130209 – Sovereignty not Constitutional recognition the key to Closing the Gap: The Wire

* The Wire:
Sovereignty not Constitutional recognition the key to
Closing the Gap
* Sovereign Union:
Governments ‘Act of Recognition’ has some very serious implications
* NIRS:
Raising life expectancy not a case of throwing around money: Mansell
* Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee: Shadow Report 2013
* Congress Close the Gap Statement
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Government commitment to flawed policies clouds efforts to
close the gap

* Brisbane Times: Protesters storm Rudd’s Brisbane office
* ABC: Four charged after sit-in protest at Rudd office
* Background to the Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy,
Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, Qld

* NIRS: Noongar Embassy reviews media coverage
* Background to the Nyoongar Tent Embassy,
Heirisson Island, Perth, WA

* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Opal Fuel Bill passes Federal Parliament

* Other articles

* THE WIRE:
SOVEREIGNTY NOT CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION
THE KEY TO CLOSING THE GAP

– Audio Interview

The Wire:
Sovereignty not Constitutional recognition the key to
Closing the Gap
Produced by Lisa Burns
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9987
6 Feb 13: “One of the key areas of concern in the
Government’s Closing the Gap campaign is the recognition of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the
Federal Constitution, a cause Gillard has pledged $10
million dollars towards. But some Indigenous groups say
recognition in the Constitution isn’t the answer to
Closing the Gap, it’s having autonomy from the Government.
Featured in story:
Michael Anderson, Founder of the Sovereign Union”

– Related Audio

The Wire: Closing the Gap – Five years on
Produced by Wade Stephens and Emmie Dowling
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9988
6 Feb 13: “For five years the Australian Government has
tried to close the gap between the socioeconomic standards
of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, with Julia
Gillard giving an update today. Disappointments with some
statistics are contrasted to the hope and promise of others.
One development goal has been reached, but what are the
fates of the other five?
Also featured:
* Angelo Gabrielatos
– President of the Australian Education union
Featured in story:
* Justin Mohamed – Chairperson of the
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
* Gino Vumbaca –
Executive at the Australian National Council on Drugs
* Lester Irabinna-Rigney
– Adelaide University’s Dean of Indigenous Education
* Peter Buckskin – The University of South Australia’s
Dean of Indigenous Education”

See:

About The Wire
http://www.thewire.org.au/about.aspx
“The Wire is a daily current affairs program broadcast
exclusively on Community and Indigenous radio stations
around Australia.”

* SOVEREIGN UNION:
GOVERNMENTS ‘ACT OF RECOGNITION’ HAS SOME VERY SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS

– Media Release

Sovereign Union:
Governments ‘Act of Recognition’ has some very serious implications
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/governments-act-recognition-has-some-very-serious-implications
6 Feb 13: “Michael Anderson, Convenor of the Sovereign
Union of First Nations Peoples in Australia, said from
Goodooga today: “The current proposals for an Act of
Recognition by the Commonwealth parliament is nothing more
than a token gesture, but has some very serious
implications.
“When we look at the wording of this Bill we see that PM
Julia Gillard’s efforts are nothing more than a shameful
scam to suggest that she and her Labor government are
serious about the Aboriginal issues that they are
confronted with.rovide for individual Aboriginal nations
to negotiate amicable outcomes through a treaty process
that reflects the true ambitions, inherent rights and
aspirations of each individual Aboriginal Nation.
“During the term of the Fraser Liberal National Coalition
government it was concluded by the National Aboriginal
Conference (NAC), who were elected by popular vote within
the Aboriginal community around Australia, that a
one-size-fits-all is not the correct approach for our
diverse Aboriginal Nations and Peoples. … ”

See:

About ‘Sovereign Union’
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/3
“This is the official website of the Sovereign Union of
First Nations and Peoples in Australia. The Sovereign Union
was first formed at a meeting on 12-14 June 1999 on Mt
Kaputar, near Narrabri, NSW. A delegation was sent to
Geneva to the UN Working Group of the Commission on Human
Rights to take our sovereign voices to the international
community. The Sovereign Union was further formalised with
a Foundation Meeting of the ‘Sovereign Union – interim
Unity Government’ at the Kuradji Tent Embassy, near
Wollongong, New South Wales on May 25 2012.”

* NIRS:
RAISING LIFE EXPECTANCY NOT A CASE OF THROWING AROUND MONEY:
MANSELL

– News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Raising life expectancy not a case of throwing around money: Mansell
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7804-raising-life-expectancy-not-a-case-of-throwing-around-money-mansell
4 Feb 13: “The Legal Director of the Tasmanian Aboriginal
Centre says the life expectancy rate of Aboriginal people
is shocking compared to non-Indigenous people. … Mr
Mansell says the Australian Government’s response to the
statistics is to say it supplies funding. But he says this
does nothing about the social, economic and cultural
circumstances of Aboriginal people and it allows other
people to impose their will on Indigenous people.”

See:

About the National Indigenous Radio Service
http://www.nirs.org.au/about-us
“NIRS strives to provide a range of voices for Indigenous
communities via a schedule of various radio programs,
supported by a national satellite service. It is argued the
NIRS satellite footprint is the largest in the southern
hemisphere.”

* CLOSE THE GAP CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE:
SHADOW REPORT 2013

– Report

Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee:
Shadow Report 2013

Click to access CTGShadowReport2013.pdf

“On Australian governments’ progress towards closing the
gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians”

See:

Close The Gap Campaign media release:
2013 is make or break to Close the Gap by 2030

Click to access CloseTheGapCampaignRelease.pdf

6 Feb 13: “The Close the Gap campaign says three crucial
commitments this year will make or break the achievement
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health equality
by 2030.
Social Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda said this year is
the juncture of three developments that together will give
a strong indication if this target can be met.
“This year will see not only a Federal Election and the
implementation of a new National Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Health Plan but also the need for all
governments – including states and territories – to
recommit to the National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on
Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes,” he said
“We need solid assurances from all parties that this
funding – already providing tangible outcomes – will
continue. … ”

Who we are

Click to access CTGShadowReport2013.pdf

Australia’s peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
and non-Indigenous health bodies, health professional
bodies and human rights organisations operate the Close
the Gap Campaign. The
Campaign’s goal is to raise the health and life
expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples to that of the non-Indigenous population within
a generation: to close the gap by 2030. It aims to do
this through the implementation of a human rights based
approach set out in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Social Justice Commissioner’s Social Justice
Report 2005.1″ page 1

* CONGRESS CLOSE THE GAP STATEMENT

– Statement

Congress Close the Gap Statement
http://nationalcongress.com.au/congress-close-the-gap-statement/
6 Feb 13: “2013 Election platforms must detail action and
include justice targets to Close the Gap
2013 Election platforms must detail action and include
justice targets to Close the Gap Confirmation of core
funding for programs to close the gap in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health, and new targets to address
over-representation in the criminal justice system must be
part of the government’s Closing the Gap framework and
reporting.
Along with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
leaders, Congress Co-Chair, Jody Broun and Social Justice
Commissioner Mick Gooda will outline their priorities to
political leaders today.
“This year’s election is the time for all parties to
demonstrate how they will close the gap in health,
education and justice by 2030,” said Co-Chair Broun.
Ms Broun and Mr Gooda will present to Parliamentarians the
CTG Campaign’s Shadow Report 2013, a review of governments’
commitments to close the gap. The shadow report coincides
with the tabling of the Government’s report and the
Opposition’s reply in Parliament. … ”

See:

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples – About Us
http://nationalcongress.com.au/about-us/
“The Congress was incorporated as a Company Limited by
Guarantee in April 2010. As a company the Congress is owned
and controlled by its membership and independent of
Government.”

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

* GREENS SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT:
GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO FLAWED POLICIES CLOUDS EFFORTS TO
CLOSE THE GAP

– Media Release

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Government commitment to flawed policies clouds efforts to
close the gap
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/government-commitment-flawed-policies-clouds-efforts-close-gap
6 Feb 13: “The Australian Greens say the Prime Minister’s
Closing the Gap speech shows up some of the Government’s
flawed priorities in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The Prime Minister’s report raises key questions about
the Government’s ongoing commitment to flawed policies,
such as income management, while other critical issues,
such as the appalling rate of incarceration amongst
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, were
overlooked,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens
spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Issues said today.
“I am deeply concerned that the Prime Minister did not
discuss incarceration and ways to address it.
“Why does the Government continue to waste money on the
unproved and expensive regime of income management, when
this money would be far more effective in other areas, such
as reducing dependence on drugs and alcohol or combating
hearing health problems? … ” [said Senator Siewert] ”

See:

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Issues
Rachel Siewert: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-issues
“All Australians, including those living in remote
communities, have an equal right to essential government
services such as health, education, training, housing,
community infrastructure, employment support, and policing.”

About Rachel Siewert
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/about
“Rachel is currently working to establish of a network of
marine sanctuaries around Australia, introduce much needed
reforms and improvements to aged care services, increase
funding for mental health and preventive health measures
nationwide and to improve the opportunities and life
expectancy of Indigenous Australians.”

* BRISBANE TIMES: PROTESTERS STORM RUDD’S BRISBANE OFFICE

– News

Brisbane Times: Protesters storm Rudd’s Brisbane office
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/protesters-storm-rudds-brisbane-office-20130206-2dy53.html
6 Feb 13: “Four protesters have been charged with trespass
over a sit-in at Kevin Rudd’s eastern suburbs electorate
office that has left a staff member injured. A group of
seven protesters, associated with the Brisbane Aboriginal
Sovereign Embassy, allegedly forced their way inside when a
female staff member was trying to leave through a security
door, injuring her leg. Protester Hamish Chitts said the
group opposed federal moves to recognise indigenous people
in the Constitution, arguing full sovereignty should be
the goal.”

* ABC: FOUR CHARGED AFTER SIT-IN PROTEST AT RUDD OFFICE

– News

ABC: Four charged after sit-in protest at Rudd office
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-06/rudd-staffer-assulted-by-protester-say-police/4504398
6 Feb 13: “Four people have been charged after a sit-in
protest at former prime minister Kevin Rudd’s Brisbane
office. Six people staged a protest at Mr Rudd’s electorate
office in Morningside this morning in response to Prime
Minister Julia Gillard’s Closing the Gap speech in Federal
Parliament, police said. … Earlier, one of the
protesters, Karen Fusi, said Government policy did not
recognise Indigenous sovereignty. “They’re not closing the
gap. The gap is getting bigger. And they’re the ones who
formed it,” she said.”

* BACKGROUND TO THE BRISBANE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGN EMBASSY,
MUSGRAVE PARK, SOUTH BRISBANE, QLD

Last updated: 28 January 2013

http://indymedia.org.au/2013/01/02/brisbane-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-musgrave-park-south-brisbane-qld

* NIRS: NOONGAR EMBASSY REVIEWS MEDIA COVERAGE

– News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Noongar Embassy reviews media coverage
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7811-noongar-embassy-reviews-media-coverage
5 Feb 13: “A spokesperson for the Noongar Tent Embassy in
Perth says the results of a review of media coverage of the
Embassy are soon to be fully released. The Embassy
commissioned two post-graduate media students from Curtin
University to analyse the coverage. A preliminary launch
of the report’s finding was held late last month and the
full release is due for the 6th of March. Marianne McKay
says the report has found the WA Government is heavily
influenced by the media.”

See:

About the National Indigenous Radio Service
http://www.nirs.org.au/about-us
“For over three decades, NIRS has provided a radio
programming and media marketing service for over 140
Indigenous community radio stations. We continue to deliver
24 hours of programming each day throughout all major
metropolitan, regional and, perhaps most importantly,
remote communities.”

* BACKGROUND TO THE NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY,
HEIRISSON ISLAND, PERTH, WA

Last updated: 27 January 2013

http://indymedia.org.au/2013/01/02/nyoongar-tent-embassy-heirisson-island-perth-wa

* GREENS SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT:
OPAL FUEL BILL PASSES FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

– Media Release

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Opal Fuel Bill passes Federal Parliament
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/opal-fuel-bill-passes-federal-parliament
6 Feb 13: “Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Issues
The Greens legislation to mandate the use of low aromatic
fuel has the strong support of communities, health experts
and community organisations and it will be a big help in
combating the scourge of petrol sniffing.
This Bill will make a really big difference to people’s
lives, because unfortunately, despite the very serious and
sustained efforts to end it, petrol sniffing is still
persistent in some areas of Australia.
Opal is a solution that governments and communities can
readily implement. Its use in Central Australia has really
taken the pressure off communities and provides a
breathing space where community workers can actually
focus on programs that address the personal and social
issues underlying petrol sniffing. When sniffing is rife
in a community it is near impossible to do this, the
power, violence and dysfunction caused by sniffing is too
overwhelming. But in a few areas, a selfish few have
refused all efforts. … ”

See:

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Issues
Rachel Siewert: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-issues
“The Australian Greens acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first peoples and
recognise their strong cultural and spiritual connection
with the land, and their rights and obligations as owners
and custodians.”

About Rachel Siewert
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/about
“Senator Rachel Siewert is a dynamic member of the
Australian Greens in Parliament who works hard for people
both at home in WA and across the country. Rachel is the
Australian Greens Whip, Chairs the Senate Community
Affairs References Committee and is a member of the Expert
Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous
Australians.”

See:

WGAR News: Gerry Georgatos, Indymedia Australia:
Is non-sniffable fuel really the answer? (28 Dec 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/12/28/wgar-news-genuine-participation-of-aboriginal-peoples-in-child-protection-decision-making

* OTHER ARTICLES:

– News

National Indigenous Times:
Phillip Roe says he would die to protect Goolarabooloo Country
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2449-phillip-roe-says-he-would-die-to-protect-goolarabooloo-country.html
7 Feb 13: “Goolarabooloo Senior Law Boss Phillip Roe hopes
come May Woodside will decide to not proceed with the $40
billion giant gas hub at James Price Point (Walmandan). If
the go-ahead is given Mr Roe said he is prepared to die for
his Country and that hundreds of Goolarabooloo will stand
their ground. He will never give up the fight.”

National Indigenous Times:
Idle No More movement spreads to Australia
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2450-idle-no-more-movement-spreads-to-australia.html
7 Feb 13: “by Callum Clayton-Dixon (Nganyaywana Nation).
Canada’s rapidly growing Idle No More Indigenous rights
movement has reached Australia’s shores, and Sydney and
Brisbane have lead the charge since mid-January. Idle No
More was initiated by four First Nations women late last
year in reaction to the Canadian Commonwealth Government’s
alleged abuse of native treaty rights.”

National Indigenous Times: Family frees dying brother
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2455-family-frees-dying-brother.html
7 Feb 13: “The beleaguered Perth Nyungah family of the
Brophos has had to deal with one tragedy after another
since they were tossed out of their homes by State
Government’s 2003 closure of their Swan Valley Nyungah
community – many of the residents finished homeless and
some have sadly died on the streets.”

National Indigenous Times:
Safe drinking water for Jigalong now under threat by funding cut
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2447-safe-drinking-water-for-jigalong-now-under-threat-by-funding-cut.html
7 Feb 13: “Western Australia’s State Labor Shadow Minister
for Indigenous Affairs, Yamaji Ben Wyatt has slammed the
State Government for not prioritising Aboriginal children
in the remote communities of Jigalong, leaving them to
drink unsafe water while the nearby town of Tom Price,
built for the mining boom, enjoys safe drinking water.”

National Indigenous Times:
Landmark Stolen Generations test case begins in Perth
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2444-landmark-stolen-generations-test-case-begins-in-perth.html
7 Feb 13: “It’s been a long and emotional journey but today
marks the beginning of the landmark Stolen Generations test
case in the Supreme Court of Western Australia where it
will run for the next five weeks. On Sorry Day in 2010 law
firm Lavan Legal lodged a Writ on behalf of nine members of
the Collard family, including parents Donald and Sylvia,
whose children were removed without… ”

National Indigenous Times:
Call for no jail time for non-violent offenders
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2453-call-for-no-jail-time-for-non-violent-offenders.html
7 Feb 13: “Treating and rehabilitating non-violent
Aboriginal offenders instead of just locking up increasing
numbers is a “no-brainer, according to a new report
released this week. The National Indigenous Drug and
Alcohol Committee and the Australian National Council on
Drugs released reports this week that estimated over
$111,000 per year could be saved if non-violent offenders
received treatment and rehabilitation and… ”

National Indigenous Times:
Murujuga National Park at long last
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2442-murujuga-national-park-at-long-last.html
7 Feb 13: “The West Australian Government has approved the
creation of the Murujuga National Park on the Burrup
Peninsula, near Karratha, however with a caveat. Local
Elder, Wilfred Hicks is pleased with the government’s
decision, however much of the surrounds he said also need
to be preserved similar to petroglyphs, rock art and other
historical sites. “World Heritage listing needs to be the
final outcome… ”

National Indigenous Times: Sexual abuse unacceptable: Gooda
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2451-sexual-abuse-unacceptable-gooda.html
7 Feb 13: “The Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and
the Australian Human Rights Commission have welcomed the
New South Wales Ombudsman’s report on child sexual abuse
in Aboriginal communities and its recommendations. “Sexual
assault is unacceptable and is not part of Aboriginal
culture. As a society, our main aim should be to protect
our children from all forms of abuse, but we also need to
heal our victims and… ”

National Indigenous Times: She wants to be the best
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2448-she-wants-to-be-the-best.html
7 Feb 13: “Labor’s star recruit Nova Peris has attacked the
Northern Territory Intervention in remote Indigenous
communities as a “failed policy” after Labor’s national
executive endorsed her as the party’s Senate candidate. But
Ms Peris said she endorsed Labor’s replacement Stronger
Futures legislation to improve conditions in Indigenous
communities.”

National Indigenous Times: Barnett to pull out all stops
http://www.nit.com.au/news/2445-barnett-to-pull-out-all-stops.html
7 Feb 13: “Western Australia Premier, Colin Barnett is
prepared to block all alternatives to the $40 billion James
Price Point LNG hub proposal to ensure the hub is built.
Woodside venture partner, Shell favours a cheaper floating
LNG distant from the Kimberley’s pristine coastline – this
story was first broken by the National Indigenous Times
last year.”