Archive for May, 2012

120515 – Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia – 32 events from 15 May 2012

Posted in EVENTS, NEWSLETTER on 15/05/2012 by D

pcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia
- 32 events from 15 May 2012

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: Wed 16 May 2012:
Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane
National Day of Action
in solidarity with the people of Broome
“250 police have converged on Broome, Western Australia,
as the WA Government attempts to crush peaceful
community opposition to a proposed industrial complex
at James Price Point on the pristine Kimberley coast.”
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.kimberleycampaigner.com/stories/national-mobilisation-of-kimberley-community/
News & MR: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/14/police-amassing-at-james-price-point-monday-may-14-after-yesterdays-600-people-power-peac
News: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/wa-premier-sends-150-police-help-destroy-walmadan-culturally-significant-site
News: http://www.theage.com.au/wa-news/hundreds-face-off-with-police-in-broome-20120513-1ykhm.html
Kimberley Campaigner: http://www.kimberleycampaigner.com/
Save The Kimberley: http://www.savethekimberley.com/

Event: Wed 16 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
Save the Kimberley solidarity protest
“We have received Reports of more than 100
police arriving in Broome, their intentions
look to be to crush the Broome community’s
peaceful protest and dismantle all blockade
capabilities. … “
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/save-the-kimberley-solidarity-protest
News & MR: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/14/police-amassing-at-james-price-point-monday-may-14-after-yesterdays-600-people-power-peac
News: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/wa-premier-sends-150-police-help-destroy-walmadan-culturally-significant-site
News: http://www.theage.com.au/wa-news/hundreds-face-off-with-police-in-broome-20120513-1ykhm.html
Kimberley Campaigner: http://www.kimberleycampaigner.com/
Save The Kimberley: http://www.savethekimberley.com/

Event: 16 May 2012: Coburg, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation film screening
Organised by the Revolutionary Socialist Party
Event details: http://www.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: 17 May 2012: Narrabri, NSW
Our Generation film screening
A Friends Flicks Film Society Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/17-may-2012-narrabri-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 18 May 2012: Perth, WA
Lizard’s Revenge: a dinner and talk
“Lizard’s Revenge will be a three day blockade and
music/arts festival at the Olympic Dam uranium
mine in South Australia.”
“Join BUMP and the unnamed collective to hear
about the plans for Olympic Dam and the current
Court Challenge by Arabunna elder Uncle Kevin.”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/lizards-revenge-a-dinner-and-talk
[See Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA below:
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]

Event: Sat 19 May 2012: to Canberra, ACT
The Long Walk 2012
“Join Michael Long at the community celebration (2-6pm)
before The Long Walk to Dreamtime at the ‘G.
The annual commemoration of his historic walk to
Canberrra is now a popular celebration of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement … “
Event details: http://www.thelongwalk.com.au/News-Events/Upcoming-Events/The-Long-Walk-2012—Melbourne
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50962

Event: 20 May 2012: Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation film screening
Welcome to Country by a local Community Elder
Q&A with special guest speaker Nicole Watson
Event details: http://www.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, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening & Photography Exhibition
Hosted by Amnesty Intl NSW Demand Dignity AG
& Tali Gallery
With special guest speaker Graeme Mundine
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28567/
Event details: http://www.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: 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: 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: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28595/
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: Sat 26 May 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Seminar for unionists and community members:
Stop Government Income Management
in Bankstown & everywhere
” … 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
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50999
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: 29 May 2012: Sydney Uni, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
National Reconciliation Week
Followed by a guest speaker on ‘Reconciliation’
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/29-may-2012-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

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 June 2012: Marrickville, Sydney, NSW
Lizard Rising Sydney Fundraiser
“Another wild night in preparation for the
Lizards Revenge global emergency
$10 entry toward the Rollen Blockade of
BHP Billitons Olympic Dam expansion”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
[See Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA below:
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]

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/

Wed 27 June 2012: West Perth, WA
The Indigenous culture and heritage of WA’s
SouthWest forests – how do we protect it?
“Hear from Aboriginal spokespeople and Traditional
Owners about the cultural heritage values of forests,
including the plant and animal species that depend
on them.”
“Hear from the Department of Environment and Conservation
about how they are planning to protect cultural values.”
“Have your say about how cultural values should be
protected in our SouthWest forests.”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-indigenous-culture-and-heritage-of-wa%E2%80%99s-southwest-forests-how-do-we-protect-it

Event: Tue 3 – Fri 20 July 2012: Bendigo & Roxby Downs
Road Trip for Change
- Step Out(back) and Learn from Country
“In July the South Australian Student Environment Network
will be running a series of epic road trips that will take you
on a journey of learning from Adelaide to Australia’s
biggest grass roots Environment Conference:
Students of Sustainability (SoS), then via the great
SA outback to Roxby Downs for the
Lizards Revenge Music/Art festival.”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from-country
[See Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA below:
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]

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: 14 to 18 (or 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
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-billitons-olympic-dam-mine-expansion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
Perth Event: Fri 18 May 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizards-revenge-a-dinner-and-talk
Sydney Event: Fri 1 June 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
Road Trip for Change Tue 3 – Fri 20 July 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from-country

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://www.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

120511 – More organisations state support for the Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 15/05/2012 by D

Contents:
* Quakers in Australia support Yolngu Nations Assembly
rejection of Stronger Futures Bills
* Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle in support of
Yolgnu Nations Statement
* CRA: Catholic Religious support the Yolngu Nations Statement
* Women for Wik respectfully support the Yolgnu Elders’ Statement
* STICS: From the bush to Bankstown:
communities prepare to fight ‘Stronger Futures’ implementation
* Presentation Sisters Victoria – Letter to the Hon. Jenny Macklin
* Public Statement protesting against the Stronger Futures Bills
* WFFR: Stronger Futures (SF) legislation is ‘No Future’
* Amy McQuire: Sydney Launch of NT Consultations Report 2011
* UnitingJustice: Uniting Church calls on Senators not to
pass Stronger Futures legislation
* Josephites urge Senate to reject Stronger Futures Bill?
* Michael Brull:
Shameful second intervention slips under the radar
* Rachel Siewert:
Greens set for debate on NT Intervention expansion
* More ‘Stronger Futures’ Legislation related articles
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Sovereign Union: Police and state allow drug trafficking
into Aboriginal communities
* Walmadan Tent Embassy, north of Broome, WA
* Background to the Aboriginal sovereignty movement

See:

WGAR News: Several organisations express support for the
Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement (10 May 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/10/wgar-news-several-organisations-express-support-for-the-yolngu-nations-assembly-statement

STICS compilation:
Yolŋu Nations Assembly Statement and Supporters

http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/yolngu-statement-and-supporters

“* Yolŋu Nations Assembly Statement regarding Australian
Federal Government Stronger Futures Bills and Northern
Territory Policies, to the Leaders of the Australian
Federal and Northern Territory Parliaments …
* Statements and Media Releases by Churches, Organisations
and Groups calling to abandon the Stronger Futures
Legislation and supporting the Yolŋu Nations Assembly
Statement … “

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

* QUAKERS IN AUSTRLIA SUPPORT YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY
REJECTION OF STRONGER FUTURES BILLS:

- Media Release

Quakers Australia:
Quakers in Australia support Yolŋu Nations Assembly
rejection of Stronger Futures Bills
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/Quakers-Australia.pdf
2 May 12: “Members of the Religious Society of Friends
(Quakers) in Australia support the Statement made by Yolŋu
Nations Assembly (see attachment) to the Australian Federal
and Northern Territory Parliaments calling on the Senate to
discard the Stronger Futures Bills in full.
We also endorse the call made by Yolŋu Nations Assembly for
the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to ‘end
their interventionist policies and agendas, and return to a
mindset of partnership based on the principles of
selfdetermination’.”

* JOSEPHITE SA RECONCILIATION CIRCLE IN SUPPORT OF
YOLGNU NATIONS STATEMENT:

- Statement

Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle In Support Of
Yolgnu Nations Statement
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/Josephite-SA-Reconciliation-Circle.pdf
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14936:northern-territory-josephite-sa-reconciliation-circle-in-support-of-yolgnu-nations-statement&catid=24:australia-indigenous-peoples&Itemid=57
3 May 12: “The Josephite SA Reconciliation Circle, together
with our mentor, Kaurna Elder Dr Alitya Rigney join our
voices with those of the Yolgnu Nations Assembly who
released their Statement yesterday, May 2, 2012. Together
with the Assembly, we ‘reject the Stronger Futures Bill (and
those associated) and call on the Senate to discard these
Bills in full.’
Since the inception of the Intervention into the NT in 2007,
our Circle has campaigned against this disempowering
legislation. Now, in support of the Yolngu Nations, we once
again call on both Federal and NT Governments to work with
Aboriginal communities rather than impose their own
decisions.
Many of our members have a teaching background so realise
the effectiveness of children learning in their own
language. Together with the Yolgnu Nations, we therefore
also call ‘for an end to the Northern Territory
Government’s Compulsory Teaching in English for the First
Four Hours of Each Day policy.’ … “

See:

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

* CRA: CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS SUPPORT THE YOLNGU NATIONS STATEMENT

- Statement

Catholic Religious Australia (CRA):
Catholic Religious support the Yolŋu Nations Statement
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/Catholic-Religious-Au.pdf
6 May 12: “Catholic Religious Australia acknowledges with
respect and fully supports the Yolŋu Nations Statement.
Catholic Religious Australia supports the Yolŋu Nations’
call to reject the legislation of the ‘Stronger Futures
Northern Territory 2011 Bills’.
“We have joined with the many Aboriginal, Torres Strait
Islander and other Australians who have often spoken about
the need to consult Aboriginal people and their Elders in
the planning of actions and recommendations that will
affect their lives rather than legislating and imposing
obligations and rules.”
Catholic Religious Australia urges the Federal Government
and the Northern Territory Government to listen to the
Yolŋu Nations and their requests to abandon this
legislation, to honour the legitimate role of the Land
Councils and to end interventionist policies.
The Yolŋu Nations clearly state that the way forward is
through partnership based on the principles of
Self-determination.”

* WOMEN FOR WIK RESPECTFULLY SUPPORT THE YOLGNU ELDERS’ STATEMENT:

- Statement

Women for Wik respectfully support the Yolgnu Elders’ Statement
STICS: [scroll down page to end] http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/yolngu-statement-and-supporters
Womenforwik: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-May/000763.html
11 May 12: “Women for Wik respectfully support the Yolgnu
Elders’ Statement in their determined opposition to The
Stronger Futures Legislation.
This legislation will undermine the human rights of
Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory until 2022
- and will renew and even expand some of the harshest
measures under the Howard Government’s’ Northern Territory
Emergency Response for ten more years according to ANTar.
We join an increasing number of national organisations and
concerned individuals supporting this important Statement.”

* STICS:
FROM THE BUSH TO BANKSTOWN:
COMMUNITIES PREPARE TO FIGHT ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ IMPLEMENTATION

- Media Release

Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney:
From the bush to Bankstown
- communities prepare to fight ‘Stronger Futures’ implementation
9 May 12: “Remote NT communities are joining with the
south-western Sydney suburb of Bankstown in a pledge to
challenge the implementation of ‘Stronger Futures’
legislation which is set to be debated in the Senate
today. …
In an historic statement from Arnhem Land last week, Yolŋu
Elders pledged to refuse to negotiate any leases, including
mining exploration leases, while the government pushed ahead
with ‘Stronger Futures’. …
Mathew Dhulumburrk, a Gupapuyngu Elder from Ramingining, was
part of the Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, (Yolŋu Nations Assembly)
which issued the statement against Stronger Futures last
week:
“We do not want another decade of discrimination here at
Ramingining. After five years, it feels like the water
level has climbed up to our neck. Another ten years will
bring it way over our heads. The government is drowning us
slowly and wonders why twice as many of our young people
are attempting suicide. There is no valid reason to
discriminate against Yolŋu in this way.”
“We put out a statement last week and we stand by that.
We will not be co-operating with the government when they
try and bring in Stronger Futures. We will not sign any
leases over our land. We want to determine our own future
and run our own communities. We need laws and support that
will let us do that”, concluded Mr Dhulumburrk.”

* PRESENTATION SISTERS VICTORIA
- LETTER TO THE HON. JENNY MACKLIN:

- Letter

Presentation Sisters Victoria – Letter to the Hon. Jenny Macklin
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/Presentation-Sisters-Victoria.pdf
2 May 12: “Dear Ms Macklin, …
We urge you to listen to the voices of the peoples of the 8
nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land at
Yolngu Nations Assembly to “end their interventionist
policies and agendas, and return to a mindset of partnership
based on the principles of Self-Determination”. … “

* PUBLIC STATEMENT PROTESTING AGAINST THE STRONGER FUTURES BILLS:

- Statement

Hon Robyn Layton AO QC,
Prof. Peter Buckskin PSM FACE,
Dr Irene Watson,
Dr Lester-Irabinna Rigney PhD, MACE:
Public Statement protesting against the Stronger Futures Bills
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/R-Layton-P-Buckskin-I-Watson-LI-Rigney.pdf
3 May 12: “We sign this Public Statement to express our
strongest support for the Abiriginal Yolgnu Nations
Assembly representing some 8,000 Aboriginal people in west,
central and east Arnhem Land who oppose the passage of
these Bills in the Senate. …
We support the Yolgnu Nations in their call on ” both the
Australian Federal and Northern Territory Governments to
end their interventions policies and agendas, and return to
a mindset of partnership based on Self-Determination”.”

* WFFR: STRONGER FUTURES (SF) LEGISLATION IS ‘NO FUTURE’

- Media Release

Whitehorse Friends For Reconciliation Inc. (WFFR):
Stronger Futures (SF) legislation is ‘No Future’
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/WFFR.pdf
4 May 12: “‘Stronger’ call by Northern Aboriginal Elders to
discard Stronger Futures legislation package
Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation is one of many small
community groups which regularly gather to discuss ways of
enhancing reconciliation and respectful relationships
between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. We work
through local community awareness-raising, and through
lobbying members of all parliaments, both state and
federal. …
Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation (WFFR) acknowledges
the Yolŋu Nations Assembly in their struggle, and supports
their statement, …
WFFR asks the Government also to honour their commitment to
the UNDRIP and human rights principles.
The legislation is due to be debated in the senate in May.
We call on the leaders of our country and each Senator to
personally read the Makarr Dhunni (Yolŋu Nations Assembly)
statement, … “

* AMY McQUIRE: SYDNEY LAUNCH OF NT CONSULTATIONS REPORT 2011

- 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 …
and Amy McQuire, Editor, Tracker Magazine
please click here for her speech
Published by ‘concerned Australians’ February 2012 http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#NTCR2011

- Speech

Amy McQuire: Sydney Launch of NT Consultations Report 2011

http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/NTCR_launch_speech_Amy_McQuire.pdf

“Thank you all for being here, and thanks to ‘concerned
Australians’, for inviting me to help launch this book.
Before I get into anything else, I want to stress how
incredibly important the NT Consultations Report 2011 is.
It harnesses the voices of the previously unheard, and the
presently ignored. … What I’ve found while reading
through its glossy pages, is an overwhelming theme running
through each comment – that we need control back in our
hands, that we haven’t been properly consulted, and if we
have, than we haven’t been listened to, and that
overwhelmingly the promises – for new houses, for better
education, for safer communities, have been broken. … “

For the order form: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/NTCR2011_Order_Form_Apr_2012.pdf

For a book review: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/NTCR-Book-review.pdf

* UNITINGJUSTICE:
UNITING CHURCH CALLS ON SENATORS NOT TO PASS
STRONGER FUTURES LEGISLATION

- News

UnitingJustice Australia:
Uniting Church calls on Senators not to pass
Stronger Futures legislation

http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/justice-for-indigenous-australians/news/item/847-uniting-church-calls-on-senators-not-to-pass-stronger-futures-legislation

9 May 12: “The Uniting Church’s justice unit UnitingJustice
Australia has written to Senators urging them to reject the
Stronger Futures legislation scheduled for debate in the
Senate today. National Director of UnitingJustice Rev.
Elenie Poulos expressed her concern that the legislation,
which renews and extends conditions of the NT Intervention,
is being pushed through ‘under the radar’ in Budget Week
without adequate consultation with Indigenous people.”

* JOSEPHITES URGE SENATE TO REJECT STRONGER FUTURES BILL?:

- Media Release

Leaders of the Congregations and Provinces of the
Sisters of St Joseph, Australia:
Josephites urge Senate to reject Stronger Futures Bill?
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Stronger-Futures/Sisters-of-St-Joseph.pdf
2 May 12: “The Sisters of St Joseph throughout Australia
are urging Senators to reject the Stronger Futures
legislation when it comes before the Senate in Early May.
Josephites continue to question the government’s proposed
expansion of compulsory income management, its punitive
welfare policy, and particularly the new proposal (SEAM),
which aims to increase school attendance by tying welfare
payments to days that students are present at school.
Speaking as a Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph right
across Australia, Sr Anne Derwin echoed the ongoing
disappointment of many Australians.
‘This latest bill reminds us once again of all our concerns
about the previous legislation. … ‘ Sr Anne said.”

* MICHAEL BRULL:
SHAMEFUL SECOND INTERVENTION SLIPS UNDER THE RADAR

- Analysis / Opinion

ABC Drum Opinion:
Shameful second intervention slips under the radar

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4003152.html

10 May 12: “Right now, Australian political commentary is
focussed on the budget. For a while, it will be the major
topic of the day for journalists and the media. In the
midst of all this, it appears that something awful is going
to slip under the radar. That is, the second intervention.
A raft of the so-called Stronger Futures bills is going to
be debated in the Senate. The Coalition and Labor support
intervention two. The Greens have valiantly struggled
against the intervention, to little avail. And when these
laws pass, it will mean 10 more years of intervention.”
Michael Brull, is studying a Juris Doctor at UNSW and
is involved in Stop The Intervention Collective Sydney

* RACHEL SIEWERT:
GREENS SET FOR DEBATE ON NT INTERVENTION EXPANSION:

- Media Release

Rachel Siewert:
Greens set for debate on NT Intervention expansion

http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-set-debate-nt-intervention-expansion

9 May 12: “The Australian Greens will today vote ‘No’ if the
Government brings on the Strong Futures Legislation in the
Senate to extend and expand the NT Intervention.
“If the Government and Coalition continue to support the
Intervention, the Greens will then propose a range of
amendments to the flawed legislation,” Senator Rachel
Siewert, spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Issues said today.
“People in the NT are facing the prospect of 10 more years
of the intervention.
“The Greens have taken a strong and consistent stance
against the Intervention since it was introduced under the
Howard Government. Since then, the ALP Government has
continued it and is now expanding it.
“We strongly oppose this legislation, but I am not going to
sit back and watch the Government and Coalition rush this
through the Senate without trying to limit the harm it will
cause.
“The Greens amendments address some of the most significant
areas of concern. … “

* MORE ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

Northern Rivers Echo: Red tape binding the vulnerable

http://www.echonews.com.au/story/2012/05/10/red-tape-binding-the-vulnerable/

10 May 12: “An aspect of the intervention that has proven
to be one of the most controversial is income management,
an anodyne term for quarantining 50-100% of Centrelink
payments, insuring that they are spent on essentials such
as housing, food and clothing, and not on alcohol, gambling
and pornography. Another stated goal is to protect
vulnerable people from financial exploitation. While the
response has sometimes been mixed, opposition from many of
those forcibly enrolled into the program shows no sign of
dissipating.” Martin Oliver, a freelance journalist with an
interest in social justice

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio Online News 10.05.2012

http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-online-news-10-05-2012

10 May 12: “* The Gillard Labor Government has committed
more than 3. Billion dollars over 10 years towards
implementing Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory as
part of a 5.2 billion dollar national package to help close
the gap nationally on Aboriginal disadvantage.
* The Australian Greens say they will vote ‘No’ if the
Government brings on the Strong Futures Legislation in the
Senate to extend and expand the NT Intervention.”

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Elders have had their rights taken away: Assembly

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7186-elders-have-had-their-rights-taken-away-assembly

10 May 12: “Spokesperson [for the Yolgnu Nations Assembly]
Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra says Stronger Futures is worse than
the Howard Government’s Emergency Response strategy and the
key to formulating positive policy in the Territory is
consultation.
“I emphasise two things that hurt the most.
“Just out of the blue, we were told that the special
measure will extend for another 10 years and no
negotiation, no dialogue.
“Number two was that the Minister [for Indigenous Affairs
Jenny Macklin] will take most of the measures under her
control.
“It’s taking away the power, the authority, the right from
the elders of our eight nations.”"

Stronger Futures debate resumes in Senate
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/stronger-futures-debate-resumes-in-senate/
Herald Sun: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/senate-debates-nt-intervention/story-fn6bfkm6-1226351259607
10 May 12: “THE Labor Federal Government dropped the ball
on the Northern Territory intervention program in
Aboriginal communities, the Senate has heard. Debate on the
Government’s Stronger Futures laws resumed in the Senate
yesterday. … Last week, a group of traditional owners,
the Yolngu Nations Assembly which represents 8000 people in
west, central and east Arnhem Land, threatened to revolt
against the legislation. … The Australian Greens have
signalled they will oppose the bills.”

SBS World News: NT-style income curbs rile Sydney groups

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1648955/NT-style-income-curbs-rile-Sydney-groups

9 May 12: “The Stronger Futures laws, to continue the
Howard government’s NT intervention, may meet resistance in
Sydney’s southwest as well as the NT. The federal
government could face resistance to its income management
policy from people in Sydney as well as remote Northern
Territory Aboriginal communities. The government’s Stronger
Futures laws, designed to carry on the Howard government’s
NT intervention, are expected to pass the parliament with
bipartisan support.”

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

Last updated: 10 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

* SOVEREIGN UNION:
POLICE AND STATE ALLOW DRUG TRAFFICKING INTO
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

- Media Release

Sovereign Union:
Police and state allow drug trafficking into
Aboriginal communities

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/police-and-state-allow-drug-trafficking-aboriginal-communities

10 May 12: “Michael Anderson, interim spokesperson for
‘Sovereign Union’ states in a Media Release that is very
clear that the drug traffickers are vigorously targeting
Aboriginal communities in various parts of Australia, and
there is a lack of real interest by the state police.
Instead of rigorous police investigations many communities
find that the police are targeting and harassing them
instead of the perpetrators.
Mr Anderson said that police and state officials appear to
be only too happy that Aboriginal communities are being
targeted by the drug trade in order to maintain the
impression that our communities are totally dysfunctional
and therefore need intervention of one type or another. It
is difficult for the community members to understand why
police appear to take no action when names and addresses are
given of those trafficking drugs into the communities.”

* WALMADAN TENT EMBASSY, NORTH OF BROOME, WA:

- News

Walmadan Tent Embassy (James Price Point)
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/walmadan-tent-embassy-james-price-point
“On the 14th September, 2011, Kimberley Traditional Owners
launched a Tent Embassy at Walmadan (James Price Point), 60
klms north of Broome WA. In an early morning ceremony Joseph
Roe lit the fire with ash sent from the fire of the
Canberra Aboriginal Tent Embassy, where their fire has been
burning for 40 years. In a statement read by Dr Anne
Poelina, Michael Anderson from the original Tent Embassy
said “It is an absolute joy to know that the people of the
Kimberley are now making your statement loud and clear”.”

See:

Facebook: Goolarabooloo and Lurujarri Heritage Trail

http://www.facebook.com/Goolarabooloo

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT:

Last updated: 10 May 2012

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

120510 – Several organisations express support for the Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 10/05/2012 by D

Contents:
* ‘concerned Australians’ gives its full support to the
Yolngu Nations Assembly statement
* SNAICC
 stands 
in
 solidarity 
with
 Yolngu
 Nations
 Assembly
* St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully supports Yolngu Elders
* UCA: Federal Government should heed Yolngu voices
* Mornington IAAG stands with Yolgnu Elders in their
opposition to the “Stronger Futures” legislation
* ACMM: Yolngu Nations Reject “Stronger Futures Proposed
Legislation”
* ACM Sydney: Yolngu Nations Reject “Stronger Futures”
* Institute of the Sisters of Mercy supports Statement of
Yolngu Nations Assembly
* Congress:
Stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations
* NATSICC Calls for Senators not to pass Stronger Futures NT Bill
* NATSIEC: Stronger Futures or Stronger Policing
* More ‘Stronger Futures’ Legislation related articles
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* The Wire: Muckaty community living ‘under the nuclear cloud’
* Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* The Wire: Indigenous languages have role in education
* ABC: Indigenous languages disappearing as lobbying starts
for bilingual programmes
* Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
* Other articles

See:

Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Yolŋu Nations Assembly)
‘cA’: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
“Statement regarding Australian Federal Government Stronger
Futures Bills and Northern Territory Policies, to the
Leaders of the Australian Federal and Northern Territory
Parliaments”

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

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

* ‘CONCERNED AUSTRALIANS’ GIVES ITS FULL SUPPORT TO THE
YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY STATEMENT:

- Media Release

‘concerned Australians’:
Initiative and Ability to Listen
- but – a Change is Desperately Needed
STICS: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/initiative-and-ability-to-listen—but—a-change-is-desperately-needed-2-5-12
2 May 12: “Today the Yolngu Nations Assembly sent a
statement to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and
Opposition leader Tony Abbott. It was also sent to other
senior politicians in the Federal and Northern Territory
governments, calling for a changed approach to policy in
the Northern Territory.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly is made up of 8 Nations from
West, Central and East Arnhem Land.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly statement clearly informs
Government that it does not support the proposed Stronger
Futures legislation. It has stated that it believe its aims
and those of Government can be achieved through
partnerships in communities and based on the principles of
self-determination.
‘concerned Australians’ acknowledges this statement and
gives its full support to it.
Spokesperson, Michele Harris, states that, ” ‘concerned
Australians’ joins with the Yolngu Nations Assembly, other
social justice organisations and leading Australians, in
calling for an end to the interventionist policies of the
last five years. … “”

* SNAICC STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY:

- Media Release

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
SNAICC
 stands 
in
 solidarity 
with
 Yolŋu
 Nations
 Assembly

http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news-events/dsp-default-e.cfm?loadref=86&txnid=1278&txnctype=resource&txncstype=document

http://www.snaicc.asn.au/_uploads/rsfil/02813.pdf

2 May 12: “SNAICC stands in solidarity with the Yolnuw
Makarr Dhuni (Yolnu Nations Assembly) of Western, Central
and East Arnhem Land.
The Yolnu Nations have called on the Senate to discard in
full the Stronger Futures package of bills that, if
enacted, would extend the intervention in Northern
Territory Aboriginal communities for 10 years.
SNAICC agrees with this unambiguous position.
In our submission to the Senate Community Affairs
Legislation Committee, SNAICC recommended that the
legislation be completely redeveloped in accordance with
international human rights laws to which Australia is
bound.
Some of the basic human rights that SNAICC considers are not
fully reflected in the Stronger Futures bills are the right
to self-determination and the right for communities to give
their free, prior and informed consent to measures that may
affect them.
These are the same principles that the Yol?u Nations are
asking the Australian and Northern Territory governments to
uphold – and to work in meaningful partnership with
Aboriginal communities to arrive at effective long-term
solutions.”

* ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY RESPECTFULLY SUPPORTS YOLGNU ELDERS:

- Media Release

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council:
St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully supports Yolngu Elders

http://vinnies.org.au/files/NAT/SocialJustice/2012/Stronger%20Futures%20MR%20for%20May%202.pdf

3 May 12: “St Vincent de Paul Society National Council CEO,
Dr John Falzon, issued the following statement in response
to the Statement released this morning by Elders of the
Yolngu Nations Assembly in Arnhem Land:
“The Elders of the Yolngu Nations Assembly today issued an
historical statement regarding the Australian Government’s
Stronger Futures Bills.
“Their words are born from a strong and positive vision for
Australia.
“All of us, especially those elected as legislators, have a
duty to listen to these words and to take heed of their
rejection of the Stronger Futures Bills. …
“The St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully acknowledges
and supports the Statement of the Elders of the Yolngu
Nations Assembly and calls on the Australian Government to
do likewise.”"

* UCA: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HEED YOLNGU VOICES

- News

Uniting Church of Australia ASSEMBLY
Federal Government should heed Yolngu voices

http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/1128-federal-government-should-heed-yolngu-voices

2 May 12: “The Uniting Church in Australia has welcomed a
statement by the Yolngu Nations Assembly that rejects any
further extension of the Northern Territory Intervention.
“The best and only way forward for Indigenous Australians
is through genuine partnerships between communities and all
levels of Government,” said President of the Uniting Church
in Australia’s National Assembly Rev. Alistair Macrae.
“When self-determination is side-lined any progress for our
First Peoples is an illusion.”"

* MORNINGTON IAAG STANDS WITH YOLGNU ELDERS IN THEIR
OPPOSITION TO THE “STRONGER FUTURES” LEGISLATION:

- Statement

Mornington Interchurch Aboriginal Awareness Group Stands
With Yolgnu Elders In Their Opposition To The “Stronger
Futures” Legislation
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14921:northern-territory-mornington-interchurch-aboriginal-awareness-group-stands-with-yolgnu-elders-in-their-opposition-to-the-stronger-futures-legislation&catid=24&Itemid=57
8 May 12: “The Mornington Interchurch Aboriginal Awareness
Group, which draws its membership from five Christian
denominations on the Mornington Peninsula, has had first
hand contact with the Elders of the Yolgnu nations of north
east Arnhem Land and their concerns for more than a year.
The opposition of many Indigenous clan leaders,
particularly the Yolgnu Elders, to the Federal Government’s
“Stronger Futures”” legislation, is very well known to us.
As a Group, we strongly support their criticisms set out in
their current statement of the Yolgnu Nations Assembly of
the legislation about to go before the Senate for debate.
On the occasion of the original Howard Government’s
Emergency Intervention, we made contact with the Yolgnu
Elders, and studied the concerns they expressed with their
people, especially how they were being discriminated
against by the Intervention’s actions, and without any
effective consultation – before or afterwards.”

* ACMM: YOLNGU NATIONS REJECT
“STRONGER FUTURES PROPOSED LEGISLATION”

- Statement

Yolŋu Nations Reject “Stronger Futures Proposed Legislation”
- Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne Statement
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14916:northern-territory-yol-u-nations-reject-stronger-futures-proposed-legislation-aboriginal-catholic-ministry-melbourne-statement&catid=24:australia-indigenous-peoples&Itemid=57
8 May 12: “The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight
nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas
of the Northern Territory, have released a statement
rejecting the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures
legislation.
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne (ACMM) supports the
recent statement by the Nations of the Yolŋuw Makarr Dhunni
(Yolŋu Nations Assembly) of the Western, Central and
Eastern Arnhem Land areas, Northern Territory.
The Government has received 454 submissions to the Senate
Community Affairs committee’s inquiry into the Bills. The
vast majority of submissions, which included Aboriginal
peoples and organisations, community groups, Churches, human
rights groups, welfare groups and individuals, strongly
opposed measures, rejected the Bills, or asked for its
withdrawal. More than 35,000 people have signed the Stand
for Freedom petition. Other Traditional owners have also
made strong statements. Yet the Government is ignoring all
this informed opposition and is pushing through its own
agenda to pass the Stronger Futures legislation.”

See:

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

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

* ACM SYDNEY: YOLNGU NATIONS REJECT “STRONGER FUTURES”

- Statement

Yolŋu Nations Reject “Stronger Futures”
- Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese Statement
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14915:northern-territory-yol-u-nations-reject-stronger-futures-aboriginal-catholic-ministry-sydney-archdiocese-statement&catid=24&Itemid=57
8 May 12: “The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight
nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas
of the Northern Territory, have released a statement
rejecting the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures
legislation. Graeme Mundine, Executive Officer of the
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese has
welcomed the statement.
Mr Mundine said “The statement by the Yolŋu Nations
Assembly cannot be any clearer. The Yolŋu have consistently
asked for partnership and self-determination, not
intervention and discrimination. The Yolŋu peoples do not
want disempowering relationships with Government.
“The Yolŋu Assembly are also asking all NT Traditional
Owners to refuse to participate in land lease negotiations
and approval of exploration licenses until the Government
throws out the Stronger Futures legislation. In doing this
the Yolŋu Nations are clearly stating they have had enough
of being pressured to agree to things that are negatively
impacting their communities.”"

See:

WGAR News: Graeme Mundine, ACM Sydney:
“Stronger Futures Legislation. Points Against” (8 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/08/wgar-news-stronger-futures-or-stolen-futures-bishops-and-religious-question-legislation-a

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

* INSTITUTE OF SISTERS OF MERCY SUPPORTS STATEMENT OF
YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY:

- Statement

Response To The Statement Of The Yolnu Nations Assembly In
Arnhem Land Regarding The Stronger Futures Bills And
Northern Territory Policies
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14918:northern-territory-response-to-the-statement-of-the-yolnu-nations-assembly-in-arnhem-land-regarding-the-stronger-futures-bills-and-northern-territory-policies&catid=24&Itemid=57
8 May 12: “The Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia
and Papua New Guinea supports the Statement of the Yolnu
Nations Assembly in Arnhem Land which calls on both the
‘Australian Federal and Northern Territory Governments to
end their interventionist policies and agendas, and return
to a mindset of partnership based on the principles of
Self-Determination’.
Sister Annette Schneider RSM, spokeswoman for the Institute
of more than 900 Sisters of Mercy, joins with all people of
good-will who seek an end to the intervention policies in
the Northern Territory.
The Stronger Futures Bill (and those associated) which is
not supported by the Yolnu Nations will soon come before
the Senate. “We hope that each Senator will genuinely
consider the legislation and its impact before they vote
on the Bill” said Sister Annette.”

* CONGRESS:
STOP, LISTEN AND TEST NT LAWS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

- Media Release

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations

http://nationalcongress.com.au/stop-listen-test-nt-laws-for-human-rights/

4 May 12: “Congress says Govt should stop, listen and test
NT laws for human rights violations
Congress says it will continue to oppose new Intervention
laws because they have not been tested for human rights
violations as part of its on-going support to Aboriginal
people in the Northern Territory.
Congress Co-Chairs Jody Broun and Les Malezer said more
Aboriginal people are calling for the laws before
Parliament to be scrapped, most recently the Yolgnu Nations
Assembly, which represents 8000 traditional owners in west,
central and east Arnhem Land.
“Here is another significant group of our peoples, directly
affected by the laws, who are actually calling this
legislation ‘racist’ in their letter to the Prime Minister,”
said Mr. Malezer.
“This is a strong and simple message to the Government that
these laws must be independently reviewed to ensure they do
not breach human rights standards and international
obligations.
“The Government has ‘willful deafness’ on such a
fundamental issue, even after critical reports on the
Intervention by the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur for Indigenous
Peoples. … “”

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio Online News 09.08.2012

http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-online-news-09-08-2012

9 May 12: “Australia’s peak national representative body
for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islanders says it will
continue to oppose proposed new Intervention laws for the
Northern Territory because they have not been tested for
human rights violations.”

- Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Congress supports Yolngu rejection of Stronger Futures

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7183-congress-supports-yolngu-rejection-of-stronger-futures

8 May 12: “The nation’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander representative body says there are serious human
rights concerns over the Federal Government’s Stronger
Futures legislation. The National Congress of Australia’s
First Peoples says it will continue to oppose the proposed
expansion of the Northern Territory Intervention. Co-Chair
Les Malezer has acknowledged a recent move by Arnhem Land’s
Yolngu Nations Assembly to send a letter to the Prime
Minister saying they don’t want Stronger Futures.”

Koori Mail: Congress flags Budget support
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
9 May 12: “THE National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples has welcomed funding arrangements for the Northern
Territory, detailed in last night’s Federal Budget, but
says it is still analysing the Budget’s Indigenous spend to
gauge how much of it is new investment. Congress Director
Rod Little said the ten-year NT funding would mean greater
certainty for Aboriginal community organisations and enable
better planning and program continuity. He said communities
would be more viable with strengthened local
decision-making and greater flexibility rather than blanket
approaches and punitive measures that didn’t increase
long-term sustainability.”

Koori Mail: Congress lobbies for bills to be scrapped
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
8 May 12: “THE National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples has established an electronic letter campaign to
encourage Australians to protest Federal Government plans
to extend the NT Intervention for a decade. Congress
co-chairs Les Malezer and Jody Broun say the Government’s
new Intervention laws, encapsulated in Stronger Futures
bills currently before the Senate, have not been tested for
human rights violations. The representative body’s letter
campaign (at http://nationalcongress.com.au ) encourages
people to write to their local federal parliamentarian to
do what they can to have the bills withdrawn and Aboriginal
people consulted properly.”

Australian: Intervention laws face human rights hurdle

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/intervention-laws-face-human-rights-hurdle/story-fn59niix-1226346277344

4 May 12: “THE National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples has threatened to use “domestic and international
human rights forums” to humiliate the Gillard government
over the next stage of its radical intervention into
Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The new
peak Aboriginal representative body, which is partly funded
by the federal government and has discussion meetings with
Julia Gillard, is becoming increasingly active in opposing
Labor’s approach to indigenous affairs.”

See:

Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Last updated: 5 May 2012

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

* NATSICC CALLS FOR SENATORS NOT TO PASS STRONGER FUTURES NT BILL:

- Statement

NATSICC Calls For Senators Not To Pass Stronger Futures
Northern Territory Bill 2011
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14927:northern-territory-natsicc-calls-for-senators-not-to-pass-stronger-futures-northern-territory-bill-2011&catid=24&Itemid=57
8 May 12: “The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) fully endorses the
stance taken by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
and Catholic Religious Australia in calling for Senators
not to pass the Stronger Futures Northern Territory Bill
2011.
NATSICC have been consulting and listening to our
Aboriginal brothers and sisters in the Northern Territory
and have come to the conclusion that the Stronger Futures
Bill is not the answer for all Aboriginal people. “In its
true sense, it (the NTER) has really disempowered
Indigenous Australians living in the NT” said one
respondent to our consultations. Because our communities
are made up of so many different language groups, ages,
personalities and geographical boundaries, the council
strongly advises against a ‘one size fits all’ mentality
when legislating for our people.”

- Related News

Catholic Leader: Church on indigenous elders’ side

http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/top-stories/church-on-indigenous-elders-side_79497

13 May 12: “AUSTRALIA’S Catholic bishops and leaders of
religious congregations have added their voice to
Aboriginal elders calling for an end to the Northern
Territory Intervention and the Federal Government’s
proposed Stronger Futures legislation. On May 2, the Yolngu
National Assembly, involving eight indigenous nations in
the Western, Central and East Arnhem Lands areas of the
Northern Territory representing 8000 Aboriginal people,
sent a statement to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and
Federal Opposition Leader Tont Abbott calling for a changed
approach to Northern Territory policy.”

Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese:
Bishops & Religious Back Calls for Halt to NT “Intervention”

http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/201258_1842.shtml

8 May 12: “Australia’s Catholic bishops and religious have
appealed to Federal Senators not to pass “Stronger Futures
Northern Territory 2011 Bill” which would see the
Territory’s controversial “Intervention” policy extended
for a further 10 years. “We urge the Federal Government to
abandon this legislation and develop strategies based on
trust and respect which will promote collaboration with the
Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory in
decision-making relating to their future,” said Archbishop
Philip Wilson and Sister Anne Derwin rsj, in a statement
issued on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops
Conference (ACBC) and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA).”

See:

WGAR News: “Stronger futures or stolen futures
- Bishops and Religious question legislation” ACBC (8 May 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/08/wgar-news-stronger-futures-or-stolen-futures-bishops-and-religious-question-legislation-a

* NATSIEC: STRONGER FUTURES OR STRONGER POLICING

- Statement

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical
Commission:
Stronger Futures or Stronger Policing

http://www.ncca.org.au/departments/natsiec/666-stronger-futures-or-stronger-policing

“The Stronger Futures Legislation is disproportionate with
the peoples wishes and catapults Indigenous communities
back to the micro-management of Mission days is the message
from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC). NATSIEC, as the peak
Indigenous ecumenical body and commission of the National
Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) requests that the
Government heed the message of the Northern Territory
Elders, communities and service providers in their quest
for authentic consultation and negotiation to gain stronger
and better futures for themselves. …
Stronger Futures can be visionary. To be authentic it must
reflect the Indigenous voices as well as observe
International Human Rights laws and the United Nations
Declaration on the rights of Australian Indigenous Peoples.”

* MORE ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Media Releases

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Congress Statement on the Federal budget 2012-13
9 May 12: “Congress notes the $5.2 billion announced in
tonight’s “Indigenous Budget Statement” as part of the
2012-13 Federal Budget.
The joint Ministerial announcement for employment,
education, health, community development and community
safety, identifies the Government’s funding commitments in
their efforts to close the gap.
Congress and all of our peak Member organisations are
analysing the detail of these announcements to gauge what
is new investment by the Government and together will
monitor the effectiveness of this investment.
Congress specifically welcomes the ten-year funding
arrangements for the Northern Territory which will ensure
greater certainty for Aboriginal community organisations to
influence positive change. …
We also know that blanket approaches and punitive measures
do not increase long-term sustainability of our communities
and we need to see more flexibility and working in equal
partnerships with communities.”

ANTaR: Budget delivers investment in remote communities

http://www.antar.org.au/budget_delivers_investment_in_remote_communities_0

9 May 12: “ANTaR has welcomed long-term funding delivered
by the Budget for essential services in remote communities,
along with new governance and leadership programs.
“ANTaR has welcomed long-term funding of more the $3.4
billion over 10 years to fund health, education, justice
and homelands services in the NT as a significant
development. This offers funding security for remote
communities and will enable local community organisations
to plan for the future,” said Jacqueline Phillips,
National Director.
“The announcement of funds to employ Indigenous Engagement
Officers in remote communities and programs to support
governance and leadership are also welcomed as positive
developments.”
“ANTaR hopes this will facilitate increased local
Aboriginal participation in the coordination and delivery
of services and build governance and leadership capacity
in communities.”
“However, these initiatives sit uneasily with the
Government’s Stronger Futures bills which are listed for
debate in the Senate today. Should these bills pass
without major changes, ANTaR fears further long-term damage
to relationships between many NT Aboriginal communities and
governments.” … “

See:

WGAR News: Responses to Ten-Year Funding of
NT Aboriginal Communities (1 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/01/wgar-news-responses-to-ten-year-funding-of-nt-aboriginal-communities

ANTaR: Long term commitment to NT communities welcomed

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

- News

Koori Mail: ANTaR: Govt bills risk relationships
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
9 May 12: “LOBBY group ANTaR has welcomed 2012 Federal
Budget announcements of more the $3.4 billion over ten
years to fund health, education, justice and homelands
services in the Northern Territory. But it says funding for
positive initiatives such as Indigenous Engagement Officers
in remote communities and programs to support governance
and leadership sit uneasily with the Government’s Stronger
Futures bills, listed for debate in the Senate today. ANTaR
National Director Jacqueline Phillips said relationships
between many NT Aboriginal communities and governments
would be damaged if the bills were passed without major
changes.”

Koori Mail: Greens prepare for Intervention fight
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
9 May 12: “THE Australian Greens have vowed to vote against
the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures legislation in
the Senate today, but will propose a range of amendments to
limit its harm if the Coaltion and Government senators are
determined to support the controversial bills. Senator
Rachel Siewert said the time had come for a new approach,
and called on her fellow Senators to pay attention to the
wishes of communities and individuals speaking out against
the measures.”

newsTracker: Stronger Futures expected to pass Upper House

http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/stronger-futures-expected-to-pass-upper-house/

9 May 12: “NATIONAL: The federal government’s controversial
plans to extend the NT intervention for another 10 years is
expected to pass the upper house today. Stronger Futures is
intended to fill the gap when the Northern Territory
Emergency Response (NTER) expires in August this year. The
controversial legislation has largely continued the aspects
of the Northern Territory intervention, which was launched
by the Howard government in 2007 following a media panic
over reports of child sexual abuse in Northern Territory
Aboriginal communities.”

BUDGET ’12: Funds committed to Stronger Futures
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/budget-12-funds-committed-to-stronger-futures/
The West: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/13636548/indigenous-cash-to-close-gap
9 May 12: “The decade long continuation of the NT
intervention in Aboriginal communities will receive $3.4
billion but only modest sums will be spent in the first
year. The Gillard government’s Stronger Futures legislation
is expected to clear the Senate this week. They include
measurers such as alcohol restrictions and the
controversial scheme that links school truancy to parents
welfare payment cuts. The laws continue the Howard
government’s NT intervention in 2007.”

Australian: Jobs, housing to ‘close the gap’ between
black and white Australia

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/treasury/jobs-housing-to-close-the-gap-between-black-and-white-australia/story-fndbwnla-1226350268189

8 May 12: “MEASURES to “close the gap” between black and
white Australia will receive $5.2 billion, with the
centrepiece a $3.4 billion 10-year package to continue the
Northern Territory intervention with a focus on employment
and housing. And under new spending unveiled by Indigenous
Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, State governments,
including Western Australia and South Australia, will
receive a $43.4 million investment.”

Koori Mail: Stronger Futures bills listed for debate
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
7 May 12: “THE Australian Senate is set to debate the
Federal Government’s proposed Stronger Futures legislation
on Wednesday, as critics including the group ‘concerned
Australians’, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
(ACBC), SNAICC and ANTaR continue their calls for the
controversial bills to be scrapped. If passed, the
legislation will continue the Northern Territory
intervention for up to another ten years.”

9 News: Fears intervention laws will sneak through

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8463099/bishops-slam-nt-intervention-extension

7 May 12: “Indigenous leaders fear the government will use
the cover of the federal budget to rush through
controversial laws to continue the Northern Territory
intervention program. The government’s Stronger Futures
draft laws are likely to clear the upper house with
bipartisan support after federal parliament resumes this
week and the 2012/13 budget is released on Tuesday. …
“Compulsory income management remains offensive and does
not support local decision-making, governance or
self-determination,” National Congress of Australia’s First
People representative Jody Broun said on Monday.”

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

Last updated: 8 May 2012

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

* THE WIRE: MUCKATY COMMUNITY LIVING ‘UNDER THE NUCLEAR CLOUD’

- Audio

The Wire: Muckaty community living ‘under the nuclear cloud’
Produced by Biwa Kwan

http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9101

7 May 12: “A rare glimpse into the everyday lives of people
in the Indigenous community of Muckaty in the Northern
Territory has been revealed at a photo exhibition in
Sydney. For the past six years, the community has been
living under the threat of being the site of Australia’s
first permanent nuclear waste dump. Organisers say the goal
of the exhibition is to raise awareness of the nuclear
threat faced by this remote community, often described as
being ‘in the middle of nowhere’. Biwa Kwan was at the
exhibition launch. (Image by Jagath Dheerasekara from the
‘Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud’ exhibition)
Featured in story:
Jagath Dheerasekara – documentary photographer
Dianne Stokes – a traditional owner of the Muckaty
community, Northern Territory”

- Event

Event: 4 May – 8 July 2012: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW
Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud
Photographs by Jagath Dheerasekara
Curated by Sandy Edwards
Head On Photo Festival
“”The photographs are excellent. They are a moving
portrayal of Aboriginal Australia that all Australians
aught to know about on an issue that wont go away.”
- John Pilger, Writer and Filmmaker, January 2012″
Event details: http://jagathdeerasekera.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/manuwangku-under-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

* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

Last updated: 6 May 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nuclear-waste-dump-in-nt-australia

* THE WIRE: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES HAVE ROLE IN EDUCATION

- Audio

The Wire: Indigenous languages have role in education
Produced by Natalie Muller

http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9103

8 May 12: “Australia used to be one of the most
language-diverse countries on earth, with over 250 dialects
spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. But
that number has been decimated by more than 90 per cent,
and today there are less than 20 indigenous languages still
going strong. How these languages can be used to improve
education and tackle disadvantage in communities is the
subject of an inquiry that has been going for a little over
a year. Advocates say it’s a crying shame so many tongues
have died off, and it’s up to the government to channel
more funding towards language education programs so they
can be revived. …
Featured in story:
* Gary Williams – Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture
Co-op, Nambucca Heads
* Shayne Neumann MP – Standing Committee on Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Affairs
* Susan Poetsch – Lecturer at the Koori Centre,
University of Sydney
* Ghil’ad Zuckermann – Professor of Linguistics and
Endangered Languages, University of Adelaide”

See:

Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into
language learning in Indigenous communities

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

[Includes 147 submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry.]

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

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

* ABC: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES DISAPPEARING AS LOBBYING STARTS
FOR BILINGUAL PROGRAMMES

- News

ABC Far North Queensland:
Indigenous languages disappearing as lobbying starts for
bilingual programmes

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/05/08/3498263.htm

8 May 12: “The Chair of an Aboriginal language group in
north Queensland says urgent funding is needed before 80
per cent of indigenous languages spoken in the region are
lost. … Mr Stockley, [Trevor Stockley] … said it was
vital to give indigenous children a strong grounding in
their first language. … “Schools are really important
places but if they’re alien places that don’t represent your
language, your culture or uphold your knowledge, then the
kid attending that school at the end of the day is not going
to feel good about himself, his language, culture or the
school and the consequences roll on.”" By Sam Davis

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

Last updated: 7 May 2012

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio

3CR Community Radio 855 AM – Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Out of the Pan – 7 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-06-83452.mp3
7 May 12: “Guest is Alison Thorne talking about the
indigenous deaths in custody rally (Saturday 12 May 11am
Bourke and Elizabeth Sts; (then on to Equal Love); bi and
trans invisibility from gay and lesbian organisations;
Russia; DSM 5 update and more.”

- Upcoming event

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

- Audio

3CR Community Radio 855 AM – Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Radioactive Show – 6 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-05-32532.mp3
6 May 12: “Highlights from the Lizard Rising Fundraiser for
the Lizards Revenge Festival and protest at Roxby Down
Olympic Dam expansion.”

See:

WGAR News: Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-dam-challenge-abc-pm

- News

Australian: Delay urged on indigenous referendum

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/delay-urged-on-indigenous-referendum/story-fn9hm1pm-1226350422118

9 May 12: “A REFERENDUM to recognise indigenous Australians
in the Constitution should be delayed until after next year
because of the “toxicity” that will surround the next
federal election, members of the government’s expert panel
say. Warning a defeat would devastate the campaign for
constitutional recognition, several members of the
now-disbanded panel want the government to reconsider its
commitment to hold a referendum at or before next year’s
election.”

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

120506 – “ANSTO radioactive waste application more responsible option than remote dump plan” BNI

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 07/05/2012 by D

Contents:
* Beyond Nuclear Initiative (BNI): ANSTO radioactive waste
application more responsible option than remote dump plan
* Background to the proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
* AuSIL: Indigenous languages in education:
What the research actually shows
* Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
* ABC Video: Elders take stand on intervention
* Congress:
Stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations
* Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
* More ‘Stronger Futures’ Legislation related articles
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Justice Reinvestment Campaign
* NITV News: Moree Tent Embassy
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies
* Other articles

* BEYOND NUCLEAR INITIATIVE (BNI):
ANSTO RADIOACTIVE WASTE APPLICATION MORE RESPONSIBLE OPTION
THAN REMOTE DUMP PLAN

- Media Release

Beyond Nuclear Initiative (BNI):
ANSTO radioactive waste application more responsible option
than remote dump plan

http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2012/05/02/ansto-radioactive-waste-application-more-responsible-option-than-remote-dump-plan/

1 May 12: “The Beyond Nuclear Initiative (BNI) has
cautiously welcomed news today that the Australian Nuclear
Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will apply to
build an interim storage facility at Lucas Heights for
radioactive waste due to return from overseas reprocessing.
BNI coordinator Natalie Wasley says the application shows
Minister Martin Ferguson’s current push for a remote dump
on the Muckaty Land Trust in the NT is losing ground and
that interim storage at Lucas Heights is a better option
while a comprehensive and long-term management plan is
considered. …
“The application to store this waste at ANSTO would see it
returning to a secured federal site where nuclear waste
and nuclear expertise is currently concentrated. This is
clearly a better interim plan than trucking waste
thousands of kilometres to a remote area with a couple of
security guards posted at the facility door”. … “

- Related Media Release

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO):
Plan in place to safely manage medical and research waste

http://www.ansto.gov.au/discovering_ansto/media_centre/ansto_media_releases_2013/ansto_media_releases_2013/plan_in_place_to_safely_manage_medical_and_research_waste

“The Australian Government’s nuclear agency, the Australian
Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will
apply for a licence to construct an interim storage
facility for Australian radioactive waste generated by
several decades of nuclear medicine production and
scientific research. …
For more than 50 years, almost all of Australia’s nuclear
medicine has been produced at Sydney’s Lucas Heights.
ANSTO produces 550,000 doses of medicine a year, which is
distributed to more than 250 hospitals and medical
centres across the country.
The proposed new storage facility at Lucas Heights
(subject to regulatory approval) would enable Australia
to meet obligations to repatriate Australian waste
currently being reprocessed in France and due, under
arrangements established by Governments in the 1990s, to
return to Australia by the end of 2015.
This proposed interim facility would operate at Lucas
Heights for up to five years from late 2015 – while
planning is underway for the siting, design and
construction of a permanent national radioactive waste
management facility anticipated to be operational by 2020.”

- Related Audio

ABC PM: ACF welcomes nuclear waste plan, but urges inquiry

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2012/s3493234.htm

1 May 12: “Australia’s biggest national environment group
has given cautious approval to radioactive waste storage
plans by Australia’s nuclear research agency ANSTO
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation).
ANSTO wants to store returned reprocessed radioactive waste
from France temporarily at its facility in Sydney’s Lucas
Heights. The Australian Conservation Foundation says it
makes sense to store it in a specially constructed building
at the ANSTO headquarters. But the ACF rejects the Federal
Government’s long term plan to transport nuclear waste to
a remote national storage facility. And it’s calling for a
full public inquiry into the country’s long term options
for nuclear waste storage.”
[Includes comments by ACF's David Sweeney and
ANSTO's CEO Dr Adi Paterson.]

- Related Analysis / Opinion

ABC Environment: We need to talk about Lucas Heights

http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2012/05/03/3494030.htm

3 May 12: “SUCCESSIVE FEDERAL governments have attempted to
manage Australia’s radioactive waste by keeping the issue
as low on the political radar and as far from the public
eye as possible. This approach has meant that instead of
developing a credible process to identify the range of best
management options they have been obsessed with a finding a
vulnerable and politically powerless postcode to host the
nation’s radioactive waste.” Dave Sweeney

- Related News

ABC Rural: Nuclear waste to be stored in Sydney

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nt/content/201205/s3493073.htm

1 May 12: “Nuclear waste could be stored in metropolitan
Sydney within five years. The waste is currently being
processed in Europe and will be stored at the Lucas Heights
facility in Sutherland upon it’s return to Australia. But
Adi Paterson from the Australian Nuclear Science and
Technology Organisation says Lucas Heights would only
provide an interim solution until a national repository is
built. “It is not a permanent storage location. “I think
permanent storage at Lucas Heights would be out of line
with international practice. … “”

ABC: Radioactive waste to be stored at Lucas Heights

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-01/radioactive-waste-to-be-stored-at-lucas-heights/3982380

1 May 12: “The Federal Government’s nuclear agency has
revealed plans to build a new radioactive waste storage
facility next to its reactor at Sydney’s Lucas Heights. The
waste was generated at the Sydney facility but was sent to
France several years ago to be reprocessed to remove
plutonium and residual uranium. … ANSTO’s chief doctor,
Adi Paterson, say the application has been lodged because a
national radioactive waste facility has still not been
built.”

SMH: Residents concerned at Sydney nuclear waste plan

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/residents-concerned-at-sydney-nuclear-waste-plan-20120501-1xwnu.html

1 May 12: “A plan to store radioactive waste in Sydney’s
southern suburbs raises safety concerns, says a local
councillor who is angry the area is being treated like a
world dumping ground. Thirteen cubic metres of the waste -
enough to fill one-third of a shipping container – will be
returned to Australia by 2015 and stored for five years at
the Lucas Heights nuclear facility.”

Australian: Nuclear waste to be shipped to Sydney

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news-old/nuclear-waste-to-be-shipped-to-sydney/story-fn3dxity-1226343514406

1 May 12: “A PLAN to store radioactive waste in Sydney’s
suburbs has the backing of the Australian Conservation
Foundation (ACF) because it won’t be dumped in the outback.
Thirteen cubic metres of the waste – enough to fill one
third of a shipping container – will be returned to
Australia by 2015 and stored for five years at the Lucas
Heights nuclear facility.”

The West: Locals angry over Sydney nuke waste plan

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/13564852/locals-slam-sydney-nuclear-waste-plan/

1 May 12: “A community in Sydney’s south has reacted
angrily to plans to store radioactive waste in the area,
saying Lucas Heights is being treated like a nuclear
“dumping ground”. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation (ANSTO) revealed that 13 cubic metres of waste
will be returned to Australia by 2015 and stored for five
years at the Lucas Heights nuclear facility.”

SMH: Locals angry over Sydney nuke waste plan

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/locals-angry-over-sydney-nuke-waste-plan-20120501-1xvzu.html

1 May 12: “A community in Sydney’s south has reacted
angrily to plans to store radioactive waste in the area,
saying Lucas Heights is being treated like a nuclear
“dumping ground”. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation (ANSTO) revealed that 13 cubic metres of waste
will be returned to Australia by 2015 and stored for five
years at the Lucas Heights nuclear facility.”

Leader: ANSTO nuclear waste decision condemned

http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/ansto-nuclear-waste-decision-condemned/2540481.aspx

1 May 12: “Sutherland Shire Mayor Carol Provan has
condemned the Federal Government’s decision to store
nuclear waste at the ANSTO facility at Lucas Heights,
claiming Sutherland Shire has become the ‘defacto dumping
ground’ for the nation. ANSTO issued a press release this
morning confirming it would be storing the waste, but has
yet to even contact the council about the issue, Cr Provan
said.”

Australian:
Reactor provides hope as mum Nicole Jarman battles illness

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/reactor-provides-hope-as-mum-battles-illness/story-e6frg6nf-1226344127006

2 May 12: “CALLS from the anti-nuclear lobby for the
research reactor at Lucas Heights, on Sydney’s southern
outskirts, to be shut down were amplified yesterday, after
it was revealed radioactive waste would be stored at the
site. But western Sydney mother Nicole Jarman is deaf to
those calls, at any volume. Ms Jarman, 28, was diagnosed
with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last October, and medical isotopes
produced at Lucas Heights have been a key part of her
treatment.”

SMH: No nuclear waste store for Shire, says mayor

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/no-nuclear-waste-store-for-shire-says-mayor-20120501-1xx6w.html

2 May 12: “SUTHERLAND Shire Council says a “people power”
campaign by residents might be the only way to stop plans
by the nuclear agency to build a nuclear waste storage
facility at Lucas Heights. The mayor, Carol Provan, said
she was dismayed with an announcement yesterday by the
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation that
it would apply for a licence to build a nuclear waste
facility to take mid-level radioactive waste now being
reprocessed in France.”

* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

Last updated: 22 April 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/background-to-the-proposed-muckaty-nuclear-waste-dump-in-nt-australia

* AuSIL:
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN EDUCATION:
WHAT THE RESEARCH ACTUALLY SHOWS

AuSIL:
Indigenous languages in education:
What the research actually shows

http://www.ausil.org.au/node/3741

Written by Charles E. Grimes Ph.D and published by the
Australian Society for Indigenous Languages (AuSIL).

Support Bilingual Education:
Indigenous languages in education:
What the research actually shows

http://www.supportbilingualeducation.com/indigenous-languages-in-education/

“For a hard copy of the book or to register your interest,
please send us your details using the form below.”

See:

Friends of Bilingual Learning Google group

http://groups.google.com/group/foblmail

“Supporters of Bilingual & Multilingual education, living
and learning in the Northern Territory. Recognising the
importance of language in human development, identity and
wellbeing.”

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

Last updated: 5 May 2012

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

* ABC VIDEO: ELDERS TAKE STAND ON INTERVENTION

- Video

ABC: Elders take stand on intervention

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-02/elders-outraged-poised-to-protest-nt-intervention/3986288

3 May 12: “Indigenous elders are calling for an end to all
land and mining talks with the Commonwealth until all
aspects of the NT Intervention are abolished.”

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, LISTEN AND TEST NT LAWS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

- Media Release

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Stop, listen and test NT laws for human rights violations

http://nationalcongress.com.au/stop-listen-test-nt-laws-for-human-rights/

4 May 12: “Congress says Govt should stop, listen and test
NT laws for human rights violations
Congress says it will continue to oppose new Intervention
laws because they have not been tested for human rights
violations as part of its on-going support to Aboriginal
people in the Northern Territory.
Congress Co-Chairs Jody Broun and Les Malezer said more
Aboriginal people are calling for the laws before
Parliament to be scrapped, most recently the Yolgnu Nations
Assembly, which represents 8000 traditional owners in west,
central and east Arnhem Land.
“Here is another significant group of our peoples, directly
affected by the laws, who are actually calling this
legislation ‘racist’ in their letter to the Prime Minister,”
said Mr. Malezer.
“This is a strong and simple message to the Government that
these laws must be independently reviewed to ensure they do
not breach human rights standards and international
obligations.
“The Government has ‘willful deafness’ on such a
fundamental issue, even after critical reports on the
Intervention by the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur for Indigenous
Peoples. … “”

- Related News

Australian: Intervention laws face human rights hurdle

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/intervention-laws-face-human-rights-hurdle/story-fn59niix-1226346277344

4 May 12: “THE National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples has threatened to use “domestic and international
human rights forums” to humiliate the Gillard government
over the next stage of its radical intervention into
Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. The new
peak Aboriginal representative body, which is partly funded
by the federal government and has discussion meetings with
Julia Gillard, is becoming increasingly active in opposing
Labor’s approach to indigenous affairs.”

See:

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

* 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

* MORE ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- News

Australian: Musicians rally against ‘Stronger Futures’

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news-old/musicians-rally-against-stronger-futures/story-fn3dxity-1226346386591

4 May 12: “AUSTRALIAN musicians Paul Kelly, Neil Murray and
Archie Roach have joined Northern Territory Aboriginal
leaders in rallying against the federal government’s
Stronger Futures Laws. At a memorial concert for acclaimed
Australian singer Jimmy Little at Sydney’s Opera House last
night the musicians performed his iconic song Blackfella
Whitefella to an audience of 2500 people. They dedicated
the song to the “Stand for Freedom campaign” which opposes
the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures laws.”

See:

Stand for Freedom:
There can be no reconciliation without justice:

http://standforfreedom.org.au/

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

Last updated: 5 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

* JUSTIVE REINVESTMENT CAMPAIGN:

- Audio Interview

SBS Living Black:
Imprisonment In Australia Is Expensive Business
By Garfield Samuels

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/214141/t/Imprisonment-In-Australia-Is-Expensive-Business/in/english

4 May 12: “The level of incarceration of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people isnt decreasing and
politicians are now joining advocacy organisations’ calls
to invest money in keeping people out of prison. According
to the Australian Bureau of Statistics – a quarter of
people in prison in 2009 was Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander. … Greens Legal Affairs and Social Inclusion
spokesperson, Senator Penny Wright tells Garfield Samuels
the concept of justice reinvestment, is the key to keeping
people from offending and out of jails.”

- News

National Indigenous Times:
The shameful record on juvenile jail rates

http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1017-the-shameful-record-on-juvenile-jail-rates.html

5 May 12: “By National Indigenous Times ACT reporter Geoff Bagnall
A new campaign featuring a group of prominent Indigenous
leaders has been launched which aims to cut “the shameful
number of young Aboriginal Australians in juvenile
detention”. The campaign, called the Justice Reinvestment
Campaign, has been initiated by the Aboriginal Legal
Service because Australia’s prison rates are exploding and
the greatest increase in those numbers are Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders. … The Justice Reinvestment
Campaign for Aboriginal young people has a long list of
high profile supporters including the Governor of New
South Wales, Marie Bashir who launched the campaign today
(Wednesday).”

* NITV NEWS: MOREE TENT EMBASSY

- Video

NITV News: Moree Tent Embassy

http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-story.cfm?sid=0BE1B333-FA29-E915-EF1DCB5B58A90B26

“Reporter: Jeremy Geia
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy movement is growing rapidly
with plans to create new sites around the country in the
coming weeks. The New South Wales town of Moree is the
latest to join the campaign for sovereignty and self
determination.”

* 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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio

3CR Community Radio 855 AM – Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Earth Matters – 5 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-04-73379.mp3
5 May 12: “Arabunna Elder Uncle Kevin Buzzacott’s challenge
to Fed Court approval of BHP-Billeton’s Olympic Dam uranium
mine expansion gets dismissed – BHP & the Fed Gov seek
court costs from Uncle Kev, who is an elderly pensioner.
Also, update from Portland Aboriginal Tent Embassy.”

See: WGAR News:
“Court throws out Olympic Dam challenge” ABC PM (22 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-dam-challenge-abc-pm

- Audio Interview

SBS Living Black: Who Polices The Police?
By Garfield Samuels

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/214015/t/Who-Polices-The-Police/in/english

3 May 12: “National advocacy organisation, Australians for
Native Title and Reconciliation, has launched a national
campaign to highlight the lack of transparency of the
police investigating police, when there is a death in
custody. … ANTAR believes approaches taken overseas to
prevent police misconduct and abuse should be adopted in
Australia. ANTAR National Director Jacqui Philips tells
Garfield Samuels, Northern Ireland has a successful
independent investigative body that could be replicated in
Australia.”

- Analysis / Opinion

National Indigenous Times: Investigate Impact of Mining Boom

http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/988-investigate-impact-of-mining-boom.html

5 May 12: “By National Indigenous Times columnists
Ian Perdrisat
The colonial settlement of Australia commenced in 1788 with
the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove. From this
tiny outpost in the south-east corner the British
occupation of Australia spread quickly harvesting the
resources and occupying land to the exclusion and
disadvantage of the local Indigenous people.”

National Indigenous Times:
Nyoongar Land Rights need to be respected

http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/984-nyoongar-land-rights-need-to-be-respected.html

5 May 12: “by Gerry Georgatos National Indigenous Times
Western Australia reporter
The Native Title offer from the Western Australian state
government to the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea
Council (SWALSC) has divided not only the West Australian
community and given birth to the Nyoongar Tent Embassy
however also divided Nyoongars who are not part of the
Embassy.”

- News

National Indigenous Times:
Youth suicide: Toll higher than Afghan war deaths

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1016-youth-suicide-toll-higher-than-afghan-war-deaths.html

5 May 12: “By National Indigenous Times West Australian
reporter Gerry Georgatos
Kabi Kabi Elder and Bundaberg campus coordinator of Nulloo
Yumbah at Central Queensland University, Cheri
Yavu-Kama-Harathunian said she is devastated by the rising
disenfranchisement of Aboriginal youth and the lack of
action to end suicides by Australia’s Aboriginal children.”

National Indigenous Times:
March to remember colonial war deaths a success: Anderson

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1015-march-to-remember-colonial-war-deaths-a-success-anderson.html

5 May 12: “By National Indigenous Times ACT reporter
Geoff Bagnall
A march to remember those who fell in colonial wars has
been hailed as a great success by organisers. The group of
20 who joined on to the rear of the official ANZAC Day
parade in Canberra carrying placards highlighting various
massacres around Australia during colonisation and early… “

National Indigenous Times:
Health fears emerge for shooting victims as Mundine
calls for police to be charged

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1014-health-fears-emerge-for-shooting-victims-as-mundine-calls-for-police-to-be-charged.html

5 May 12: “Fears for the health of a 17 year old shot in
the neck by police in Kings Cross Sydney, then bashed,
dragged and left lying in a pool of his own blood on the
footpath by police have deepened. Anthony Mundine, who
joined Indigenous leaders and family members of the six
victims of the shooting, attended the protest last Tuesday
outside… “

National Indigenous Times: Mabo anniversary looms

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1013-mabo-anniversary-looms.html

5 May 12: “By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall
“It’s a part of Australia’s history now. It’s living
history. For all the young people it’s their history”
- Gail Mabo
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “Mabo”?
For a majority of people the answer would be land or
Native Title. The name has entered the lexicon as a
metaphor for the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal
struggle… “

National Indigenous Times:
Special ceremony by family brings Frank Archibald’s
spirit home from New Guinea

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1009-special-ceremony-by-family-brings-frank-archibalds-spirit-home-from-new-guinea.html

5 May 12: “He was a black man in an army dominated by white
soldiers. But the only colours that mattered to Private
Frank Richard Archibald’s closest mates were the khaki
uniform on his back and the blood he shed for his country.
It’s been nearly 70 years since Private Archibald, an
Aboriginal digger from New South Wales’ north coast, was
shot dead by a Japanese sniper during the… “

National Indigenous Times:
ANZAC Day sacred, says Gladys Waters

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1008-anzac-day-sacred-says-gladys-waters.html

5 May 12: “ANZAC Day is as sacred as Good Friday to 83 year
old Gladys Waters. The wife of Australia’s first Aboriginal
military pilot Len Waters has attended ANZAC Day services
religiously each year since her husband died in 1993. Ill
health meant she had to settle for watching the parade on
television from her Brisbane home on Wednesday.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
New book exposes bloody history of Tasmanian colonisation

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7176-new-book-exposes-bloody-history-of-tasmanian-colonisation

4 May 12: “A new book about a darker side of Tasmania’s
history argues that at least 800 Aboriginal people were
massacred at various locations by colonists. Author and
historian, Professor Lyndall Ryan, says research for the
book ‘Tasmanian Aborigines – A History Since 1803′
reignites a critical debate in Australian Aboriginal
history. Professor Ryan says a major massacre occurred
after colonists sought revenge for a murdered stockman
and attacked Pallittorre people at Liffey Falls one
morning in 1827.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Crowd gathers to protest shooting of Brisbane teenager

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7172-crowd-gathers-to-protest-shooting-of-brisbane-teenager

3 May 12: “Aboriginal protesters yesterday staged a rally
outside Parliament House in Brisbane in response to the
shooting of 18-year-old Dempsey Cleven by police and to
campaign for the future protection of children. Mr. Cleven
was shot in the leg by police on Easter Sunday while being
a passenger in an allegedly stolen vehichle. Protest
speaker and prominent Murri rights advocate Wayne Wharton
says the key point of the rally was to challenge the new
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman to keep Aboriginal
children more safe and better protected.”

Sovereign Union:
Rally and march highlight new Stolen Generation in
Queensland and gain father his grieving rights

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/rally-and-march-highlight-new-stolen-generation-queensland-and-gain-father-his-grieving

2 May 12: “Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park …
Aboriginal people and their supporters held a rally and
march in Brisbane on Wednesday 2nd May to highlight the
continued genocidal practice of removing large numbers of
Aboriginal children from their families and their culture.
Just last year 13,433 Aboriginal kids were taken in
Queensland. In last couple of weeks a thirteen year old
girl was killed after being chased by police because she
was trying to get back to her family and a 3 year old boy
was fatally run over by a truck, both after being removed
from their homes, kids that would still be alive today if
they hadn’t been stolen.”

120504 – Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement concerning ‘Stronger Futures’ laws and NT policies

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 07/05/2012 by D

Contents:
* Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement
* Pro Bono: Is Income Management Working?
* Sydney launch of “NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations”
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Northern Murray-Darling Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN) website
* Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) website
* Video: Uncle Kevin Buzzacott at the Federal Court’s decision
* Michael Anderson: Gomeroi activism stops Woolworths in Moree…
* Background to the Aboriginal sovereignty movement
* Tracker: Police Integrity Commission won’t investigate
Kings Cross shootings
* Congress: Justice in prevention, early intervention
and diversion
* Other articles

* YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY STATEMENT:

- The Statement

‘concerned Australians’: http://concernedaustralians.com.au/media/Stronger_Futures_Statement_Yolngu.pdf

Rollback the Intervention: http://rollbacktheintervention.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/yolngu-nations-assembly-statement-24-4-12.pdf

Stand for Freedom: http://standforfreedom.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Yolngu-Nations-Assembly-Statement.pdf

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Sydney: https://acmsydney.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/yolngu-nations-assembly-statement.pdf

Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/attachments/article/14838/YolnguNationsAssemblyStatement.pdf

Green Left: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50893

‘concerned Australians’:
Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni (Yolŋu Nations Assembly)

http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

“Statement regarding Australian Federal Government Stronger
Futures Bills and Northern Territory Policies, to the
Leaders of the Australian Federal and Northern Territory
Parliaments”

- Related Audio Interviews

The Wire:
NT Elders ready to fight against ‘Stronger Futures’ legislation
Produced by Lisa Burns

http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9085

2 May 12: “NT Elders are fighting back against the Federal
Government’s so-called ‘Stronger Futures’ legislation which
is currently before the senate. The law is the next phase
of the intervention and covers areas such as health,
education, housing and drug and alcohol issues in
Indigenous communities. It comes after what the Federal
Government describes as wide-spread consultation with
Indigenous communities. But Yolngu Elders dispute the
Government’s take on the discussions and the outcomes of
the talks – they’ve released a statement from eight Arnhem
land nations calling for the ‘Stronger Futures’ laws to be
dumped.
Featured in story: Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM,
Senior Dhurili Clan leader of the Yolngu peoples of
Northeast Arnhem Land”

ABC Radio National RN Drive:
Arnhem Land threatens revolt against Federal intervention
legislation
Produced by Erica Vowles

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/arnhem-land-threatens-revolt-against-federal-intervention-legis/3986052

2 May 12: “Opposition to the intervention is growing within
the Arnhem Land of the Northern Territory, with a group
representing eight Indigenous nations releasing a statement
today, protesting against the intervention and the related
stronger futures legislation. The Yolngu Nations Assembly
was formed last year and represents eight nations in the
West, Central and East Arnhem Land. … One of the
spokespeople behind the Yolngu Nations Assembly is Dr
Reverend Djiniyini Gondara. He’s originally from the Apple
Tree Island Community in Arnhem Land and spoke to us from
Darwin.
Guests: Dr Djiniyini Gondarra
Spokesperson for the Yolngu Nations Assembly Djiniyini
Gondara. Dr Gondarra is originally from the Apple Tree
Island Community in Arnham Land.”

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 03/05/2012

http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-03052012

3 May 12: “Eight nations of Aboriginal people in the
Northern Territory have rejected the Federal Governments
Stronger futures legislation in a strongly worded statement
calling for a partnership based on self determination.”
[Includes comments by Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra.]

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Paddy Gibson – 2 May 2012

http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/

Listen to this interview on-line:

http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/paddy-gibson-4/

[Paddy discusses the Yolngu Nations Assembly statement
about 18 minutes into this program.]

- Related Media Releases

‘concerned Australians’:
Initiative and Ability to Listen – but – a Change is
Desperately Needed

http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/initiative-and-ability-to-listen—but—a-change-is-desperately-needed-2-5-12

2 May 12: “Today the Yolngu Nations Assembly sent a
statement to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and
Opposition leader Tony Abbott. It was also sent to other
senior politicians in the Federal and Northern Territory
governments, calling for a changed approach to policy in
the Northern Territory.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly is made up of 8 Nations from
West, Central and East Arnhem Land.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly statement clearly informs
Government that it does not support the proposed Stronger
Futures legislation. It has stated that it believe its aims
and those of Government can be achieved through
partnerships in communities and based on the principles of
self-determination.
‘concerned Australians’ acknowledges this statement and
gives its full support to it.
Spokesperson, Michele Harris, states that, ” ‘concerned
Australians’ joins with the Yolngu Nations Assembly, other
social justice organisations and leading Australians, in
calling for an end to the interventionist policies of the
last five years. … “”

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
SNAICC
 stands 
in
 solidarity 
with
 Yolŋu
 Nations
 Assembly

http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news-events/dsp-default-e.cfm?loadref=86&txnid=1278&txnctype=resource&txncstype=document

http://www.snaicc.asn.au/_uploads/rsfil/02813.pdf

2 May 12: “SNAICC stands in solidarity with the Yolnuw
Makarr Dhuni (Yolnu Nations Assembly) of Western, Central
and East Arnhem Land.
The Yolnu Nations have called on the Senate to discard in
full the Stronger Futures package of bills that, if
enacted, would extend the intervention in Northern
Territory Aboriginal communities for 10 years.
SNAICC agrees with this unambiguous position.
In our submission to the Senate Community Affairs
Legislation Committee, SNAICC recommended that the
legislation be completely redeveloped in accordance with
international human rights laws to which Australia is
bound.
Some of the basic human rights that SNAICC considers are
not fully reflected in the Stronger Futures bills are the
right to self-determination and the right for communities
to give their free, prior and informed consent to
measures that may affect them.
These are the same principles that the Yol?u Nations are
asking the Australian and Northern Territory governments
to uphold – and to work in meaningful partnership with
Aboriginal communities to arrive at effective long-term
solutions.”

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council:
St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully supports Yolngu Elders

http://vinnies.org.au/files/NAT/SocialJustice/2012/Stronger%20Futures%20MR%20for%20May%202.pdf

3 May 12: “St Vincent de Paul Society National Council CEO,
Dr John Falzon, issued the following statement in response
to the Statement released this morning by Elders of the
Yolngu Nations Assembly in Arnhem Land:
“The Elders of the Yolngu Nations Assembly today issued an
historical statement regarding the Australian Government’s
Stronger Futures Bills.
“Their words are born from a strong and positive vision for
Australia.
“All of us, especially those elected as legislators, have a
duty to listen to these words and to take heed of their
rejection of the Stronger Futures Bills. …
“The St Vincent de Paul Society respectfully acknowledges
and supports the Statement of the Elders of the Yolngu
Nations Assembly and calls on the Australian Government to
do likewise.”"

- Related News

Stand for Freedom:
Yolngu Nations Statement to the Australian Government

http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/05/02/yolngu-nations-statement-to-the-australian-government/

2 May 12: “The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight
nations representing 8,000 Aboriginal people in the
Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas of the Northern
Territory, have issued a formal statement rejecting the
Federal Government’s Stronger Futures legislation. In the
Statement, the Yolŋu Assembly also call on all NT
Traditional Owners to refuse to participate in land lease
negotiations and approval of exploration licenses until the
Government throws out the Stronger Futures legislation. … “

newsTracker: Scrap Stronger Futures: Yolngu nation

http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/scrap-stronger-futures-yolngu-nation/

2 May 12: “NATIONAL: Aboriginal leaders from Arnhem Land
communities have threatened a revolt against the federal
government’s Stronger Futures laws by refusing to
participate in land lease negotiations or give the nod to
mining exploration licences. … A group of traditional
owners representing 8000 people in west, central and east
Arnhem Land have written to the Prime Minister, Indigenous
affairs minister, Opposition Leader, senators and NT
government calling for the Stronger Futures laws to be
scrapped.”

Koori Mail:
Yolngu leaders call for scrapping of Stronger Futures
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/
2 May 12: “ABORIGINAL leaders from Arnhem Land have warned
they will refuse to approve mining exploration leases and
participate in land lease negotiations unless the Federal
Government scraps its proposed Stronger Futures
legislation. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra, spokesperson for a
group representing 8000 Yolgnu people, also called for an
end to compulsory teaching in English, and more
recognition for Homelands.”

SMH: Fraser backs Aboriginal anger over laws

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/fraser-backs-aboriginal-anger-over-laws-20120502-1xxrd.html?skin=text-only

2 May 12: “Former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser has
backed Aboriginal leaders from Arnhem Land threatening to
revolt against the federal government’s Stronger Futures
laws. Labor’s Stronger Futures draft laws are before the
Senate and likely to pass with bipartisan support after
federal parliament resumes in May. A group of traditional
owners, Yolngu Nations Assembly, representing 8000 people
in west, central and east Arnhem Land, have written to the
prime minister, indigenous affairs minister, opposition
leader, senators and NT government … “

ACM Sydney: Yolŋu Nations reject “Stronger Futures”

http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/yolnu-nations-reject-stronger-futures/

2 May 12: “The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight
nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas
of the Northern Territory, have released a statement
rejecting the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures
legislation. Graeme Mundine, Executive Officer of the
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney Archdiocese has
welcomed the statement. Mr Mundine said “The statement by
the Yolŋu Nations Assembly cannot be any clearer. The Yolŋu
have consistently asked for partnership and
self-determination, not intervention and discrimination.”

Uniting Church of Australia ASSEMBLY
Federal Government should heed Yolngu voices

http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/1128-federal-government-should-heed-yolngu-voices

2 May 12: “The Uniting Church in Australia has welcomed a
statement by the Yolngu Nations Assembly that rejects any
further extension of the Northern Territory Intervention.
“The best and only way forward for Indigenous Australians
is through genuine partnerships between communities and all
levels of Government,” said President of the Uniting Church
in Australia’s National Assembly Rev. Alistair Macrae.
“When self-determination is side-lined any progress for our
First Peoples is an illusion.”"

CathNews: Church opposes Stronger Futures draft laws for NT

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=31154

2 May 12: “The Catholic Church has joined with Aboriginal
leaders in opposing the Federal Government’s draft Stronger
Futures laws, reports SBS. “The Yolngu Nations are clearly
stating they have had enough of being pressured to agree to
things that are negatively impacting their communities,”
Sydney Archdiocese Aboriginal Catholic Ministry spokesman
Graeme Mundine said. The laws, currently before the Senate,
continue the former Howard government’s Northern Territory
intervention introduced in 2007 to address violence and
alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities.”

Canberra Times:
Yolngu people to take court action against intervention

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/yolngu-people-to-take-court-action-against-intervention-20120501-1xxj8.html

2 May 12: “Leaders representing 8000 Aboriginal people will
today launch a campaign against federal government
intervention in the Northern Territory. The statement to be
issued by the Yolngu Nations Assembly representing Arnhem
Land people will call on traditional leaders to refuse
approval for exploration licences. Spokesman Djungadjunga
Yunupingu said his people initially thought intervention
would help. ”But now our experience is that it has not
been beneficial,” he said.” Ross Peake

* PRO BONO: IS INCOME MANAGEMENT WORKING?

- News

Pro Bono:
Is Income Management Working? Parliamentary Library Analysis

http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2012/05/income-management-working-parliamentary-library-analysis

3 May 12: “An analysis of the Federal Government’s
controversial Income Management Scheme has found that any
positive changes delivered so far have been ‘uneven and
fragile’. Overall, the analysis highlights the absence of
adequate evidence to prove the effectiveness or otherwise
of the scheme. Researchers, Luke Buckmaster and Carol Ey
from the Federal Parliamentary Library Social Policy
Section have produced a Background Note called, Is income
management working?, which provides a guide to the evidence
about the efficacy of income management.”

* SYDNEY LAUNCH OF “NT CONSULTATIONS REPORT 2011: BY QUOTATIONS

- Media Statement

‘concerned Australians’:
Sydney launch of “NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations”

http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/sydney-launch-of-nt-consultations-report-2011-by-quotations-3-5-12

3 May 12: “Graeme Mundine and Amy McQuire will launch NT
Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations on Friday the 4th
May in Chippendale.
A sequel to the highly regarded publications This is What
We Said and Walk With Us this book gives voice to the views
of Aboriginal people living under the Northern Territory
Intervention. Between June and August 2011 the Australian
Government conducted Stronger Futures Consultations in
Northern Territory communities. These were held with the
stated purpose of finding out what worked and what didn’t
work under the Northern Territory Emergency Response
(NTER), commonly called the Intervention. …
This event is organised by ‘concerned Australians’.
The full transcripts have also been made public at
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au .
Date: Friday, 4 May 2012 Time: 5.30 for 6.00pm start
Venue: Amnesty International’s NSW Action Centre,
Level 1, 79 Myrtle Street, Chippendale”

- Upcoming event

Event: Fri 4 May 2012: Chippendale, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Book Launch:
“NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations”
Launched by:
* Graeme Mundine,
Executive Officer, ACM Sydney Archdiocese
* Amy McQuire, Editor, Tracker Magazine
“Beautifully illustrated, this hard-backed book
gives voice to the views of Aboriginal people
living under the Intervention.”
Published by ‘concerned Australians’: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Invitation: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR-Launch%20Invite-4-5-12.pdf
Event details: http://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/14010-sydney-book-launch-nt-consultations-report-2011-friday-4-may-5-30-for-6pm
Event details: http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/events/story/sydney-book-launch-rnt-consultations-report-2011r-friday-4-may-530-for-6pm/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-nt-consultations-report-2011
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28475/
Event details and article: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50877
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/special-sydney-book-launch-of-the-highly-important-nt-consultations-report-2011-by-quotations
Book review: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR-Book-review.pdf
Short Book review: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR-Book-rev-short.pdf
Book order form: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR2011_Order_Form_Apr_2012.pdf

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

Last updated: 3 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

* NORTHERN MURRAY-DARLING BASIN ABORIGINAL NATIONS (NBAN) WEBSITE:

- The Website

Who we are – Northern Murray-Darling Basin Aboriginal Nations

http://www.nban.org.au/who.html

“NBAN is an independent self-determining Traditional Owner
based organisation with a primary focus on cultural and
natural resource management in the northern Murray–Darling
Basin.
We seek greater recognition and respect for Aboriginal
knowledge and cultural values and uses regarding land and
water management in the northern Murray–Darling Basin.
NBAN currently has representatives from the following Nations:
Barkindji (Paakantyi), Githabul, Mandandanji, Barunggam,
Gunggari, Mardigan, Bidjara, Jarowair, Murrawarri,
Bigambul, Gwamu, (Kooma), Ngemba, Budjiti, Kunja,
Ngiyampaa, Euahlayi, Kambuwal, Kwiambul, Wailwan,
Gamilaroi, Maljangapa, and Wakka Wakka.”

- Homepage

Northern Murray-Darling Basin Aboriginal Nations

http://www.nban.org.au/index.html

- Related Audio Interview

3CR Community Radio 855 AM – Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Earth Matters – 30 Apr 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-04-29-94126.mp3
30 Apr 12: “Twenty one Original Nations in New South Wales
and Queensland have united to reclaim control over the
water flows in the northern river basin. The Chairperson
of the Northern Murray Darling Basin Aboriginal Nations,
Fred Hooper (Murrawarri traditional custodian), says
Original Peoples never gave up their sovereignty over the
basin in the first place – and are calling for it to be
Returned.”

See:

Sovereignty claimed over Murray-Darling rivers
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/sovereignty-claimed-over-murray-darling-rivers

WGAR News: Aboriginal Nations assert sovereignty over the
Northern Murray Darling Basin (19 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/19/wgar-news-aboriginal-nations-assert-sovereignty-over-the-northern-murray-darling-basin

* MURRAY LOWER DARLING RIVERS INDIGENOUS NATIONS (MLDRIN) WEBSITE

- The Website

About us – Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations

http://www.mldrin.org.au/about/

“There are some 75,000 Indigenous peoples in the Murray
Darling Basin and most of these people are traditional
owners that belong to some 40 autonomous Indigenous Nations.
The Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN)
is a confederation of Indigenous Nations or traditional
owners in the lower southern part of the Murray Darling Basin.
The group currently compromises of delegates from the
Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Barapa Barapa,
Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, Wadi Wadi, Latji Latji, Wergaia
and Ngarrindjeri Nations.”

- Homepage

Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations

http://www.mldrin.org.au/default.htm

* VIDEO: UNCLE KEVIN BUZZACOTT AT THE FEDERAL COURT’S DECISION

- Video

YouTube: Uncle Kevin Buzzacott At The Federal Court’s Decision
20 April 2012

24 Apr 12: “Uncle Kevin Buzzacott At The Federal Court
South Australia On the Day Of Their Judgement 20 April 2012″

- Related Audio

3CR Community Radio 855 AM – Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Radioactive Show – 29 Apr 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-04-28-94028.mp3
29 Apr 12: “How road workers found suspected radioactive
material during a highway upgrade south of Port Macquarie
dumped there after a 1980 transport accident and what it
signifies for Muckaty, plus Lizards Revenge [Olympic Dam
expansion festival/protest] coming SOON!”

See:

WGAR News:
“Court throws out Olympic Dam challenge” ABC PM (22 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-dam-challenge-abc-pm

WGAR News: Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-dam-challenge-abc-pm

* MICHAEL ANDERSON: GOMEROI ACTIVISM STOPS WOOLWORTHS IN MOREE…

- Media Release

Gomeroi activism stops Woolworths in Moree as
Aboriginal nations mobilise across Australia
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/gomeroi-activism-stops-woolworths-moree-aboriginal-nations-mobilise-across-australia-0
Treaty Republic: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/gomeroi-activism-stops-woolworths-moree-aboriginal-nations-mobilise-across-australia
“Gomeroi representatives at Moree in northwest NSW can
proudly boast a victory against a big transnational
corporate development: Woolworths.
It’s been announced that the Woolworths chain are
withdrawing their proposed development and expansion of the
network stores in Moree.
Woolworths are withdrawing because of the Gomeroi’s
steadfast opposition to the store’s expansion, which would
have seen a Rugby League oval demolished and a significant
Gomeroi cultural site, where human remains have been
located, totally disturbed and possibly destroyed.
The opposition has been led by Gomeroi Elder Lyell Munro
Senior, who vehemently opposed the development approval by
the Moree Shire Council. …
Aboriginal sovereign nations are mobilising and it has been
announced that on 24 May 2012 an interim Aboriginal
National Unity Government will be announced.
Furthermore, Aboriginal nations around Australia are
mobilising. … ” by Michael Anderson

- Related News

Koori Mail: No Big W for Moree
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
1 May 12: “MOREE Aboriginal community representatives are
celebrating a decision by Woolworths to scrap plans to
build a Big W store on top of a listed Aboriginal burial
site in the northern NSW town. In 2009, the Murri Taskforce
proved in court that the NSW Government failed to protect
Aboriginal cultural heritage when it sold Taylors Oval to
Woolworths, despite it being a registered site. The
supermarket chain has now pulled out of the development,
citing concerns about its financial viability and retail
sector uncertainty. Local Aboriginal man Lyall Munro
described the announcement as ‘a big achievement’.
Lyall Munro: “We stood up to a lot of powerful people,
took them on and won.”"

See:

Sovereign Union: Moree Sovereign Embassy

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/moree-sovereign-embassy

Facebook: Goomeroi Sovereign Tent Embassy

http://www.facebook.com/GoomeroiSovereignTentEmbassy

Let’s Talk: Live from Moree Tent Embassy, NSW
23 Apr 11: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/live-from-moree-tent-embassy-…
24 Apr 11: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/live-from-moree-tent-embassy-…

Sovereign Union: Interim National Unity Government Assembly
- 23 & 24 May 2012 – Wollongong, NSW

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/49

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT:

Last updated: 30 April 2012

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

* TRACKER:
POLICE INTERGRITY COMMISSION WON’T INVESTIGATE
KINGS CROSS SHOOTINGS

- News

newsTracker: Police Integrity Commission won’t investigate
Kings Cross shootings

http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/police-integrity-commission-wont-investigate-kings-cross-shootings/

2 May 12: “NATIONAL: An independent police watchdog says it
will not conduct an investigation into the shooting of two
Aboriginal teenagers in Kings Cross, stating the NSW Police
Force are best placed to probe the incident. The two
teenagers, aged 14 and 18, were shot by police after the
stolen car they were driving mounted the footpath in the
busy nightclub district, pinning a woman, aged 29, under
its wheels. … NSW Greens Justice spokesperson David
Shoebridge wrote to the Police Integrity Commission earlier
this month, calling on an independent investigation into
police actions.” Amy McQuire, a Darumbal and South Sea
Islander woman, and editor of Tracker

- Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Group calls for haste in setting up investigation of police

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7168-group-calls-for-haste-in-setting-up-investigation-of-police

2 May 12: “A Sydney-based community organisation has called
for no delay in the establishment of an independent
investigation into police actions after an incident in
Sydney’s Kings Cross. About a fortnight ago, two Aboriginal
teenagers were shot by police after stealing a car and
running over a woman in the busy social precinct and
footage shows an officer then bashing one of the young men.
Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, Dr. Arthur
Chesterfield-Evans, says an external inquiry must be
objective.”

See:

WGAR News:
Ray Jackson, ISJA: NSW police ‘too deadly’! (26 Apr 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/26/wgar-news-frontier-wars-remembered-on-anzac-day-koori-mail

WGAR News: “I feared I was going to die”
National Indigenous Times exclusive (1 May 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/01/wgar-news-i-feared-i-was-going-to-die-national-indigenous-times-exclusive

* CONGRESS:
JUSTICE IN PREVENTION, EARLY INTERVENTION AND DIVERSION

- Media Release

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Justice in prevention, early intervention and diversion

http://nationalcongress.com.au/justice-in-prevention-early-intervention-and-diversion/

2 May 12: “Today’s launch of the Justice Reinvestment
Campaign for Aboriginal young people highlights again that
prevention, early intervention and diversion are the keys
to building safe communities and reducing
over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal
justice system.
Congress Co-Chair Les Malezer said the failure to close the
gap in the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the
juvenile justice system shows that current strategies are
ineffectual.
“The national rate of detention of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander children in juvenile justice is 28 times
that of non-Aboriginal people,” he said.”

- Related News

SMH: Bold steps needed to keep Aborigines out of jail

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/bold-steps-needed-to-keep-aborigines-out-of-jail-20120501-1xx6u.html

2 May 12: “THE NSW Governor, Marie Bashir, former High
Court judge Michael Kirby and former state attorney-general
Bob Debus are among a high-profile group calling for tens
of millions of dollars to be diverted from the juvenile
justice system each year into prevention to stem the
“shameful” high rate of jailed young Aborigines. Aboriginal
youths are 28 times more likely to end up in detention, at
a cost of $230,000 a year a person, NSW Justice Department
figures show. Mr Kirby said the criminal justice approach
had “failed” both Aboriginal people and the wider
community.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Campaign for justice reinvestment strategies gaining legs

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7169-campaign-for-justice-reinvestment-strategies-gaining-legs

2 May 12: “A group of high-profile Indigenous rights
advocates have spoken out against high levels of Indigenous
youth imprisonment and called for to governments change
policy. Professor of Criminology at James Cook University
in north Queensland, Chris Cunneen, says the Justice
Reinvestment Campaign will highlight the issues facing
young Aboriginal people. … Mr. Cunneen says a major issue
is how governments are wasting money on the prison system.”

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- News

Courier Mail:
Father, Musgrave Park Sovereign Tent Embassy in protest

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/father-musgrave-park-sovereign-tent-embassy-in-protest/story-fn8ygho7-1226344961433

2 May 12: “THE father of a 13-year-old indigenous girl who
died in State care last month, together with the Musgrave
Park Sovereign Tent Embassy, this afternoon protested
outside the Brisbane office of the Minister of Child
Safety. About 10 uniformed police officers stood guard in
front of the George St office’s glass doors. Tent
Embassy’s Peter Skuthorpe said the group had been at the
building since 11am. Glen Gray, the girl’s father, said he
wants to meet with Minister Tracy Davis to seek “justice”
for his recently deceased daughter.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Brisbane Tent Embassy keeps fire burning

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7166-brisbane-tent-embassy-keeps-fire-burning

1 May 12: “A spokesperson for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
in Brisbane says keeping the struggle for Indigenous
sovereignty alive and engaging the wider community on a
grassroots level are its key objectives. Wayne Wharton says
the Embassy wants constitutional recognition of sovereign
Aboriginal rights within Australia and more action to
reduce Indigenous deaths in custody. Mr. Wharton says the
group is also opposed to the planned extension of the
Northern Territory Intervention.”

120501 – “I feared I was going to die” National Indigenous Times exclusive

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 02/05/2012 by D

Contents:
* Interview with Steve Hodder on UN Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues
* Keynote Address by NACCHO Chairperson Justin Mohamed
* NIT exclusive: “I feared I was going to die”
* Interim National Unity Government Assembly
- 23 & 24 May 2012 – Wollongong, NSW
* Henry Reynolds: After Mabo, What About Aboriginal Sovereignty?
* Glenelg Shire Council recognises rights of Portland Embassy, Vic
* Background to the Aboriginal sovereignty movement
* ABC: Elder seeks judicial review of mining approval
* Treaty Republic:
Barnett trying to further disempower WA’s Original’s
* Frontier Wars Remembered in Melbourne & Canberra
* Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra:
‘Stand with us to fight this racist legislation’
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles

* INTERVIEW WITH STEVE HODDER ON
UN PERMANENT FORUM ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES:

- Audio Interview

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Steve Hodder talks about the United Nations Permanent Forum
on Indigenous Issues

http://caama.com.au/steve-hodder-talks-about-the-united-nations-permanent-forum-on-indigenous-issues

27 Apr 12: “The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous
Issues (UNPFII) will convene its 11th Session in May 2012
and the CLC has a new staff member attending in New York,
USA. CLC Media officer, Steve Hodder Watt (Bunabjee) has
been sponsored by Oxfam as a youth delegate, and as a part
of the Indigenous People’s Organisation (IOP) Network will
help document the visit.”

* KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY NACCHO CHAIRSPERSON JUSTIN MOHAMED:

- Address

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation:
Keynote address Justin Mohamed: Weenthunga Symposium

http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Documents/Weenthunga%2028%20April%20%20Speech%20for%20Justin%20Mohamed.pdf

28 Apr 12: “In my address this morning I will be giving you
an overview on how NACCHO our peak body is leading the way
nationally in Aboriginal health by:
LISTENING
LEARNING
And working collaboratively with the many groups and
participants such as you here today
1. A brief overview of NACCHO
2. What is NACCHO strategic direction to 2013
3. An update on the Close the Gap Campaign and the
National Health Leadership Forum
4. NACCHO recent achievements
5. Where to from here and our fire in the belly
6. And show you how you can stay connected with NACCHO
into the Ifuture”

Welcome to the NACCHO website:

http://www.naccho.org.au/

* NIT EXCLUSIVE: “I FEARED I WAS GOING TO DIE”

- News

National Indigenous Times: “I feared I was going to die”

http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html

http://www.nit.com.au/news/977-i-feared-i-was-going-to-die.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan
A day after having major surgery to remove tendons from his
left knee to place in his lower right leg Dempsey Cleven,
18, spoke exclusively to the National Indigenous Times of
an ordeal on Easter Sunday that almost cost him his life. …
” … one of the cops pulled out his gun and fired at us.
“I heard a couple of shots; the first one he fired was at
the fuel tank, which only just missed otherwise we would’ve
all been blown up.
“Then the next one was directly into the middle of the car
that struck me in the leg as I was sitting behind the
driver in the back seat. … “”

- Related News

Green Left: Racism the issue, not youth

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50856

29 Apr 12: “In the early hours of April 22, police officers
risked the lives of hundreds in Kings Cross by opening fire
on the unarmed occupants of a stolen car, shooting the
14-year-old driver twice and a 17-year-old passenger in the
neck. … Days of racist mainstream media followed while
hundreds of people protested throughout the country against
government and police racism and economic enslavement of
Aboriginal people. Brisbane’s Aboriginal community held a
rally on April 24 outside Queensland parliament to coincide
with rallies in Sydney.” By Robert Leech & Jacob Ball

National Indigenous Times:
Brisbane leaders demand full independent inquiry

http://www.nit.com.au/news/975-brisbane-leaders-demand-full-independent-inquiry.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan
Indigenous leaders have called for a full independent
inquiry into the conduct of the police officers involved in
the shooting of Dempsey Clevens in Brisbane on Easter
Sunday. More than 100 people gathered outside Brisbane’s
Parliament House on Tuesday to voice their anger and
frustration at the police action.”

National Indigenous Times:
Community outraged by police brutality of youth

http://www.nit.com.au/news/968-community-outraged-by-police-brutality-of-youth.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times Editor Stephen Hagan
More than 200 angry members of the Brisbane Indigenous
community gathered at an inner city church hall last Friday
to express their outrage at the ongoing spate of police
brutality against their youth. The community meeting was
called by Elders Sam Watson, Rev Alex Gator and Adrian
Burragubba after a recent shooting of unarmed youth in
a… “

National Indigenous Times: Shooting protest anger

http://www.nit.com.au/news/976-shooting-protest-anger.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall
Why was it necessary for police to treat this young boy
like this? “There’s no room for debate. The boys were
pretty much unarmed, cornered, trapped and police opened
fire at point blank range” – Anthony Mundine. …
Aboriginal activist Michael Anderson called for the NSW
police officer seen in videos bashing Troy Taylor to… “

National Indigenous Times:
Anger mounts as new claims emerge over Sydney shooting

http://www.nit.com.au/news/974-anger-mounts-as-new-claims-emerge-over-sydney-shooting.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall
The horror surrounding the shooting of two young boys at
Kings Cross in the early hours of Saturday morning has
taken a new twist with claims police opened fire on the two
youths after the car they were travelling in had crashed
and come to a complete standstill. The shooting of two
young boys in a crowded Kings Cross street has drawn… “

National Indigenous Radio Service:
More dismay over Kings Cross police actions

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7149-more-dismay-over-kings-cross-police-actions

27 Apr 12: “One of New South Wales’ peak Aboriginal
organisations has expressed its concerns over police
actions in apprehending young Indigenous men in Sydney’s
Kings Cross over the weekend. New South Wales Aboriginal
Land Council CEO Geoff Scott says the actions of police
were heavy-handed, where mobile phone footage appears to
show a policeman striking a teenager who had been shot by
police.”

Australian: Measures to curb gun violence as shootings multiply

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/measures-to-curb-gun-violence-as-shootings-multiply/story-e6frg6nf-1226337499547

25 Apr 12: “However, a group of protesters outside NSW’s
Parliament House yesterday demanded the government toughen
gun laws for law enforcers, after police shot two
Aboriginal teenagers in Kings Cross over the weekend.
Indigenous Social Justice Association president Ray Jackson
told a crowd of about 250 people the treatment of one of
the pair, 17-year-old Troy Taylor, was “absolutely
disgraceful”. … Aboriginal Tent Embassy activist Michael
Anderson called the incident involving Troy “symptomatic of
a bigger problem” involving relations between police and
the Aboriginal community.”

Indymedia: “Our NSW police are just too deadly!” – Ray Jackson

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/24/our-nsw-police-are-just-too-deadly-ray-jackson

24 Apr 12: “Sydney’s Indigenous Social Justice Association
(ISJA) held a rally outside the NSW state parliament in
protest to the recent spate of perceived police brutality
and to the five deaths in police custodial incidents in NSW.
Hundreds of angry protesters blocked off half the road in
front of the NSW Parliament in a protest against the police
shooting and bashing of two unarmed Aboriginal teenagers on
April 22. The rally, initiated by the ISJA, demanded an
independent public investigation into the incident, … “
Gerry Georgatos

- Related Speech

Green Left:
Victims of Kings Cross police brutality need justice

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50830

26 Apr 12: “The article below is based on a speech by
Socialist Alliance national co-convenor Peter Boyle at the
April 24 emergency rally called by the Indigenous Social
Justice Association to protest the recent police shooting
and bashing of two unarmed Aboriginal teenagers in Sydney’s
Kings Cross. * * *
I read in the newspaper that Assistant Police Commissioner
Mark Murdoch said: “We have significant responsibilities in
the use of firearms. One of them is not shooting at tyres.”
You get that? The police have a responsibility not to shoot
at car tyres! But what about shooting unarmed 14-year-olds?
What are your responsibilities there, Assistant Police
Commissioner?”

- Related Analysis / Opinion

Socialist Alternative: Police brutality challenged in NSW

http://www.sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7294:police-brutality-challenged-in-nsw&Itemid=454

24 Apr 12: “At Kings Cross last Saturday, the NSW Police
once again proved that they are brutal, racist thugs. It
was 4am when they “recognised” the driver of an allegedly
stolen car. They “recognised” his five passengers as well.
All six were young Aboriginal men – “recognised” for just
that, being Aboriginal.” Luke Mason

See:

WGAR News: Ray Jackson, ISJA: NSW police ‘too deadly’!
(26 Apr 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/26/wgar-news-frontier-wars-remembered-on-anzac-day-koori-mail

* INTERIM NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT ASSEMBLY
- 23 & 24 MAY 2012 – WOLLONGONG, NSW:

[Ed. Note:
The Interim Aboriginal National Unity Government Assembly
of the Sovereign Union is held over two days:
* Day 1 is a symposium
held at Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong;
* Day 2 is the formal establishment of interim
National Unity Government of the Sovereign Union
held at Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy, Wollongong.]

- Upcoming event

Event: Wed 23 and Thu 24 May 2012: Wollongong, south of Sydney
Interim Aboriginal 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 to the inaugural assembly of the interim
National Unity Government in Wollongong
Wednesday 23 May & 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, 23rd of May, two universities, South Cross
and Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal people as
an introduction to this history-making event.”
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
“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/

* HENRY REYNOLDS:
AFTER MABO, WHAT ABOUT ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY?:

- Analysis / Opinion

After Mabo, What About Aboriginal Sovereignty?
AHR: http://www.australianhumanitiesreview.org/archive/Issue-April-1996/Reynolds.html
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/after-mabo-what-about-aboriginal-sovereignty
Treaty Republic: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/after-mabo-what-about-aboriginal-sovereignty
“The Mabo judgment was a major landmark in the decolonising
of Australian law and society. It was, nevertheless, only a
beginning to the process of redressing the legal injustice
to Australia’s indigenous people. Now the time has come to
move on to tackle the question of Aboriginal sovereignty.”
Henry Reynolds

* GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL RECOGNISES RIGHTS OF
PORTLAND EMBASSY, VIC:

- News

Sovereign Union: Portland Aboriginal Tent Embassy

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/portland-aboriginal-tent-embassy

“The Portland Aboriginal Tent Embassy Embassy was
established at Market Square, Portland to demand a meeting
with the state government over issues of Native Title and
social services inequality. It started on Wednesday 8th
February, 2012, shortly after the 40th Aboriginal Tent
Embassy in Canberra.
April 27th 2012: A positive motion was put forward at the
Glenelg Shire Council April meeting, and carried, which has
recognised the rights of the Portland Sovereign Aboriginal
Embassy to protest. Sandra Onus, Spokesperson of the
Embassy, wrote the following on Facebook; … “

- Background

WGAR News:
Tent Embassy set up in Portland’s Market Square, Vic (1 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronger-futures-legislation-by-hon-alastair-nicholson-ao-r
[Portland, Vic]

Facebook: Portland Aboriginal Tent Embassy

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-Aboriginal-Tent-Embassy/315874731800711

[Portland, Vic]

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT:

Last updated 30 April 2012:

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

* ABC: ELDER SEEKS JUDICIAL REVIEW OF MINING APPROVAL:

- News

ABC: Elder seeks judicial review of mining approval

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-01/elder-olympic-dam-judicial-review/3981994?section=business

1 May 12: “An Aboriginal elder wants a judicial review in
the South Australian Supreme Court of the State
Government’s decision to approve the Olympic Dam mine
expansion in the state’s outback. Kevin Buzzacott is
seeking a review against the Government and the Mineral
Resources and Energy Minister’s decision, arguing the
process was invalid to grant BHP Billiton development
approval for a larger mine. … In a new hearing in the
Supreme Court, BHP Billiton has joined as a defendant in
the legal action. A two-day hearing has been scheduled for
June.”

- Related News

National Indigenous Times:
Elder loses Olympic Dam court battle

http://www.nit.com.au/news/965-elder-loses-olympic-dam-court-battle.html

28 Apr 12: “The Federal Court has rejected a move by Elder,
Kevin Buzzacott to block a giant expansion of the Olympic
Dam uranium and copper mine in South Australia’s north. Mr
Buzzacott, an Elder of the Arabunna people, challenged the
Federal Government’s approval of the mine, arguing
Environment Minister, Tony Burke had not given enough
consideration to its long term impact and the risks posed
by storage of… “

Green Left: Court rules against Olympic Dam mine challenge

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50829

26 Apr 12: “If you are thinking of challenging a mining
development in the courts, be prepared to go through the
financial wringer. You might think you have an
open-and-shut case, that the federal government has
shirked its responsibilities under environmental
legislation. But if the finding goes against you, the
government and the mining industry will see you bankrupt.
This is one of the lessons to emerge following the
dismissal by an Adelaide judge on April 20 of the
challenge brought by traditional owner and environment
campaigner Uncle Kevin Buzzacott against the Olympic Dam
uranium mine expansion.” By Renfrey Clarke, Adelaide

Roxby Downs Sun: Government seeks cost

http://www.roxbydownssun.com.au/news/local/news/general/government-seeks-cost/2535531.aspx

26 Apr 12: “BHP Billiton and the federal government are
seeking costs from Arabunna elder Kevin Buzzacott. Mr
Buzzacott known, as uncle Kevin, challenged the approval of
the Olympic Dam expansion which was dismissed by the court
recently.”

See:

WGAR News:
“Court throws out Olympic Dam challenge” ABC PM (22 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-dam-challenge-abc-pm

WGAR News: Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/22/wgar-news-court-throws-out-olympic-dam-challenge-abc-pm

* TREATY REPUBLIC:
BARNETT TRYING TO FURTHER DISEMPOWER WA’S ORIGINAL’S:

- News

Treaty Republic:
Barnett trying to further disempower WA’s Original’s

http://treatyrepublic.net/content/barnett-trying-further-disempower-was-originals

“The Western Australian Government plans to overhaul the
Aboriginal Heritage Act, pandering to the mining sector by
making it easier for companies to disrupt sacred sites.
Although both developers and Aboriginal groups say the laws
are clunky and unworkable, the changes appear to further
dis-empower the State’s ‘Original’ peoples. Greens’ MLC
Robin Chapple says the new laws will make it even harder
for Aboriginal people to protect sites.”

* FRONTIER WARS REMEMBERED IN MELBOURNE & CANBERRA:

- News

Remembering the Frontier Wars on ANZAC Day
Treaty Republic: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/remembering-frontier-wars-anzac-day
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/aboriginal-activists-remember-frontier-wars
“Canberra: The small group of about 20, carrying
‘Original’s’ flags and banners and accompanied by a
didgeridoo, joined the tail of the national Anzac Day
parade, behind columns of veterans. Led by Michael
Anderson, one of the founders of the capital’s tent
embassy, the activists were separated from the main body
but were met with support as they moved up Anzac Parade to
the Australian War Memorial.
Melbourne: With rain falling, a small group of people
attended a ceremony at Kings Domain to remember the freedom
fighters and the ongoing frontier wars. Robbie Thorpe
addressed the meeting reminding the group of the continued
genocide of the ‘Originals’ and the savage history of the
invaders.”

- Related Audio Interviews

SBS Living Black: Acknowledging Massacres On Australian Soil
By Marc Tong

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/213081/t/Acknowledging-Massacres-On-Australian-Soil/in/english

26 Apr 12: “As we remember Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander veterans who fought abroad in wars for Australia,
we also remember all First Nations People who fought for
our freedom here on Australian soil. Aboriginal people who
died in defence of their lands during the colonial invasion
and the deaths suffered, should be recognised according to
Michael Anderson, leader of the Euahlayi nation. He says as
we remember our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
veterans who fought abroad in wars for Australia, we should
also remember all who fought for the freedom of the First
Nations People on Australian soil. Uncle Michael tells Marc
Tong the lack of historical acknowledgement of massacres on
this continent’s soil must be changed.”

SBS Living Black: Remembering Aboriginal And Torres Strait
Islander ANZAC Contributions
By Marc Tong

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/213089/t/Remembering-Aboriginal-And-Torres-Strait-Islander-ANZAC-Contributions/in/english

26 Apr 12: “As we remember with respect fallen soldiers and
veterans on ANZAC day, it is important to acknowledge and
remember the supreme sacrifice paid by Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander service personnel. Despite knowing
the challenges theyd face when they came home from war,
Aboriginal people still served in all of Australia’s main
wars since the two Boer Wars-1880-1881 and 1899-1902. …
Kamilaroi man and acting Indigenous Liaison Officer Garth
O’Connell from the Australian War Memorial explains to Marc
Tong the selection process in the early 20th century.”

SBS Living Black:
Students To Research Overseas Aboriginal Soldiers’ Graves
By Marc Tong

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/213079/t/Students-To-Research-Overseas-Aboriginal-Soldiers-Graves/in/english

26 Apr 12: “The findings of eight Aboriginal students from
Dubbo College in New South Wales, during a trip to France
later this year, could help expand the Australian War
Memorial’s records for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander service men. Research by students from Dubbo
College in New South Wales, could help fill the gaps in the
national service records of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander diggers. … Kamilaroi man and acting Indigenous
Liaison Officer at the memorial, Garth O’Connell, tells
Marc Tong their findings will expand the Australian War
Memorial’s records for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander diggers.”

- Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Anderson pleased with ANZAC Day march

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7147-anderson-pleased-with-anzac-day-march

27 Apr 12: “[Aboriginal rights campaigner Michael Anderson]
says he will continue the fight next year for better
acknowledgement of Indigenous soldier’s endeavours in
Australia’s wars, including frontier wars at the time of
European invasion. “It’s not a done thing, to go back and
reflect on the killing of Aboriginal people. “That’s too
close to home. It’s a sore wound that they don’t want
opened up. “But, unfortunately, we’re going to open it up.
“This is why they were saying, ‘Look, why choose ANZAC Day?’
“ANZAC is a time of remembrance of people who fought in
defence of this land and the freedoms that they have. Our
people fought on this land against those who invaded us.”"

NZ Herald: Gillard’s $100m plan for Gallipoli

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10801270

25 Apr 12: “But her visit and the centenary programme that
will run from 2014 to 2018 comes amid debate on the future
of Anzac Day in an increasingly multicultural Australia,
new claims debunking key elements of the Gallipoli
mythology, and moves by Aborigines to expand its meaning to
include Australian frontier wars. … Aborigine activists
are also intent on using today’s national service in
Canberra, with a group planning to join the tail of the
parade to remember Aborigines “who died in defence of their
lands during the colonial invasion”.”

- Related Analysis / Opinion

SMH: The forgotten conflict

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/the-forgotten-conflict-20120430-1xtuo.html

1 May 12: “There is a hole in our remembrance, and it is
Black. We justly remember our dead in wars overseas. But
Australia still has no national memorial to both sides of
the long and deadly conflict on our own soil. It’s almost
as if it didn’t happen. Frontier historian Lyndall Ryan has
lifted the veil in a new book on Tasmanian Aborigines,
which tallies deaths in the colonial Black War. She
estimates it cost 878 indigenous lives, and 201 colonists’.”

- Background

WGAR News:
“Frontier wars remembered on ANZAC Day” Koori Mail (26 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/26/wgar-news-frontier-wars-remembered-on-anzac-day-koori-mail

* REV DR DJINIYINI GONDARRA:
‘STAND WITH US TO FIGHT THIS RACIST LEGISLATION’:

- Speech

Solidarity: ‘Stand with us to fight this racist legislation’

http://www.solidarity.net.au/44/%E2%80%98stand-with-us-to-fight-this-racist-legislation%E2%80%99/

April 2012: “Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra is a traditional
owner from Elcho Island, in Northeast Arnhem Land. This is
an exert of his speech to a rally in Darwin on April 9
against the new Stronger Futures legislation, which will
entrench Intervention measures for a further ten years.
‘I am a Uniting Church Pastor. I grew up in the mission. I
got my doctorate and also worked really hard with the
community and got an Order of Australia. I was around when
the NT Emergency Response was launched by John Howard, and
Minister Mal Brough said, I’m going to take 73 prescribed
communities, and five of the communities I want to shape
[as a model] to the Australian government and people that
I can do a better job. One of them, Elcho island,
Galiwinku, is where I grew up. … “

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

Last updated 29 April 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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- News

Koori Mail: Bankstown income management plan slammed
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
27 Apr 12: “THE PUBLIC Health Association of Australia has
condemned plans to introduce compulsory income management
in Bankstown, and other places in Australia, despite
overwhelming concerns from stakeholders. PHAA New South
Wales branch president Gabriel Moore said PHAA supported
voluntary income management managed by Aboriginal
community-controlled organizations.”

See: WGAR News: Union Campaign Letter on Bankstown Income
Management (27 Apr 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/27/wgar-news-work-not-welfare-investing-in-a-waged-employment-program-in-remote-nt-apo-nt

National Indigenous Times:
Murray River nations demand sovereignty

http://www.nit.com.au/news/972-murray-river-nations-demand-sovereignty.html

28 Apr 12: “A group of 21 Aboriginal nations in the northern
Murray Darling Basin have demanded all water licences be
revoked and the rivers’ water be dealt with from a base of
Aboriginal sovereignty, dominion and ultimate title. The
Northern Murray Darling Basin Aboriginal Nations (NBAN) has
called on all State and Federal governments involved in
the rivers system to allocate 100 per cent of all
environmental flows in… “

See: WGAR News: Aboriginal Nations assert sovereignty over
the Northern Murray Darling Basin (19 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/19/wgar-news-aboriginal-nations-assert-sovereignty-over-the-northern-murray-darling-basin

National Indigenous Times:
Mohamed calls for political unity on 10 year funding deal

http://www.nit.com.au/news/970-mohamed-calls-for-political-unity-on-10-year-funding-deal.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times reporter Geoff Bagnall
Australia’s peak Aboriginal health body has given its
support to the Federal Government’s 10 year funding
commitment and called on the Federal Opposition to get
behind the plan to make a real difference to Aboriginal
disadvantage. Justin Mohamed, Chair of the National
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
(NACCHO) … “

See: WGAR News: Responses to Ten-Year Funding of NT
Aboriginal Communities (1 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/01/wgar-news-responses-to-ten-year-funding-of-nt-aboriginal-communities

National Indigenous Times:
Bob Brown leaves a legacy of support

http://www.nit.com.au/news/971-bob-brown-leaves-a-legacy-of-support.html

28 Apr 12: “By National Indigenous Times reporter Rhonda Hagan
Bob Brown may have left public life in his role as Senator
and Leader of the Green Party, but will still be righting
for Indigenous rights in international arenas. Dr Libby
Connors, Queensland spokesperson for the Queensland Greens,
said Mr Brown his not put turned his back on everything.
“Bob Brown has not put Indigenous politics… “

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio Online News 30.04.2012

http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-online-news-30-04-2012

30 Apr 12: “Up to 4000 older Aboriginal people who have
participated in community CDEP programs for most of their
working lives will be allowed to continue on the scheme for
another five years.”

See: WGAR News:
“Work Not Welfare: Investing in a waged employment program
in remote NT” APO NT (27 Apr 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/27/wgar-news-work-not-welfare-investing-in-a-waged-employment-program-in-remote-nt-apo-nt

See Background: WGAR News: Jumbunna, UTS: Jobs With Justice
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/27/wgar-news-work-not-welfare-investing-in-a-waged-employment-program-in-remote-nt-apo-nt

- Analysis / Opinion

National Indigenous Times: Is there more behind 21 years of
failure to reduce the Indigenous incarceration rates?

http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/909-is-there-more-behind-21-years-of-failure-to-reduce-the-indigenous-incarceration-rates.html

19 Apr 12: “21 years since the culmination of the Royal
Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the most
extensive inquiry in Australian history into Indigenous
people’s overrepresentation in the criminal justice system,
little has changed. The Commission found Indigenous
prisoners didn’t die at a higher rate than non-Indigenous
prisoners, but blamed… ” By Emma Purdy

- – -

120502 – Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia – 36 events from 2 May 2012

Posted in EVENTS, NEWSLETTER on 02/05/2012 by D

Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia
- 36 events from 2 May 2012

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: 1 to 3 May 2012: Alice Springs, NT
NTCOSS Conference 2012
Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS)
“NTCOSS aims to share information, ideas and practical
strategies to assist growing a fair Northern Territory by
exploring four key themes: …
* Exploring Intercultural working – How or do we embrace
two way working, and in particular with Indigenous peoples
and others? How do we work to embed this into our
organisations?”
Event details: http://www.ntcoss.org.au/publication/2011/11/ntcoss-conference-2012

Event: Wed 2 May 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Stop the expansion of Income Management in Bankstown
Organising meeting for unionists
“STICS is supporting the Say No To Government Income
Management Campaign Coalition in Bankstown call-out to
unionists. Please discuss sending representatives to the
following meetings to build the campaign to stop the
expansion of Income Management in Bankstown”
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: Wed 2 May 2012: Manly, Sydney, NSW
Amnesty in the Ale House – Homelands
“Presenters:
* Sarah Marland, AIA’s Indigenous Rights Campaign Co-ordinator
* Jaccqui Phillips, National Director of ANTAR
Sarah will let you know more about what’s going
on in our Indigenous Homelands and update
you on the government’s response.
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28469/

Event: Wed 2 May 2012: Brisbane, Qld
Constitutional Recognition Forum
Tiga Bayles will MC the forum
Panellists include:
Congress Co-Chairs Les Malezer and Jody Broun
Hosted by:
West End, Brisbane Congress, BIMA and 98.9FM
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/165

Event: Fri 4 May 2012: Chippendale, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Book Launch:
“NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations”
Launched by:
* Graeme Mundine,
Executive Officer, ACM Sydney Archdiocese
* Amy McQuire, Editor, Tracker Magazine
“Beautifully illustrated, this hard-backed book
gives voice to the views of Aboriginal people
living under the Intervention.”
Published by ‘concerned Australians’: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Invitation: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR-Launch%20Invite-4-5-12.pdf
Event details: http://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/14010-sydney-book-launch-nt-consultations-report-2011-friday-4-may-5-30-for-6pm
Event details: http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/events/story/sydney-book-launch-rnt-consultations-report-2011r-friday-4-may-530-for-6pm/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-nt-consultations-report-2011
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28475/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/sydney-book-launch-%E2%80%9Cnt-consultations-report-2011%E2%80%9D-friday-4-may
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/special-sydney-book-launch-of-the-highly-important-nt-consultations-report-2011-by-quotations
Book review: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR-Book-review.pdf
Short Book review: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR-Book-rev-short.pdf
Book order form: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/NTCR2011_Order_Form_Apr_2012.pdf

Event: 4 May 2012: Bexhill, NSW
Our Generation film screening
Panel discussion with Professor Judy Atkinson
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/4-may-2012-bexhill-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 4-7 May 2012: NT
NT Aboriginal Health Worker Summit
“The motto of the Year of the Aboriginal Health Worker is simple:
Closing the Gap through caring for our people”
Event details: http://amsant.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=172&Itemid=297#Summit
Draft program: http://amsant.org.au/documents/article/172/YAHW%20Draft%20Program%20V3%20180412.pdf

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: Sun 6 May 2012: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Followed by Q&A with Dr Jeff McMullen
and Dr Thalia Anthony
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au/festival12/events/event_our_generation.htm
Event details: http://ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/6-may-2012-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 18 April to Sun 6 May 2012: Northcote, Melbourne, Vic
“The Lurujarri Dreaming Trail – Living Country”
Exhibition by Jeanné Browne
“This exhibit celebrates the Lurujarri Heritage Trail
established in 1987 by Goolarabooloo traditional custodian,
Paddy Roe O.A.M., upon a section of the Northern Tradition
Song Cycle along the North Western Kimberley coast, as a
cross-cultural bridge, and to help look after that country. …
This is big, old, strong country, with a mob who are bent on
looking after it. We would welcome your support.”
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/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: 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”
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 Aboriginal 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 to the inaugural assembly of the interim
National Unity Government in Wollongong
Wednesday 23 May & 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, 23rd of May, two universities, South Cross
and Wollongong law faculties will host a law symposium to
discuss the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal people as
an introduction to this history-making event.”
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
“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: 24 May 2012: Rozelle, NSW
Our Generation film screening
More details to come
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: 25 May 2012: Canberra, ACT
National Sorry Day Bridge Walk
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: 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: 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: 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

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.