121203 – ‘A Decision to Discriminate’: Brisbane Book Launch + Darwin Introduction to the Book

Contents:

* Brisbane Book Launch: ‘A Decision to Discriminate’:
12 Dec 12
* Darwin Introduction to the Book: ‘A Decision to Discriminate’:
10 Dec 12
* Adelaide Book Launch: ‘A Decision to Discriminate’:
9 Dec 12
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention

* Australian Human Rights Commission:
Social Justice Report 2012 & Native Title Report 2012
* SBS World News Video:
Gooda calls for Indigenous governance overhaul
* SBS Audio: Effective governance starts with us: Gooda

* The Wire: BHP Billiton bombarded by protests
* Background to expansion of Olympic Dam mine challenge

* Amy McQuire:
WA govt’s “mean-spirited” refusal to extend Stolen Wages deadline

* Amy McQuire: Act of Recognition introduced to lower house
* Congress:
Positive Step by Parliament but Substantive Reform Remains
* Castan Centre for Human Rights Law:
Closing the Referendum gap
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Greens remain committed to Constitutional Recognition

* SNAICC News: NATSILs and SNAICC joint submission on the
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

* SBS Living Black: A Senate Inquiry Into Justice Reinvestment

* Other articles

* BRISBANE BOOK LAUNCH: ‘A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE’
– 12 DEC 12

– Upcoming event

Event: Wed 12 December 2012: South Brisbane, Qld
Brisbane Book Launch: ‘A Decision to Discriminate’
– Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
Launched by: Graeme Mundine, respected Aboriginal leader
and Executive Officer of Australian Catholic Ministry in Sydney
Supporting the launch will be two special guests:
* Aunty Lilla Watson, Birrigubba and Gungalu woman,
leader, teacher and advocate in the Murri community
* Les Malezer, Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi man,
Co-Chair, National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
“Through the use of direct quotations,
this new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation.”
Sponsored by:
* Amnesty International QLD http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld
* and ANTaR Queensland http://antarqld.org.au/
A ‘concerned Australians’ publication: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Brisbane flyer: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_launch_flyer_Brisbane.pdf
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/qld/event/30572/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Brisbane
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Book reviews:

Review of a Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the NT

http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-aboriginal-disempowerment/
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818

* DARWIN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK: ‘A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE’
– 10 DEC 12

– Upcoming event

Event: Mon 10 December 2012: Darwin, NT
International Human Rights Day Celebration
NT Council for Human Rights Education
celebrates with the community
Opening and Introduction to the book
‘A Decision to Discriminate’ by
Rosalie Kunoth Monks OAM
Darwin program: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_flyer_Darwin.pdf
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
‘A Decision to Discriminate’ is a
‘concerned Australians’ publication: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
Book Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Book reviews:

Review of a Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the NT

http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-aboriginal-disempowerment/
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818

* ADELAIDE BOOK LAUNCH: ‘A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE’
– 9 DEC 12

– Upcoming event

Event: Sun 9 December 2012: Adelaide CBD, SA
International Human Rights Day Book Launch
Note new date and venue!
The Women’s International League for Peace
and Freedom (WILPF) will be launching the book:
A Decision to Discriminate
– Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory
released by ‘concerned Australians’
Launched by:
* Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM,
representing the Yolngu Nations
* Rosalie Kunoth Monks OAM,
representing the Alyawaar Nations
“This is a rare opportunity to meet with
these two distinguished Elders and
to hear first-hand stories.”
New venue: Pilgrim Hall at rear of Pilgrim Uniting Church,
12 Flinders St, Adelaide CBD
“Through the use of direct quotations,
this new book is an important historical record
that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry
into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows
how the Government decision-making process
chose to ignore the views and ideas expressed
by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory
communities in much the same way as has
happened since colonisation.”
“Following the book launch
Amnesty International Australia
will have the regional launch of their
2012 Reconciliation Action Plan
at which the honoured guest will be
Kaurna Elder Lynette Crocker.”
Adelaide flyer: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_launch_flyer_Adelaide.pdf
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ADTD_booklaunches.html#Adelaide
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#ADTD
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/30409/
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians.html
Event details: http://www.respectandlisten.org/nt-intervention/concerned-australians/a-decision-to-discriminate.html
Flyer: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/ca/ADTD-flyer-final.pdf
Order Form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/ADTD_Order_Form.pdf
Book reviews:

Review of a Decision to Discriminate: Aboriginal Disempowerment in the NT

http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012115_91.shtml
http://overland.org.au/blogs/loudspeaker/2012/10/stronger-futures-and-aboriginal-disempowerment/
Audio Interviews: http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9818
‘concerned Australians’ Homepage: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

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

Last updated: 11 November 2012

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Last updated: 26 November 2012

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

* AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION:
SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORT 2012 & NATIVE TITLE REPORT 2012

– Reports

Australian Human Rights Commission: Social Justice Report 2012
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/sj_report/sjreport12/index.html

Australian Human Rights Commission: Native Title Report 2012
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/nt_report/ntreport12/index.html

– Related Video

SBS World News: Social Justice and Native Title Report launched
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/2311278679/Social-Justice-and-Native-Title-Report-launched
30 Nov 12: “Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has
launched the 2012 Social Justice and Native Title Reports
in Sydney. The reports focus on Indigenous governance, and
the failure of Governments to appropriately support
Indigenous communities undertaking it.”

– Related Event

Event: 30 November 2012: Sydney, NSW
Social Justice and Native Title Launch 2012
The event will include:
* Keynote Address by Mr Geoff Scott,
CEO, NSW Aboriginal Land Council
* Launch of the Social Justice Report 2012
and the Native Title Report 2012 by Mr Mick Gooda,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Social Justice Commissioner
* Launch of the introductory DVD to the
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
Hosted by Australian Human Rights Commission
Event details: http://humanrights.gov.au/about/events/index.html#sjlaunch
Event details: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2012/108_12.html

See:

Australian Human Rights Commission:
Speeches on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Social Justice Issues
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/index.html

Australian Human Rights Commission is on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/aushumanrights

WGAR Background to Mabo and Native Title: http://indymedia.org.au/2012/07/02/background-to-mabo-and-native-title

* SBS WORLD NEWS VIDEO:
GOODA CALLS FOR INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE OVERHAUL

– Video

SBS World News: Gooda calls for Indigenous governance overhaul
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1716531/Gooda-calls-for-Indigenous-governance-overhaul
30 Nov 12: “The way Indigenous Australians are governed
needs a complete overhaul, said Social Justice Commissioner
Mick Gooda as he handed down his annual report. The way
Indigenous Australians are governed needs a complete
overhaul, according to a report from the Australian Human
Rights Commission. “We need Government to sometimes just
get out of the road and give us a chance to make some
decision sin out own communities and in our own ways,”
said Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda as he handed
down his annual report.”

* SBS AUDIO: EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE STARTS WITH US: GOODA

– Audio

SBS Radionews: Effective governance starts with us: Gooda
By Nikki Canning/Peggy Giakoumelos
http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/244047/Effective-governance-starts-with-us-Gooda
30 Nov 12: “Australia’s Social Justice Commissioner says
more needs to be done to encourage effective governance in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The
comments come as the Australian Human Rights Commission
releases its Social Justice Report for 2012, along with its
Native Title Report. The two reports look at major events
affecting indigenous people in the reporting period from
July 1 2011 to June 30 2012.”

* THE WIRE: BHP BILLITON BOMBARDED BY PROTESTS

– Audio Interviews

The Wire: BHP Billiton bombarded by protests
Produced by Daniel Fitzgerald
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9909
29 Nov 12: “Protests were held around the country today
against BHP Billiton, while the mining giant held its
Annual General Meeting in Sydney. The focus of the protests
was on the environmental impact of its South Australian
Olympic Dam mine and the release of an alternative
shareholder’s report, known as the Dirty Deeds Report,
which details concerns over BHP’s environmental record.
Protestors in Adelaide, Mia Pepper, from the Western
Australian Conservation Council and Nectaria Callan were
both concerned about the radioactive run-off from BHP’s
Uranium mining. At the protest in Sydney, four activists
were arrested for abseiling down the front of the Sydney
Convention Centre, where the BHP Billiton AGM was being
held.
Featured in story:
* Nectaria Callan, Protestor in Adelaide
* Mia Pepper, Nuclear Free Campaigner at the
Western Australian Conservation Council”

– Related News

newsTracker: Abseiling BHP protesters charged
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/abseiling-bhp-protesters-charged/
30 Nov 12: “NATIONAL: Two men face charges after abseiling
down the Sydney Convention Centre as part of an
environmental protest outside BHP Billiton’s annual general
meeting. Police riot squad and rescue officers were called
to Darling Harbour on Thursday where about 40 people
gathered to protest against the mining giant. Several
groups were involved in the demonstration, including
anti-uranium protesters and Aboriginal elders.”

The West Australian: Protesters dog BHP Billiton AGM
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/national/15512950/protesters-dog-bhp-billiton-agm/
29 Nov 12: “Four abseilers who scaled the Sydney Convention
Centre as part of an environmental protest outside BHP
Billiton’s annual general meeting will likely be charged.
Police riot squad and rescue officers were called to
Darling Harbour this morning where about 40 people
gathered to protest against the mining giant. Several
groups were involved in the demonstration, including
anti-uranium protesters and Aboriginal elders. …
Arabunna man Kevin Buzzacott was among protesters who
gathered at Darling Harbour for the launch of an
alternative annual report, Dirty Deeds, which was
distributed to shareholders.”

– Related Event

Event: Thu 29 November 2012: Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW
Reclaim the Future – BHP AGM Sydney 2012
BHP Billiton Sydney AGM Protest
“BHP Billiton has the opportunity to begin a
transition out of dirty energy minerals
(oil, uranium and coal) Instead they are at the
forefront of expanding these industries,
leaving a toxic legacy for our future generations
whilst 85% of their profits go offshore.”
“Come join us at there annual general shareholders
meeting in Sydney and have your voice heard
towards the actions of these corporate parasites.”
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/events/240677119387432/
Event details: http://bhpbillitonwatch.net/2012/11/23/bhp-billiton-sydney-agm-thursday-29th-nov/

– Related Audio Interviews

The Wire: Protesters put pressure on WA uranium plan
Produced by Lisa Burns and Emily Erickson
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9905
28 Nov 12: “Protesters in Adelaide had their eyes on Toro
Energy today – the company held its Annual General Meeting
with members and key stakeholders about its planned uranium
exploration near the remote community of Wiluna, in Western
Australia. All the project needs now is the green light
from the Federal Government for mining to begin, but
various environmental and Aboriginal groups oppose the bid.
Pending Federal Government approval, Toro Energy aims to
have the Wiluna Project in production by 2013. …
Featured in story:
* Dave Sweeney,
Nuclear Free Campaigner, Australian Conservation Foundation
* Greg Hall, Managing Director of Toro Energy Limited
* Vicki McCabe,
Traditional Land Owner from Leonora in Western Australia,
Member of the West Australia Nuclear Free Alliance”

* BACKGROUND TO EXPANSION OF OLYMPIC DAM MINE CHALLENGE:

Last updated: 1 September 2012

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/background-to-expansion-of-olympic-dam-mine-challenge-south-australia

* AMY MCQUIRE:
WA GOVT’S “MEAN-SPIRITED” REFUSAL TO EXTEND STOLEN WAGES DEADLINE

– News

newsTracker:
WA govt’s “mean-spirited” refusal to extend Stolen Wages deadline
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/wa-govts-mean-spirited-refusal-to-extend-stolen-wages-deadline/
29 Nov 12: “WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Hundreds of Aboriginal
Western Australians who had their wages withheld from
successive state governments could miss out on a
reparations payment, after the Barnett government refused
to extend the deadline. The Stolen Wages Reparations
Scheme was announced earlier this year, offering a $2000
ex-gratia payment in exchange for the millions of dollars
in Aboriginal wages and entitlements withheld within a
system of trust accounts from 1905 to 1972. The
withholding of wages and pensions compounded the
disadvantage and poverty of Aboriginal people throughout
Western Australia.” By Amy McQuire,
a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman, editor of Tracker

– Related News

National Indigenous Times:
No extension for WA’s Stolen Wages victims
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2296-no-extension-for-was-stolen-wages-victims.html
28 Nov 12: “The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western
Australia has criticised the West Australian Government for
refusing to extend the deadline for the Stolen Wages
Reparation Scheme passed this Friday, November 30. Last
month Legal Service wrote to the Minister for Indigenous
Affairs, Peter Collier seeking an extension but the
Minister has refused. “I am so sad for all of the people
who will miss out… ”

* AMY MCQUIRE: ACT OF RECOGNITION INTRODUCED TO LOWER HOUSE

– News

newsTracker: Act of Recognition introduced to lower house
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/act-of-recognition-introduced-to-lower-house/
28 Nov 12: “NATIONAL: The Gillard government has introduced
its Act of Recognition bill, designed to replace the
promised referendum into constitutional reform in the
interim, which could be for at least the next two years.
Labor announced the bill earlier this year following
concerns there was not enough public support for a
referendum into recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders in the constitution. The promise, to acknowledge
Indigenous Australians in the preamble of the constitution,
was an election eve commitment by former Prime Minister
John Howard.” By Amy McQuire,
a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman, editor of Tracker

– Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
http://caama.com.au/radio#tabs-6

29 Nov 12: “* Federal Indigenous affairs minister Jenny
Macklin has put forward a legislation act to the parliament
to recognise Australia’s first peoples in the constitution.
* A respected Western Arrente man and Red Ochre recipient
has spoken out against the Stronger Futures legislation
likening it to a best hits record all the same songs but
with different names.”

– Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Human rights group calls for support for Act of Recognition bill
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7654-human-rights-group-calls-for-support-for-act-of-recognition-bill
29 Nov 12: “The Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny
Macklin has introduced into Parliament the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander People Recognition Bill to
acknowledge Indigenous people as Australia’s first
inhabitants. … International human rights organisation
Oxfam has welcomed the introduction of the bill. Andrew
Meehan, Indigenous Rights Advocacy spokesperson at Oxfam,
says the bill needs parliamentary support and
constitutional recognition would help eliminate legal
racial discrimination.”

newsTracker: Act of Recognition introduced to Parliament
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/act-of-recognition-introduced-to-parliament/
28 Nov 12: “NATIONAL: The Gillard government has introduced
legislation to put through an Act of Recognition.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin on Wednesday
introduced to parliament legislation for an act of
recognition, initiating a bipartisan step towards
recognising Indigenous Australians in the constitution.
“We do not underestimate the challenge of achieving
nationwide consensus,” she told parliament. “Change will
not happen without support from across the political
spectrum and the support of the majority of Australians.””

Koori Mail: Indigenous Recognition Bill welcomed
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Nov 12: “THE Australian Human Rights Commission, ANTaR,
Oxfam Australia and church groups have welcomed the
introduction of legislation aimed at building support for a
referendum to recognise Australia’s First Peoples in the
constitution. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social
Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today that the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition
Bill 2012 was a ‘significant step on the path to
constitutional recognition’.”

Koori Mail: Bill to recognise First Australians
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Nov 12: “THE Australian Government has introduced the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition
Bill 2012 into Parliament. Federal Indigenous Affairs
Minister Jenny Macklin said the Act of Recognition provided
Parliament with the opportunity to show its support and
commitment to constitutional recognition of Indigenous
people. The Bill includes a sunset date of two years, which
sets a timeframe to build community support towards a
referendum.”

newsTracker: Yothu Yindi in constitution push
http://tracker.org.au/2012/11/yothu-yindi-in-constitution-push/
30 Nov 12: “NEW SOUTH WALES: Music group Yothu Yindi have
used their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame to call for
the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the
Constitution. While being inducted at the ARIA awards in
Sydney on Thursday, the band urged fans to get behind the
campaign to change Australia’s foundation document. “As
musicians, recognition from our peers is important to us,”
Yothu Yindi frontman Mandawuy Yunupingu said. “As
Aboriginal Australians, recognition from our Constitution
is even more important.””

ABC Radio Australia:
Yothu Yindi cements its place in musical history
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-11-29/yothu-yindi-cements-its-place-in-musical-history/1053650
29 Nov 12: “Northern Territory band Yothu Yindi will be
inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the 26th annual
music awards ceremony in Sydney tonight. … Mr Garrett
[Federal Minister and former lead singer of Midnight Oil
Peter Garrett] says the latest move to include recognition
in the constitution is more than just symbolism, and
follows the band’s work in breaking down social barriers.
“The apology, constitutional recognition, and then
consideration of issues like treaties or contracts, we are
getting there step by step,” he said.”

– Related Audio Interviews

The Wire:
SA to officially acknowledge Aboriginals were there first
Produced by Annie Hastwell
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9912
29 Nov 12: “Official recognition of Aboriginal South
Australians as the state’s First People is to be written
into the State’s constitution. Premier Jay Weatherill today
introduced legislation into parliament which will give
symbolic recognition of indigenous people’s prior
possession of the land when white settlement arrived in
1836. Chair of the Advisory panel,Narunga man and Professor
at UniSA Peter Buckskin says the reogntion is an historic
moment and an important step forward. However the changes
are not intended to convey any extra legal rights to
Aboriginal people.
Featured in story: Professor Peter Buckskin”

* CONGRESS:
POSITIVE STEP BY PARLIAMENT BUT SUBSTANTIVE REFORM REMAINS

– Media Release

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Positive Step by Parliament but Substantive Reform Remains
http://nationalcongress.com.au/positive-step-by-parliament-but-substantive-reform-remains-the-prize/
http://nationalcongress.com.au/news-pics/
28 Nov 12: “Congress acknowledges the introduction of the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition
Bill 2012 into the Federal Parliament as a genuine
commitment towards achieving real Constitutional reform.
“It is appropriate that the Parliament demonstrate there is
strong bipartisan political support and co-operation for
recognition of our Peoples,” said Co-Chair Jody Broun.
“Our eyes remain on one prize and that is a successful
referendum that delivers true recognition and equality for
First Peoples.
“Congress has written to the Government and Opposition
re-iterating the importance of the recommendations of the
Prime Minister’s Expert Panel.
“This consensus report was the result of an enormous amount
of time, resources and engagement and must be accepted as
the framework for reform,” she said. … ”

See:

Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Last updated: 5 May 2012
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-national-congress-of-australia%E2%80%99s-first-peoples

* CASTAN CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LAW:
CLOSING THE REFERENDUM GAP

– Analysis / Opinion

Castan Centre for Human Rights Law: Closing the Referendum gap

Closing the Referendum gap

28 Nov 12: ” … It was feared that this bill might merely
be parliamentary procrastination, and be seen by both
Indigenous communities and the wider Australian public as
a panacea for genuine constitutional reform. But if
bipartisan support can be maintained, if the review process
is robust, and if wide ranging engagement on the meaning
of reform ensues, then we can look forward to a referendum
in the not too distant future. We should grasp the historic
opportunity to remedy our constitutional deficit, close the
referendum gap and fully recognize Indigenous Australians
in our fundamental legal document.” By Melissa Castan,
Law Lecturer, Deputy Director at the Castan Centre for
Human Rights Law, Monash University, Victoria, Australia

* GREENS SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT:
GREENS REMAIN COMMITTED TO CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION

Media Release

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Greens remain committed to Constitutional Recognition
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-remain-committed-constitutional-recognition
28 Nov 12: “Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Issues
The Federal Government has today announced their Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill and are
in the process of establishing a Joint Parliamentary Select
Committee to examine the Bill.
“The Australian Greens are committed to ensuring that the
process from here is one which sets us on the best possible
path towards a ‘yes’ vote when the referendum is held,”
Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
“I was proud to be a member of the Expert Panel examining
Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Peoples. We undertook extensive consultations
over a 12 month period before delivering a consensus report
to the Prime Minister in January 2012. This process
included wide ranging discussions, consultations and
public hearings.
“The Joint Select Committee should build on the work
already undertaken by the Expert Panel and continue to
consult widely on this issue. … ”
[Senator Rachel Siewert said]”

* SNAICC NEWS:
NATSILS AND SNAICC JOINT SUBMISSION ON THE ROYAL COMMISSION
INTO INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

– News and Submission

Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care:
SNAICC News: NATSILs and SNAICC joint submission on the
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=932
28 Nov 12: “NATSILs [National Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Legal Services] and SNAICC have provided a joint
submission on the Consultation Paper on the establishment
of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to
Child Sexual Abuse. This redresses core issues for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth
in the terms of reference and the form that the Royal
Commission should take. NATSILs and SNAICC in particular
call for use of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child as a framework for its work and
specific reference to the experiences of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children and young people, in the
context of forcible removal by past Government protection
and segregation policies, and over-representation in state
care and in places of detention. Representation of
appropriately qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples among the appointed Commissioners and
respectful processes and supports for those participating
in the Royal Commission were among other key
recommendations.”

See:

WGAR News: SNAICC News:
Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse (22 Nov 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/21/wgar-news-the-wire-call-for-indigenous-commissioners-to-head-up-abuse-investigation

WGAR News: The Wire:
Call for indigenous commissioners to head up abuse investigation
[Interview with Tjanara Goreng Goreng] (22 Nov 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/21/wgar-news-the-wire-call-for-indigenous-commissioners-to-head-up-abuse-investigation

WGAR News: ABC: Abused Indigenous children ‘must be heard’
[Tjanara Goreng Goreng] (22 Nov 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/21/wgar-news-the-wire-call-for-indigenous-commissioners-to-head-up-abuse-investigation

* SBS LIVING BLACK: A SENATE INQUIRY INTO JUSTICE REINVESTMENT

– Audio Interview

SBS Living Black: A Senate Inquiry Into Justice Reinvestment
By Michelle Lovegrove
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/243789/t/A-Senate-Inquiry-Into-Justice-Reinvestment/in/english
28 Nov 12: “This is by no means the first inquiry into
imprisonment, over imprisonment, deaths in custody. The
Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was 20
years old just last year – with many asking the question
– so what has changed? …
But what of justice reinvestment itself?
Director at the National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples and leader of Congress’ Justice Policy Tammy
Solonec speaking live with Michelle Lovegrove.”

– Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Justice reinvestment an investment in communities: ANTaR
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7658-justice-reinvestment-an-investment-in-communities-antar
30 Nov 12: “Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation
has welcomed the Senate inquiry into the implementation of
justice reinvestment strategies in Australia. National
Director Jacqui Phillips says since the Royal Commission
into deaths in custody 20 years ago, imprisonment rates
have increased, demonstrating dysfunction of Australia’s
prison system. Ms Phillips says justice reinvestment could
save the taxpayer millions of dollars and a revised system
should give control to communities to implement crime
prevention programs.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Calls for justice reinvestment inquiry answered
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7655-calls-for-justice-reinvestment-inquiry-answered
29 Nov 12: “The National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples has welcomed the announcement of a Senate inquiry
into the implementation of justice reinvestment strategies
in Australia. Greens Senator Penny Wright successfully
moved a motion for the Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Committee to investigate justice reinvestment. Congress and
a number of other Indigenous rights organisations have been
advocating for the strategy, which aims to reduce
imprisonment rates by redirecting incarceration funds to
crime prevention programs.”

See:

WGAR News: Aboriginal Legal Services from around Australia
welcome Justice Reinvestment Inquiry: ALS News (29 Nov 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/11/29/wgar-news-aboriginal-legal-services-from-around-australia-welcome-justice-reinvestment-in

* OTHER ARTICLES:

– Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Breaking News: Tennant Creek Protest
http://caama.com.au/breaking-news-tennant-creek-protest

30 Nov 12

– News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Banning sniffable fuel in troubled communities gives
opportunities to youth, say Greens
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7657-addressing-petrol-sniffing-gives-opportunities-to-youth-say-greens
30 Nov 12: “The Australian Greens Indigenous affairs
spokesperson Rachel Siewert says addressing petrol sniffing
in Indigenous communities will allow youth programs to run
more successfully. The Senate this week passed the Low
Aromatic Fuel Bill to give the Federal Government power to
force petrol stations to sell Opal fuel. The bill now moves
to the House of Representatives.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Taser misuse not good for community-police relationships: ISJA
30 Nov 12: “The Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA)
says questionable uses of Tasers on Indigenous people
‘destroy’ relationships between police and communities.
High profile cases of police Taser use on Aboriginal
people, both in New South Wales, include that of Phillip
Bugmy in Wilcannia and a 14-year-old boy in Crescent Head.
Mr. Bugmy’s Tasering was deemed to be inappropriate and
the boy’s case is being looked at by the Aboriginal Legal
Service.”

Koori Mail: Support for mental health report card
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
30 Nov 12: “THE Lowitja Institute has backed a national
‘report card’ recommending that improved Indigenous mental
health be added to targets pursued by Governments under its
Close the Gap (CTG) agenda. The National Mental Health
Commission (NMHC) report, handed to the Prime Minister on
Tuesday, focused on high suicide rates and lack of mental
health support. The Lowitja Institute says having mental
health as a CTG target would ensure that governments
treated mental health as a priority. It also wants mental
health prioritised in the next Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Aboriginal Health Plan.”

– – –