Archive for 08/05/2012

120508 – Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia – 30 events from 8 May 2012

Posted in EVENTS, NEWSLETTER on 08/05/2012 by D

Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia
- 30 events from 8 May 2012

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: 8 May 2012: Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
Public Consultation:
National Anti-Racism Partnership Strategy
“Want to hear your thoughts on how racism
affects the community and what we should
be doing about it.”
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#may

Event: 4 May – 8 July 2012: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW
Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud
Photographs by Jagath Dheerasekara
Curated by Sandy Edwards
Head On Photo Festival
“”The photographs are excellent. They are a moving
portrayal of Aboriginal Australia that all Australians
aught to know about on an issue that wont go away.”
- John Pilger, Writer and Filmmaker, January 2012″
Event details: http://jagathdeerasekera.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/manuwangku-under-nuclear-cloud.html
Event details: [scroll down page] http://sydneyartgalleriesandartcommunity.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/openings-and-the-arts-in-sydney-30042012-06052012/
Article: [scroll down page] http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/picture-a-world-of-observation-and-invention-20120501-1xwx3.html

Event: Fri 4 – Sat 26 May 2012: Rozelle, Sydney, NSW
Art Creation in Remote Aboriginal Communities
Official Opening: Fri 4 May 2012
Tali Gallery
“This is a group show consisting of photographs from
Aboriginal art communities throughout Australia. It
showcases the Inspiration, Dedication, Humour, Happiness,
Esteem and Pride associated with art creation in the
Australian desert and bush where this is often the only
source of employment for Aboriginal people.”
Art curators, Artists and Yolngu Media Graduates
from Remote Aboriginal Communities
Event details: http://headon.com.au/event/tali-gallery-work-art
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28566/
Article: [scroll down page] http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/picture-a-world-of-observation-and-invention-20120501-1xwx3.html

Event: Sat 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Rally: Stop Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Protest NSW police shootings
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/108437109276373/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stop-aboriginal-deaths-in-custody-2012-autumn-action
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50705

Event: Thu 19 April to Mon 14 May 2012: Campsie, Sydney, NSW
Homelands Photography Exhibition
“to explore the Aboriginal community of Utopia,
located in the Northern Territory”
“For over three years, Amnesty International has
partnered with the Alyawarr and Anmatyerr
communities of Utopia homelands to develop
our report: “‘The land holds us:
‘ Aboriginal Peoples’ right to traditional
homelands in the Northern Territory”.”
Opening night: Thu 19 April
Demand Dignity – Amnesty International
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28174/

Event: Tue 15 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
ACTU Congress 2012
Fringe events:
The fight for Aboriginal Rights in the NT
“Come hear about the struggles against the
NT Intervention (renamed “stronger futures”),
income management and the proposed
Muckaty radioactive waste dump. … “
Event details: http://www.actucongress.org.au/site/eventinfo/fringe-events
About Congress: http://www.actucongress.org.au/site/about/about-congress

Event: 16 May 2012: Coburg, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation film screening
Organised by the Revolutionary Socialist Party
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/16-may-2012-coburg-vic
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 20 May 2012: Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation film screening
More details to come
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/20-may-2012-bondi-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Wed 23 and Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, south of Sydney
Interim National Unity Government Assembly
of the Sovereign Union
Held at two locations:
Day 1 – Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Day 2 – Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy
“All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two
delegates – one man and one woman (if appropriate) to the
inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union interim National
Unity Government in Wollongong Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24
May. … “
“”This gathering to form the Interim Sovereign Union National
Unity Government is so important, as the federal government
and their Uncle Tom collaborators are working overtime to
indoctrinate our children and youth into their way of
thinking by falsely promoting that recognition in the
Constitution will give our people something,”
the spokesman of the movement, Michael Anderson, writes in
a media release. … “
“On the first day two universities, Southern Cross and
Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal Peoples as
an introduction to this history-making event.”
“On Day 2, at Sandon Point Embassy REGISTRATION is at 8am
for the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union interim
National Unity Government.”
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
See next two entries for Day 1 and Day 2 event details

Event: DAY 1 Wed 23 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Litigating the Boundaries of Sovereignty
- Symposium Day 1
Location: Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Jointly organised by:
* Legal Intersections Research Centre, University of Wollongong
* School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University
“On 26 January 2012, on the day of the 40th anniversary of
the establishment Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, a
number of prominent Aboriginal activists advanced an
articulated claim to the continuity of Aboriginal
sovereignty in Australia. … [This is] a one-day workshop to
explore the legal and political implications of those claims.”
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/85
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

Event: DAY 2 – Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, NSW
Formal establishment of interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
“8am till late – REGISTRATION at 8am
Venue: Sandon Point Embassy, Wollongong, NSW”
“All Aboriginal nations are being called on to send two delegates
- one man and one woman (if appropriate)
to the inaugural assembly of the Sovereign Union
interim National Unity Government
If possible bring a young person(s) between 15 & 25.
Each nation will have a limit of two official delegates
to the interim National Unity Government.”
“+++ Draft Agenda +++:
* The formal establishment of the interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
* Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Aboriginal nations
* Focusing on the proposed new Constitution
* Program of stages towards independence and timeline
* Allocation of interim portfolios
* Development of diplomatic and international relations
* Strategies for representations in United Nations”
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/108
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49
Sovereign Union – National Unity Government: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/

Event: Thu 24 May 2012: Rozelle, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening & Photography Exhibition
Hosted by Amnesty International
More details to come
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28567/
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/24-may-2012-rozelle-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 25 May 2012: Canberra, ACT
National Sorry Day Bridge Walk
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Canberra
* 10.30am – Gather at Regatta Point
* 10.40 – Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
* 11.00am – Start Bridge Walk
* 11.30am – Wiradjuri Echoes and Lunch
RSVP (required if staying for lunch)
National Sorry Day Committee in collaboration with
ACT Government Health,
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service,
and Reconciliation Australia
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#may
NSDC: http://www.nsdc.org.au/

Event: Fri 25 May 2012: Hyde Park South, Sydney, NSW
Indigenous Veterans Memorial:
Commemoration Service Honouring Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Servicemen and Servicewomen
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/indigenous-veterans-memorial

Event: Sat 26 May 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Seminar for unionists and community members:
Income Management (IM) in Bankstown
” … aimed at workers who will be caught up
implementing Income Management in
Bankstown, as well as other unionists.”
Event details: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#May2012
Union campaign letter of 16 Apr 12: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/Campaign-Let-Bankstown-IM-Apr-12.pdf
Background: http://www.solidarity.net.au/44/bankstown-basicscard-campaign-reaches-out-to-unionists/
Background: http://www.sayno2gim.info/
Background: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/income-management

Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/travelling_details/

Event: Sun 27 May – Sun 3 June 2012: various locations
National Reconciliation Week 2012
- Let’s talk recognition
“Each year National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates
the rich culture and history of the First Australians.
It is the ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation
conversation and to think about how we can help turn
around the disadvantage experienced by many
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Event details: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/national-reconciliation-week
Event details: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/events/events-calendar
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#may

Event: Sun 27 May 2012: Narrabeen, NSW
ASG Sorry Day 2012
Remembrance Walk
Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater
Event details: http://www.asgmwp.net/SorryDay2012.pdf
Event details: http://www.asgmwp.net/Calendar.htm
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

Event: 9.30pm, 30 May 2012: Various locations
‘Our Generation’ to broadcast on NITV
“National Indigenous Television (NITV)
is available on the following channels,
depending on your location and setup: … “
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/news/our-generation-broadcast-nitv
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Thu 31 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
I’m Not Racist, But
“To further stimulate conversations about racism in
Australia, the NSW Reconciliation Council has
pulled together a panel of diverse Australians
who all have something to say.
You can have your say too, … “
Hosted by ABC’s Steve Cannane
Join:
* Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr. Helen Szoke,
* Fear of a Brown Planet’s Nazeem Hussain,
* UN Youth Ambassador, Benson Saulo and
* comedian Jennifer Wong
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/im-not-racist-but-1

Event: Fri 1 to Sun 3 June 2012: Upwey, Melbourne, Vic
“Memories – contact with white people”
Exhibition, talks, films and workshops at Burrinja
Burrinja community cultural centre
Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week
* Exhibition of artworks from the Burrinja Collection:
4 May – 24 June 2012
* Indigenous Film Night:
Fri 1 June 2012
* In Words: Eileen Harrison and Carolyn Landon:
Sat 2nd June 2012
* In Conversation: Bruce Pascoe and Bill Gammage:
Sun 3rd June 2012
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/memories-contact-with-white-people-exhibition-talks-films-and-workshops-at-burrinja
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.burrinja.org.au/index.php/burrinja-whats-on/whatson

Event: 2 to 3 June 2012: Townsville, Qld
Townsville Reconciliation Festival
Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Mabo high Court Decision
Event details: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/events/events-calendar?event_id=461

Event: 10 June 2012: Myall Creek, west of Inverell, northern NSW
Myall Creek Memorial 2012
“The annual memorial commemoration ceremony is
for those who died in the Myall Creek massacre, … “
Event details: http://www.nswreconciliation.org.au/events-1/myall-creek-memorial-2012

Event: Fri 15 June 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Annual Human Rights Dinner
* Keynote speaker: Les Malezer,
Co-Chair, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and
Chairperson, Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research
Action
* Invitation from:
Human Rights Law Centre and the
Public Interest Law Clearing House
“Les is from the Butchulla/Gubbi Gubbi peoples in southeast
Queensland. He is recognised internationally for his
leading role in the development of the UN Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples. … “
Event details: http://www.hrlc.org.au/content/events/upcoming-events/annual-human-rights-dinner-2012/

Event: Mon 9 July 2012: Mona Vale, NSW
A Panel Discussion:
Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians
Will We Get it Right?
Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.asgmwp.net/SorryDay2012.pdf

Event: Sat 14 to Fri 20 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard’s Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
“Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come.”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musicartfestivalprotest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-billitons-olympic-dam-mine-expansion/

Event: 14 July 2012: Manly, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation film screening
As part of Guringai Festival
Q&A with co-director/producer Damien Curtis
More details to come
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/14-july-2012-manly-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: 20 August to 14 September 2012: Yeelirrie-Leonora, WA
Walkatjurra Walkabout – Walking for Country
A one month walk from Yeelirrie to Leonora
” … is a celebration of Wangkatja country, a testament to
the strength of the community who have fought to stop
uranium mining at Yeelirrie for over forty years, and a
chance to come together to continue share our commitment to
a sustainable future without nuclear. It is a chance to
reconnect with the land, and to revive the tradition of
walking for country.”
“This walk will be lead by the Walkatjurra Rangers,
in partnership with Footprints for Peace,
Western Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (WANFA),
the Anti Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia (ANAWA)
and the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA).”
Event details: http://walkingforcountry.com/
Event details: http://www.nuclearfreefuture.com/
Event details: http://nffcampaign2011.footprintsforpeace.net/?p=69

Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: 5-7 December 2012: Gold Coast, Qld
2012 National Indigenous Health Conference
Many Pathways, One Outcome
” … is designed to bring together both government
and non-government agencies who are working
in the field of Indigenous health with the belief
that working together can close the gap between
the state of Indigenous Health as compared to
the health of mainstream Australians.”
Event details: http://www.indigenoushealth.net/

- ‘Our Generation’ Film Reviews

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Our Generation – Showing in London – page 8

http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaWinter2011.pdf

Winter 2011: “The Intervention is yet another example of
the appalling treatment the Aboriginal People of Australia
have been subjected to in such a short period of time
compared to thousands of years of survival. Sinem Saban and
Rev. Dr Gondarra supported by the Yolngu people and
cinematographer, Damien Curtis, have created a sensitive
and realistic view of the plight of those who wish to live
a more traditional life in their homelands and of those who
appear to be dispossessed.” Christine Waterer

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater:
ASG Information Night: Our Generation – page 6

http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2010.pdf

Summer 2010: “Local resident and journalist, Jeff McMullen
introduced “Our Generation”, the film by Sinem Saban and
Damien Curtis which we were there to see. The film explored
in depth the Federal Government Intervention into
Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory. Jeff had
told us that the film’s producers were not having any
success in having the film shown on government or
commercial media outlets and they were having to screen it
in local community halls to show the community at large
just what was involved in the Intervention. It is basically
a war on Aboriginal culture. The dispossession of the
Aboriginal people is simply continuing in a new guise.”
Carol Gerrard

See:

Our Generation: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/

Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

120508 – “Stronger futures or stolen futures – Bishops and Religious question legislation” ACBC

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 08/05/2012 by D

Contents:
* Graeme Mundine, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Sydney:
“Stronger Futures Legislation. Points Against”
* ACBC Media Blog: Stronger futures or stolen futures
- Bishops and Religious question legislation
* Video: Jeff McMullen:
“Stand for Freedom” campaign against “Stronger Futures” policy
* ANTaR: Time now critical to set new path in NT
* Congress: Stop and Listen on the Intervention
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
* Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into
language learning in Indigenous communities
* Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
* Video: Aboriginal protestors and WA police clashing at
Nyoongar tent embassy
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies
* Four Corners TV: Judgement Day [High Court's Mabo judgement]
* Other articles

* GRAEME MUNDINE, ABORIGINAL CATHOLIC MINISTRY SYDNEY:
“STRONGER FUTURES LEGISLATION. POINTS AGAINST”

- Sydney launch

Respect and Listen:

http://www.respectandlisten.org/

“NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations” was launched
by Graeme Mundine, Executive Officer, ACM Sydney Archdiocese
please click here for his speech
and Amy McQuire, Editor, Tracker Magazine
Published by ‘concerned Australians’ February 2012:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#NTCR2011

- Speech

ACM Sydney Book Launch Concerned Australians:
“Stronger Futures Legislation. Points Against”
[download speech] http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/NTCR_launch_speech_Graeme_Mundine.pdf
4 May 2012: “There are many issues with Stronger Futures,
both with regard to the intent as well as particular
measures. As we (the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Sydney)
submitted to the Senate Enquiry (Submission No. 350) our
key concerns could be summarised as: …
* The lack of recognition that Governments need to change
the way they deliver services. The Government agenda and
dialogue is all about changing Aboriginal peoples. Perhaps
the most insidious of all the problems with this
legislation is that the Government has failed to listen to
Aboriginal peoples and continues to treat them as a problem
to be solved. Further, that the only way to solve these
‘problems’ is by forcing people away from their own cultures
towards the dominant White culture. This legislation is more
than bad policy it is racist and assimilationist. It will
hurry the demise of Aboriginal Cultures and will only
succeed in debilitating and demoralising Aboriginal
peoples.”

See:

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Sydney Archdiocese:
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee:
Social Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 and
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011

https://senate.aph.gov.au/submissions/comittees/viewdocument.aspx?id=63476bbe-5a18-412b-8580-fdf95229cb40

Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 … :
Submissions received by the Committee

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/submissions.htm

* ACBC MEDIA BLOG:
STRONGER FUTURES OR STOLEN FUTURES
- BISHOPS AND RELIGIOUS QUESTION LEGISLATION

- Media Release

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) Media Blog:
Stronger futures or stolen futures
- Bishops and Religious question legislation

http://mediablog.catholic.org.au/?p=772

5 May 12: “The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC)
and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) call upon all
Federal Senators not to pass the legislation of the
‘Stronger Futures Northern Territory 2011 Bill’.
In their meeting today in North Sydney, Archbishop Philip
Wilson and Sr Anne Derwin RSJ on behalf of the ACBC and CRA
released the following statement:
“We join with the many Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander
peoples and other Australians who have already urged the
government to consult Aboriginal people and their Elders in
planning actions and developing policies that will affect
their lives for many years.”
The ACBC and CRA are concerned that the Stronger Futures
Legislation expands the powers of the current legislation
and will be set in place for 10 years.
“We urge the Federal Government to abandon this legislation
and develop strategies based on trust and respect which
will promote collaboration with the Aboriginal people of
the Northern Territory in decision-making relating to their
future”, they said. … “

- Related News

Churches call on Senate to block Stronger Futures
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/churches-call-on-senate-to-block-stronger-futures/
SBS World News Australia: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1648295/Bishops-slam-NT-intervention-extension
7 May 12: “Australia’s Catholic bishops have urged the
Senate to block daft legislation to extend the Northern
Territory intervention in Aboriginal communities. Labor’s
Stronger Futures draft laws are likely to clear the upper
house with bipartisan support when federal parliament
resumes this week. The Australian Catholic Bishops
Conference, which represents 42 bishops, has criticised the
government’s consultation process with indigenous people
and called for the draft laws to be dumped. Archbishop
Philip Wilson urged the Senate not to pass the legalisation
and described the Stronger Futures laws as “stolen futures”.”

Australian: Catholic bishops oppose intervention

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/catholic-bishops-oppose-intervention/story-fn9hm1pm-1226349297468

8 May 12: “THE Catholic Bishops Conference has urged
senators to reject the federal government’s legislation to
extend the Northern Territory intervention. The call echoes
concerns by indigenous, church and welfare organisations,
former prime minister Malcolm Fraser, former family court
judge Alastair Nicholson, former Aboriginal affairs
minister Ian Viner and former university chancellor and
Supreme Court judge Frank Vincent who have all accused the
government of listening to Aborigines but not hearing their
concerns.”

* VIDEO: JEFF McMULLEN:
“STAND FOR FREEDOM” CAMPAIGN AGAINST “STRONGER FUTURES” POLICY

- Video

Vimeo: Stand for Freedom by Respect and Listen

7 May 12: “This video is an excerpt from the “Our Generation”
screening in Sydney at the Customs House on Sunday, 6.05.2012.
Jeff McMullen talks about the urgent need to join the “Stand
for Freedom” campaign against the “Stronger Futures” policy.
This screening was part of the 30th Greek Festival of Sydney
( greekfestivalofsydney.com.au/festival12/events/event_our_generation.htm
For more information please visit:

http://www.standforfreedom.org.au/

http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/

* ANTaR: TIME NOW CRITICAL TO SET NEW PATH IN NT

- Media Release

ANTaR: Time now critical to set new path in NT

http://www.antar.org.au/time_now_critical_to_set_new_path_in_nt

7 May 12: “With the Stronger Futures bills listed for
debate on Wednesday, ANTaR urges Senators and MPs not to
support the bills in their current form.
“This is about respect, good faith and trust. It is a test
of our willingness to listen, partner with and support
Aboriginal organisations and communities to take control of
their futures,” said Jacqueline Phillips, ANTaR National
Director.
“ANTaR calls on all MPs and Senators to consider the legacy
these laws will leave in the history books and the damage
they will do to relationships between Aboriginal people and
governments.”
“The bills would have long-term and far-reaching effects,
including the risk of increased imprisonment rates and
financial harm to families due to sanctions for poor school
attendance. They must not be rushed through Parliament with
minimal scrutiny amidst the focus on the Federal Budget. …
Affected communities have strongly stated their opposition
to the bills in submissions, Senate hearings and in the
media. The latest to do so are Arnhem Land communities,
with Yolgnu Elders representing 8000 traditional owners last
week releasing a statement opposing the bills. … “

See:

WGAR News: Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement concerning
‘Stronger Futures’ laws and NT policies (4 May 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/04/wgar-news-yolngu-nations-assembly-statement-concerning-stronger-futures-laws-and-nt-polic

* CONGRESS: STOP AND LISTEN ON THE INTERVENTION

- Action

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Stop and Listen on the Intervention
[scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/
“Click here [ http://congressmob.good.do/stoplisten/ ] to
send a letter direct to your representatives in Canberra
about the Stronger Futures Bills to continue the Northern
Territory Intervention.”

* BACKGROUND TO ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:

Last updated: 6 May 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-stronger-futures-new-nt-intervention-laws

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Last updated: 29 April 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-northern-territory-nt-intervention

* BACKGROUND TO NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES:

Last updated: 5 May 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-national-congress-of-australia%E2%80%99s-first-peoples

* SUBMISSIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY INTO
LANGUAGE LEARNING IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES:

“The 147 submissions to the Parliamentary Enquiry can be
accessed at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=/atsia/languages/submissions.htm

(As well as the transcripts to the hearings).
Included are many very persuasive arguments in favour of a
return to bilingual education and giving Aboriginal
languages the status and dignity they deserve.
As with the Stronger Futures Senate Inquiry (where
Aboriginal Australia’s cry from the heart was ignored) I
fear that the people that should be reading this material
won’t and the authorities (politicians and bureaucrats) will
stick to their dogmatic assimilationist stance in relation to
Aboriginal Languages as with just about everything else.
All the same that is no reason for us to remain silent. … “
Frank

http://groups.google.com/group/foblmail/browse_thread/thread/986859976899ed01?hl=en

See:

Main Government webpage on the
Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities:

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=/atsia/languages/index.htm

* BACKGROUND TO THE USE OF ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES IN NT SCHOOLS:

Last updated: 7 May 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-use-of-aboriginal-languages-in-nt-schools-bilingual-education

* VIDEO:
ABORIGINAL PROTESTORS AND WA POLICE
CLASHING AT NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY

- Video

YouTube: Nyoongar Sovereignty

4 May 12: “SBSLivingBlack. Explosive footage of Aboriginal
protestors and WA police clashing at the Nyoongar tent
embassy earlier this year made headlines around the country.
Today the embassy remains and the protestors are refusing to
move. Living Black Sunday 4:30PM on SBS One
http://www.sbs.com.au/livingblack

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSIES:

Last updated: 4 May 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-aboriginal-sovereignty-movement-and-the-aboriginal-tent-embassies

* FOUR CORNERS TV: JUDGEMENT DAY [HIGH COURT'S MABO JUDGEMENT]

- Video

Four Corners: Judgement Day by Liz Jackson and Lisa McGregor

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/05/03/3494661.htm

Updated 3 May 12: “Liz Jackson reports on the impact of
this historic judgement, the reaction it inspired and the
inside story of the negotiations to create the law that
would pave the way for Native Title. We hear from the power
brokers who forced the nation to confront its history, and
their critics. …
“Judgement Day”, reported by Liz Jackson and presented by
Kerry O’Brien, goes to air on Monday 7th May at 8.30 pm on
ABC1. It is replayed on Tuesday 8th May at 11.35pm.
It can also be seen on ABC News 24 each Saturday at 8.00pm,
[ http://www.abc.net.au/news/abcnews24/ ]
on ABC iview
[ http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/series/four%20corners ]
and at abc.net.au/4corners
[ http://abc.net.au/4corners/default.htm ].”

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

Indymedia Australia:
Control bill pushed to target Aboriginal peoples and to
erode civil liberties

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/06/control-bill-pushed-to-target-aboriginal-peoples-and-to-erode-civil-liberties

6 May 12: “Australia-wide Aboriginal organisations,
communities and rights advocates are more than just
apprehensive of the consolidated push by State and
Territory governments for the introduction of Criminal
Association Control Bills better known as anti-association
laws – in Western Australia, the Criminal Organisation Bill
2012 appears that it will be passed and within days. Both
the Liberal/Nationals coalition government and the Labor
opposition will support it with only the Greens Giz Watson
having called for a parliamentary inquiry into the Bill -
a call which has been rejected.” Gerry Georgatos

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.