healing A Nation http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/201002/programs/IP0905H002D2010-02-20T113000.htm [coming up] 11:30am Saturday, 20 Feb 2010: “On the anniversary of ‘The Apology’ to the Stolen Generations of Australia, Miriam Corowa talks about the next steps in the healing of past traumas with board members of the newly created National Healing Foundation.”
- News
The Northern Myth: Downtown Alice Springs, Saturday morning – the Prescribed Area People’s Alliance rally http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/2010/02/13/downtown-alice-springs-saturday-morning-the-prescribed-area-peoples-alliance-rally/ 13 Feb 10: “I wandered downtown earlier today to catch up with some friends & countrymen at the Prescribed Area People’s Alliance Rally outside the historic John Flynn Church in the middle of the Alice Springs Mall. The main theme of the Rally was to celebrate – in a very ironic sense – the second anniversary of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s “Sorry” speech to the Australian Parliament. There was a pretty healthy turnout … ” Bob Gosford [Includes impressive photos!]
Koori Mail: Anniversary a national day of action [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 12 Feb 10: “ANTI-NT intervention campaigners will hold a national day of action at various locations around the country tomorrow, the second anniversary of the national apology to Indigenous Australians. Rallies are expected in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Alice Springs, calling for an immediate end to the intervention and showing support for Aboriginal communities in the face of racially discriminatory laws and government policies.”
Koori Mail: Mixed feelings on eve of apology anniversary [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 12 Feb 10: “MANY Aboriginal people will have mixed feelings on tomorrow’s second anniversary of the Prime Minister’s apology to the Stolen Generations, according to the WA Bringing Them Home Committee. Committee Co-Chair Jim Morrison welcomed the recent establishment of the new national Indigenous healing foundation but said the trauma felt by Stolen Generations members and their families would take years and targeted funding to heal.”
Koori Mail: Govt ‘insensitive’ around apology anniversary [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 12 Feb 10: “THE National Sorry Day Committee has questioned the sincerity of the national apology to Indigenous Australians, suggesting the Rudd Government is now using it to push its Close the Gap campaign. NSDC Co-Chair Helen Moran says the timing of the tomorrow’s Allstars rugby league match on the Gold Coast, heavily supported by the Government, demonstrates a lack of sensitivity towards the Stolen Generations.”
SMH: Macklin heckled on apology anniversary http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/macklin-heckled-on-apology-anniversary-20100212-nwlc.html 12 Feb 10: “Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has defended the federal government’s intervention policy after being heckled during a speech to mark the second anniversary of the apology to indigenous Australians. Ms Macklin was speaking in Sydney on Friday when she was interrupted by an indigenous man who accused her of being racist and shouted “stop the intervention”.”
ABC: Oral history puts Stolen voices online http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/12/2817650.htm 12 Feb 10: “The National Library of Australia’s oral history collection on the Stolen Generations is now available online. The Bringing Them Home Oral History Project was carried out from 1998 to 2002 to preserve the stories of Indigenous people and others involved in or affected by children being forcibly removed from their parents.”
- Speeches at Feb 13 Protest
[The protest was timed to coincide with the 2nd anniversary of the PM's apology to the Stolen Generations]
Stop the Intervention: Speech Jeff McMullen A Day of Reckoning http://stoptheintervention.org/feb-13-2010-protest/speech-jeff-mcmullen 13 Feb 10: “Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s national Apology two years ago was a long overdue admission that when a nation lives with officially sanctioned racial discrimination we are all diminished as human beings. It is hypocritical to Apologise to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and say that the “injustices of the past must never, never happen again” and then to persist for more than two years with the humiliation and the discrimination of the Northern Territory Intervention.”
Stop the Intervention: Speech Irene Fisher The Northern Territory Emergency Response laws: “Acts of Infamy” http://stoptheintervention.org/feb-13-2010-protest/speech-irene-fisher 13 Feb 10: “I feel that I have been talking on this issue pretty well non-stop since 21 June 2007. On that day, as many of you would know, a decision was made in the halls of power to remove the rights of around 40,000 Aboriginal Territorians. That was – in my view – a day of infamy in this nation’s history. And that infamy continues to this day. … And what has the Emergency Response – better known as the Intervention – achieved for these 40,000 Aboriginal people? The answer is, very little.”
Age: Sorry not enough for stolen generations http://www.theage.com.au/national/sorry-not-enough-for-stolen-generations-20100212-nxkq.html 13 Feb 10: “For many Australians the apology represented the drawing of a line under a divisive debate about whether this generation of Australians was liable for the misdeeds of their forebears – the righting of a wrong and the healing of a gaping wound. For many of those more intimately involved, it was something altogether more complex, and certainly not an act that brought any sense of finality or closure.” Michael Gordon
Age: Many gaps remain in indigenous policy http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/many-gaps-remain-in-indigenous-policy-20100212-nxh5.html 13 Feb 10: “The apology two years ago was a good start, but much work is still needed. IN MARKING the second anniversary of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to the stolen generations, it should not be forgotten that an official apology was the first recommendation of the Bringing Them Home report, which followed an inquiry that detailed a dark chapter in our history, when children were systematically removed from their families because of their race.” Professor Mick Dodson, Director, National Centre for Indigenous Studies, Australian National University
Socialist Alternative: Protests demand end to the NT intervention http://www.sa.org.au/aboriginal-rights/2583-protests-demand-end-to-the-nt-intervention 13 Feb 10: “Two years since Kevin Rudd’s formal apology to the Stolen Generations of Australia’s indigenous people and nothing has changed. The Rudd government has continued and expanded the racist Northern Territory Intervention. On the second anniversary of the Apology, demonstrations were held across Australia to draw attention to the rank hypocrisy of the Government, and to demand an end to the Intervention.” Tim Arnot
Socialist Alternative: After these two years, does anyone remember the apology? http://www.sa.org.au/aboriginal-rights/2577-after-the-last-two-years-who-wouldnt-think-the-apology-was-a-con 12 Feb 10: “Last July Kevin Rudd argued that not to allow tourists to climb Uluru, despite every wish of its traditional custodians, would be “very sad”. But it is not only in cultural insensitivity that Rudd has channelled Howard. Two years since Rudd’s ultimately empty apology to the Stolen Generations is as good a time as any to assess the government’s record as a whole.” Diane Fieldes
Solidarity: Hawke, Keating and Aboriginal rights: Labor’s “sorry” history http://www.solidarity.net.au/highlights/hawke-keating-and-aboriginal-rights-labors-sorry-history/ Feb 10: “In 2008, Kevin Rudd said “sorry” for past wrongs. Yet his government was implementing the assimilationist policies of the Intervention that ensure the wrongs continue. There is a sorry history to Labor governments. Saying one thing and doing another did not start with Kevin Rudd. On Aboriginal rights, each Labor government since Whitlam has been more right-wing than the one before.” Jean Parker
- Photos
Perth Indymedia: Photos from the Justice not racism rally in Perth by Alex Bainbridge http://perth.indymedia.org/?action=newswire&parentview=150184 14 Feb 10: “100 people protest in Perth against the NT intervention and against black deaths in custody. 13 Feb 2010″ [Rally timed to coincide with the 2nd anniversary of the PM's apology to the Stolen Generations]
- Media Release
Greens to address Perth rally to oppose the NT Intervention http://greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-address-perth-rally-oppose-nt-intervention 12 Feb 10: “Greens Senator WA Scott Ludlam will tell a rally in Perth tomorrow (SAT 13 Feb) that the Greens will continue opposing Northern Territory Intervention measures introduced by former prime minister John Howard and since extended across the nation under Kevin Rudd. The rally, organised by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition, is calling for an end to the Intervention and the restoration of the Racial Discrimination Act, suspended by the Federal Government to enable it to conduct actions that constitute racial discrimination.” [Rally timed to coincide with the 2nd anniversary of the PM's apology to the Stolen Generations]
CLOSING THE GAP REPORT CARD:
- PM’s Report
Prime Minister of Australia: Speech Ministerial statement – Closing the Gap – 11 February 2010 http://www.pm.gov.au/node/6480
- Media Releases
Close the Gap: PM’s report welcome but Government yet to develop plan to Close the Gap: new report http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/health/media_release20090211.html 11 Feb 10: ““The Close the Gap campaign’s Shadow Report on the Australian Government’s progress, launched today, found that the government has no comprehensive plan to close the gap on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health inequality by 2030 despite committing to one almost two years ago,” Mr Calma said. Mr Calma, former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, whose 2005 Social Justice Report laid the groundwork for the Close the Gap campaign, said the Shadow Report outlined what was missing in the Government’s approach and detailed ways in which its commitments to closing the gap could be met.”
Greens: Close the Gap measures – sum is much less than the parts http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/close-gap-measures-%E2%80%93-sum-much-less-parts 11 Feb 10: “”Failing to consult and engage Aboriginal communities and sticking to a top-down one-size-fits-all approach, is undermining efforts to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage,” said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert today. “We welcome the general increase in funding and acknowledge that the Prime Minister is funding some promising programs here and there – but a comprehensive national plan is needed if we are going to reach headline targets and close the gaps.”"
- Shadow Report
ANTaR: Close the Gap Prime Minister’s 2010 report to parliament http://www.antar.org.au/close_the_gap_prime_ministers_2010_report_to_parliament “To mark the Prime Minister’s 2010 report to parliament, the Close the Gap Coalition for Indigenous Health Equality is releasing its inaugural Shadow Report on the Australian Government’s progress towards closing the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Take a look … “
- 3 Online Actions
Oxfam Australia: Close the Gap http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/take-action/close-the-gap Feb 10: “Almost two years after the Federal Government committed to developing a long term plan to Close the Gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy, no such plan exists. Help ensure the Government gets it right on closing the gap – ask them to develop a long term plan, work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and give more support to Aboriginal community controlled medical services.” [Click on the link to participate in these 3 online actions]
Koori Mail: Govt ‘insensitive’ around apology anniversary [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 12 Feb 10: “THE National Sorry Day Committee has questioned the sincerity of the national apology to Indigenous Australians, suggesting the Rudd Government is now using it to push its Close the Gap campaign.”
Koori Mail: NACCHO: We need to be equal partners, [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 12 Feb 10: “AUSTRALIA lags behind America, Canada and New Zealand in improving Indigenous life expectancy because Indigenous Australians have less control over their health services, according to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. NACCHO Chairperson Justin Mohamed welcomed yesterday’s Closing the Gap statement but called for a more equal partnership between government and health services.”
Medical News Today: Comprehensive National Plan Needed To Close The Gap On Indigenous Health, Says Australian Medical Association http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178880.php 11 Feb 10: “Dr Pesce [AMA President] said that every new funding announcement for Indigenous health services will make a difference – however, in regard to overall progress, the AMA endorses the Close the Gap campaign’s Shadow Report, which finds that the Federal Government still lacks a comprehensive plan to fulfil its commitment to close the gap.”
Koori Mail: Govt warned: No plan, no progress [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 11 Feb 10: “A COALITION of health, human rights and Aboriginal organisations says government failure to develop a proper plan is endangering efforts to close the gap. The group’s chairman Tom Calma released a ‘shadow’ report on progress in addressing Indigenous disadvantage, also calling for more support for Aboriginal medical services, while rights campaigner Les Malezer described today’s government ‘report card’ as little more than a policy and budget statement.”
Koori Mail: PM concedes ‘slow path to change’ [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 11 Feb 10: “THE Prime Minister has delivered his second annual Closing the Gap statement, telling the Federal Parliament that some progress is being made in key areas of Indigenous disadvantage but conceding it is too slow. Kevin Rudd described closing the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – frustrated by a lack of reliable baseline data – as the nation’s greatest social challenge.”
ABC: Gap closing, but progress too slow: Rudd http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/11/2816691.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest 11 Feb 10: “Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says more Indigenous people are in work and completing high school, but progress to raise living standards is still too slow. Delivering his second “Closing the Gap” statement to Parliament today, Mr Rudd defended his Government’s record on reducing Indigenous disadvantage.”
Australian: Rudd’s Closing the Gap mission can only get harder from here http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/rudds-closing-the-gap-mission-can-only-get-harder-from-here/story-e6frg6zo-1225829869355 13 Feb 10: “The PM’s indigenous report card deserves high marks for honesty, but progress is slow … This is possibly the last year Rudd can describe the Closing the Gap campaign in broad or aspirational terms. From here on it will be harder, not easier.” Wesley Aird, member of the Gold Coast Native Title Group and a board member of the Bennelong Society
National Indigenous Times: EDITORIAL: More of the same from the PM http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=19306 4 Feb 10: “Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has broken one of his much-touted promises for the second year in a row. In 2008, our dear Mr Rudd took the stage at the Progressive Governance Conference in London and made a rather impressive statement. “On the question of Indigenous policy, I have decided that each year in Australia’s Federal Parliament the first working day will be marked by a Prime Ministerial statement reporting on progress in closing the life expectancy gap, progress in closing the gap on infant mortality and mortality of children up to five, and progress on closing the literacy and numeracy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Mr Rudd said. … ” Amy McQuire, acting editor
Koori Mail: Summit task force to work on charter [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 10 Feb 10: “A TASK FORCE has been established to examine international and domestic sovereignty options, develop an Aboriginal Charter of Rights and establish protocols for inter-nation relations following a three-day Indigenous summit in Canberra last week. About 120 people attended the New Way Summit, an ‘unfunded grassroots initiative’ convened by NSW Aboriginal activist Michael Anderson.”
National Indigenous Times: RINGY’S RAMBLINGS: A government slips on The Rock http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=19303 4 Feb 10: “In the heart of the country, the Anangu owners of Uluru politely request that visitors do not climb the rock. GRAHAM RING* reports that most comply happily – and suggests the others just need a little more convincing.”
National Indigenous Times: BLACKCURRENT: The last fighting words http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=19301 4 Feb 10: “Australia is one of the world’s “hot spots” for endangered languages. We must act before it’s too late, writes AMY MCQUIRE*.” Amy McQuire, editor of the National Indigenous Times
- News
Koori Mail: TJ’s family still seeking justice [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 12 Feb 10: “THE Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA) has called for justice and redress for the family of an Aboriginal teenager who died six years ago after becoming impaled on a Redfern fence during a police chase. TJ’s mum Gail Hickey has asked the UN Human Rights Committee to find that Australia has failed in its human rights obligations by not having the matter independently investigated.”
National Indigenous Times: Aboriginal victims to sue British over nuclear tests http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19331 4 Feb 10: “Five Aboriginal people affected by the British nuclear tests carried out at Emu Field in 1953 are taking their case to the UK, with Cherie Booth – the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair – as their representative. The compensation case comes after 800 British nuclear veterans were last year granted permission to sue the British Ministry of Defence over personal injuries stemming from radiation exposure during the tests. Last month, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM) in South Australia placed an ad calling on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who were interested in pursuing compensation against the UK government. … “
See: ANTaR (SA): ‘Britain must compensate Aboriginal people for radioactive fallout’ [scroll down page] http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/
National Indigenous Times: ailing funds better spent on community programs: report http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19326 4 Feb 10: “The money spent on incarcerating Indigenous Australians would be better spent on preventative programs and community building, a new report has recommended. Delivering his sixth and final Social Justice Report in Sydney late last month, former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma called for “justice reinvestment” in communities with large numbers of offenders.”
National Indigenous Times: THE BIG READ: Looking back, looking forward http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=19337 4 Feb 10: “The Apology was the first step towards creating an Australia that is inclusive and embracing of its First Peoples. However, we have a long way to go before we can stand in this country as equals, and this will take commitment from Governments at all levels and ongoing efforts by our people to achieve true justice, equality and reconciliation.” Tom Calma, former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
Koori Mail: Govt moves to provide some financial relief [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 10 Feb 10: “THE Federal Government has committed $7.5 million towards growing the community development financial institution sector, to give Australians shunned by mainstream banks and services access to fair loans and other financial products. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin’s recent announcement followed concern that vulnerable Aboriginal people in the WA Goldfields were accepting high-interest loans from an unauthorised lender in Laverton.”
National Indigenous Times: Emergency funds given in the wake of outback “loan shark” http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19327 4 Feb 10: “The federal government has announced it will be providing a further $20,000 in emergency relief funds for the Ngaanyatjarra Lands and Laverton, amid reports a West Australian man has been “exploiting” Aboriginal people in the region.”
- Media Release
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney: Don’t punish loan shark Sam Tomarchio’s victims http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/don-t-punish-loan-shark-sam-tomarchio-s-victims-1-2-10 1 Feb 10: “”Centrelink shouldn’t punish the victims of loan shark Sam Tomarchio with income management” said STICS spokesperson, Monique Wiseman. “We’ve all been shocked by the exploitation by Tomarchio of some of the poorest members of WA’s remote Aboriginal communities. Charging exorbitant interest rates – and taking the bank cards and PIN numbers – is exploitation of the highest order.” But, according to the January 19 Australian, Centrelink’s solution is to put people on income management – a solution that can only increase poverty and one that devious operators like Tomarchio can get around.”
Contents: New NT Intervention laws that extend welfare quarantining [only item]
- Special feature
Stop the Intervention: Racial Discrimination Act – New Legislation http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation [Includes Comments by: * Les Malezer * Greens Senator Rachel Siewert * Eva Cox, Women for Wik * Marlene Hodder, IRAG * Alexis Wright * Michele Madigan * Michael Anderson * Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney * Neil E Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer, ALRM * Richard Downs, spokesperson for the Alyawarr walk-off camp * Professor Alastair Nicholson, former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia * The Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater Also includes Links to: * Government info on the new RDA Legislation * Information about the Consultations * Info on Inquiry into Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act) Bill 2009 etc * Submissions to the Senate Inquiry]
- Media Release
Stop the Intervention: Aboriginal rights advocates support Greens move to vote against new NT Intervention laws http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/stics-9-2-10 9 Feb 10: “Prominent Aboriginal rights supporters including Jumbunna House of Learning UTS, The Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (SA), the CFMEU (Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union), ‘concerned Australians’, The Working Group for Aboriginal Rights, Eva Cox and Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney are giving their full support to the Greens Senators’ plans to vote against new NT Intervention legislation that extends welfare quarantine.”
- News
SMH: NT’s welfare powers could extend to all http://www.smh.com.au/national/nts-welfare-powers-could-extend-to-all-20100206-njwl.html 7 Feb 10: “PLANS to extend aspects of the Northern Territory intervention in indigenous communities to all welfare recipients – first in the territory, then countrywide – could become the federal government’s next battle in the Senate.”
SMH: Call to stop compulsory income quarantining http://www.smh.com.au/national/call-to-stop-compulsory-income-quarantining-20100207-nkxq.html 8 Feb 10: “THE government’s plan to roll out compulsory income management across Australia for long-term welfare recipients, including sole parents and young people, is based on flimsy and contradictory evidence from the Northern Territory intervention and should be stopped, the nation’s peak welfare organisation [Australian Council of Social Service] says.”
SMH: Income program a cloak for racism: professor http://www.smh.com.au/national/income-program-a-cloak-for-racism-professor-20100209-nptg.html 10 Feb 10: “THE federal government’s plan to extend income management of welfare payments beyond the Northern Territory is a ”clumsily disguised and cynical attempt” to perpetuate racial discrimination against indigenous Australians, a former chief justice of the Family Court of Australia [Alastair Nicholson] said yesterday.”
Australian: Coalition to block `watered down’ welfare reform http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/coalition-to-block-watered-down-welfare-reform/story-e6frg6nf-1225828489841 10 Feb 10: “THE opposition has threatened to block government welfare reform plans over concerns that key aspects of the Northern Territory intervention will be watered down. Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin released proposals last November to extend income management across the Territory from July 1 and later expand it nationally.”
Stop the Intervention: Les Malezer http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/les-malezer-4-2-10 4 Feb 10: ” … The legislation introduced by the government is unfortunately not primarily intended to reinstate the RDA, it is intended to find another way to discriminate against the rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to continue the hostile approach to our rights to self-determination. Now is not the time to debate this point but the government has made clear its intention to not change policy in the NT or elsewhere. In fact the government is making an attempt to extend non-democratic principles, paternal decision-making and impacts upon our peoples around the entire country. …”
Stop the Intervention: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/greens-senator-rachel-siewert-5-2-10 5 Feb 10: “… the Greens objected strongly to the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act under the NTER. We were the only party to vote against it being suspended – the ALP in opposition voted to suspend it. … These laws are introducing the most major changes ever seen in Australia to our welfare system. The Introduction of national income quarantining attacks the basic tenet and fundamental underlying philosophy of the inalienability of social security entitlements. On this basis alone there is a compelling argument that such wide-sweeping changes require proper parliamentary scrutiny. … “
Eva Cox Pushing bad policy against the evidence Crikey Blog: http://blogs.crikey.com.au/thestump/2010/02/05/pushing-bad-policy-against-the-evidence/ Stop the Intervention: http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/eva-cox-women-for-wik-5-2-10 5 Feb 10: “Sole parents and the unemployed beware! Jenny Macklin is trying to take half your income away. From July in the NT, and 2011 for the rest of the country, she wants to implement the most drastic change to our social security system ever. And almost nobody knows about it. She is expecting support from the very conservative Opposition front bench to have the legislation passed quickly so she can impose these new measures as soon as possible despite almost universal opposition from a wide range of groups.”
Stop the Intervention: Marlene Hodder, Intervention Rollback Action Group An appeal to the public regarding the proposed Social Security legislation http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/marlene-hodder-irag-5-2-10 5 Feb 10: “I have just witnessed FaHCSIA staff present their case to the Senate Inquiry into the proposed Social Security amendment legislation in Canberra. I am shocked that obviously high up bureaucrats can speak with such expertness on the justification for imposing such measures initially on all people (mainly Aboriginal) in the Northern Territory and possibly eventually on other ‘disadvantaged’ areas around the country, as the minister deems fit. … I am appealing to all people to write to their local newspaper or contact their local Federal member and/or Senator to express their concern at this drastic change in social security in this country.”
Stop the Intervention: Alexis Wright, Author Your help on the Racial Discrimination Act so we don’t stand still http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/alexis-wright-author-4-2-10 4 Feb 10: “I am writing to you to back the letter sent to you today from Les Malezer. I received advice of your email earlier today and I could not believe that this Government could be so blind and deaf to how most Indigenous people think about the NTER, to expect us to back the suggestions in your email.”
Stop the Intervention: Michele Madigan http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/michele-madigan-5-2-10 5 Feb 10: “Please don’t allow this legislation to pass in its present form. … I have to point out that simply nullifying the Racial Discrimination Act- for example by extending blanket Income Management to non Indigenous people as the Bill intends, is not a justification for then being able to reinstate such an Act. It seems surely that discrimination is merely extended to become also class discrimination … “
Michael Anderson Welfare changes will cause survival crime and more child removals Stop the Intervention: http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/michael-anderson-7-2-10 Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2010/02/07/welfare-changes-will-cause-survival-crime-and-more-child-removals 7 Feb 10: “These amendments will cause some very rude shocks to Australia’s poor. Firstly, they will permit the minister to identify any particular location in Australia and impose welfare quarantining there. … It should also be known that based on the $150 million administration costs of the quarantining program across the Northern Territory, covering about 10,000 people, it costs around $15,000 per person to administer.”
Stop the Intervention: Neil E Gillespie, CEO, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/neil-gillespie-alrm-9-2-10 9 Feb 10: “I find the continuation of the racist NT Intervention by the Rudd Government disappointing. I remind everyone that the Intervention is about access to Aboriginal land by business interests (mining) and the location of a dump for uranium waste. SA, WA and Qld will not accept uranium waste so we are deluding ourselves the Intervention is anything but accessing Aboriginal land in the NT. It has NOTHING to do with children.”
Stop the Intervention: Richard Downs, spokesperson for the Alyawarr walk-off camp Open letter to Jenny Macklin from Alyawarr protest camp http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/richard-downs-9-2-10 9 Feb 10: “Dear Minister Macklin. Stop making excuses. We have read a recent email from your department appealing for support for your new Intervention legislation. It pretends your proposed laws will end discrimination. We know that this is a lie. If you really cared you could act now. Using Ministerial powers granted by the Intervention laws you could immediately de-prescribe communities, grant mass exemptions from Income Management and declare that the NT Anti-Discrimination Act applies to Intervention legislation.”
Stop the Intervention: Professor Alastair Nicholson, former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/prof-alastair-nicholson-9-2-10 9 Feb 10: “What is clear is that this is little more than a ruse to overcome the provisions of the RDA and that the real targets of the income management scheme are likely to be Aboriginal people including Aboriginal people living beyond the NT. It is little more than a clumsily disguised and cynical attempt to perpetuate racial discrimination. This in itself involves a breach of the Racial Discrimination Act as it is clearly indirect discrimination”.”
Stop the Intervention: Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation/asg-manly-warringah-pittwater-10-2-10 10 Feb 10: “There are worrying reports of impending Federal Legislation which may shortly extended “income management” to the entire country. We encourage our members and all those concerned about human rights to attend the Rally against the NT Intervention this Saturday, 13th Feb – the 2nd anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations when Kevin Rudd said”… this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.”
- Radio
CAAMA Radio News (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/caama-radio-11th-february-2010/ 11 Feb 10: “A former chief justice of the Family Court of Australia says a Rudd Labour Government plan to extend income management of welfare payment beyond the Northern Territory is a “sloppy, cheap and unfair solution” that reflects lazy politics.”
CAAMA Radio News (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/caama-radio-news-9th-of-february-2009/ 9 Feb 10: “Rudd Government predicted to roll out income managment to populated Aboriginal towns and communities across the country.”
Contents: Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention Prescribed Area People’s Alliance Meeting – 12 Feb 2010 National Day of Action – 13 Feb 2010 Ampilatwatja – Celebration and opening of Protest House – 14 Feb 2010 National Book Launch: “This Is What We Said” – Feb 2010
BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:
Prescribed Area People’s Alliance Meeting Mparntwe-Alice Springs
Salvation Army Hall, 9.30 am till 4 pm
Important meeting for people living in communities, outstations and town camps in Central Australia.
To discuss where people are at with the Intervention.
Some help available with transport. … “
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION – 13 FEB 2010
There are several articles on the STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney) homepage about the National Day of Action against the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention and for Aboriginal rights. Included is a statement by representatives from “prescribed communities” in the NT calling for protests on Saturday February 13, 2010. Scroll down the page to read them: http://stoptheintervention.org/
There are also details about National Actions in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney on the STICS homepage. Scroll down the page to read about them: http://stoptheintervention.org/
- Media Release from Central Australia
Rollback the Intervention: Nationwide Protests to Mark Two Years Since the Apology http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/media/ Feb 10: “Protest actions around the country on Saturday 13th February will mark two years since the National Apology to the Stolen Generations when Prime Minister Rudd committed the government to “a future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again”. There will be rallies in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Alice Springs calling for an immediate end to the Northern Territory Intervention and to show support for Aboriginal communities standing up against the government’s racist laws. Speakers at the Alice Springs rally will include members of the Maritime Union and the CFMEU who have worked with the Ampilitawatja community in building a ‘Protest House’ at the walk-off site and walk-off spokesperson Richard Downs along with members from outback communities, town camps and outstations who are resisting long-term leases over their land and intervention control measures. … Barbara Shaw, leader of the Intervention Rollback Action Group based in Alice Springs, is calling on people around the country to attend a rally to protest the proposed new laws. “If you can’t get to a rally, please lobby politicians to support the legislation that the Greens introduced into Parliament last November which would bring back the Racial Discrimination Act straight away with no strings attached,” Ms Shaw says. “Let’s do away with the NT Intervention and start respecting Aboriginal people”. … rally and march Saturday; 13th February starting at 10 am at the Flynn Church lawns”
AMPILATWATJA – CELEBRATION AND OPENING OF PROTEST HOUSE – 14 FEB 2010
Lunchtime – Honeymoon Bore
Intervention walkoff’s Blog: Invitation to attend opening of Alyawarr protest house: Feb 14, 2010. http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/ “Richard Downs and Alyawarr elders would like to invite Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to the opening of our protest house at lunchtime, February 14 at Honeymoon bore near Ampilatwatja community. This is a stand against the federal government Intervention. The protest house has been build with support of Northern Territory and national trade unions and the general public to show the governments it does not take over 2 years to build one house. This is also an opportunity for people of all races to come together in unity against racism and discrimination, … “
“Below you will find an invitation to the launch of a book “This Is What We Said’. The book puts on record some views about the NT Intervention that were expressed by Aboriginal people during the NTER consultations between June and August last year. We feel that it is very important that these views are heard.. It is our belief that Government failed to listen to what was said by Aboriginal people and this is now evident by the legislation that is currently before Parliament. … ” Michele Harris on behalf of ‘concerned Australians’
“Melbourne 12.30PM – 9 February, at Melbourne University Bookshop. … Canberra 5pm for 5.30pm – 11 February, at ANU Co-op Bookshop, Building 17, Union Court, Australian National University, to be launched by Christine King. … Adelaide 1pm to 3pm – 13 February at North TceParliament House. Alice Springs 10 am – 13 February, Todd Mall Church Lawns Sydney starting 1 pm – 13 February at The Block, Redfern, For further info: http://stoptheintervention.org/ 6pm for 6.30pm- 16 February at Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. For further info: http://www.gleebooks.com.au/default.asp?p=events/launches4_htm … Darwin there is a launch being planned for later in February – details are not yet to hand. From mid-February in Darwin you will be able to be purchase books from the CDU Bookshop or from Absolutely Books in Cullen Bay.”
[Canberra launch hosted by Working Group for Aboriginal Rights and Concerned Australians. The photography in the book is by Canberran documentary film maker Eleanor Gilbert, based on video footage of the FaHCSIA consultations.]
- Media Release from Central Australia
Rollback the Intervention: Nationwide Protests to Mark Two Years Since the Apology http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/media/ Feb 10: ” … Professor Larissa Behrendt from Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning will launch a new book “This Is What We Said” at the Alice Springs rally. This book puts on record views about the NT Intervention that were expressed by Aboriginal people during the NTER consultations held between June and August last year, which the government has falsely claimed show support for income managment. The book is also being launched in Sydney and Adelaide on 13th February. … “
# Mark McMurtrie # Vicki Winters # Marianne Mackay # Amala Groom # Barbara Shaw # Donna Jackson # Lyall Munro # Jenny Munro # Malley Monsell # Nathan Moran
NEW WAY SUMMIT 30 January – 1 February 2010
Resolutions of 30 January 2010
That the New Way Summit nominate a Task Force group to organise the second New Way Summit to be held at the University of Technology Sydney over the Easter weekend Friday 2nd-4th April 2010.
Moved by Vicki Winters Passed by Waratah Gillespie Passed unanimously
Resolutions of 31 January 2010
That the Australian Greens rescind their support for the proposed National Representative Body “The First Nations Congress” as designed by the former Human Rights Commissioner Tom Calma. And that the New Way Summit will also boycott the First Nations Congress.
Moved by Lyall Munro Seconded by Nathan Moran Passed unanimously
Resolution: Resolve to have the National Parliament recognise the Domestic Sovereignty of the Aboriginal Nationals within Australia.
That the New Way Summit conference agrees that whilst we as First Peoples of these lands identify by our Nations, collectively we will be referred to as Aboriginal Peoples.
Moved by Lyall Munro Seconded by Waratah Gillespie Passed unanimously
Resolutions of 1 February 2010
That the New Way Summit conference requests the Australian Greens to put up a Private Members Bill, in the Australian Parliament, to recognise Aboriginal Peoples as having domestic sovereignty.
Moved by Darlene Hoskins Seconded by Waratah Passes unanimously
That the New Way Summit conference endorses the abolishment of Section 51 subsection 26 of the Australian Constitution regarding race powers including the permanent eradication of special measures.
Moved by Marianne Mackay Seconded by Ray Jackson Passed unanimously
That the New Way Summit agrees that there should be no uranium mining and no nuclear dumping on Aboriginal land, as per article 29 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (no dumping hazardous waste on Aboriginal land).
Moved by Donna Jackson Passed by Barbara Shaw Passed unanimously
That the New Way Summit demands that Minister Macklin should resign from her position as Minister and replaced by an Aboriginal person selected by Aboriginal people. We call for the resignation of any other person that holds an Aboriginal position and is not acting in the best interest of the people they represent. If these people perceive that they are acting in the best interest of our peoples then they need to demonstrate this to us.
Moved by Vicki Winters Passed by Darlene Hoskins Passed unanimously
MOVED TO THE NEXT MEETING IN APRIL That the New Way Summit calls for a National Aboriginal Sovereignty Day and that this day be a Public holiday.
Moved by Genie Bartlett Passed by Barbara Shaw NOT PASSED – MOVED TO THE NEXT MEETING
That the New Way Summit agree that the handpicked representatives on the AUA, Langton, Mundine etc must be shamed. As they themselves are not recognising our rights as Aboriginal people under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We must have the right to pick our own representatives. Moved by Donna Jackson Passed by NOT PASSED, NEEDS TO BE REWRITTEN – MOVED TO THE NEXT MEETING
Goodooga, northwest NSW, 7 February — An Aboriginal leader warns that changes to the welfare system will cause a major jump in petty crimes, as people steal to survive, and increase the number of children being removed from their families.
The last survivor of the four activists who set up the Aboriginal embassy in Canberra in 1972, writes that Aboriginal affairs minister, Jenny Macklin’s “dictatorship goes on unchallenged inside or outside of parliamentary circles”.
He urges the poor to stand up and revolt against welfare quarantining or trouble and revolution will be the only solution.
“We all must speak out and take to the streets to stop Kevin Rudd’s dictatorship,” Michael Anderson writes in a media release.
“We must also be mindful of how this will impact on the elderly. Life is hard enough on our community elders without them being humiliated by quarantining their money. They are not children, they have made their contribution to this country. There is no justification for what this Labor government is doing.”
Mr Anderson also argues that the welfare amendments will kill the few shops still operating in remote areas because they depend on Aboriginal money.
Breaking down the $150 million it costs to administer the quarantining program across the Northern Territory to $15,000 per person of the 10,000 people it covers, he asks: “Why should this money be wasted when it could be spent on subsidising food programmes such as breakfast, lunches and afternoon snacks for the children as they go home from school?”
Citing amendments to the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Social Security Act 1991, the trained lawyer notes that they also include within them the re-introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act.
“If the amendments to these Acts are not approved by the parliament then the re-introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act will not come into effect. This is a sleazy bit of politics and must be condemned.”
Mr Anderson writes that the amendments will cause some very rude shocks to Australia’s poor. “They will permit the minister to identify any particular location in Australia and impose welfare quarantining there.”
For example, the minister could say that the welfare recipients of Inala, a suburb of Brisbane, or the people of Brewarrina in northwest NSW are to have their welfare quarantined. “There will be nowhere to hide from this minister’s sinister plans.”
Mr Anderson writes that if the minister targets smaller places like his community of Goodooga, it will devastate people. “There are no shops in our little community of 300. There is no petrol station. People here have to travel 150 kilometres round trip to get their food and petrol supplies, and we certainly don’t have a Coles shop anywhere within 5 hours.” None of even more remote communities
have any form of public transport.
Urging to make welfare quarantining a major election issue, Mr Anderson, who rose from youth poverty and racism in Walgett, says: “The way this country treats its underprivileged is disgusting, a disgrace and immoral.”
Mr Anderson’s release in full:
Jenny Macklin’s dictatorship goes on unchallenged inside or outside of parliamentary circles.
The amendments to the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Social Security Act 1991 also include within them the re-introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act. If the amendments to these Acts are not approved by the parliament then the re-introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act will not come into effect. This is a sleazy bit of politics and must be condemned.
These amendments will cause some very rude shocks to Australia’s poor. Firstly, they will permit the minister to identify any particular location in Australia and impose welfare quarantining there. Let me give you an example.
The minister can say that the welfare recipients of Inala, a suburb of Brisbane, or the people of Brewarrina in northwest NSW are to have their welfare quarantined. There will be nowhere to hide from this minister’s sinister plans.
It must be understood that when this minister targets the smaller places, like my community Goodooga, the people will be devastated. There are no shops in our little community of 300. There is no petrol station. People here have to travel 150 kilometres round trip to get their food and petrol supplies, and we certainly don’t have a Coles shop anywhere within 5 hours.
None of the smaller communities further afield from us, like Weilmoringle and Engonnia, have any form of public transport.
We are also concerned that when these amendments are made they will impact on all of our small businesses that are out this way in the remote areas. Although my community of Goodooga is without any shop, where there are small shops servicing some of these remote communities they will not survive because their income is dependent on the Aboriginal money.
These changes to the welfare will cause a major jump in petty crimes, just as it happened was in England in the 17th and 18th century when people stole to survive.
Is there no politician in the national parliament who has a conscience and is prepared to speak out against this archaic law change? How in the world can the politicians sit there in the parliament and let this minister say and do these things? Are there no possibilities to look at alternatives to this blanket one-shoe-fits-all approach?
It should also be known that based on the $150 million administration costs of the quarantining program across the Northern Territory, covering about 10,000 people, it costs around $15,000 per person to administer. Why should this money be wasted when it could be spent on subsidising food programmes such as breakfast, lunches and afternoon snacks for the children as they go home from school?
The way this country treats its underprivileged is disgusting, a disgrace and immoral. As a person of conscience I know that the people need to know of the effects of these proposed changes. The people need to know what the implications and ramifications will be, especially as it will impact them dramatically as individuals.
Furthermore, I strongly believe that the number of children who will be removed from their families under this regime will escalate to the point where the state will be building and programming the same initiatives that Hitler did when they built the Lebensborn Homes where the state took control of the unwanted children and children who could not be looked after by their families as a consequence of war. We cannot let this happen in this country.
We must also be mindful of how this will impact on the elderly. Life is hard enough on our community elders without them being humiliated by quarantining their money. They are not children, they have made their contribution to this country. There is no justification for what this Labor government is doing.
The poor did not put the world economy into a tailspin in recent years, it was the rich and the professional cons that did it. So why are these people left out there in the public to continue their covert operations with public money? If it was not for the taxpayers’ money they would all be broke and applying for welfare themselves.
Welfare quarantining must become a major election issue and we all must speak out and take to the streets to stop Kevin Rudd’s dictatorship. The poor must stand up and revolt, because if we don’t, trouble and revolution will be the only solution.
Michael Anderson can be contacted at landline 02 68296355, mobile 04272 92 492, fax 02 68296375, ngurampaa@bigpond.com.au.
- a book that details what Aboriginal people affected by the Intervention really want.
Speaker: Christine Fejo-King Chair of the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Workers Association and a Larrakia woman
At: Co-op Bookshop Australian National University.
On: Thursday 11 February 2010 at 5:30p.m. This book is the outcome of a report called “Will They Be Heard?” launched last November by the Hon. Malcolm Fraser. The photography is by Canberran documentary maker Eleanor Gilbert of Enlightning Productions. Project supported by the Ron Gray Human Rights Foundation
R.S.V.P. Co-op Bookshop anu@coop-bookshop.com.au or (02) 6249 6244 by Tuesday 9 February
Contents: Outcomes of the New Way Aboriginal Summit National Book Launch: “This Is What We Said” National Day of Action – 13 Feb 2010 NT Intervention Articles Other Aboriginal Articles
OUTCOMES OF THE NEW WAY ABORIGINAL SUMMIT:
- Statements
Indymedia Australia: Aboriginal sovereignty to go to the Senate http://indymedia.org.au/2010/02/02/aboriginal-sovereignty-to-go-to-the-senate 1 Feb 10: “The Aboriginal assertion of sovereignty is to be put to the Federal Parliament by the Greens Senator Rachel Siewert at the request of the New Way Summit convened here. … The summit demanded the resignation Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and for her to be replaced by an Aboriginal person selected by Aboriginal Peoples. … “Sovereignty will be the major issue of the second New Way Summit to be held in Sydney over the Easter weekend,” Michael Anderson said.” [includes photos at bottom of statement]
WGAR: New Way Summit delegates unanimously reject government sponsored Rep body http://wgar.info/2010/02/01/new-way-summit-delegates-unanimously-reject-government-sponsored-rep-body/ 31 Jan 10: “The New Way Summit of 150 Aboriginal people has unanimously opposed the proposed Rudd government sponsored national Aboriginal representative body to be known as ‘The First Nations Congress’ being organised by the former Human Rights Commissioner, Tom Calma. The summit heard angry comment that it would be just a perpetuation of white government control of Aboriginal lives. The summit heard that this so-called representative body will have the power to deny Aboriginal people the right to determine their leaders. … The conference participants established a taskforce to take this New Way radical movement forward on behalf of the grassroots communities.”
Indymedia Australia: Aboriginal nations should start making treaties with each other [scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2010/02/02/aboriginal-sovereignty-to-go-to-the-senate#comment-1120 30 Jan 10: “The hundreds of Aboriginal nations in Australia should start making treaties with each other in a process leading ultimately to full sovereignty, former barrister Paul Coe told a meeting here of Aboriginal Elders and young people.”
- News
Koori Mail: ‘New Way’ summit ends, plans for another [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 2 Feb 10: “A THREE-DAY Indigenous summit in Canberra concluded yesterday with the election of a taskforce to examine the issue of international and domestic sovereignty and a demand for the resignation of Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin. Summit convenor Michael Anderson says the taskforce will also develop an Aboriginal Charter of Rights and establish protocols for inter-nation relations.”
CAAMA Radio News (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/thursday-4th-february-2010/ 4 Feb 10: “Veteran Aboriginal leader says Aboriginal people need to keep fighting for Indigenous rights.”
“Below you will find an invitation to the launch of a book “This Is What We Said’. The book puts on record some views about the NT Intervention that were expressed by Aboriginal people during the NTER consultations between June and August last year. We feel that it is very important that these views are heard.. It is our belief that Government failed to listen to what was said by Aboriginal people and this is now evident by the legislation that is currently before Parliament. … ” Michele Harris on behalf of ‘concerned Australians’
“Melbourne 12.30PM – 9 February, at Melbourne University Bookshop. … Canberra 5pm for 5.30pm – 11 February, at ANU Co-op Bookshop, to be launched by Christine King. Adelaide 1pm to 3pm – 13 February at North TceParliament House. Alice Springs 10 am – 13 February, Todd Mall Church Lawns Sydney starting 1 pm – 13 February at The Block, Redfern, For further info: http://stoptheintervention.org/ 6pm for 6.30pm- 16 February at Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. For further info: http://www.gleebooks.com.au/default.asp?p=events/launches4_htm … Darwin there is a launch being planned for later in February – details are not yet to hand. From mid-February in Darwin you will be able to be purchase books from the CDU Bookshop or from Absolutely Books in Cullen Bay.”
[Canberra launch hosted by Working Group for Aboriginal Rights and Concerned Australians. The photography in the book is by Canberran documentary film maker Eleanor Gilbert, based on video footage of the FaHCSIA consultations.]
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION – 13 FEB 2010
- Background
Indymedia Australia: WGAR News: National Day of Action – Saturday, 13 February 2010 http://indymedia.org.au/2010/02/02/wgar-news-national-day-of-action-saturday-13-february-2010-2-feb-10 2 Feb 10: “There are several articles on the STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney) homepage about the National Day of Action against the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention and for Aboriginal rights. Included is a statement by representatives from “prescribed communities” in the NT calling for protests on Saturday February 13, 2010. Scroll down the page to read them: http://stoptheintervention.org/
There are also details about National Actions in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney on the STICS homepage. Scroll down the page to read about them: http://stoptheintervention.org/ “
- National Day of Action in Perth
Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources: National Day Of Action In Australia http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3776:national-day-of-action-in-australia&catid=73:conferences-a-workshops&Itemid=101 31 Jan 10: “This is a rally organised to coincide with actions across Australia on the anniversary of the National “apology”. The rally notes that the Death of Mr Ward is still without compensation for the family, and that criminal charges for all those responsible have not been laid. The GSL/GS4 has not lost their contract to transport prisoners and were rewarded with a continuing contract. There is serious overcrowding in WA prisons. … 12noon Wesley Church (cnr William & Hay Sts, Perth)”
NT INTERVENTION ARTICLES:
- Background on the Northern Territory Intervention
CAAMA Radio AM News (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/caama-radio-am-news-3022010/ 3 Feb 10: “* The greens Party concerned The federal Governments new welfare quarantining legislation has gone under the public radar. * Amnesty international says propsed new laws to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act in the Northern Territory will not reverse any of the actions implemented under the NT intervention.”
Koori Mail: Invitation for opening of ‘protest house’ [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 2 Feb 10: “ABORIGINAL people who walked off the Northern Territory community of Ampilatwatja last year to protest the NT intervention plan to open a ‘protest house’ at a nearby bore on 14 February. Trade unions are helping to build the house within just six weeks, to illustrate unnecessary government delays in addressing overcrowding and providing other services in the community.”
ABC: House project to highlight housing plight http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/01/2806717.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest 1 Feb 10: “A central Australian Aboriginal community will build a house this week to protest against a lack of government support for housing. Residents of Ampilatwatja, north-east of Alice Springs, have been living in a camp since walking off their community in July in a protest about poor housing standards.”
ABC: Welfare reforms ‘flying under the radar’ http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/02/2807702.htm?section=justin 2 Feb 10: “The Greens party says they are concerned the Federal Government’s new welfare quarantining legislation has gone under the public radar. The plan expands a system introduced during the intervention in Northern Territory Indigenous communities.”
Koori Mail: TO town campers tread new path [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 2 Feb 10: “CAPITAL work on housing and infrastructure at the Alice Springs town camp of Ilpeye Ilpeye is believed to be underway, after resident traditional owners last week agreed to the Federal Government acquiring freehold title to the land under the NT intervention in exchange for ‘just terms’ compensation. The deal sits outside earlier agreement by 17 other town camps to grant the Government 40-year sub-leases over their land.”
ABC: Town campers get chance to own property http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/01/2806645.htm?section=justin 1 Feb 10: “Residents and native title holders say they are happy with the Federal Government’s compulsorily acquisition of an Alice Springs town camp this morning. Ownership of the Ilpeye Ilpeye town camp passed from a community lease to the Federal Government.”
OTHER ABORIGINAL ARTICLES:
- Media Release
Greens compensation Inquiry Supported by Senate http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-compensation-inquiry-supported-senate 4 Feb 10: “The Australian Greens today moved to establish a Senate Inquiry to improve the system of compensating Australians harmed by past government policies. “There is currently a great level of inconsistency and inequality when it comes to providing compensation and reparations in Australia,” Greens community services spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert said today. “The Greens are concerned about the large variations across the nation, and want to ensure appropriate, consistent and just recompense for those harmed by past policies, such as members of the Stolen Generation and Forgotten Australian and former child migrants. … “
- News
National Indigenous Times: Indigenous elder’s family in poverty while awaiting payment: lawyer http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=19285 5 Feb 10: “The family of a man who died of heatstroke suffered in a prison van are living in poverty while they await a payment from the state government, the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) says.”
National Indigenous Times: Greens, opposition slam Rudd for delayed report card http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=19277 3 Feb 10: “The federal Opposition and the Australian Greens have both slammed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for delaying his promised report card on Indigenous affairs for a second year in a row, stating that it is a telling indicator of the government’s commitment to Indigenous people. In 2008, Mr Rudd made the commitment to deliver his government’s progress on closing the gap on the first day of Parliament each year.”
Koori Mail: Report card delay a bad sign, say Greens [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php 2 Feb 10: “THE Australian Greens say the postponement of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s annual Indigenous ‘report card’ to the Federal Parliament from today’s first parliamentary sitting day for 2010 is a sign that the Government is not up to the job of Closing the Gap. Mr Rudd deferred the statement until 11 February because it was closer to the second anniversary of the 13 February National Apology.”
Contents: National Day of Action – Sat 13 Feb Prescribed Area People’s Alliance Meeting – 12 Feb Ampilatwatja – Celebration and opening of Protest House – 14 Feb Proposed National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples Indigenous progress report delayed by PM January 26, a.k.a. Invasion Day / Survival Day Other NT Intervention Articles Other Aboriginal Articles
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION – SAT 13 FEB
There are several articles on the STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney) homepage about the National Day of Action against the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention and for Aboriginal rights. Included is a statement by representatives from “prescribed communities” in the NT calling for protests on Saturday February 13, 2010. Scroll down the page to read them: http://stoptheintervention.org/
There are also details about National Actions in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney on the STICS homepage. Scroll down the page to read about them: http://stoptheintervention.org/
To read about the National Action in Alice Springs go to the IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group) homepage and scroll down the page: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
- Media Release
Stop the Intervention: Aboriginal Rights Supporters Protest on Anniversary of Rudd’s Apology Media Release: Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/mr-maic-on-feb-13-protest-22-1-2010 22 Jan 10: “On Saturday February 13 supporters of Aboriginal rights will mark the second anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations by marching from the MAYSAR gym (Melbourne Aboriginal Youth, Sport and Recreation) on Gertrude St, Fitzroy to Parliament House on Spring St, CBD. The protesters will demand an end to the Northern Territory Intervention (also known as the Nothern Territory Emergency Response) which was introduced by the Howard Government almost three years ago. Despite the regime change in Australian federal politics, such racist policies have not only continued under a Rudd Labor government, but have become further entrenched. … Joe Lorback from Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective had these comments: “Rudd said that ‘the injustices of the past must never happen again’, but by not only continuing the Intervention but expanding it around Australia that’s exactly what is happening. … Barbara Shaw from Mt. Nancy town camp and the Intervention Rollback Action Group announced: “We will hold a National Day of Action on February 13 2010, the two year anniversary of the Apology, to call for an immediate end to the NT Intervention. We will chant from our hearts, as we always do: ‘Self-determination not assimilation. Stop the Intervention, Human rights for all!’” … The Melbourne component of the National Day of Action will begin at 2pm on Saturday 13 February at MAYSAR (Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation) 184-186 Gertrude St, Fitzroy (Melway Ref: 2C C11) and will finish with speeches and live music at Parliament House on Spring St, CBD (Melway Ref: 2F J2).”
PRESCRIBED AREA PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE MEETING – 12 FEB
AMPILATWATJA – CELEBRATION AND OPENING OF PROTEST HOUSE – 14 FEB
Lunchtime – Honeymoon Bore
Intervention walkoff’s Blog: Invitation to attend opening of Alyawarr protest house: Feb 14, 2010. http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/ “Richard Downs and Alyawarr elders would like to invite Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to the opening of our protest house at lunchtime, February 14 at Honeymoon bore near Ampilatwatja community. This is a stand against the federal government Intervention. The protest house has been build with support of Northern Territory and national trade unions and the general public to show the governments it does not take over 2 years to build one house. This is also an opportunity for people of all races to come together in unity against racism and discrimination, … “
PROPOSED NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES:
- News
National Indigenous Times: THE PERFECT STORM: A stillborn rep body? http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19253 21 Jan 10: “The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples may be dead before it was even born. 2010 will be the year that confirms or rejects that. Debate over the Congress has been fierce, particularly around the creation of an ethics council which will sit over the congress to ensure that anyone elected to the peak body is a fit and proper person. Tasmanian Aboriginal leader Michael Mansell called creation of the ethics council “patronising and discriminatory”. Aboriginal Australia will notch up five years without a national elected body in 2010.”
- Opinion
National Indigenous Times: NIT FORUMS: The Ethics Council: Some inconvenient truths? http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=19227 21 Jan 10: “Ironically the recent announcement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma of the proposed First Nations Peoples’ Congress’ new Ethics Council immediately raises issues of public sector ethics and governance some would prefer to ignore. … The Ethics Council appears less ethics and more an undemocratic attempt at re-inventing Indigenous political authority.” Stephen Hagan
INDIGENOUS PROGRESS REPORT DELAYED BY PM:
- Media Release
Greens: PM backs down on Close the Gap promise http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/will-pm-deliver-close-gap-promise 30 Jan 10: “The Australian Greens question the Rudd Government’s ability to Close the Gap in Aboriginal life expectancy and health disadvantage, if the PM can’t even keep his commitment to report to Parliament on the first day of sitting. … “Perhaps it is because Mr Rudd can’t put such a positive spin on progress?” suggests Senator Siewert. “There have been few houses built, Aboriginal communities still don’t have access to essential services, and the health and education services till aren’t meeting Aboriginal needs,” she said. “Meanwhile the discriminatory Northern Territory Invention is still in place, and the Rudd Government is attempting to water down Native Title legislation yet again.” “
- News
ABC: Rudd delays Indigenous progress report http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/30/2805574.htm 30 Jan 10: “Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has broken his promise to give an update on Indigenous progress on the first day of Parliament for the year. Two years ago, Mr Rudd said making the annual statement on the first working day would greatly increase pressure on his Government to make progress towards closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and other Australians.”
- Radio
CAAMA News Radio (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/1st-february-2010/ 1 Feb 10: “The Rudd Government has broken a promise with ’Closing the Gap’.”
CAAMA News Radio (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/caama-radio-news-28-january-2010/ 28 Jan 10: “A leading Victorian health worker says Australia will never know if “Closing the Gap” is working without reliable data.”
JANUARY 26, ALSO KNOWN AS INVASION DAY / SURVIVAL DAY:
- News
National Indigenous Times: Indigenous protesters call for greater recognition on Survival Day http://www.nit.com.au/breakingNews/story.aspx?id=19271 27 Jan 10: “About 100 protesters gathered outside Old Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday calling for greater recognition of Indigenous people. … Outspoken Indigenous activist Darren Bloomfield said the protest was about “the theft of lands, culture, language, children, and peoples”. “The issue is sovereignty, it is the true, grass roots right of this land,” he said.”
Socialist Alternative: Brisbane protest on Invasion Day http://www.sa.org.au/aboriginal-rights/2545-brisbane-protest-on-invasion-day 29 Jan 10: “Determined to commemorate this date [January 26] for what it truly represents, an Invasion Day, approximately 200 people rallied outside State Parliament in Brisbane. A dozen speakers from the Indigenous community and their supporters condemned the racist Northern Territory Intervention, the continuance of police brutality and deaths in custody, and the frame-up of Lex Wotton, jailed for seven years for daring to inspire resistance to the cover-up of the police murder of Mulrunji Doomadgee on Palm Island in 2004.”
- Opinion
Socialist Alternative: Invasion day – racism and resistance http://www.sa.org.au/aboriginal-rights/2466-invasion-day-theres-nothing-to-celebrate 26 Jan 10: “January 26 this year is marked by the Rudd government continuing policies in the Northern Territory that are so racist that the Racial Discrimination Act has to be suspended to make them legal. It’s part of a 222-year history of such atrocities, of systematic racism, land theft and genocide. It’s a history of the way in which the needs of first British, and then Australian capitalism were served by those policies. But there is also a history of resistance.” Diane Fieldes
Australian: Landscape of despondency as bureaucrats rebuild the bush http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/landscape-of-despondency-as-bureaucrats-rebuild-the-bush/story-e6frg6z6-1225824629048 30 Jan 10: “THIS should be a time of progress and optimism in the remote Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. … Despite the rhetoric being pumped out in Canberra and Darwin, it is plain that another policy failure is unfolding across the inland: money is being poured into the region, nourishing support staff and project managers but failing to benefit the indigenous citizens it is intended to help.” Nicolas Rothwell
- News
National Indigenous Times: THE PERFECT STORM: A never-ending story http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19262 21 Jan 10: “One of Mick Gooda’s biggest headaches will undoubtedly be the Northern Territory intervention, an albatross of a government policy that will undoubtedly dominate the headlines in 2010. Launched in 2007 as part of a failed Howard government re-election stunt, the billion dollar intervention lumbers on today under the Rudd government despite a mountain of evidence showing it’s failing, international condemnation, and an election promise Labor would make it comply with the Racial Discrimination Act. More than two years into Rudd’s term, we’re all still waiting.”
ABC: Secret child files given to crime body http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/29/2805318.htm 29 Jan 10: “The Federal Court has awarded the Australian Crime Commission [ACC] the right to access confidential medical records of children under the Northern Territory intervention.”
ABC: Fears revamp to create more town camps http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/27/2802659.htm 27 Jan 10: “The Northern Territory Opposition says the Government’s plan to accommodate people while homes in some Alice Springs town camps are renovated could create yet another town camp. Camp houses are being repaired under the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program.”
ABC: Govt works on town camp housing options http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/26/2801651.htm 26 Jan 10: “The Northern Territory Government says it is still considering the best way to rehouse Alice Springs town camp residents while their homes are rebuilt. Some residents will have to move out of their houses while major internal renovations are completed. The work will be done as part of the $100 million Commonwealth-funded upgrade of the camps.”
- Radio
CAAMA Radio AM News (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association): http://caama.com.au/radio/caama-radio-am-news-25012010/ 25 Jan 10: “PM Kevin Rudd has been unable to explain why the Government’s $672 Million remote indigenous housing program in the Northern Territory has still not delievered any new housing.”
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO): Aboriginal Health Workers formally acknowledged http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Documents/10-01-29%20Aboriginal%20Health%20Workers%20formally%20acknowledged%20Media%20Release.pdf 29 Jan 10: “Mr Justin Mohamed the Chair of NACCHO says Aboriginal Health Workers have been formally acknowledged as a profession today with the launch of their new national association by the Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon in Ceduna at the Koonibba Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service. … [Mr Mohamed said] “NACCHO continues to directly support the formation of the Association to ensure the interests of Aboriginal Health Workers will be properly represented and the profession has the chance to be part of the National Regulation and Accreditation of health professionals’ scheme. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA) will work for the interests of its Aboriginal Health Worker members by supporting their careers, professional development, networking, accreditation of the profession and representing their interests at peak regional, state and national forums.”
- News
National Indigenous Times: Concerns that native title changes may “water” down rights http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=19276 29 Jan 10: “Indigenous leaders have raised concerns over federal government plans to speed up native title claims, saying it “waters down” their rights. The amendments to the Native Title Act give the Federal Court the power to manage the mediation of land claims by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. … National Native Title Council chair Brian Wyatt says the people he represents were “change fatigued” and there’s no need to alter the act. … Cape York Land Council chairman Richie Ahmat also said continuous amendments to the act would diminish native title rights until they became worthless. … NTSCorp (Native Title Service Corp) chief executive Warren Mundine said the bill doesn’t address the problem of bureaucratic inefficiencies.”
- Opinion
Green Left: Indigenous welfare: Don’t punish loan shark’s victims http://www.greenleft.org.au/2010/824/42401 31 Jan 10: “The actions of loan shark Sam Tomarchio, revealed on January 15 by the Australian, do not justify the expansion of “welfare quarantining” to the Aboriginal people affected. Tomarchio was a gold prospector who became an unregistered money lender based in the remote Western Australian mining town of Laverton. He charged around 30% interest and, to secure repayments, took the bank cards and PIN numbers from his hundreds of Aboriginal clients.” Peter Robson
National Indigenous Times: EDITORIAL: Reflecting on our country’s racism http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=19228 21 Jan 10: “Australia is grounded on it. We were the country of the White Australia Policy, of terra nullius, of the Cronulla Riots. We are the country that constantly treats our First Peoples, our most disadvantaged, as second-class citizens who need to be watched over. We are the country that currently has a federal Opposition leader who had previously called for a “new paternalism”, a re-imagining of the racist doctrines of the past, to deal with Aboriginal people.” Amy McQuire, acting editor
Melbourne Indymedia: Lest we forget the war against Indigenous Australians http://indymedia.org.au/2010/01/17/lest-we-forget-the-war-against-indigenous-australians 17 Jan 10: “Dr Joseph Toscano writes on the commemoration of indigenous resistance and early Melbourne history and the need for a monument to the indigenous freedom fighters, Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, who were the first judicial executions in Melbourne on January 20, 1842.”
