STAND FOR FREEDOM

NO MORE NT INTERVENTION

MORATORIUM ON INCOME MANAGEMENT

The Stronger Futures legislation threatens to extend key
parts of the NT Intervention for 10 more years. It will
extend income management across Australia. Funding to
healthy homelands is being cut, and vital community
employment programmes are being shut down.

These policies are against the wishes of Aboriginal people
in the Northern Territory and organisations across the
country.

JOIN US AS WE CALL FOR THE RIGHT OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE TO
DETERMINE THEIR OWN FUTURES

WHEN: Noon, Tues 28th February 2012

WHERE: Lawns of Parliament House, Canberra

The day will include:
* Aboriginal Representatives from the NT, including
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra
* Aboriginal elders from Bankstown, Sydney
* Dr. Falzon, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society
National Council of Aust.

Plus live music by special guests, food & refreshments and
a FREE outdoor screening of the award winning documentary,
Our Generation.

Initiated by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS),
Our Generation,
Say No to Government Income Management Coalition

STAND AGAINST MACKLIN’S DECADE OF DISCRIMINATION
- STOP THE SECOND INTERVENTION!

Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation
currently before parliament would extend the NT
Intervention for a further ten years. Explicitly racist
laws, which vilify Aboriginal people & culture are being
kept or strengthened including:

* “Star Chamber” powers held by the Australian Crime
Commission for investigations in Aboriginal communities,
including removal of the right to silence.

* Prohibition of consideration of Aboriginal customary law
and cultural practice in bail and sentencing.

* Blanket bans on alcohol on Aboriginal Land, despite
consistent opposition from the Aboriginal Peak
Organisations of the NT (APO NT) who have said, “The
decision regarding alcohol restrictions should be for
relevant residents to make… The principal effect of these
widely flouted laws has been to further criminalise and
alienate many residents”.

* Increases in penalties for possession of alcohol on
Aboriginal Land, including 6 months potential jail time for
a single can of beer and 18 months for a 6-pack.

* Blanket bans on “sexually explicit or very violent
material” on Aboriginal Land. These restrictions serve no
purpose other than the perverse stigmatisation of
Aboriginal men.

* Continued suspension of the operations of the permit
system in communities.

* Complete Commonwealth control over regulations in
Community Living Areas Proposed amendments to the Social
Security Act will see further attacks on the rights of
Centrelink recipients. These measures will initially be
targeted at NT Aboriginal peoples, but have national
implications, especially in areas such as Bankstown where
Income Management is being rolled out:

* An expansion of the School Enrolment and Attendance
Measure (SEAM) means chronic school attendance problems
could see families cut off certain Centrelink payments
entirely.

* Staff from any nominated organisation will have the power
to order people onto Income Management in the same way that
Child Protection agencies currently do.

* Staff from nominated government agencies will be able to
pass on information about clients to Centrelink, even if
doing so contravenes State or Territory law.

* Income Management will follow you even if you move out
of an Income Management area.

Help us organise the Feb 28 rally.

The Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) is
working with campaigners in Bankstown and the NT to
organise a major rally in Canberra on Feb 28, when the new
Intervention and Income Management legislation is set to
be debated in parliament.

We need your help to make this rally a success!

More info:
Paddy 0415 800 586
Mon 0415 410 558
www.stoptheintervention.org

- Event Summary

Event: Tue 28 February 2012:
Lawns of Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Major Rally: Stand For Freedom
Stand Against a Decade of Discrimination:
Stop the Second Intervention!
Confirmed speakers:
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra & Dr. John Falzon
Free outdoor screening of Our Generation
“Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation
currently before parliament would extend the NT
Intervention for a further ten years.”
Initiated by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) &
Our Generation &
Say No to Government Income Management Coalition
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-the-second-intervention
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/Canberra-Flyer-28-2-12.pdf

- – - – - – - – - – -

The above event listing is posted by WGAR
(Working Group for Aboriginal Rights – Australia)
as a community service. As such, please note
WGAR is not the author of this event listing.

The sources of this newsletter are as follows:

Paddy Gibson: paddy.gibson@gmail.com
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/Canberra-Flyer-28-2-12.pdf
Article: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-the-second-intervention
Website: http://stoptheintervention.org/

- – -

Subscription to ‘WGAR News’ is free.

‘WGAR News’ monitors the media, including alternative media,
focusing on the Australian Federal government intervention
into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities along
with other Aboriginal rights issues.

‘WGAR News’ publishes information and opinions from a wide
range of sources. These opinions expressed are not
necessarily the opinions of WGAR.

The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces,
news items and events. Subscribers can expect to receive
about 2 e-newsletters each week.

To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the
words “subscribe WGAR News” in the message header.

To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the
words “unsubscribe WGAR News” in the message header.

Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, 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: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
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: Thu 9 February 2012: Carlton, Melbourne, Vic
Film screening: Operation 8 with Gary Foley
“Operation 8 involved 18 months of invasive
surveillance of Maori sovereignty …
Reflections on Operation 8 & Q&A hosted by
Gary Foley after the screening.”
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49891

Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Aboriginal Rights Film Festival
Featuring:
The Coolbaroo Club; The Tall Man;
Ningla A-Na [Hungry for our land]; BarbaKiueria
Organised by Green Left Weekly & Socialist Alliance
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-rights-film-festival
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49795

Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
2012 Summer 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 details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49725

Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Mon 13 February 2012: Batemans Bay, NSW
Homelands campaign film screening
“This event is a joint Amnesty International – U3A
community initiative to raise awareness of current
policies and open the way for dialogue on how
Australia can move forward with genuine respect
and partnership with its first peoples.”
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/event/25160/

Event: 17 Feb 2012: International
Submissions on role of languages and culture due 17 Feb 2012
United Nations Human Rights:
Study on languages and cultures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/StudyLanguages.aspx
“Call for submissions from indigenous peoples and their
organisations
The Expert Mechanism is calling for submissions on the role
of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of
the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current
mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council
resolution 18/8 …
Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012″

Event: Fri 17 February 2012: Brunswick East, Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
and a short film about the Kimberley campaign
Speakers: Senator Richard di Natale; Rodney Augustine
Event details: http://www.ceres.org.au/ourgeneration
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/outdoor-film-screening-our-generation-event-for-reconciliation-victoria
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49796
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Mon 27 February 2012: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Our Generation Film Screening
Hosted by Australian Lawyers Alliance
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/actsnsw/comments/27739/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Tue 28 February 2012: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Major Rally: Stand For Freedom
Stand Against a Decade of Discrimination:
Stop the Second Intervention!
Confirmed speakers:
Rev. Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra & Dr. John Falzon
Free outdoor screening of Our Generation
“Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation
currently before parliament would extend the NT
Intervention for a further ten years.”
Organised by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) &
Campaigners from Bankstown and the Northern Territory
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-the-second-intervention
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/Canberra-Flyer-28-2-12.pdf

Event: Thu 27 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 6 April 2012: University of Melbourne
Gary Foley will be speaking on his amazing life and times
“The legendary Aboriginal activist has been at the
centre of major political activity for over 40 years.
In the 1970’s he joined the growing circle of Aboriginal
resistance in Australia, and formed the Aboriginal
Legal Service in Sydney. … “
Part of Marxism 2012 Conference, Easter weekend
Presented by Socialist Alternative & ISO of NZ
Supported by radio 3CR 855 AM
Event details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=178&Itemid=80
Marxism 2012 details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

Event: Sun 6 May 2012: 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.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 12 May 2012: Melbourne, Vic
2012 Autumn 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: 11 August 2012: Melbourne, 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: 10 November 2012: Melbourne, 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

- ‘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

- – -

Subscription to ‘WGAR News’ is free.

‘WGAR News’ monitors the media, including alternative media,
focusing on the Australian Federal government intervention
into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities along
with other Aboriginal rights issues.

‘WGAR News’ publishes information and opinions from a wide
range of sources. These opinions expressed are not
necessarily the opinions of WGAR.

The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces,
news items and events. Subscribers can expect to receive
about 2 e-newsletters each week.

To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the
words “subscribe WGAR News” in the message header.

To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the
words “unsubscribe WGAR News” in the message header.

* EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNTS OF THE PROTEST ON INVASION DAY:

redSTACHE: The Tent Embassy Debacle from A Protester’s POV
http://wgwau.com/blog/2012/01/26/the-tent-embassy-debacle-from-a-protesters-pov/
26 Jan 12: “Speaking to Sam Castro, currently at the Tent
Embassy, I was able to get a run down of the day’s events.
The morning started with speeches being made at the Tent
Embassy on a range of subjects until one person stood up
and explained to the crowd that Tony Abbott had remarked
to the media that he believed the Tent Embassy was no
longer relevant and should be packed up and moved on;
information had just come through that Tony Abbott was at
The Lobby, a restaurant near the Old Parliament House, and
the suggestion was made that the group should go there and
ask Abbott to talk to the crowd and explain himself. … A
contingent of about 100 protesters made their way up the
road to The Lobby and surrounded it. Though they were loud
and noisy they were non-violent.”

Crikey: View from the Tent Embassy: reality v news reports
http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/01/27/view-from-the-tent-embassy-reality-v-news-reports-with-added-context/
27 Jan 12: “The most striking aspect of the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy protests, which sprung onto the media’s radar on
Survival Day, was the stark difference between the reports
of the events, and the reality. … While protesters were
angry, it’s safe to say the reaction would not have been as
emotional had Abbott not made those comments. But while
there was anger, it was far from a “riot”. A riot involves
violence and a disturbing of the peace. While it was
definitely a loud demonstration, there was no damage. …
There were about 1000 protesters around the café when
Gillard and Abbott were rushed through their own mob of
security guards.” Amy McQuire

Mike Stuchbery: Australia Day
[scroll down page] http://mike-stuchbery.com/2012/01/27/australia-day/
27 Jan 12: “EDIT: Well, dang, my little brother was there.
Here’s his account:
“I was there with my wife and her uncle, after deciding to
have lunch at a cafe adjoining the Lobby, before having a
poke around the 40th anniversary of the tent embassy. After
15 minutes or so after sitting down, a few activists from
the celebrations noticed that Abbott was in the Lobby and
wandered over to start heckling. … After another 5
minutes or so, the crowd grew larger and the chants became
a bit more organised and you could hear knocking on the
windows. … Now… as emphasised yesterday, Em is pregnant
with twins… if there protests were in any way violent, I
would have got all paternal and walked Em away. There was
almost no prospect of violence.”

ABC The Drum Opinion:
Aussie Day ‘riot’: perspective and balance hard to find
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3798896.html
30 Jan 12: “The bias, hysteria and divisiveness of our
public political conversation is never far from view, but
this week I encountered it firsthand. I watched outside as
the Aboriginal protest unfolded at The Lobby restaurant on
Australia Day. The event reported in the media and reacted
to by many commentators is a lurid parody of what actually
happened. Perspective and balance are hard to find. The
protest was not violent. It was certainly rowdy and
confronting. The protesters chanted loudly and angrily, and
some beat time on the glass walls of the restaurant.”
Geoff Davies

National Indigenous Times: Abbott picks a fight
http://www.nit.com.au/news/514-abbott-picks-a-fight.html
1 Feb 12: “By Gerry Georgatos who attended the Tent Embassy
celebrations and was present throughout all the events
leading up to the confrontation with the Prime Minister’s
minders and police. Below is a true and accurate account of
what took place and how the response by the Prime
Minister’s minders and police turned a peaceful protest
into a shambles. The Federal Opposition leader, Tony Abbott
incited outrage… “

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Aboriginal Leaders Did NOT Incite Violence – Jeff McMullen
http://caama.com.au/breaking-news-aboriginal-leaders-did-not-incite-violence-jeff-mcmullen
31 Jan 12: “Seasoned Journalist Jeff McMullen…who was there
when the events took place…has slammed these accusations..
saying they are totally untrue and there was never a call
for violence or to intimidate either Tony Abbott or the
Prime Minister. Mr McMullen Says… as an eye witness to the
events on Australia day…that the Aboriginal leaders present
did nothing to incite or encourage the violence. He says he
was standing next to Rosalie Kunoth Monks during the time
she was accused to have been inciting threatening acts.”

Treaty Republic: It is right to be angry;
it is right to protest – land rights now!
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/it-right-be-angry-it-right-protest-land-rights-now
26 Jan 12: “Earlier that morning 2000 of us had gathered at
the Australian National University for a welcome, some
talks, rap and dancing before marching up to Parliament
House and then on to the Tent Embassy at Old Parliament
House. It was a fantastic march. … We reached the Tent
Embassy, exhilarated. Witnesses reported that during one
of the speeches a woman interrupted to say that Tony Abbott
had said the Tent Embassy should be moved on. He was fifty
metres away with his twin in racism, Julia Gillard.”
John Passant

Fieldnotes & Footnotes: For the record: my personal first
hand account of events that led to Gillard and Abbott’s
dramatic “escape” and subsequent clash between police and
demonstrators from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
http://fieldnotesandfootnotes.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/for-the-record-my-personal-first-hand-account-of-events-that-led-to-gillard-and-abbotts-dramatic-escape-and-subsequent-clash-between-police-and-demonstrators-from-the-aboriginal-tent-embassy/
28 Jan 12: “For the record, this is my personal account of
events that led to the Honourable Prime Minister Julia
Gillard being dragged along by her body-guard and bundled
into her waiting car. I am not claiming to speak on behalf
of anyone else who was there. This is my individual,
personal account of these events. … At this stage – after
Gillard and Abbott had departed – the police and Protective
Services started (re)acting hyper-aggressively.”
Bree Blakeman

National Indigenous Times:
Michael Anderson, original co-founder of the Tent Embassy,
chats about: The protest that upset the nation
http://www.nit.com.au/chat/487-michael-anderson-original-co-founder-of-the-tent-embassy-chats-about-the-protest-that-upset-the-nation.html
1 Feb 12: “SH: How did you see things unfold with the
protest at the Lobby Restaurant against Julie Gillard and
Tony Abbott?
MA: We were told that Tony Abbott said it was time for the
tent embassy to move on – and being the highly volatile mob
we are – we took his comments as a challenge. To us he was
saying the embassy had to go – but he wasn’t very clear on
that. So when politicians tell us that our tent embassy
has… “

ABC AM:
NT Aboriginal figure admits role in tent embassy protest
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3416580.htm
27 Jan 12: “BARBARA SHAW: I was informed of the Leader of
the Opposition’s presence. So I basically informed the
crowd of his whereabouts and they went. You know so I’m not
responsible for people’s actions at the end of the day.
It’s up to the people and what they want to do. … It
comes down to what Aboriginal people are feeling in their
own state and territories. And by Tony Abbott’s comments I
think it hit the nail on the head and that stirred the pot.
… I don’t regret it at all because nothing came about it.
You know we just wanted to make a little bit of noise, you
know. People wanted to make a little bit of noise and
that’s what they did.”

- Videos

TrackerVision: Fresh footage shows police overreaction
http://tracker.org.au/2012/02/fresh-footage-shows-police-overreaction/
1 Feb 12: “New footage showing a police overreaction at the
Survival Day protests in Canberra has been released.”

newsTracker: NSWALC calls on Gooda to investigate police
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/nswalc-calls-on-gooda-to-probe-police-actions/
31 Jan 12: “The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council has
called on the Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda to
probe the actions of police following the Survival Day
protests this month. … But while much of the media has
labeled the protestors violent and riotous, and both sides
of politics have condemned their actions, the New South
Wales Aboriginal Land Council says it is far from the truth.
… To see the fresh footage, please see below: “

SMH: Call to investigate police after tent embassy protest
http://www.smh.com.au/national/call-to-investigate-police-after-tent-embassy–protest-20120131-1qqsz.html
31 Jan 12: “Indigenous groups are calling for an
independent investigation into the “violent” conduct of
police officers during last week’s tent embassy protest.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council asked the Human Rights
Commission to investigate as new video footage emerged
today depicting federal police officers yelling, swearing
and using physical force after Prime Minister Julia Gillard
and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott were rushed from The
Lobby restaurant in Canberra last week.”

Treaty Republic:
Sovereignty Announced – No volence on Invasion Day
Media Conference – Aboriginal Tent Embassy
27th January, 2012 – Extended Footage (YouTube Sky News)
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/sovereignty-announced-no-volence-invasion-day

- Photos and Videos

Treaty Republic:
Media Gallery – 40th Aboriginal Tent Embassy – 2012
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/media-gallery-40th-aboriginal-tent-embassy-2012

- Audio

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
26 Jan 12: “Invasion Day Live from Canberra”
27 Jan 12: “Live From the Tent Embassy 27th Jan”

* THE TENT EMBASSY PROTEST ON INVASION DAY / SOVEREIGNTY DAY:

- Media Releases

Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney:
Tent Embassy protests were right
- racist laws are the real scandal
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/tent-embassy-protests-were-right–racist-laws-are-the-real-scandal-31-1-12
1 Feb 12: “The Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney
(STICS) has declared support for the Aboriginal rights
protests in Canberra on January 26 targeting Tony Abbott
and Julia Gillard. STICS says that the Northern Territory
intervention has turned the clock back more than 40 years
in Aboriginal affairs, erasing many of the gains made
through the struggles of the original Tent Embassy.
Several STICS members were present in Canberra celebrating
the 40th anniversary of the Tent Embassy, and joined the
protests when they heard Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard were
present at the near-by cafe. …
“STICS is building a rally at parliament house in Canberra
on Tuesday February 28, when parliamentary debate on
continuing the Intervention will reopen.”"

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
& Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service:
Aboriginal Health Services response to Australia Day events
http://www.naccho.org.au/communications/media.html
31 Jan 12: “The actions of a small minority of Aboriginal
people and the media portrayal of the events around the
Australia Day protest have concerned the spokespersons for
the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
Organisation and the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health
Service for failing to appreciate the significance of the
day to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal communities around the country have been
troubled by the imagery and the perceptions that have been
drawn from the protest actions, according to the Chair of
the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
Organisation (NACCHO) and the CEO of the Winnunga
Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service.”

- Analysis / Opinion

SMH: Why Abbott’s tent embassy comments were wrong
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/why-abbotts-tent-embassy-comments-were-wrong-20120201-1qssk.html
2 Feb 12: “With his comments about the Aboriginal tent
embassy last week, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott lobbed a
grenade into the tangle of Aboriginal affairs. What Abbott
said was this, referring to the embassy’s establishment in
1972: “I think a lot has changed for the better since
then.” He added: “I think it probably is time to move on
from that.” Russell Marks

New Matilda: The Real Threat To National Security
http://newmatilda.com/2012/02/02/real-threat-national-security
2 Feb 12: “More often than not, Indigenous disadvantage
puts Australia on the international news media radar. Local
commentators on the Tent Embassy protest have chosen to look
away, writes Hamish Ford”

Green Left: Pat Eatock:
The ’72 Tent Embassy was about land rights and sovereignty
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49906
2 Feb 12: “Pat Eatock, a veteran of the 1972 Aboriginal
Tent Embassy, was recently splashed all over the news
holding the Prime Minister’s shoe. … The gathering took
place next to the Old Parliament House in Canberra on
January 26. Eatock, now a member of the Socialist Alliance,
spoke to Green Left Weekly’s Peter Boyle about her
recollections of her experiences at the 1972 start of the
Aboriginal Tent Embassy.”

National Indigenous Times: Gooda must ‘walk the plank’
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/485-gooda-must-walk-the-plank.html
1 Feb 12: “”Aggressive behaviour was not acceptable 40
years ago to the original early campaigners at the Tent
Embassy and it is not acceptable today. This sort of
behaviour should be condemned in no uncertain terms” – Mick
Gooda. “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you
hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the
people who are doing the… ” Stephen Hagan

National Indigenous Times: A put-up job that boomeranged?
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/481-a-put-up-job-that-boomeranged.html
“Not for the time it takes to blink were Julia Gillard and
Tony Abbott so much as threatened, even less endangered, on
the 26th of January by demonstrators from the 40th
anniversary Aboriginal Embassy camp in Canberra. The only
violence came from a young copper who punched and
choke-gripped a young painted up Aboriginal man, a young
Aboriginal woman, an SBS cameraman and I believe one
other… ” Diet Simon

Sunshine Coast Daily: Tent row a lesson for media too
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/02/01/tent-row-lesson-media-too/
1 Feb 12: “The tent embassy on the lawns of old parliament
house is 40 years old. It has sat there as an ugly reminder
of the ugly reality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples’ disadvantage for all that time. Rather
than having served its purpose, as both mainstream media
commentators and some black leaders have suggested, it
should stay there until that disadvantage is properly
addressed. The problem and the tent embassy’s greatest
strength is that it confronts a national capital
cloistered in its comfortable world … “

Treaty Republic:
The usual suspects frothing at the mouth at protest
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/usual-suspects-frothing-mouth-protest
1 Feb 12: “It didn’t take long for the usual suspects to
start frothing at the mouth at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
protesting at Abbott’s remarks Aboriginal’s should move on
from the politics that led to the establishment of the Tent
Embassy in 1972 that inadvertently caught up the Prime
Minister and her bumbling security detail. Led by the
hypocrites in the corporate owned media who love dishing it
out to anyone who strays from the pre-determined Australia
(Invasion) Day script, who refuse to let one new flower
bloom in their round up censored gardens.” Dr Jo Toscano

Green Left: Comic Cinderella, tragic embassy:
On Gillard’s shoe, the Tent Embassy and patriotism
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49901
1 Feb 12: “Political establishment and mass media ill will
towards the Aboriginal Tent Embassy should not confuse us.
The real and valid question is still the past, present and
future of Aboriginal Australians. … I believe what
happened next or who was behind the news leak or precisely
who tipped off protesters on Abbott’s whereabouts is a
callous effort that merely tries to divert public attention
from the real question: the fate of Aboriginal people.”
Mansour Razaghi

New Matilda: The National Riot Mismanagement Squad
http://newmatilda.com/2012/01/31/national-riot-mismanagement-squad
31 Jan 12: “It hasn’t taken long for the myth of the
“violent” tent embassy protest to take hold. It was a
relatively minor protest that took place on Australia Day
outside Canberra restaurant, The Lobby, near Parliament
House. Even so, the dramatic television pictures and the
syntax of nearly every journalist subsequently covering the
incident, have worked to establish a false consensus that
the events outside The Lobby, were “violent” and a “riot”.”
Ben Eltham

Brisbane Times: Too tolerant of ugly racism
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/too-tolerant-of-ugly-racism-20120130-1qplt.html
31 Jan 12: “It would be simplistic however, to condemn
outright the behaviour of protesters associated with the
tent embassy last week without considering the sense of
oppression that some of our people still feel towards our
governments on a whole range of matters. I will always
condemn bad manners and unnecessarily aggressive behaviour
by whomever. But I will always defend people’s rights to
assert their political position and try to look to the
heart of why people feel so oppressed that they feel
violent confrontation is the only recourse to the
resolution of their position.” Patrick Dodson

ABC Drum Opinion: Tent Embassy protest speaks for itself
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3802766.html
31 Jan 12: “The protest has seen a remarkable level of
media criticism of Indigenous Australians. Some may think
that the protest was therefore a failure. I think that view
is incorrect. For a long time, Australia’s media has
refused to provide a platform to Indigenous Australians,
except those who, in the words of Chris Graham, tell
“white Australia what they want to hear: … ” This protest
has shown white Australia that many Indigenous Australians
are angry. It would be nice if we took the time to find out
why.” Michael Brull

NT News Editorial: Protest group went too far
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/01/31/286151_opinion.html
31 Jan 12: “AUSTRALIA is a liberal democracy and, as such,
accepts the right to protest. But there must be limits to
this right. Demonstrators overstepped the mark legally when
they tried to intimidate Prime Minister Julia Gillard and
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott by storming a restaurant in
Canberra on Australia Day. And they overstepped the mark
ethically the following day by burning the Australian flag.”

Solidarity: Behind the media beat-up:
Tent Embassy protesters have nothing to apologise for
http://www.solidarity.net.au/web/behind-the-media-beat-up-why-tent-embassy-protesters-are-right/
30 Jan 12: “Protests celebrating the anniversary of the
Aboriginal Tent Embassy have been subject to a vicious and
distorting media campaign, after a snap protest directed at
Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard. But this protest, and the
demands of the Tent Embassy for Aboriginal rights and
self-determination, remain absolutely right and should be
defended. … The kind of movement that created the Tent
Embassy is needed again today.”

Green Left:
Julia Gillard’s words of respect to Aboriginal Australia
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49865
30 Jan 12: “Moments before Julia Gillard was whisked away
from the angry crowd, losing her shoe in the process, she
began an awards ceremony speech with these words: “Can I
start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land
on which we meet and in the spirit of reconciliation pay my
respects to elders past and present.” … Yet, that same
day, she did not take the trouble to walk one hundred
metres from her ceremony to say hello to the largest ever
gathering of traditional owners in Canberra, since she had
become Prime Minister. They had come from every part of
Australia, … ” Tim Anderson

Age: A thorn in our pride
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/a-thorn-in-our-pride-20120129-1qnw4.html
30 Jan 12: “FORTY years ago, the establishment of the
Aboriginal tent embassy was a stroke of political genius. A
striped beach umbrella planted on the manicured lawns
outside Parliament House in Canberra came to symbolise
Aboriginal Australians’ sense of alienation in their own
country. How sad that 40 years later, on Australia Day last
Thursday, the actions of people associated with the embassy
eclipsed the nation’s formal recognition of Laurie
Baymarrwangga as Senior Australian of the Year.” Jane Lydon

SMH: Ruckus puts referendum out of reach
http://m.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ruckus-puts-referendum-out-of-reach-20120129-1qnrx.html
30 Jan 12: “At least the Aboriginal tent embassy in
Canberra has finally achieved one constructive thing in its
40 years as a moral eyesore: it helped kill off the
proposed amendment to enshrine racial preference in the
Australian constitution. That proposed amendment is now
dead.” Paul Sheehan

The Observer:
The camera does sometimes lie. Ask a female politician
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/29/barbara-ellen-julia-gillard-security-indignity
29 Jan 12: “If you watch the clip of Australian prime
minister Julia Gillard being bundled away from Aboriginal
rights protesters in Canberra at a ceremony for Australia
Day, you could be forgiven for assuming that a bomb had
gone off or that the building was collapsing. In truth, a
couple of hundred protesters, who favour the term
“Invasion Day” heard that the opposition leader, Tony
Abbott, was present and they were angry at a remark he’d
made earlier, … ” Barbara Ellen

SMH: The can of worms that marred Australia Day
http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-can-of-worms-that-marred-australia-day-20120128-1qn1u.html
29 Jan 12: “What ignited the PM’s security scare last week?
Stephanie Peatling explores who said what to whom.”

Green Left: Aboriginal Tent Embassy: more relevant than ever
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49836
28 Jan 12: “Opposition leader Tony Abbott and his
co-thinkers are dead wrong. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy,
established by activists 40 years ago, is as relevant as it
was then. Early on January 26, Abbott told reporters he
understood why the embassy was set up “all those years ago”,
but said it was not relevant today.” Peter Boyle

SMH: Why we need to find a new date for Australia Day
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/why-we-need-to-find-a-new-date-for-australia-day-20120127-1qlr4.html
28 Jan 12: “WHAT happened in Canberra on Thursday was
doubly unfortunate. The image, on Australia Day, of an
Australian prime minister being bundled towards her car
looking harassed in response to a perceived threat posed by
a group of Aboriginal protesters has history stamped all
over it.” Martin Flanagan

Canberra Times:
The spear of confrontation pays nation another visit
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/the-spear-of-confrontation-pays-nation-another-visit/2435748.aspx?storypage=0
28 Jan 12: “IN 1790, Bennelong, the Sydney-born Aboriginal
friend to the colonisers, was present when Governor Arthur
Phillip was speared at Manly Cove, demonstrating how much
relations between the two peoples had soured. It has been a
while since Australia has been confronted with its own
angry Aboriginal face, but this week it was back.”
Debra Jopson

ABC: Tent Embassy organisers deny protest was violent
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/tent-embassy-organisers-deny-protest-was-violent/3797164
27 Jan 12: “Organisers of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
movement say there was no violence directed towards the
Prime Minister or Opposition Leader, and have indicated
they will continue their struggle for recognition of
indigenous sovereignty.”

WSWS: Australian protesters denounced as “ugly mob”
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/jan2012/abor-j27.shtml
27 Jan 12: “A demonstration yesterday in Canberra, the
Australian capital, inflamed by the provocative actions of
the police in “rescuing” Prime Minister Julia Gillard and
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, has been used by the media
and political establishment to suggest that political
protest is illegitimate and potentially dangerous. …
Front pages featuring pictures of Gillard being hustled
away amid a phalanx of riot police and bodyguards
reinforced the message that the prime minister was in
physical danger. What actually happened was quite
different.”

Socialist Alternative:
Media paints black as white and might as right at Tent Embassy
http://www.sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7201:media-paints-black-as-white-and-might-as-right-at-tent-embassy&Itemid=454
27 Jan 12: “The media has gone into overdrive to smear
Aboriginal protesters who dared to put a crack in the shiny
veneer of “Australia Day” pomp. This, after all, is
supposed to be a day to celebrate our imagined unity, a day
to forget about the past, to put aside the present, and
don’t think too much about the future. … Immense pressure
is now being put on Tent Embassy protesters to back down,
to “confess” and “repent” for the crime of justified anger
and interrupting polite society.” Josh Lees

Canberra Times Editorial: Security questions raised
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/security-questions-raised/2434447.aspx?storypage=0
27 Jan 12: “Neither Julia Gillard nor Tony Abbott were in
any direct danger from Aboriginal protesters yesterday, but
those concerned for their security must be appalled that
they were allowed to be put in the situation they were in.
It had long been known that the 40th anniversary of the
Aboriginal embassy would bring a major contingent of people
to Canberra, and entirely predictable that some of them
would notice comings and goings at The Lobby restaurant and
that the presence of the Prime Minister or the Leader of
the Opposition (or in this case both – a real bonus) … “
Jack Waterford

Socialist Alternative:
Gillard, Abbott, get the treatment they deserve
http://www.sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7200:gillard-abbott-get-the-treatment-they-deserve&Itemid=454
26 Jan 12: “The Bobbsey twins of racism, Julia Gillard and
Tony Abbott, got a little back yesterday of what the thugs
who protect them and their ilk dish out to Aboriginal
people every day. Lunching at the appropriately named
Porkbarrel Café for an awards ceremony, Gillard and Abbott
became the target of a large crowd of demonstrators from
the nearby Tent Embassy 40 year commemoration.” John Passant

- News

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 2.2.12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-2-2-12
2 Feb 12: “An Aboriginal rights campaigner has reiterated
the message that the protest on Australia Day was angry…
but not violent.”

National Indigenous Times: Gooda should resign
http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html
http://www.nit.com.au/news/515-gooda-should-resign.html
1 Feb 12: “One of the founders of the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy, Michael Anderson has condemned the attack on
protesters by Mick Gooda, Warren Mundine, Sue Gordon and
Bess Price and has called on Mr Gooda to resign from his
government appointed position as Social Justice
Commissioner. … Mr Anderson, in an exclusive interview
with Editor of the National Indigenous Times, Stephen
Hagan on Page 17 in this edition, was especially critical
of Mr Gooda’s actions because of the government position
he holds.”

National Indigenous Times: Source claims PM knew about leak
http://www.nit.com.au/news/513-source-claims-pm-knew-about-leak.html
“A source within the Federal Government has claimed a
number of people within the Prime Minister’s department
knew beforehand that a staff member intended to leak
information that the Opposition leader, Tony Abbott was at
the Lobby restaurant. The source, who is regarded as
reliable and holds a senior position within Government
bureaucracy, said the Prime Minister’s press secretary,
Tony Hodges informed another… “

National Indigenous Times:
I never said Embassy should be closed: Abbott
http://www.nit.com.au/news/512-i-never-said-embassy-should-be-closed-abbott.html
“Federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott has claimed he
never said the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra should
be removed. “I never said that and I don’t think that,” he
told reporters in Melbourne last Friday. Comments made on
Thursday by Mr Abbott sparked a protest by protestors who
besieged him and Prime Minister, Julia Gillard in a
restaurant near the Tent Embassy, which was set up
outside… “

National Indigenous Times:
Prime Minister’s man quits over leak to Tent Embassy
http://www.nit.com.au/news/511-prime-ministers-man-quits-over-leak-to-tent-embassy.html
“Tent Embassy founder, Michael Anderson has demanded
answers following the revelations the Prime Minister’s
press secretary had leaked false claims Federal Opposition
Leader, Tony Abbott wanted to close down the Tent Embassy
and that he was attending a function only a short distance
from last week’s Tent Embassy celebrations. Mr Anderson
said the revelations proved there were forces at play
intent upon… “

National Indigenous Times: We want sovereignty
http://www.nit.com.au/news/510-we-want-sovereignty.html
“Australia will never win a seat on the United Nations
Security Council unless the Federal Government acknowledges
Indigenous sovereignty, an original member of the
Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Michael Anderson said. Mr Anderson
said the mission of the Tent Embassy, established 40 years
ago, was a declaration of Indigenous people’s sovereignty
over Australia. He was speaking after 200 protesters
trapped… “

National Indigenous Times:
New leaders emerge to fill the void left by mainstream leaders
http://www.nit.com.au/news/509-new-leaders-emerge-to-fill-the-void-left-by-mainstream-leaders.html
“By John Rowsthorne National Indigenous Times Director.
Here’s the thing – what continues to emerge in the politics
of Aboriginal Australia in 2012 and what was further
highlighted at the Tent Embassy celebrations of last week
is akin to a parallel universe of struggles taking shape.
It became apparent during last week’s celebrations those
identified as “mainstream Indigenous leaders” are… “

National Indigenous Times: Dodson defends right to protest
http://www.nit.com.au/news/508-dodson-defends-right-to-protest.html
“The Co-Chair of the Expert Panel on constitutional change,
Professor Patrick Dodson has defended the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy and said the protest last week reflected the
“oppression and anger” many Indigenous Australians felt
about the lack of action by government in addressing the
social issues affecting the First Peoples. Professor
Dodson made the comments on Monday night while delivering
the… “

National Indigenous Times:
Gooda, Mundine, Price and Gordon condemn protest
http://www.nit.com.au/news/507-gooda-mundine-price-and-gordon-condemn-protest.html
“Four Indigenous leaders have publicly condemned the
Aboriginal Tent Embassy protest that resulted in Prime
Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition leaders, Tony Abbott
being rushed away from an awards function by riot police
last week. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social
Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda condemned the protest and
accused the protestors of being activists and… “

National Indigenous Times:
Matilda House warns protest will re-ignite racism
http://www.nit.com.au/news/506-matilda-house-warns-protest-will-re-ignite-racism.html
“Matilda House has criticised the Tent Embassy protestors
against the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Opposition
Leader, Tony Abbott last Thursday claiming the actions may
well re-ignite racism in communities throughout Australia.
Ms House also damned the burning of the Australian flag
outside Parliament House the following day. The Elder of
the Ngambri people from the Canberra region, has been
closely… “

National Indigenous Times:
Protest will make referendum harder to succeed, says Leibler
http://www.nit.com.au/news/505-protest-will-make-referendum-harder-to-succeed-says-leibler.html
“Co-Chair of the Expert Panel on constitutional change,
Mark Leibler has warned last week’s Tent Embassy protests
would “make it that much harder” to achieve a yes vote in a
referendum. Mr Leibler said the campaign for constitutional
change was now “that much harder” because the impressions
portrayed of the protest may threaten the momentum to
achieve changes to the Constitution. The 22-member
panel… “

National Indigenous Times: Malezer speaks up on
sovereignty and need for a political movement
http://www.nit.com.au/news/
“Co-Chair of the National Congress, Les Malezer has
declared 2012 may well be a “year of historical change”
because the call to review the Australian constitution has
seen emerge a renewed activism to achieve meaningful
improvements for Indigenous Australians. Mr Malezer, who
attended the Tent Embassy 40th anniversary celebrations,
said it was apparent there were many Indigenous Australians
who were now determined… “

Northern Star: Media ‘missed main event’
http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2012/02/01/media-missed-main-event-protest-australia-day/
1 Feb 12: “ACTIVISTS from the Northern Rivers have
criticised media coverage of a protest on Australia Day
that led to Prime Minister Julia Gillard being jostled and
losing her shoe. Around 100 people from the Northern Rivers
travelled to Canberra last week to celebrate the 40th
anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. … Mr Corowa
said he was disappointed media attention had focused on Ms
Gillard’s lost shoe, instead of the three-day Corroboree
for Sovereignty.”

9 News: Aboriginal activists demand Abbott apology
http://www.news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8409187/time-for-tent-embassy-to-fold-abbott
1 Feb 12: “Activists accused Mr Abbott of “inciting racial
riots” with his comments. Embassy founder Michael Anderson
said the opposition leader’s comments were disrespectful.
“Abbott said the aboriginal embassy had to go. We heard it
on a radio broadcast,” he told AAP. “We thought no way, so
we circled around the building.”"

Canberra Times: AFP to review officers’ conduct
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/afp-to-review-officers-conduct/2439569.aspx
1 Feb 12: “The Australian Federal Police are reviewing the
use of force during last week’s tent embassy protest as
Aboriginal groups call for an independent investigation
into officers’ ”violent” conduct. … The Australian
Federal Police said standard procedure dictated the force
would review officers’ conduct during the incident,
including by its internal affairs unit.”

Moree Champion: Practise what we preach:
father of reconciliation attacks two-faced Australia
http://www.moreechampion.com.au/news/national/national/general/practise-what-we-preach-father-of-reconciliation-attacks-twofaced-australia/2438096.aspx?storypage=0
31 Jan 12: “Mr [Patrick] Dodson defended the Aboriginal
tent embassy in Canberra, which was the source of the
protests on Thursday that led to a security scare involving
Ms Gillard and the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott. ”It
would be simplistic … to condemn outright the behaviour of
protesters associated with the tent embassy last week,
without considering the sense of oppression that some of
our people still feel toward our governments on a whole
range of matters,” he said.”

Australia Network News:
Australian Indigenous leader says ‘Tent Embassy’ still relevant
http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201201/3419181.htm?desktop
31 Jan 12: “Indigenous leader Pat Dodson has urged
Australians to look at the cause of the Australia Day Tent
Embassy protests. The tent embassy – on the lawns of Old
Parliament House in Canberra – is a semi-permanent site of
tents and signs, that activists claim represents the rights
of indigenous Australians. In response to comments by the
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, which sparked the protests
on Australia Day, Professor Dodson says the Tent Embassy is
still relevant.”

ABC: Australians urged to to think about cause of protesters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-31/australians-urged-to-to-think-about-cause-of/3801692
Updated 31 Jan 12: “Indigenous leader Pat Dodson has urged
Australians to look beyond the actions of the Tent Embassy
demonstrators and to consider what has so upset them.”

newsTracker: Anderson backs calls for inquiry into police
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/anderson-backs-calls-for-inquiry-into-police/
31 Jan 12: “The only surviving member of the four original
Aboriginal Tent Embassy founders has backed the New South
Wales Aboriginal Land Council’s calls for an independent
inquiry into the conduct of police during the Survival Day
protest in Canberra. Michael Anderson says that the call by
NSWALC for an investigation conducted by Social Justice
Commissioner Mick Gooda made sense. “I’m in full support
of Geoff Scott’s statement. The organisers of the Tent
Embassy support his call wholeheartedly. We think it is a
very appropriate action,” Mr Anderson said.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Embassy co-founder slams Abbott for “provocative” comments
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6893-embassy-co-founder-slams-abbott-for-qprovocativeq-comments
31 Jan 12: “An organiser of last Thursday’s protests in
Canberra says Prime Minister Julia Gillard was not of
concern to the protesters and was never in danger of being
physically harmed. Michael Anderson, the last surviving
co-founder of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, says the
protesters only wanted Tony Abbott to clarify his comment
with regards to the Embassy. Mr. Anderson says Mr.
Abbott’s comment to ‘move on’ with the Tent Embassy was
highly provocative.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Indigenous rights advocate challenges public to find
violence not instigated by police
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6892-indigenous-rights-advocate-challenges-public-to-find-violence-not-instigated-by-police
31 Jan 12: “A leading Indigenous rights advocate and social
commentator is critical of the way the mainstream media has
portrayed the Tent Embassy protest, saying people in
Aboriginal communities are not having their voices heard.
Tracker Magazine editor and Walkley award-winning
journalist Chris Graham has criticised so-called Aboriginal
‘leaders’, saying the Government use people like former ALP
national president Warren Mundine and Social Justice
Commissioner Mick Gooda for their own political agenda.”

9 News: NSW land council calls for protest inquiry
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8411678/nsw-land-council-calls-for-protest-inquiry
31 Jan 12: “The nation’s largest Aboriginal organisation
has called for an independent investigation into the
actions of police against protesters at an Australia Day
function that left the prime minister and opposition leader
running for safety. NSW Aboriginal Land Council chief
executive Geoff Scott wants Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda to conduct
the inquiry. He made the call following the release of
footage of the incident outside the Lobby restaurant in
Canberra … “

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 31-1-12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-31-1-12
31 Jan 12: “The Northern Territory political candidate who
implied that Central Australian Aboriginal leaders had
incited Australia day protestors to violence …has been
contradicted…both by the Aboriginal leaders themselves
and an esteemed journalist with over 45 years experience.”

Herald Sun: NT MP demands PM apologise over protest
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/nt-mp-demands-pm-apologise-over-protest/story-e6frf7jx-1226258580251
31 Jan 12: “A LABOR Party MP in the Northern Territory is
calling on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to apologise for
“underhanded tactics” that fuelled the Australia Day
protest in Canberra. NT Indigenous Affairs Minister
Malarndirri McCarthy said the scenes on Australia Day at
the protest were disgraceful. The prime minister should
apologise to the nation, Federal Opposition Leader Tony
Abbott and the organisers of the Aboriginal tent embassy,
Ms McCarthy told ABC Radio. “Certainly, the (action of the)
office of the prime minister was very questionable,” she
said.”

Koori Mail: Anderson backs Gooda investigation
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Jan 12: “ABORIGINAL Tent Embassy founder Michael
Anderson says he agrees with NSWALC calls for Mick Gooda,
rather than police, to investigate the actions of police
during the Aboriginal Tent Embassy protests in Canberra. Mr
Anderson said officers incited the crowd after the Prime
Minister’s vehicle left the scene by linking arms,
unholstering their weapons and confronting protestors. He
said at least two other officers swore at and urged
protesters to come at them, and were unfit for police
service.”

Koori Mail: Police actions during protest ‘a fiasco’
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Jan 12: “THE NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) wants
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Commissioner Mick Gooda to independently scrutinise the
role of police during Aboriginal protests in Canberra last
Thursday. NSWALC Geoff Scott said footage of Prime Minister
Julia Gillard’s exit from the Lobby restaurant showed AFP
officers dealing inappropriately with protestors, including
inciting and committing violence – amounting to a ‘fiasco’
and ‘public relations and security disaster’.”

Koori Mail: Don’t be too quick to judge, says Dodson
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Jan 12: “THE man known as ‘the Father of Reconciliation’
has urged Australians to consider why those involved in
Australia Day protests in Canberra last week acted the way
they did. Delivering the inaugural Mahatma Gandhi address
in Sydney last night, former Council for Aboriginal
Reconciliation chairman Pat Dodson condemned ‘bad manners
and unnecessarily aggressive behaviour by whomever’ but
said it would be simplistic to condemn the protesters’
behaviour outright. He said many Indigenous people still
felt oppressed and there was a lot of anxiety around
Australia Day.”

newsTracker: Libs excusing Survival Day protesters: Roxon
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/libs-excusing-survival-day-protesters-roxon/
31 Jan 12: “Federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has
accused the coalition of excusing the protesters who
surrounded a Canberra restaurant on Survival Day. Coalition
legal affairs spokesman George Brandis has written to the
Australian Federal Police (AFP) asking it to investigate
what led up to a protest by Aboriginal Tent Embassy
supporters which resulted in Prime Minister Julia Gillard
and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott being rushed from a
Canberra restaurant.”

newsTracker: Oppn calls on AFP to probe protests
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/oppn-calls-on-afp-to-probe-protests/
31 Jan 12: “The Australian Federal Police(AFP) have
referred the opposition’s request for an investigation into
the protests on Survival Day to a special evaluation group.
Coalition legal affairs spokesman George Brandis on Monday
wrote to the AFP asking it to investigate the chain of
events leading up to a protest by Aboriginal Tent Embassy
supporters that resulted in Julia Gillard and Opposition
Leader Tony Abbott being rushed from a Canberra
restaurant.”

newsTracker: Ken Wyatt “disappointed” by protest
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/ken-wyatt-disappointed-by-protest/
31 Jan 12: “Aboriginal MP Ken Wyatt says the Australia Day
protest in Canberra that forced the prime minister and
opposition leader to flee a restaurant was disappointing.
Mr Wyatt, the first Aboriginal Australian to become a
member of the House of Representatives, says the protest
did not focus on areas of importance for Indigenous
people.”

Australian: Cover-up claims on tie to tent activists
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/cover-up-claims-on-tie-to-tent-activists/story-fn9hm1pm-1226257735534
31 Jan 12: “JULIA Gillard faces opposition claims of a
government cover-up over last week’s Aboriginal tent
embassy protest despite the Australian Federal Police
ruling out an official investigation.”

ABC: Roxon slams interference in protest policing
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-30/opposition-accused-of-playing-protest-political-football/3801394/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
31 Jan 12: “Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has accused the
Federal Opposition of turning the Australia Day protests
into a political football.”

ABC Lateline: Dodson calls for look into causes of protest
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3419415.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
30 Jan 12: “Indigenous leader Pat Dodson has urged
Australians to look at the causes of the Australia Day
protest in Canberra, and says it is simplistic to merely
condemn the behaviour.”

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Respected Journalist Says Australia Day Protest Was
Over-Dramatised
30 Jan 12: “A respected journalist with over 45 years
experience observing demonstrations has spoken out
against media coverage of the protest on Australia day…
and says there was a vast over-dramatisation of what
actually happened. Jeff McMullen was among those who went to
Canberra for the 40th Anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy…and says he was  amazed at hearing the media
coverage of what they say happened…compared to what
actually did happen.”

Reportage Online:
Tent Embassy activists want to talk sovereignty
http://www.reportageonline.com/2012/01/tent-embassy-activists-want-to-talk-sovereignty/
30 Jan 12: “Protesters at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy have
defended its existence while their message has been largely
ignored by mainstream press. Jerico Mandybur reports. As
Aboriginal protestors gathered to commemorate the 40th
Anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy last Thursday,
the majority of media coverage focused on a perceived
threat of violence towards Prime Minister Julia Gillard,
rather than on the group’s calls for representation and
the recognition of sovereignty.”

Herald Sun:
Aboriginal Tent Embassy protesters say: ‘We did nothing wrong’
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/aboriginal-tent-embassy-protesters-say-we-did-nothing-wrong/story-e6frf7jx-1226255371136
Last Updated: 30 Jan 12: “PROTESTERS at the Aboriginal tent
embassy in Canberra have fronted an emotional press
conference to defend their actions during yesterday’s
protest. Embassy founder Michael Anderson, Selina
Davey-Newry of the northeast Kimberly, Wiradjuri Nation
spokesperson Paul Coe and former political candidate
Barbara Shaw stood in front of a smoking fire with about
3000 fellow protesters around a sovereignty sign at the
embassy. The protesters have insisted that they did nothing
wrong yesterday and there was no violence.”

newsTracker: Sattler denies Gillard’s Survival Day account
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/sattler-denies-gillards-survival-day-account/
30 Jan 12: “ACT union official Kim Sattler denies her
account of events on Australia Day contradicts Prime
Minister Julia Gillard. News Limited reported on Sunday
that Ms Sattler said her conversation with the prime
minister’s office had made her believe Opposition Leader
Tony Abbott wanted to close the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Ms
Gillard on Saturday said her former media adviser Tony
Hodges did not suggest to Ms Sattler that Mr Abbott had
said the embassy should be shutdown.”

Age:
Opposition to call for police probe into Gillard adviser leak
http://www.theage.com.au/national/opposition-to-call-for-police-probe-into-gillard-adviser-leak-20120129-1qo42.html
30 Jan 12: “THE opposition will ask the Australian Federal
Police today to investigate the role of Julia Gillard’s
office and a Canberra union leader in the Australia Day
security breach that led to the Prime Minister being
spectacularly dragged to safety.”

ABC Radio National:
Aust opposition bays for political blood after protests
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/asiapac/stories/201201/s3419062.htm
Updated 30 Jan 12: “The Australian Federal Police says it
won’t be investigating the events surrounding last week’s
Australia Day protests in Canberra despite calls for a
probe by the Australian Federal Opposition.”

Bloomberg: Gillard ‘Angry’ as Abbott Presses to Probe Protest
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-29/gillard-angry-as-australian-opposition-calls-for-canberra-protest-probe.html
30 Jan 12: “Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
expressed anger at opposition demands for an inquiry over
her government’s role in clashes between police and
aboriginal protesters in Canberra on Australia Day. A media
aide to Gillard resigned Jan. 27 for disclosing opposition
leader Tony Abbott’s location at a restaurant in the
national capital, information that was passed on to
protest organizers.”

news.com.au: Fallout piles pressure on flagging Julia Gillard
http://www.news.com.au/national/protesters-may-find-shoe-on-other-foot/story-e6frfkw9-1226256761544
30 Jan 12: “THERE are growing calls for Australia Day
rioters to be charged by police. And one Aboriginal leader
said they must be taught a lesson. Australian Federal
Police are still assessing the ugly Canberra incident and
are analysing television and news footage to help gather
evidence for possible arrests.”

newsTracker: Tent Embassy representatives identify Sattler
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/3950/
30 Jan 12: “Representatives of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
have identified unionist Kim Sattler as the person who told
Aboriginal people that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott was in
a Canberra restaurant on Survival Day.”

newsTracker: Online petition for tent embassy closure
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/online-petition-for-tent-embassy-closure/
30 Jan 12: “A conservative online blog site has launched an
internet campaign to close down the 40-year-old Aboriginal
tent embassy in Canberra. Menzies House is urging
Australians to sign the petition calling on the federal
government to shut down the site near Old Parliament
House.”

ABC: War of words over protest fiasco
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-29/union-official-defends-role-in-protest-fiasco/3798704/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
30 Jan 12: “The fallout from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Australia Day protests is continuing, with the Opposition
and the Government squabbling over what happened in the
lead-up to the demonstrations.”

ABC: Abbott steps up heat over protest leaks
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-30/abbott-steps-up-heat-over-protest-leaks/3799572
30 Jan 12: “The Federal Opposition is keen to keep up the
political pressure on the Prime Minister Julia Gillard over
the tent embassy protest.”

ABC: No AFP investigation into Australia Day protest
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-30/afp-will-not-probe-australia-day-protest/3800282
30 Jan 12: “The AFP says there is no evidence of
criminality in circumstances leading to a protest in
Canberra that caused a security scare for Prime Minister
Julia Gillard.”

ABC 7.30: Government responds to Australia Day inquiry request
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3418998.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
30 Jan 12: “The Attorney General, Nicola Roxon, reacts to
calls from the Opposition for an AFP inquiry into the
events on Australia Day that led to Julia Gillard and Tony
Abbott being confronted by protesters.”

ABC 7.30: Federal Opposition calls for Australia Day inquiry
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3418996.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
30 Jan 12: “After a protest on Australia Day that embroiled
the Prime Minister and Federal Opposition leader, the
Opposition has called for an inquiry by the Australian
Federal Police in to the events of that day.”

Koori Mail: Officer uses F-word during protests
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
29 Jan 12: “AN Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer has
been captured on video swearing at media and protesters
from Canberra’s Aboriginal Tent Embassy on Survival Day.
The video, posted on YouTube by the Working Group for
Aboriginal Rights (WGAR), shows the officer – whose badge
number is clearly visible – using the F-word at least five
times as he pushes back against the crowd.”

Koori Mail: No criminal act by Kim Sattler, says AFP
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
29 Jan 12: “THE Australian Federal Police (AFP) say they’ve
evaluated the involvement of ACT Unions head Kim Sattler in
relation to Thursday’s Aboriginal Tent Embassy protests and
have found no evidence of criminality on her part. The AFP
told the Koori Mail at two o’clock this afternoon that, as
a consequence, it would not conduct an investigation into
the matter. A spokeswoman said the AFP was still looking
into possible charges against anyone else involved in the
protests.”

Koori Mail: Embassy protests furore continues
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
29 Jan 12: “There’ve been conflicting reports of Ms
Sattler’s account of her conversation with Mr Hodges. News
Limited yesterday reported Ms Sattler as saying Mr Hodges
told her Mr Abbott had said the Embassy ‘shouldn’t exist at
all’. However, Ms Sattler told AAP today that the News Ltd
report was inaccurate. She stood by a statement she issued
yesterday, which said Mr Hodges had told her Mr Abbott had
said that people should `move on’ from the Tent Embassy.”

Katherine Times: No one is angrier than me, says PM
http://www.katherinetimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/no-one-is-angrier-than-me-says-pm/2436021.aspx
29 Jan 12: “JULIA Gillard has branded ”unauthorised and
unacceptable” her adviser’s decision to have a union
leader organise indigenous reaction to Opposition Leader
Tony Abbott’s suggestion that Aboriginal tent embassy
protesters should ”move on”.”

Koori Mail: Embassy returns PM’s shoe
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Jan 12: “ABORIGINAL Tent Embassy activists have returned
the shoe that Prime Minister Julia Gillard lost as she was
whisked out of a Canberra restaurant on Wednesday, to
escape angry protesters targeting Opposition Leader Tony
Abbott. Embassy representatives had earlier said they
planned to sell the shoe on eBay to raise funds for the
historic protest site but late yesterday a group of women
from the Embassy walked up the hill to Parliament House and
handed the shoe to attendants there, asking that it be
passed on to the PM.”

Age: The sole survivor returned to guard
http://www.theage.com.au/national/the-sole-survivor-returned-to-guard-20120127-1qltd.html
28 Jan 12: “INDIGENOUS elders have challenged Julia Gillard
to walk a mile in their shoes, but last night they returned
her own stray footwear to a security guard at Parliament
House.”

ABC: Union boss gave protesters Abbott’s location
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-28/indigenous-activists-name-row-informant/3798228
Updated 28 Jan 12: “Prime Minister Julia Gillard has
confirmed one of her staff members passed on information
about Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s whereabouts to a
union official who in turn reportedly alerted rowdy
protesters on Australia Day.”

SMH: Labor figure Kim Sattler named as go-between in protest
http://m.smh.com.au/national/labor-figure-kim-sattler-named-as-gobetween-in-protest-20120128-1qmre.html
28 Jan 12: “Sources at the Aboriginal tent embassy say the
mystery intermediary between Julia Gillard’s office and the
protesting mob on Australia Day was Kim Sattler. Ms Sattler
is a well-connected Labor figure, who has worked with
UnionsACT. Ms Sattler was not immediately available for
comment to confirm or deny a role in the protest, … “

SMH: PM accused of protest cover-up
http://www.smh.com.au/national/pm-accused-of-protest-coverup-20120127-1qlsa.html
28 Jan 12: “Aboriginal activist Barbara Shaw says an
unknown woman tipped her off about Tony Abbott’s supposed
comments and location before Thursday’s Canberra protest.
… JULIA GILLARD’S staff were last night fighting off
allegations of a cover-up after the Prime Minister accepted
the resignation of one of her media advisers who admitted
to triggering the Australia Day fracas outside a Canberra
restaurant.”

newsTracker: New Parliament wants to return PM’s shoe
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/new-parliament-wants-to-return-pms-shoe/
27 Jan 12: “The newly formed First Nations Parliament aims
to start out on the right foot by returning the Prime
Minister Julia Gillard’s shoe, which was lost during a
protest at a Canberra restaurant yesterday. … Paul Coe,
spokesperson for the First Nations Parliament, an
organisation which has been re-established as a result of
the anniversary celebrations, said Embassy activists were
disgusted at the behavior of police. … Mr Coe said the
First Nations Parliament would be established with a year.”

newsTracker: We won’t apologise: Aboriginal leaders
http://tracker.org.au/2012/01/we-wont-apologise-aboriginal-leaders/
27 Jan 12: “Aboriginal activists who protested a restaurant
where Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott were
have accused the opposition leader of inciting racial riots
and want him to apologise. … Embassy founder Michael
Anderson said the opposition leader’s comments were
disrespectful. … Isabell Coe, whose late husband Mr
Craigie was an embassy founder, said Mr Abbott should
apologise.”

January 26th – Tent Embassy. Congress Statement and Media
http://nationalcongress.com.au/january-26th-tent-embassy/
27 Jan 12: “There were thousands of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander families and people, our friends and
supporters who enjoyed major events all around the country
to mark Survival Day 2012 yesterday: events that were
incident-free and unreported. Congress supports and is
participating in the organised and peaceful Tent Embassy
events and celebrations marking its 40th anniversary. The
Tent Embassy is symbolic of the ongoing struggle for
Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Peoples.”

Koori Mail: Embassy activists retain PM’s shoe
http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
27 Jan 12: “The last surviving founder of the Aboriginal
Embassy, Michael Anderson, said Mr Abbott’s
‘confrontationist’ comments had incited the fracas and that
police had then over-reacted in their response. “People
need to look at those videos very closely; it was the
police who were manhandling the Prime Minister out the door
and the national security mob who caused her to fall,” Mr
Anderson told the Koori Mail. “There was more danger to her
from that than anything we’d have done. I repeat, there was
no risk whatsoever to the Prime Minister. She could have
walked out of there. … “”

ABC: Aboriginal leaders condemn actions of protesters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/20120127-nt-focus-tent-embassy-protest/3796378?section=nt
27 Jan 12: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social
Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says the actions of
protesters in Canberra could set the cause of
reconciliation back by years. Prime Minister Julia Gillard
nearly fell as security staff tried to get her and
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott away from furious Aboriginal
tent embassy protesters. They were angry at comments by Mr
Abbott that it might be time to move on from tent embassy
politics.”

West Australian: ‘Do not give in to aggression’
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/12734426/do-not-give-in-to-aggression/
27 Jan 12: “WA Aboriginal MP Ben Wyatt fears the
“deplorable” conduct of protesters in Canberra yesterday
will backfire by creating sympathy for Tony Abbott’s
“intolerant” comments. Mr Wyatt’s views were echoed by
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Commissioner Mick Gooda, who said aggression formed no part
of tent embassy protests 40 years ago and was not
acceptable today.”

Australian: Mob doesn’t speak for us, say indigenous leaders
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/mob-doesnt-speak-for-us-say-indigenous-leaders/story-fn9hm1pm-1226254788230
27 Jan 12: “MAINSTREAM indigenous leaders have condemned
activists from Canberra’s Aboriginal tent embassy who led
an angry mob to besiege Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott in a
nearby restaurant yesterday. … Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda
condemned the protest and accused the activists of showing
disrespect to Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott.”

Australian: Amid turmoil, Julia Gillard brings Tony Abbott
inside her security tent
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/amid-turmoil-julia-gillard-brings-tony-abbott-inside-her-security-tent/story-fn9hm1pm-1226254784804
27 Jan 12: “AS the hammering on the glass grew louder and
the security detail grew increasingly anxious, Julia
Gillard’s thoughts turned to Tony Abbott. Trapped for the
past half-hour inside Canberra’s popular The Lobby
restaurant by up to 100 bellowing protesters from the
nearby Aboriginal tent embassy, the Prime Minister formed
a huddle with her minders.”

Australian: Reports the Prime Minister’s office encouraged
protesters to target Tony Abbott over tent embassy
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/reports-the-prime-ministers-office-encouraged-protesters-to-target-tony-abbott-over-tent-embassy/story-fn59niix-1226255195987
27 Jan 12: “THE Prime Minister is yet to respond today to a
report that one of her staffers rang an Aboriginal tent
embassy protester yesterday to say Tony Abbott wanted the
camp torn down.”

Sky News: Protesters overreacted to Abbott-Mundine
http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=711914&vId=
27 Jan 12: “Former ALP national president and indigenous
leader Warren Mundine says protesters overreacted to
comments Tony Abbott made about the tent embassy. The
comments sparked a furious response from Aboriginal
activists who besieged Mr Abbott and Prime Minister Julia
Gillard at a Canberra restaurant on Thursday.”

NT News: Blame game starts over Aust Day protest
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/01/27/285621_ntnews.html
27 Jan 12: “THE Territory politician accused of sparking a
violent protest that saw the Prime Minister dragged from a
restaurant by the riot police has made no excuses her
actions. Barbara Shaw refused to say whether a Labor
staffer had leaked the whereabouts of Julia Gillard and
Tony Abbott at a tent embassy protest in Canberra yesterday.
“Whoever told me was a member of the general public,”
she said.”

Canberra Times: Australia’s day of shame
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/australias-day-of-shame/2434446.aspx?storypage=0
27 Jan 12: “Australia Day was marred and a gaping hole
exposed in security planning for the Prime Minister
yesterday after Julia Gillard was chaotically dragged away
from a protest staged by members of Canberra’s Aboriginal
tent embassy.”

Canberra Times: Time to remember for all wrong reasons
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/time-to-remember-for-all-wrong-reasons/2434442.aspx
27 Jan 12: “NSW Aboriginal Land Council member Roy Ah-See
shook his head sadly. He knew how Australia Day 2012 would
be remembered. ”We don’t want to reinforce the stereotypes
and the stigma, and unfortunately this will make the news;
this will sell newspapers, right? Because it’s a negative
story about Aboriginal people.””

The Gazette:
Indigenous leaders condemn Australian PM treatment
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Indigenous+leaders+condemn+Australian+treatment/6059236/story.html
27 Jan 12: “Australian indigenous leaders Friday said they
were appalled at the disrespect shown to Prime Minister
Julia Gillard after she had to be dragged to safety from
furious Aboriginal rights protesters.”

news.com.au:
Cue Whitney Houston: Here’s Julia Gillard’s bodyguard
http://www.news.com.au/national/cue-whitney-houston-heres-julia-gillards-bodyguard/story-e6frfkvr-1226254942911
27 Jan 12: “HE’S Australia’s answer to Kevin Costner.
Pictures of him with his arms around Julia Gillard,
protecting her from angry protesters, have made news around
the world, and this morning breakfast shows played him the
ultimate compliment and played Whitney Houston’s I Will
Always Love You over the footage.”

Newstalk ZB: Australians see images of frightened leader
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbint/1641975260-Australians-see-images-of-frightened-leader
27 Jan 12: “The images of a scared Australian Prime
Minister could have a lasting impact on Julia Gillard’s
reputation. The Prime Minister was snapped with a look of
terror on her face as she was scurried away by security
after an angry mob of protestors gathered outside an event
in Canberra yesterday.”

news.com.au: Hey Julia, this shoe is going on eBay:
Protesters put the boot into Prime Minister
http://www.news.com.au/national/mob-sinks-slipper-into-nations-day/story-e6frfkvr-1226254820835
27 Jan 12: “ABORIGINAL activists are treating Julia
Gillard’s lost shoe as a trophy and will try to sell it
online to raise money for their Canberra tent embassy. The
Prime Minister lost the shoe as she was dragged away from
an ugly confrontation with protesters at an Australia Day
awards ceremony.”

Australian: Indigenous activists remain unrepentant for a
violent protest against Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous-activists-remain-unrepentant-for-a-violent-protest-against-julia-gillard-and-tony-abbott/story-fn59niix-1226255058689
27 Jan 12: “ABORIGINAL tent embassy leaders say the police
allowed Julia Gillard’s security to be compromised during
yesterday’s dramatic protest, which forced the Prime
Minister and Tony Abbott to flee an Australia Day event. As
Tony Abbott condemned the protesters as “un-Australian”,
tent embassy founder Michael Anderson said he regretted
what had happened but protesters weren’t to blame. … He
[Michael Anderson] accused the media of “cutting and
splicing” images to make it look like the Aboriginal
activists were attacking the Prime Minister.”

ABC 7.30: Aboriginal leaders reflect on tent embassy protest
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3417455.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
27 Jan 12: “A day on from the Australia Day protest by
members of the Aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra, which
targeted Tony Abbott but also swept up the Prime Minister
and made international news, what has been the impact and
fall out from the incident.”

ABC: Gillard puts on brave face after riot rescue
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-26/gillard-27fine27-after-riot-rescue/3795354/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
27 Jan 12: “Prime Minister Julia Gillard is putting on a
brave face after she and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had
to be rescued from a group of angry protesters when
Australia Day celebrations turned sour.”

ABC: I’m fine: Gillard after security scare
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/im-fine-gillard-after-security-scare/3795806
27 Jan 12: “Prime Minister Julia Gillard has shrugged off
a security scare at an Australia Day function in Canberra.”

ABC: Indigenous leaders condemn ‘disgraceful’ protesters
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/indigenous-leaders-condemn-27disgraceful27-protesters/3795458/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
27 Jan 12: “Former ALP president Warren Mundine says the
protesters misinterpreted Mr Abbott’s comments as a call
to demolish the embassy. He says Mr Abbott was only
questioning whether the embassy is outdated, something Mr
Mundine agrees with. … Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has also
sided with authorities, saying he is appalled at the level
of disrespect and aggression shown towards the two
leaders.”

ABC: Tent Embassy protesters blame police for violence
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/aboriginal-protesters-blame-police-for-violence/3796716
27 Jan 12: “Tent Embassy protesters say police officers
provoked them and outsiders infiltrated their demonstration
before it turned violent in Canberra.”

ABC: Gillard condemns protest violence
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/gillard-condemns-protest-violence/3796922
27 Jan 12: “Prime Minister Julia Gillard has spoken to the
media about her anger over violent protests that disrupted
an Australia Day function.”

ABC: Abbott defends Tent Embassy comments
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/abbott-defends-tent-embassy-comments/3796530
27 Jan 12: “Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has praised the
Prime Minister’s security detail for their handling of a
violent protest at an Australia Day function.”

ABC: Abbott defends Tent Embassy comments
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/abbott-praises-gillard-over-protest-response/3796290/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
27 Jan 12: “The demonstrators said they had been incensed
by Mr Abbott’s comments in Sydney earlier in the day, when
he questioned the continued relevance of the Tent Embassy.
The Opposition Leader repeated the remarks this morning and
said they were “perfectly reasonable”.”

ABC: Tent Embassy spokesman hits back
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/tent-embassy-spokesman-hits-back/3796212
27 Jan 12: “A spokesman for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in
Canberra has accused Tony Abbott of inciting protests that
turned violent during an Australia day function in
Canberra.”

ABC: Abbott’s Embassy comments
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/abbotts-embassy-comments/3796304
27 Jan 12: “Watch the Tony Abbott interview which protesters
say sparked yesterday’s violent demonstration in Canberra.”

Koori Mail:
Embassy celebrations marred by police, protester scuffles
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
26 Jan 12: “ABORIGINAL protesters say they did not know at
first that the Prime Minister Julia Gillard was in a
Canberra restaurant they surrounded this afternoon, angry at
comments made by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott about the
future of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Mr Abbott told media
in Sydney earlier in the day that, while he understood why
the Aboriginal Embassy had been set up ‘all those years
ago’, ‘a lot has changed since then, and I think it
probably is time to move on from that’.”

SMH: PM dragged away after being trapped by protesters
http://www.smh.com.au/national/pm—dragged-away-after-being-trapped-by–protesters-20120126-1qj1c.html
26 Jan 12: “The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and
Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, had to be extracted from a
restaurant near Parliament House as angry protesters banged
on the glass. Supporters of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in
Canberra picketed the Lobby restaurant over comments by Mr
Abbott this morning that the tent embassy should close.

NT News: NT pollie on stage as crowd turned on PM
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/01/26/285511_ntnews.html
26 Jan 12: “A TERRITORY politician was on stage at the
Aboriginal Tent Embassy when a crowd of nearly 500 turned
on Prime Minister Julia Gillard in ugly Australia Day
scenes. Indigenous activist Barbara Shaw had taken the
microphone from Barkly Shire president Rosalie Kunoth-Monks
moments before the crowd ran towards the restaurant where Ms
Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott were attending an
Australia Day function.”

CNN: Australian PM escorted out of building amid protest
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/26/world/australia-protests/?hpt=hp_t2
26 Jan 12: “Security officers dragged Australian Prime
Minister Julia Gillard out of a Canberra restaurant
Thursday after an angry mob of protesters surrounded the
building during a luncheon ceremony, police said.”

TNT Magazine: Australian PM Julia Gillard rescued by
police after aboriginal protest
http://www.tntmagazine.com/news/australia-news/australian-pm-julia-gillard-rescued-by-police-after-aboriginal-protest
26 Jan 12: “Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and
the opposition leader, Tony Abbott, had to be rescued by
riot police after they were trapped in a building in
Canberra during a violent protest. The two leaders were at
an Australia Day event when Aboriginal rights protesters
started banging on the glass building, shouting “shame” and
“racist”.”

* THE MARCH UP TO PARLIAMENT HOUSE FROM THE TENT EMBASSY:

- Video

YouTube: 40 years of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
- march on parliament.mov
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XSRTKq2FrE
29 Jan 12: “40 years of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
- March on Parliament – 27 January 2012″

ABC: Indigenous protesters defend flag burning
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-28/flag-burning-condemned/3798386
28 Jan 12: “Indigenous protesters in Canberra have defended
the burning of the national flag during unrest on Australia
Day.”

ABC: Tent Embassy protesters burn flag
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/tent-embassy-protesters-burn-flag/3797418
27 Jan 12: “Protesters from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
have burnt the Australian flag on the front steps of
Parliament House in Canberra.”

ABC: Tent Embassy protesters march on Parliament
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/tent-embassy-protesters-march-on-parliament/3797570
27 Jan 12: “Protesters from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in
Canberra have marched on Parliament House to call for
sovereignty for Indigenous people.”

- News

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 1-2-12
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-1-2-12
1 Feb 12: “An original member of the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy says the group of protesters who burned the
Australian Flag did so as a symbol of rejection for the way
Government has treated Aboriginal people…not an attack on
all Australians.”

National Indigenous Times:
Peaceful protest ends with burning of flag
http://www.nit.com.au/news/504-peaceful-protest-ends-with-burning-of-flag.html
“By National Indigenous Times staff, Geoff Bagnall and
Gerry Georgatos who took part in the protest march. It
could have been one of the famous protests for Aboriginal
land rights 40 years ago but it was in fact 2012 as a 15
year old girl burnt the Australian flag at the protest
march on the forecourt of the Federal Parliament building
last… “

Koori Mail: NLC: Flag burning ‘went too far’
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Jan 12: “THE Northern Land Council has criticised the
behaviour of some protesters associated with the Aboriginal
Tent Embassy in Canberra last week. The land council’s CEO
Kim Hill says the Tent Embassy remains relevant and should
continue but some of the protesters’ actions – including
burning and reportedly spitting on the Australian flag -
went too far. “…What we saw on our televisions on
Australia Day and the days that followed certainly wasn’t
a good look,” Mr Hill said.”

Koori Mail: Protesters burn Australian flag
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
28 Jan 12: “AN Australian flag was set alight and burned
during a smoking ceremony at the front doors of Parliament
House in Canberra yesterday. Several hundred people walked
from 40th anniversary celebrations at the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy to be met by about 30 police, who then formed a
protective cordon preventing the protesters from going
inside the building. Outside, the group cheered and chanted
as a 15-year-old girl aided by her younger brother burned
the flag, declaring that it had given Australians the right
to murder, rape and hurt their people.”

Age: Flag burned and spat on [sic]
http://www.theage.com.au/national/flag-burned-and-spat-on-20120127-1qlta.html
28 Jan 12: “ABORIGINAL tent embassy protesters burned and
spat on [sic] the Australian flag on the front steps of
Parliament House, as tensions at the controversial protest
site erupted in Canberra yesterday. A crowd of at least 400
protesters marched from the tent embassy outside Old
Parliament House, stopping the traffic on Commonwealth
Avenue, and then stormed the front verandah of Parliament
House at about 2.30pm, despite large numbers of police.”

ABC: Tent Embassy protesters march on Parliament
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-27/protesters-march-on-parliament-house/3796988/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
27 Jan 12: “More than 200 activists from the Aboriginal
Tent Embassy in Canberra have marched on Parliament House,
chanting outside the front doors “always was, always will
be Aboriginal land”. On the way the demonstrators blocked
Commonwealth Avenue, one of the city’s main thoroughfares.
Despite a heavy police presence, including a number of
police dogs, authorities were unable to hold an initial
cordon at the edge of Parliament’s forecourt and were
forced to retreat in the face of overwhelming numbers.”

Mail Online:
Aboriginal protesters burn Australian flag outside Parliament
… but at least PM Julia Gillard has got her shoe back
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2092601/Julia-Gillards-shoe-held-ransom-Aboriginal-protesters-Australian-PM-gets-back.html
27 Jan 12: “A group of Aboriginal protesters hit the
headlines again today after they set fire to the Australian
flag outside the country’s Parliament in Canberra. A video
captured showed protesters outside Parliament setting light
to the flag and spitting on [sic] it while chanting,
‘Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.’”

Canberra Times: Protest heats up
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/protest-heats-up/2435073.aspx
27 Jan 12: “Police are investigating whether an offence was
committed when protesters set fire to the Australian flag
in front of Parliament House today. Tent Embassy protesters
took their call for sovereignty to Parliament House, burning
an Australian flag in the building’s forecourt.”

- Audio

ABC PM: Aboriginal protesters burn flag at Parliament
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2012/s3417301.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
27 Jan 12: “Tension is still high among some of the
Aboriginal protesters at the Tent Embassy on Canberra.
About 200 of them marched on Parliament House in Canberra
this afternoon. Some took part in the burning of an
Australian flag. Other Aboriginal leaders at the scene have
told PM that they’re disgusted by the behaviour of what
they describe as a “splinter group” of protesters.”

- – -

Subscription to ‘WGAR News’ is free.

‘WGAR News’ monitors the media, including alternative media,
focusing on the Australian Federal government intervention
into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities along
with other Aboriginal rights issues.

AGENDA Day 2    -  27 January 2012

11.30 AM    Women’s Circle   Men’s Circle           Camp fires          Everyone

12:30 PM    Lunch

1:30 PM     Women’s Circle,  Men’s Circle

3:30 PM    Break

4:00 PM   Report back from circles and collate input

6:00 PM    Dinner

7:30 PM    Christine Donnolly Performing Arts Presentation

9:30 PM   CLOSE

AGENDA Day 3   –  28 January 2012

11:00 AM      Break

11:30 AM     Women’s Circle, Men’s Circle   Camp fires   Everyone

12:30 PM    Lunch

1:30 PM     Formalisation of Sovereignty Movements (Declarations etc)

3:30 PM    Break

4:00 PM    Review previous days sovereignty unification document

-  establishment Union and International Process

Communique to Government -  signatures

6:00 PM   Dinner

7:30 PM  Closing Finale Entertainment - BLACKBOARD EVENT with back line

9:30 PM   CLOSE

vegies over the event but as numbers are not confirmed, please aim to

be self sufficient in your camping. Elders and kids will be catered

for first.

People will need to provide: their own tents, swags, blankets and camping equipment.

Consider bringing a torch, esky, camp chairs, and all your essentials.

Please bring adequate clothing. We have had a wet summer so far, but

it may be very hot in late January. Have clothes for the four seasons.

There are taps on the site but you may prefer your own camping water

bottles for convenience.

Please consider sunblock, hats and activities for your kids if you are

bringing kids.

Also bring your commonsense, your strength and wisdom, to make this

event as great as possible.

For the march: comfortable walking shoes, drinking

water bottles, hats, flags and banners.

Any local Canberra people who may be able to lend a BBQ or offer billeting and fresh garden produce for this event, would be great.

DONT BRING: Alcohol, drugs or violence. This is a dry camp and anyone who doesn’t abide by this will be told to leave.

* INTERVIEW WITH MATHEW DHULUMBUURK ON THE NT INTERVENTION:

- Audio Interview

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Yolngu Say NO To Intervention…
http://caama.com.au/yolngu-say-no-to-intervention
15 Dec 11: “Aboriginal elders from the Top End community of
Ramingingying have lashed out at the continuation of the
Northern Territory intervention, claiming “Many of their
people are feeling stigmatised by the blanket policy that
brands them as alcoholics, irresponsible parents and child
molesters”. … Yolngu spokesman Mathew Dhulumbuurk told
CAAMA radio “The government is drowning them slowly and the
intervention policies have brought hatred, making the
government the “true enemy of their people”.”

See:

WGAR News:
“Ramingining Elders say no to the second Intervention!”
(30 Nov 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/11/30/wgar-news-ramingining-elders-say-no-to-the-second-intervention

newsTracker: We’re not all boozers, NT elders say (30 Nov 11)
http://tracker.org.au/2011/11/were-not-all-boozers-nt-elders-say/

* INTERVIEW WITH ELDER PHILIP ROE AFTER THE
SUPREME COURT RULING RE KIMBERLEY:

- Audio interview

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal:
Elder Speaks On His Hopes For His Land At James Price Point
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/196299/t/Elder-Speaks-On-His-Hopes-For-His-Land-At-James-Price-Point/in/english
15 Dec 11: “The recent WA Supreme Court ruling on the
invalidity of government compulsory acquisition of
Aboriginal land was a bittersweet one for elders. The
ruling resulted from a technicality, as WA Government
notices of intent didn’t properly identify the land. …
The legal challenge to the compulsory acquisition of the
land was made by Goolarabooloo elder Philip Roe and Jabbir
Jabbir elder Neil Mc Kenzie. While recognizing the battle is
far from over – Philip Roe told Garfield Samuels he’ll do
all in his power to stop further desecration of sacred and
cultural sites.”

- Related audio interviews

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal:
Another round with the Western Australian government
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/196297/t/Another-round-with-the-Western-Australian-government/in/english
15 Dec 11: “Supreme Court ruling is not the end of the
battle for James Price Point … Elders are preparing for
the next match – after last week’s ruling by the WA Supreme
Court, that the government’s move to compulsarily acquire
land for a gas hub in the Kimberley, is invalid. …
Andrew Chalk is a member of the legal team representing the
Traditional Owners. He tells Garfield Samuels – the
immediate issue is the status of the agreement between the
Kimberley Land Council and the Government”
By Michelle Lovegrove

ABC Radio National: Law Report: Broome gas processing hub
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lawreport/broome-gas-processing-hub/3728432
13 Dec 11: “The latest in the ongoing dispute over a
proposed $35 billion gas processing hub in Broome. Last
week, the WA Supreme Court ruled that compulsory land
acquisition notices issued by the WA government are
invalid. Is the decision a fundamental game-changer or a
temporary set-back? …
Guests: Murray Wilcox, Former Federal Court Judge. …
Presenter: Damien Carrick. Producer: Verica Jokic.”

- Related News

ABC: An attempt to lure a Woodside project to Darwin
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-12/luring-project-feature/3727484?section=business
13 Dec 11: “Could the Northern Territory poach another
multi-billion dollar gas project from Western Australia? If
the Territory’s Chief Minister has his way, it could. Late
last week, Paul Henderson announced he had been in talks
with the oil and gas company Woodside about basing its
proposed $30 billion liquefied natural gas hub in Darwin.
Woodside’s plans for its hub have been based at James Price
Point, north of Broome in the State Government LNG precinct
but there has been a setback after a recent court decision.”

ABC: NT in talks to persuade Woodside to shift LNG hub
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-12/nt-talks-to-woodside-about-shifting/3726386?section=nt
12 Dec 11: “The oil and gas company Woodside says it
remains committed to processing gas from the Browse Basin
in Western Australia despite attempts from the Northern
Territory to poach the project. The territory’s Chief
Minister Paul Henderson said he had been in talks with
Woodside about basing its LNG hub in Darwin. The proposed
$30 billion gas project at James Price Point, north of
Broome, suffered a setback last week with the Supreme Court
declaring the WA State Government’s land acquisition notices
were invalid.”

See:

WGAR News: ABC Video:
Kimberley gas hub opponents claim legal victory (11 Dec 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/wgar-news-abc-video-kimberley-gas-hub-opponents-claim-legal-victory

* INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL WOODLEY CEO OF THE
YINDJIBARNDI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION:

- Audio interview

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Michael Woodley
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
14 Dec 11: “Tiga Bayles is joined by Michael Woodley, chief
executive officer of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal
Corporation, with an update on their dispute with FMG and
the Solomon Hub project on their country.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/michael-woodley-5/

- Related Media Release

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation:
State back flips on FMG conditions
http://yindjibarndi.org.au/yindjibarndi/?p=2507
19 Dec 11: “SUMMARY: Last Tuesday, the Minister for
Indigenous Affairs, Peter Collier, reneged on an earlier
commitment to hold Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) accountable
for identification and protection of Yindjibarndi heritage
in the path of its Solomon Project mine. After FMG demanded
that critical conditions of his consent be deleted,
Minister Collier complied, clearing the way for wholesale
destruction of rare and ancient Yindjibarndi heritage.
Yindjibarndi CEO, Michael Woodley, said “This is a
Christmas from hell for us. It is a weak and morally wrong
decision from Mr Collier. The Minister had a choice – to
ensure Yindjibarndi people could properly record their
sites before FMG wipes them off the face of the earth, and
use this knowledge to make safe and fair decisions; … “

- Related News

Australian:
Clan fury as MP clears hurdle for friend Andrew Forrest
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/clan-fury-as-mp-clears-hurdle-for-friend-andrew-forrest/story-e6frgczx-1226227119380
21 Dec 11: “WEST Australian Indigenous Affairs Minister
Peter Collier has substantially freed the company chaired
by his friend Andrew Forrest from having to comply with the
state’s heritage law for its expanded mining operations in
the Pilbara, says an Aboriginal group.” Paul Cleary

See:

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation
http://yindjibarndi.org.au/yindjibarndi/

* MICHAEL ANDERSON:
WHO DELETED THE PHRASE ‘HER HEIRS AND SUCCESSORS’?

- Media Release

Who deleted the phrase ‘her heirs and successors’?
Treaty Republic: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/who-deleted-phrase-her-heirs-and-successors
Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/15/who-deleted-the-phrase-%E2%80%98her-heirs-and-successors%E2%80%99
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13271:australia-who-deleted-the-phrase-her-heirs-and-successors&catid=24&Itemid=57
15 Dec 11: “Michael Anderson, in Japan en route from London
to Sydney says today:
Having attended the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in
Whitehall, I am shocked after locating the official record
of the original Pacific Islanders Protection Act 1875, the
one that was actually passed in the UK Parliament at that
time.
The Pacific Islander Protection Act 1875 that has been
bandied around on the internet and other places has been
doctored by a person or persons unknown. It is clear that
someone did not want the real Act circulating.
The Pacific Islander Protection Act 1875 that has been
circulating in Australia is without a vitally important
key phrase of the Order in Council.”

See:

WGAR News: Herald Sun:
Aboriginal leader takes fight to Europe (7 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/07/wgar-news-djiniyini-gondarra-message-to-alp-conference-analysis-by-hilary-tyler-and-paddy

Michael Anderson:
Aboriginal sovereignty confirmation expected soon (11 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/wgar-news-abc-video-kimberley-gas-hub-opponents-claim-legal-victory

WGAR News: Euahlayi tribal leader Michael Anderson
addresses Occupy crowd in London (15 Dec 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/15/wgar-news-euahlayi-tribal-leader-michael-anderson-addresses-occupy-crowd-in-london

New Way Sovereignty Summit,
Canberra 22-25 April 2011 (Easter Weekend)
http://indymedia.org.au/new-way-sovereignty-summit-canberra-22-25-april-easter-weekend
[Michael Anderson was Summit Convenor. Click on above Summit
link to read several of Michael's previous media releases.]

* 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY
CANBERRA – 26-29 JAN 2012

- Upcoming event

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
“Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate “SOVEREIGNTY DAY” and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site.”
Event details (incl. Agenda, Poster, Audio and Video):
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-january-2012
http://treatyrepublic.net/node/906
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
“We will not leave till justice, at long last, is done”:
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93-canberra-january-26-2012-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cwe-will-not-leave-till-justice-at-l
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phillips/

* CONGRESS PEOPLES’ FORUM: SOVEREIGNTY AND SELF DETERMINATION
CANBERRA – 24-25 JAN 2012

- Upcoming event

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples’ Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

* HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE EXTENSION OF KEY NT INTERVENTION
MEASURES FOR ANOTHER DECADE. SUBMISSIONS DUE 1 FEB 2012:

Stop the Intervention:
Have your say on the Extension of Key NT Intervention
Measures for another Decade
Submissions are due by 1 February 2012.
[scroll down page] http://www.stoptheintervention.org/
“Information for making a submission:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/info.htm

“Please follow the links from this page to find
information about the bills:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
and two related bills
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/index.htm

“For the document with links to further info about the
New Policies, Aboriginal Elders voices and for Taking Action:
please click here: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Consultations/NTER-ext-submissions-appeal-short.pdf
[This link includes voices of:
Dr Rev Djiniyini Gondarra,
Yananymul Mununggurr,
Ramingining Elders,
NT Elders and Community Representatives,
and the Central Land Council.]

Event: 1 February 2012: Australia wide
Submissions about Stronger Futures now due 1 Feb 2012
Parliament of Australia – Senate:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
and two related bills:
Information about the Inquiry
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/info.htm
“Submissions should be received by 1 February 2012. …
The Committee is seeking written submissions from
interested individuals and organisations”

* GETUP! CAMPAIGN SUGGESTIONS FORUM:
STOP THE RACIST NT INTERVENTION:

- Action

GetUp! Campaign Suggestions Forum:
Stop the racist Northern Territory Intervention.
No more income management or land theft.
http://suggest.getup.org.au/forums/60819-getup-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/1067671-stop-the-racist-northern-territory-intervention
“Aboriginal people in the NT are subject to this racist
federal legislation which contravenes the UN Declaraton of
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It forces people onto
income management which controls people’s money, allows the
government to control Aboriginal land without people’s
consent, impose non-Aboriginal “government business
managers” on communities, and refuses to acknowledge
customary law in the judicial system. There needs to be an
increased push to force the government to repeal this racist
law.” by Hilary

* GETUP! CAMPAIGN SUGGESTIONS FORUM:
STOPPING PROPOSED GAS REFINERY:

- Action

GetUp! Campaign Suggestions Forum:
Stopping Proposed Gas Refinery at James Price Point
in the Kimberley
http://suggest.getup.org.au/forums/60819-getup-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/1896595-stopping-proposed-gas-refinery-at-james-price-poin
“Woodside Petroleum and the WA Premier want to turn the
Kimberley into another industrialised oil and gas region by
building gas refineries on the coast at James Price Point,
40km north of Broome. Premier Barnett wants the Kimberley
to be the next Pilbara. The federal Environment Minister is
now responsible for making the final environmental
assessment of this proposal. Traditional owners of the land
have been under the threat of compulsory acquisition, and
have been pressured into relinquishing their rights to this
beautiful unspoilt land.” by Sonia

See:

WGAR News: ABC Video:
Kimberley gas hub opponents claim legal victory (11 Dec 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/wgar-news-abc-video-kimberley-gas-hub-opponents-claim-legal-victory

[Above in this newsletter]
Interview with elder Philip Roe after the Supreme Court ruling

* INGA TING:
ABORIGINAL CRIME AND PUNISHMENT:
INCARCERATION RATES RISE UNDER NEOLIBERALISM

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: Aboriginal crime and punishment:
incarceration rates rise under neoliberalism
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/12/15/aboriginal-prison-rate-continues-to-rise-is-neoliberalism-at-play/
15 Dec 11: “The number of indigenous adults held in the
nation’s jails has increased for the 11th year in a row,
despite the nation’s prisoner population falling for the
first time in a decade. According to the latest Australian
Bureau of Statistics data, the indigenous prisoner
population increased by 1% in the year to June 2011 while
the total prisoner population dropped by 2%. … Despite
repeated promises to reduce indigenous over-representation
in prisons - the latest federal commitment made last month
- the solution actually offered by government is just more
of the problem itself, Singh [Charandev Singh] says.”
Inga Ting, freelance journalist and Australian Centre for
Independent Journalism associate

Crikey: Aboriginal crime and punishment:
spending on jails but not outcomes
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/12/16/aboriginal-crime-and-punishment-spending-on-jails-but-not-outcomes/
16 Dec 11: “The rise of a punitive “law and order” culture
in Australia has had a profoundly racial dimension,
manifested in soaring rates of indigenous incarceration.
The number of indigenous adults held in the nation’s jails
has increased for the 11th year in a row - as Crikey
revealed in part one yesterday - while over the past
decade … ” Inga Ting, freelance journalist and Australian
Centre for Independent Journalism associate

See:

Deaths in Custody: A Crikey Investigation
http://www.crikey.com.au/deaths-in-custody/
“Twenty years after the Royal Commission report into
Aboriginal deaths in custody was released, fatalities in
prison custody are rising and inmates are still dying as a
result of the same lethal practices the Commission sought
to eliminate. As part of a forensic Crikey investigation,
freelance journalist and Australian Centre for Independent
Journalism associate Inga Ting examines the startling data,
the damning case studies and the very human stories behind
a vexed political and social issue.”

ANTaR: Reducing Imprisonment of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people
http://www.antar.org.au/index.php?q=issues_and_campaigns/reducing_indigenous_incarceration
29 Jul 11: “ANTaR used this occasion to launch a National
Call to Action for federal, state and territory governments
to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system. This
Call to Action is also supported by a wide range of
Aboriginal and community legal services and human rights
organisations.”

* WHAT’S WORKING: ALTERNATIVE TO INTERVENTION

What’s Working: Alternative to Intervention
http://www.whatsworking.com.au/what-now/alternative-to-intervention/
“Rebuilding from the Ground Up
– An Alternative to the Northern Territory Intervention.
Download document from IRAG. This document puts forward a
list of demands that have come consistently from Aboriginal
communities since the announcement of the NT Intervention
in 2007. It has been widely endorsed by Aboriginal
community leaders, along with the
Intervention Rollback Action Group (Alice Springs),
Stop the Intervention Collective (Sydney) and
‘concerned Australians’ (Melbourne).
Research supported by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning
at UTS.”

Here are some links to further info on the
Alternative to Intervention

Alternatives doc with extra references: http://stoptheintervention.org/alternatives-to-the-intervention/rebuilding-from-the-ground-up-an-alternative-to-the-nt-intervention

Alternatives doc with overviews, videos and references: http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/alternatives.html

Endorsees of the Alternatives doc: http://stoptheintervention.org/alternatives-to-the-intervention

Endorsees of the Alternatives doc: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/alternative-to-the-intervention/

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits:
Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER)
- “The Intervention”:
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-territory-intervention.html

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association)
- NT Intervention:
http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

Crikey – NT Intervention:
http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition:
http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

New Matilda – northern territory intervention:
http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention:
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights/northern-territory-intervention

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group):
Mparntwe – Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney):
http://stoptheintervention.org/

‘concerned Australians’:
Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

Tracker – NT Intervention:
http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

Treaty Republic – NT Intervention:
http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)
- NT intervention:
http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective):
http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

The Conversation – After the Intervention:
http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Jobs with Justice:
http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

Amnesty International Australia:
Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Students For Indigenous Rights – UQ:
The Northern Territory Intervention:
http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-factsheet-new1.pdf

Defending Indigenous Rights:
http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off’s Blog:
http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

Australian Human Rights Commission:
Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response’ intervention:
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC:
Australia’s compliance with CERD – Fact Sheet 2:
Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts:
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights):
http://wgar.wordpress.com/

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio interviews

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Vince Mundraby
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
15 Dec 11: “Former Yarrabah mayor, now chair of the
Djunbunji Land and Sea Program, Vince Mundraby talks to
Tiga Bayles about land matters including the recent signing
of an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) over Mandingalbay
Yidinji country near Cairns.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/vince-mundraby-3/

SBS Audio and Language: Aboriginal:
Twins Demand Stolen Wages Payment
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/196289/t/Twins-Demand-Stolen-Wages-Payment/in/english
15 Dec 11: “More questions about Queensland’s handling of
stolen wages. … Torres Strait island twin brothers are
appealing to the Queensland government to pay out stolen
wages withheld from them and thousands of other indigenous
people. … One of the 76-year-old twins received a reparation
payment but the other didn’t, despite both working on the
same boat as divers, from the age of 13. Queensland
correspondent Stefan Armbruster speaks with
Paul and Arthur Ah Wang after they met with state
Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander affairs minister
Curtis Pitt.” By Michelle Lovegrove

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
- 11 EVENTS FROM 21 DECEMBER 2011:

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: 21 December 2011: Paddington, Sydney, NSW
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Chauvel Cinema, Paddington
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: 22 to 24 December 2011: Brisbane, Qld
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Palace Barracks Cinema, Brisbane
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, 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: Tue 17 to 28 January 2012: Chippendale, NSW
Photographic exhibition:
Manuwangku Under the Nuclear Cloud
“Manuwangku: Under a Nuclear Cloud, gives the affected
Aboriginal communities a collective voice against the
proposed radioactive waste dump. The exhibition aims to
dispel the myth that remote areas are uninhabited and thus
suitable to be dumping grounds.
Jagath Dheerasekara is a talented and respected photographer
as well as an Amnesty International Human Rights Defender.”
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/27463/

Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
“To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner”
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples’ Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
“Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate “SOVEREIGNTY DAY” and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site.”
Event details (incl. Agenda, Poster, Audio and Video):
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-january-2012
http://treatyrepublic.net/node/906
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
“We will not leave till justice, at long last, is done”:
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93-canberra-january-26-2012-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cwe-will-not-leave-till-justice-at-l
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phillips/

Event: 1 February 2012: Australia wide
Submissions about Stronger Futures now due 1 Feb 2012
Parliament of Australia – Senate:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
and two related bills:
Information about the Inquiry
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/info.htm
“Submissions should be received by 1 February 2012. …
The Committee is seeking written submissions from
interested individuals and organisations”

Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
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: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 17 Feb 2012: International
Submissions on role of languages and culture due 17 Feb 2012
United Nations Human Rights:
Study on languages and cultures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/StudyLanguages.aspx
“Call for submissions from indigenous peoples and their
organisations
The Expert Mechanism is calling for submissions on the role
of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of
the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current
mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council
resolution 18/8 …
Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012″

- ‘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

* MICHAEL ANDERSON ADDRESSES OCCUPY CROWD IN LONDON:

- Audio Speech

Michael Anderson Occupy London Speech
Treaty Republic: [scroll down page] http://treatyrepublic.net/node/911
December 2011

- Media Release

The Defining phase in our struggle: Michael Anderson
Treaty Republic: http://treatyrepublic.net/node/911
Indymedia Australia: http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/13/the-defining-phase-in-our-struggle
Indigenous Peoples: http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13243:australia-the-defining-phase-in-our-struggle&catid=24&Itemid=57
13 Dec 11: “We said it aloud all the time “Sovereignty
Never Ceded” and now we can reveal that our sovereignty is
real, both as a matter of fact and law. The challenge that
is now before us as Peoples is how to put it all into
practice.
To assert our sovereignty as a right recognised in English
law is the political and legal confrontation that we will
now face with the Australian governments and territories.
It must also be understood and acknowledged by us that what
has emerged in the last two hundred plus years is the
Australian State, successor in title from colonial Britain,
which will now defend and use their numbers to suppress our
continuing sovereign title and dominion. But our Peoples
have never acquiesced and our resistance continues. It is
this committed and determined resistance that will see us
overcome our disadvantages.”

See:

WGAR News: Herald Sun:
Aboriginal leader takes fight to Europe (7 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/07/wgar-news-djiniyini-gondarra-message-to-alp-conference-analysis-by-hilary-tyler-and-paddy

Michael Anderson:
Aboriginal sovereignty confirmation expected soon (11 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/wgar-news-abc-video-kimberley-gas-hub-opponents-claim-legal-victory

New Way Sovereignty Summit,
Canberra 22-25 April 2011 (Easter Weekend)
http://indymedia.org.au/new-way-sovereignty-summit-canberra-22-25-april-easter-weekend
[Michael Anderson was Summit Convenor. Click on above Summit
link to read several of Michael's previous media releases.]

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Sovereign status will be confirmed: Anderson
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6724-sovereign-status-will-be-confirmed-anderson
13 Dec 11: “Euahlayi man Michael Anderson says he will have
confirmed Indigenous sovereign status within Australia in
the next few days as his fact-finding mission in Europe
continues. … In a Human Rights Day address to Occupy
London Stock Exchange protesters, Mr Anderson said he now
believes Australia’s claim to Indigenous land, water and
natural wealth is “on shaky ground.”"

* GERRY GEORGATOS:
ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY – CANBERRA, JANUARY 26 2012:

- Analysis

Aboriginal Tent Embassy – Canberra, January 26 2012
- “We will not leave till justice, at long last, is done”
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93-canberra-january-26-2012-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cwe-will-not-leave-till-justice-at-l
11 Dec 11: “*Thousands to camp at Aboriginal Tent Embassy
* Thousands to stay till racism and discrimination are
eliminated
* The Intervention must end immediately
* The full suite of funding and services to all Aboriginal
communities must be met
* The intentions of Native Title to be upheld, and more”

- Upcoming events

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
“Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate “SOVEREIGNTY DAY” and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site.”
Event details (incl. Agenda, Poster, Audio and Video):
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-january-2012
http://treatyrepublic.net/node/906
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phillips/

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples’ Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

* RECORDINGS FROM THE FORUM:
HOT POLITICS – RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA:

7pm – Saturday, 3 December 2011
Hot Politics – Radioactive Waste Management in Australia
Forum and Photo Exhibition
[scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/3-dec-2011-alp-conference
“Against a background of heightened awareness of nuclear
issues, key stakeholders will examine the plan to develop a
national radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory.”

Recordings from the event:
http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/3-dec-2011-alp-conference#audio_radioactive
* Jeff McMullen, CEO (honorary) Foundation for Youth
* Matthew Gardiner, United Voice NT Secretary
* Dianne Stokes, Muckaty Traditional Owner
* George Newhouse, Human Rights lawyer
* Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation

See:

YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia’s nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/

Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News
http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste

Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty, NT
Briefing Paper – February 2011
Jim Green B.Med.Sci.(Hons.), PhD
National nuclear campaigner – Friends of the Earth, Australia
Friends of the Earth: http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/nontdump/Dump%20briefing%20Feb%202011.pdf

* NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES:
LEADERS MEET IN CANBERRA:

- Media Release

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
Leaders meet in Canberra
http://nationalcongress.com.au/leaders-meet-in-canberra/
7 Dec 11: “The National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples confirmed to the Prime Minister today that the
Congress would provide strong and practical advocacy for
its members.
The inaugural meeting of the Congress National Board and
Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Canberra, reaffirmed
commitments to work to improve the lives of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

- News

Koori Mail: Congress meets PM
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php?page=Current+Edition
14 Dec 11: “THE National Congress of Australia’s First
Peoples has held its first meeting with Prime Minister
Julia Gillard. The meeting was described as ‘a starting
point for a working relationship to produce results’ but
current issues were off the agenda. The PM has agreed to
meet with Congress representatives every year. Co-chair Les
Malezer says the Congress will be very disappointed if the
Parliament shrugs off what it has to say, including on such
issues as the NT Intervention.”

- Upcoming event

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples’ Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

* ANTaR:
ACT NOW TO ENSURE A FREE AND EQUAL FUTURE FOR
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER YOUNG PEOPLE:

- Action

Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
Locked up and locked out:
Act now to ensure a free and equal future for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
http://takeaction.antar.org.au/letters/campaign/14/act-now-to-spare-the-next-generation-of-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people-from-a-life-behind-bars
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprise only
2.5 per cent of the Australian population, but make up 26
per cent of the total prison population and are imprisoned
at a rate 14 times higher than non-Indigenous people. Help
us address this inequality – lobby your politicians now to
develop justice targets to reduce the imprisonment rates of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people! The
government needs to know that thousands of Australians,
including you, believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people deserve better.”
[Click on the above link to write letters to politicians
online.]

* GREENS PENNY WRIGHT: NATIVE TITLE WINS FEW AND FAR BETWEEN:

- Media Release

Greens Penny Wright: Native Title Wins Few and Far Between
http://penny-wright.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/native-title-wins-few-and-far-between
14 Dec 11: “The resolution of a major native title claim
originally lodged 18 years ago shows that native title
reform is urgently needed in Australia, Greens spokesperson
for Native Title, Senator Penny Wright, said.
The Kalkadoon people of the Mt Isa region won recognition
of their native title rights over almost 40,000 square
kilometres of land in the Federal Court on Monday.
“I commend the Kalkadoon people for their perseverance in
this case, which again shows that there are too many
obstacles when it comes to native title claims,” Senator
Wright said.
“The current system is failing – it is too complex, too
expensive and does not deliver on its promise to secure
adequate social and economic advancement for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Island people. And sadly, many
traditional owners pass away before their claims can be
finalised.”"

See:

Greens urge Parliament to back Native Title reform bill
http://greens.org.au/content/greens-urge-parliament-back-native-title-reform-bill-0
10 Nov 11: “The Australian Greens remain in ‘no doubt’
about the importance of native title reforms following a
Senate Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment (Reform)
Bill 2011.
“The existing native title system is not living up to its
intended purpose and our bill seeks to rectify that,”
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
“The Bill addresses the serious and unnecessary barriers
faced by traditional owners in making native title claims.
It makes moderate reforms that have been well canvassed,
both over the last few years and during this inquiry
process.
“Evidence to the inquiry suggests that if the intentions of
the bill were implemented, a greater degree of fairness
would be introduced into the native title system.” [said
Senator Siewert]“

* MANDINGALBAY YIDINJI COUNTRY
“INDIGENOUS PROTECTED AREA” AGREEMENT:

- Audio

3CR Community Radio 855 AM: Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Earth Matters – 12 Dec 2011
[download the program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2011-12-11-87579.mp3
12 Dec 11: “In Mandingalbay Yidinji Country, an “Indigenous
Protected Area” agreement has been signed in existing World
Heritage areas for the first time in Australia since the
European Invasion.”

* SUSAN ALLAN:
AUSTRALIA: LABOR TO EXTEND NT “INTERVENTION” FOR A DECADE:

- Analysis / Opinion

World Socialist Web Site:
Australia: Labor to extend NT “intervention” for a decade
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/dec2011/inte-d12.shtml
12 Dec 11: “The Labor government of Prime Minister Julia
Gillard is intensifying its social austerity cutbacks with
a raft of proposed new laws that continue the Northern
Territory (NT) “intervention” for another ten years and
expand its punitive measures to include all welfare
recipients, indigenous and non-indigenous alike,
Australia-wide. First enacted in 2007 by the Howard
Liberal-National government, the Northern Territory
National Emergency Response, or “intervention,” suspended
the Racial Discrimination Act in the Territory and imposed
a series of anti-democratic measures against Aboriginal
welfare recipients and their communities. … ” Susan Allan

See:

World Socialist Web Site:
The Aboriginal “intervention” in Australia: four years on
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/may2011/ntin-m30.shtml
30 May 11: “As the fourth anniversary of the Northern
Territory (NT) intervention approaches, calls are being
made for a new round of regressive measures against
Aboriginal people, including a “second intervention”. …
Nominally the intervention, which involved the use of
police and military, was directed at helping children and
alleviating social disaster in Aboriginal communities. The
expressions of humanitarian concern were, however, a
smokescreen for a socially retrograde agenda.” Susan Allan

World Socialist Web Site: Australia:
Labor’s “welfare quarantining” trials target unemployed
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/jul2011/welf-j01.shtml
1 Jul 11: “In May, the Labor government of Prime Minister
Julia Gillard announced a series of punitive measures
targeting the unemployed as part of its federal budget.
Alongside more onerous workforce “participation
requirements” for welfare recipients, trials are to
commence next year of compulsory income management, or
“welfare quarantining.” These measures will make life
increasingly unbearable for welfare recipients and force
them to accept whatever work is available, no matter how
insecure, temporary or low-paid.” Will Morrow

* GREENS RACHEL SIEWERT:
ANOTHER INTERVENTION IS NOT THE ANSWER:

- Analysis / Opinion

New Matilda: Another Intervention Is Not The Answer
http://newmatilda.com/2011/12/14/another-intervention-isnt-answer
14 Dec 11: “The Government is talking up the same old
policies to tackle Indigenous disadvantage but its own
evaluations show they’re not working. It’s time to listen
closer to communities, writes Greens Senator Rachel
Siewert. As it introduces new Intervention measures in the
Northern Territory, the Government is keen to talk about
the effectiveness of existing policies in tackling
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage. Reports
with glossy pages and matching colour schemes cannot hide
the reality that the programs they discuss are both costly
and ineffective … ” Greens Senator Rachel Siewert

* EMMA MURPHY: DARWIN LAUNCH OF “WALK WITH US”

- Reportback

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition:
Darwin launch of “Walk With Us”
http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/darwin-launch-of-walk-with-us/
14 Dec 11: “Ninety people gathered on Larrakia land in
Darwin on November 18 to launch the new concerned
Australians book, Walk With Us. A moving welcome to country
by June Mills was followed by speeches from Bagot resident
Joy White, Yolngu educator Yalmay Yunupingu, journalist
Jeff McMullen, Alana Eldridge from Larrakia Nation and
young Aboriginal man Matthew Heffernan. … Yunupingu said:
“Now the federal government is telling us we can’t have
welfare payments to feed our children unless they go to
school … This is totally disrespectful towards us. … “”
Emma Murphy, Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition

- Past Event

Event: Fri 18 November 2011: Nightcliff, Darwin, NT
Darwin book launch: “Walk With Us”
- Aboriginal views on the NT Intervention
“Aboriginal Elders Call Out to Australian People to Walk
with them in their Quest for Justice. A sequel to the
highly regarded ‘This Is What We Said’ (February 2010)
‘Walk with Us’ (August 2011) provides a very important
update of the current thinking about the Intervention. … “
Organised by Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition
Event details: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/events/
Event details: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/WWU_booklaunches.html
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with-us
Brought to you by ‘concerned Australians’: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

See:

Book info and order form: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/WWU_Order_Form.pdf

Further book info: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/WWU-Alert-for-All-Readers.pdf

Book review: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/WWU-book-rev-short.pdf

Videos from the Sydney book launch: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/films-and-literature/book-walk-with-us/videos-wwu

Article about the Sydney book launch: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/concerned-Australians/WWU-book-article-short.pdf

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Reportback of past event

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Public Meeting Monday 14th November 2011
Misinformation and the Media
Guest Speaker: Chris Graham, Managing Editor of Tracker
a publication produced by the NSWALC
[scroll down page] http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2012.pdf
Summer 2012 – page 3: “Using government reports and data
from the 2007 and 2010 federal elections, Chris exposes the
lies that not only feed the NT Intervention, but allow the
largest human rights violation of our generation to
continue. Chris said the Northern Territory intervention
has harmed Aboriginal people; it’s caused starvation; it’s
seen a dramatic rise in reports of self-harm incidents;
it’s driven children away from school; it’s wasted hundreds
of millions of taxpayer dollars. In short, it’s been a
disaster for the nation’s most disadvantaged citizens; the
people who could least afford it.”

See:

Indymedia Australia: The ABC lie that built the Intervention
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/09/the-abc-lie-that-built-the-intervention
9 Dec 11: “On 21 June 2006 the ABC broadcast a Lateline
report titled “Sexual slavery reported in Indigenous
community”. … Chris Graham, founding and former editor of
the National Indigenous Times, reveals this Lateline report
was based largely on fiction. He gave a presentation on 6
July 2010 to a conference “Defend Aboriginal Rights” in
Alice Springs. Due to its importance the speech was
repeated two days later at the same conference. An updated
version of the presentation was given on 3 September 2010
in Sydney.”

- Analysis / Opinion

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Impressions of the impact of the Intervention in one
Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory
[scroll down page] http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2012.pdf
Summer 2012 – page 12: “Although there may be people in
some communities who have welcomed some elements of the
Intervention, it needs to be tailored to the requirements
of individual communities so that it doesn’t have perverse
consequences. Communities need to be consulted about what
their needs are and offered the chance to manage whatever
elements of the response they believe are warranted in their
circumstances. In the community we visit, the effects appear
to have all been negative. The people have given up trying
to manage their own community, their own families, their own
affairs and their own lives, because no matter what works
for them, the government will always come along and push
them around.” Bob White, Hornsby Area Residents for
Reconciliation

- Media Release

Greens: Rachel Siewert:
New intervention measures are based on the wrong approach
http://greensmps.org.au/blog/new-intervention-measures-are-based-wrong-approach
14 Dec 11: “As it introduces new intervention measures in
the Northern Territory, the Government is keen to talk
about the effectiveness of existing policies in tackling
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage. Reports
with glossy pages and matching colour schemes cannot hide
the reality that the programs they discuss are costly,
ineffective and are not based on sound evidence. Contrary
to selectively published statistics, the collective
measures of the intervention are not delivering better
overall outcomes for Aboriginal people living in the
Northern Territory.”

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits:
Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER)
- “The Intervention”:
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-territory-intervention.html

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition:
http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

New Matilda – northern territory intervention:
http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention:
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights/northern-territory-intervention

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group):
Mparntwe – Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association)
- NT Intervention:
http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney):
http://stoptheintervention.org/

Crikey – NT Intervention:
http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

‘concerned Australians’:
Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

Tracker – NT Intervention:
http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

Treaty Republic – NT Intervention:
http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)
- NT intervention:
http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective):
http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

The Conversation – After the Intervention:
http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Jobs with Justice:
http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

Amnesty International Australia:
Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Students For Indigenous Rights – UQ:
The Northern Territory Intervention:
http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-factsheet-new1.pdf

Defending Indigenous Rights:
http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off’s Blog:
http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

Australian Human Rights Commission:
Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response’ intervention:
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC:
Australia’s compliance with CERD – Fact Sheet 2:
Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts:
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights):
http://wgar.wordpress.com/

* WHAT’S WORKING: OUR GENERATION FILM

- Video

What’s Working: Our Generation
http://www.whatsworking.com.au/what-now/our-generation/
“Trailer. “Our Generation is a very fine piece of work.
It’s truthful, eloquent and, above all, it explains very
clearly to first-timers and the many who need reminding why
the indigenous people of Australia are once again being
defrauded of their human and political rights in a country
calling itself a democracy.” John Pilger”

- News

Stop the Intervention:
NEW Updated VERSION of Our Generation is out!!!!
http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
“Please note special new version of Our Generation.
This is an updated version of the film with James Bradley,
editor of First Australians. The story has been brought up
to date to include Julia Gillard’s position and follows on
from the recent visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Navi Pillay.”

- Upcoming ‘Our Generation’ film screenings

Event: Thu 15 December 2011: Tuggerah, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sun 18 December 2011: Newport, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

- ‘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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio interviews

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Michael Woodley
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
14 Dec 11: “Tiga Bayles is joined by Michael Woodley, chief
executive officer of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal
Corporation, with an update on their dispute with FMG and
the Solomon Hub project on their country.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/michael-woodley-5/

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Paul and Arthur Ah Wang
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
7 Dec 11: “Tiga Bayles speaks to 76 year old twins -
Paul and Arthur Ah Wang – who are seeking justice for their
stolen wages.  In their teens the twins worked on a
pearling lugger off the north Queensland coast and like
many Aboriginal and Strait Islander workers, their wages
were subject to government control.  For his years of work
and labour, Paul received $3000 from the Beattie
government’s $55.4 million dollar reparations package.
Despite working alongside his brother, Arthur received no
compensation because he did not have sufficient documentary
evidence for his application.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/paul-and-arthur-ah-wang/

- Audio talkback

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Let’s Talk talkback
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
8 Dec 11: “Following on from yesterday’s interview with the
Ah Wang twins seeking justice for their wage case, Tiga
Bayles opens the lines for talkback and replays Keating’s
historic Redfern speech.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/lets-talk-talkback/

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
- 14 EVENTS FROM 15 DECEMBER 2011:

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, 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: Mon 12 to Fri 16 December 2011: Darwin, NT
Exhibition
Rights on Show 2011
The 17th annual Human Rights Art Award and Exhibition
The theme for 2011 is Housing and Homelessness
Darwin Community Legal Service
Event details: http://www.dcls.org.au/rights-on-show.html

Event: Thu 15 December 2011: Tuggerah, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sat 17 December 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Save The Kimberley warehouse party in Melbourne
“Save The Kimberley (melbourne) PRESENTS:
The 20 Ovens Warehouse will play host to
some of Melbourne’s favourite live acts”
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/12/02/upcoming-events/
Poster: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/372801_103126279804401_514630056_n.jpg

Event: 17, 18 December 2011: Brisbane, Qld
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Palace Barracks Cinema, Brisbane
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: Sun 18 December 2011: Newport, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 19, 20, 21 December 2011: Paddington, Sydney, NSW
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Chauvel Cinema, Paddington
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: 12 Jan 2012: Australia wide
Submissions about Stronger Futures due 12 Jan 2012
Parliament of Australia – Senate:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
and two related bills:
Information about the Inquiry
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/info.htm
“Submissions should be received by 12 January 2012. …
The Committee is seeking written submissions from
interested individuals and organisations”

Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
“To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner”
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054

Event: 24 to 25 January 2012: ANU, Canberra, ACT
Congress Peoples’ Forum:
Sovereignty and Self Determination: The Political Contract
Celebrating 40th anniversary Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Hosted by National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
Event details: [scroll down page] http://nationalcongress.com.au/welcome/

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
“Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate “SOVEREIGNTY DAY” and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site.”
Event details (incl. Agenda, Poster, Audio and Video):
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-january-2012
http://treatyrepublic.net/node/906
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567
“We will not leave till justice, at long last, is done”:
http://www.indymedia.org.au/2011/12/11/aboriginal-tent-embassy-%E2%80%93-canberra-january-26-2012-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cwe-will-not-leave-till-justice-at-l
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phillips/

Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
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: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 17 Feb 2012: International
Submissions on role of languages and culture due 17 Feb 2012
United Nations Human Rights:
Study on languages and cultures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/StudyLanguages.aspx
“Call for submissions from indigenous peoples and their
organisations
The Expert Mechanism is calling for submissions on the role
of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of
the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current
mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council
resolution 18/8 …
Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012″

- ‘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

* ABC: KIMBERLEY GAS HUB OPPONENTS CLAIM LEGAL VICTORY:

- Videos

ABC: Kimberley gas hub opponents claim legal victory
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-06/kimberley-gas-hub-opponents-claim-legal-victory/3716270
Updated 6 Dec 11: “The Supreme Court has ruled three
attempts by the WA Government to take land in the Kimberly
in the state’s north are invalid because of a technicality.”

ABC 7.30: WA Supreme Court throws wrench in gas hub plan
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3385089.htm
6 Dec 11: “Kimberley gas hub suffers set back. … Western
Australia’s sometimes labelled “the boom state”, but one of
its major economic projects has suffered a setback: a plan
to build a huge gas hub in the Kimberly. The West
Australian Supreme Court has ruled as invalid two key
components of the deal. One is the State Government’s
compulsory acquisition of a gas processing site on the
Kimberley Coast. The other is the extinguishment of native
title for the site, known as James Price Point. As Greg Hoy
reports, a $35 billion investment is now under threat.”

YouTube: WA Supreme Court in favour of claimants
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scl6RMnzEE4&feature=youtu.be
6 Dec 11: “The long running battle over the proposed
Woodside gas hub in the Kimberley took another turn today.
Supreme Court Justice, Wayne Martin found in favour of the
Goolarabooloo traditional owners… ruling that the
Government’s compulsory acquisiton of the land at James
Price Point was unlawful.”

- News

ABC: Former judge warns gas hub legal battle not over
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-09/wa-government-warned-over-gas-hub-decision/3722312?section=wa
Updated 9 Dec 11: “A retired Federal Court judge has warned
the State Government can expect to find itself in court
again over the proposed Kimberley gas hub. Murray Wilcox
QC, who handed down the Noongar native title ruling over
Perth in 2006, was commenting on this week’s Supreme Court
decision which found that the Government’s notices of
intention to acquire land for the project were invalid.
The Supreme Court case was brought by two opponents of the
proposed $30 billion precinct, Phillip Roe and Neil
McKenzie … “

ABC Rural: Compensation deal with Traditional Owners over
gas hub may not hold: Former Judge
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201112/s3387765.htm
9 Dec 11: “A retired Federal Court judge has cast doubt on
claims by the Western Australian Government it won’t have
to re-negotiate a compensation deal with Traditional Owners
over a gas hub on the Kimberley coast. Murray Wilcox, a
long term critic of the project, says this week’s ruling by
the Supreme Court, that notices submitted by the government
were invalid, are more significant than Premier Colin
Barnett believes. The notices were for the compulsory
acquisition of land at James Price Point, 60 kilometres
north of Broome.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Greens challenge gas hub support
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6702-greens-challenge-gas-hub-support
8 Dec 11: “The Australian Greens say the Federal and West
Australian governments should give up on the gas hub
proposed for the Kimberley region. The Chief Justice in WA
has ruled that the State Government’s attempt to use
compulsory acquisition legislation for the land at James
Price Point, north of Broome, was invalid. … Greens
Senator Rachel Siewert says many traditional owners
approved the gas hub because they felt pressured by the
threat of compulsory acquisition.”

ABC Indigenous:
Greens urge governments to give up on proposed gas hub
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-07/greens-urge-dumping-of-gas-hub/3718596/?site=indigenous&topic=latest
7 Dec 11: “The Greens have called for the Federal and West
Australian governments to give up on the gas hub proposed
for the Kimberley region. … The Premier Colin Barnett
says it’s a technicality which can be easily overcome and
the project is not in doubt. A majority of traditional
owners have given approval for the multi-billion dollar gas
hub to be established but the Greens says they believe
Indigenous people were pressured into that agreement.”

West Australian: Gas hub acquisition botched
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/12256462/gas-hub-acquisition-botched/
Updated 7 Dec 11: “The State Government botched the process
of compulsorily acquiring land for the proposed $30 billion
gas hub at James Price Point and will be forced to start
again in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment handed down
yesterday. … Outside court, lawyer Michael Orlov,
representing Mr McKenzie and Mr Roe, said the decision
meant the agreement between the Kimberley Land Council on
behalf of traditional owners, the State and Federal
governments and Woodside Petroleum to allow the development
of the site was also invalid.”

Australian: Colin Barnett belittles gas hub court loss
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/barnett-belittles-gas-hub-court-loss/story-e6frg9df-1226215569655
7 Dec 11: “A WEST Australian Supreme Court ruling declaring
invalid the land-acquisition process that underpins
Woodside’s $30 billion gas hub has been dismissed as
insignificant by the Barnett government. Premier Colin
Barnett maintained yesterday’s court decision would have
little impact on the future of the project outside Broome
and would not jeopardise a $1.3bn compensation package for
Kimberley Aborigines.”

Financial Review:
Decision may give Woodside excuse to ditch plan
http://www.afr.com/p/business/companies/decision_may_give_woodside_excuse_OfBdzyMxz9KivDZyvlCPjN
7 Dec 11: “The vision of an LNG export hub on the Kimberley
coast, held dear by former Woodside boss Don Voelte and WA
Premier Colin Barnett, is looking as if it might remain
just that, a vision.”

ABC Kimberley: Disagreement over impact of Supreme Court
decision on James Price Point traditional owner gas deal
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/06/3384858.htm
6 Dec 11: “The West Australian Supreme Court has ruled
notices of compulsory acquisition at James Price Point
invalid. Lawyers representing James Price Point traditional
owners opposed to gas processing are at odds with the State
Government and Woodside on how this impacts the billion
dollar deal with native title claimants.”

ABC: Court quashes Kimberley gas hub land grab
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-06/court-quashes-kimberley-gas-hub-land-grab/3715390
6 Dec 11: “Western Australia’s Supreme Court has ruled
invalid the State Government’s move to compulsorily acquire
land for a gas hub in the Kimberley. The community has been
divided and some have had an ongoing battle with Woodside
Petroleum over its plans to build a $30 billion liquefied
natural gas precinct at James Price Point. … One of the
traditional owners who launched the legal challenge,
Goolarabooloo man Phillip Roe, says it is a victory for all
those opposed to the project.”

WA Today: Traditional land owners claim gas hub court victory
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/traditional-land-owners-claim-gas-hub-court-victory-20111206-1ogfz.html#ixzz1fio239LR
6 Dec 11: “Traditional land owners have won a technical
victory after a court ordered that compulsory acquisition
notices issued by the West Australian government regarding
a proposed gas hub in the Kimberley were unlawful. …
Chief Justice Wayne Martin determined on Tuesday that any
decisions made since the government-issued notices to take
land at James Price Point and extinguish native title were
also unlawful.”

West Australian: Gas hub land acquisition ‘invalid’
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/12252101/gas-hub-land-acquisition-invalid/
6 Dec 11: “The compulsory land acquisition process launched
by the State Government, which underpins controversial
plans for a $30 billion gas hub at James Price Point, has
been declared invalid by the Supreme Court. In a decision
handed down this morning, Chief Justice Wayne Martin found
that three notices of intention issued by Lands Minister
Brendon Grylls to take the land to establish the gas
precinct are invalid.”

Perth Now: Court finds State Government’s compulsory
Kimberley land grab invalid
http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/local-business/court-finds-state-governments-compulsory-kimberley-land-grab-invalid/story-e6frg2s3-1226215144473
6 Dec 11: “THE WA government’s move to compulsorily acquire
Kimberley land for Woodside Petroleum’s $30 billion Browse
gas project has been ruled “invalid” by a court today.
‘Chief Justice Wayne Martin this morning handed down his
decision over the James Price Point land, saying three
separate “notices of intention” from the lands minister to
acquire the land were unlawful. He said this was because
the State Government had failed to describe the land in its
notices.”

Koori Mail: WA land acquisition declared invalid
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
6 Dec 11: “THE West Australian Supreme Court has today
ruled that three compulsory acquisition notices, issued by
the WA Government for land at James Price Point near Broome
for a proposed gas hub, were invalid. Chief Justice Wayne
Martin said any decisions made since the notices were
issued were also unlawful but said his declaration did not
prevent WA Lands Minister Brendon Grylls from issuing
further notices of intention to take land in the area.”

- Media Releases

Rachel Siewert: Greens call for complete review of
James Price Point gas hub
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-call-complete-review-james-price-point-gas-hub
6 Dec 11: “Australian Greens spokesperson on the Kimberley,
Senator Rachel Siewert, says today’s Supreme Court ruling
must lead to a complete review of the development of an LNG
hub at James Price Point.
“The companies now have the perfect opportunity to
reconsider the location of the Hub and move it away from
James Price Point,” Senator Siewert said today.
“The state and Federal Governments must also seriously
reconsider their approach to the future of this project.
“Today’s decision emphasises the need to find an
alternative site for the LNG Hub. …
“The threat of compulsory acquisition was a significant
factor in the deal struck with the Kimberley Land Council.
“The WA Government undermined the negotiation process by
virtue of this threat, which has led to ongoing community
dissent and unrest. [said Senator Siewert]“

Rachel Siewert: Greens:
Federal Government complicit in compromised LNG hub negotiations
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/federal-government-complicit-compromised-lng-hub-negotiations
7 Dec 11: “The Australian Greens have called on Federal
Minister Martin Ferguson to take a ‘step back’ from his
prevailing efforts to locate a LNG hub on WA’s Kimberley
Coast.
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on
the Kimberley said today that the Federal Government shared
the blame for a compromised negotiations process with the
area’s Traditional Owners.
“Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has shown an unabashed
commitment to delivering a gas hub on the Kimberley coast,
irrespective of the fact that more suitable locations
exist,” said Senator Siewert.
“He was complicit in efforts to ensure the James Price
Point location was chosen- even Wikileaks cables have
shown this to be the case.
“The WA Government’s attempts to compulsorily acquire the
land for the site were yesterday ruled invalid by the WA
Supreme Court.
“This process compromised negotiations with Traditional
Owners and has caused unrest in the community. [said
Senator Siewert]“

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 07-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-07-12-2011
7 Dec 11: “The Western Australian Supreme Court has ruled
the Barnett government’s land acquisition process
underpinning a proposed $30 billion gas hub near Broome as
invalid throwing the massive project into doubt.”

ABC PM: Secret men’s business could threaten gas hub
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3384015.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
5 Dec 11: “An area marked for a massive gas project in
Western Australia has hit another potential hurdle. An
Indigenous man says it’s a sacred site for secret men’s
business. Traditional owners in the Kimberley have reached
agreement with Woodside and the state and federal
governments for a gas hub at James Price Point, north of
Broome. But Goolarabooloo man Joseph Roe says the site was
known for ceremonies associated with initiations and secret
business. Joseph Roe says he is prepared to testify if
necessary but only in a court of men.”

See:

Save the Kimberley: Media and other stories December 2011
http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/12/05/media-and-other-stories-december-2011/

Save the Kimberley info: http://www.savethekimberley.com/

Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture (22 Jun 11): http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aboriginal-culture-join-the-discussion/#.TkjD3WEgp8E

Aboriginal elder Elsta Foy at the protest camp (18 Aug 11): http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3296152.htm

Rachel Siewert: Greens: Saving the Kimberley (17 Oct 11): http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/kimberley

WGAR News: Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade (28 Jun 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest-and-blockade-sydney-anti-nuclear-rally-29-june-2011

WGAR News: 25 protesters arrested at JPP blockade (9 Jul 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/09/wgar-news-25-protesters-arrested-at-james-price-point-blockade-petition-handed-to-ministe

Environs Kimberley: http://www.environskimberley.org.au/

Kimberley info: http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/

Kimberley Country and Culture: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/whats-the-fuss/country-culture/

* MICHAEL ANDERSON:
ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY CONFIRMATION EXPECTED SOON:

- Statement

Indigenous sovereignty confirmation expected soon
http://treatyrepublic.net/content/indigenous-sovereignty-confirmation-expected-soon
http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13192:australia-euahlayi-activist-expects-aboriginal-sovereignty-confirmed-qover-the-next-few-daysq&catid=24&Itemid=57
9 Dec 11: “Euahlayi tribal leader Michael Anderson reports
from London that over the next few days he will have
confirmed Aboriginal sovereign status within Australia
under international law.
He writes in a media release that the High Court Mabo
judgment (No. 2) gives Aborigines rights in ownership and
title to all Crown lands in Australia, affirmed from the
Order in Council from England in 1875 through the Pacific
Islanders Protection Act. …
“So far my trip to London has made it patently clear that
an Order in Council is law and can only be taken away by
another Order in Council from the monarch and cannot be
taken away by Parliament,” the activist writes.”

See:

WGAR News: Herald Sun:
Aboriginal leader takes fight to Europe (7 Dec 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/07/wgar-news-djiniyini-gondarra-message-to-alp-conference-analysis-by-hilary-tyler-and-paddy

New Way Sovereignty Summit,
Canberra 22-25 April 2011 (Easter Weekend)
http://indymedia.org.au/new-way-sovereignty-summit-canberra-22-25-april-easter-weekend
[Michael Anderson was Summit Convenor]

* YANANYMUL MUNUNGGURR ADDRESSING
‘THE CASE AGAINST THE NT INTERVENTION’

- Audio from the event:

Stop the Intervention: 3 Dec 2011 ALP Conference
The case against the NT Intervention
[scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/3-dec-2011-alp-conference
* Yananymul Mununggurr, Chief Executive Officer of the
Laynhapuy Homelands Association
* Paddy Gibson, STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney)

* NEW UPDATED VERSION OF OUR GENERATION IS OUT:

Stop the Intervention:
NEW Updated VERSION of Our Generation is out!!!!
http://stoptheintervention.org/#OurGen
“Please note special new version of Our Generation.
This is an updated version of the film with James Bradley,
editor of First Australians. The story has been brought up
to date to include Julia Gillard’s position and follows on
from the recent visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Navi Pillay.”

* TOM McMAHON: GOVT FAILS TO HEED LESSONS OF THE INTERVENTION:

- Analysis / Opinion

Amnesty International Australia:
Govt fails to heed lessons of the Intervention
http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/comments/27414/
8 Dec 11: “In 2008, the Labor government sought to
disassociate itself from the Howard government’s
“Intervention”. … Over 4 years on, the Labor government
has introduced new legislation into Parliament under yet a
different title: Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory.
… Despite the stated intent of the consultation process
to generate “new approaches and new ideas for the future
beyond the NTER”, independent reviews of the consultation
report highlight gaps between the demands of Aboriginal
communities for greater participation and the final
legislative product.” Tom McMahon
“Disclaimer: This blog entry does not necessarily
represent the position or opinion of Amnesty International
Australia.”

* WHAT’S WORKING: LANGUAGE AND WELLBEING:

What’s Working: Language and Wellbeing
Speaking an Indigenous language linked to youth wellbeing
http://www.whatsworking.com.au/whats-working/language-and-wellbeing/
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in remote
areas who speak an Indigenous language are less likely to
experience risk factors associated with poor wellbeing,
according to a report released today by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The report found that in 2008,
almost half (47%) of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander youth (aged 15–24 years) in remote areas spoke an
Indigenous language. These young people were less likely
to engage in high risk alcohol consumption and illicit
substance use, than those who did not speak an Indigenous
language.”

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

National Indigenous Times:
Cutting Centrelink cash won’t stop Indigenous truancy
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/340-cutting-centrelink-cash-wont-stop-indigenous-truancy.html
9 Dec 11: “By Pat Turner. The federal Labor government has
decided that the last resort for getting Northern Territory
Aboriginal children to attend school is to cut their
parents’ Centrelink payments. The poorest people, those
Australians who are totally reliant on Centrelink, will be
subject to suspended legal income support. How will the
children be fed if there is no money in the home?”

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 08-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-08-12-2011
8 Dec 11: “The Federal Government has agreed to release
almost five million dollars to the Arnhem Land Laynhapuy
Homelands Association after they fell into financial
difficulty after losing a substantial amount of trading
income”

- News

National Indigenous Times: Shame Minister Macklin, Shame
NIT News: http://www.nit.com.au/news.html
NIT Your Say: http://www.nit.com.au/your-say.html
9 Dec 11: “While the Minister for Indigenous Affairs
proceeds with her 10 year extension of the Northern
Territory Intervention the men, women and children of Elcho
Island have been forced to live in makeshift tents because
the Federal Government’s housing program is in shambles.
Almost 200 people including women and children have been
forced to live in tents for up to six months… “

National Indigenous Times:
It’s bad policy and it will not work: Turner
http://www.nit.com.au/news/369-its-bad-policy-and-it-will-not-work-turner.html
9 Dec 11: “A former Chief Executive of ATSIC and a
long-serving public servant and highly respected Indigenous
leader, Pat Turner has labelled the Federal Government’s
income management plan to withdraw Centrelink payments from
parents of children who don’t attend school as “bad policy
that will not work”.”

National Indigenous Times: Intervention hatred
http://www.nit.com.au/news/368-intervention-hatred.html
9 Dec 11: “The Northern Territory Intervention had brought
hatred and discrimination and was slowly drowning
Aboriginal culture, clan leaders in the community of
Ramingining, in East Arnhem have said. Speaking on behalf
of six clan groups and 17 Elders, senior lawman, Mathew
Dhulumburrk, 67, said Elders in the remote community were
shocked and angered by the announcement that “the
fundamentally… “

National Indigenous Times:
Macklin has stopped believing in us: Sarra
http://www.nit.com.au/news/327-macklin-has-stopped-believing-in-us-sarra.html
2 Dec 11: “Eminent Indigenous leader, Dr Chris Sarra told a
large gathering of Indigenous leaders in Townsville the
ongoing support of the Northern Territory Intervention by
the Federal Government’s Minister for Indigenous Affairs,
Jenny Macklin affirmed to him her “very limited belief in
Aboriginal humanity”.”

National Indigenous Times:
It’s income management “on steroids”, say Greens
http://www.nit.com.au/news/325-its-income-management-on-steroids-say-greens.html
2 Dec 11: “Opponents of welfare quarantining in Northern
Territory Indigenous communities have labelled a proposed
Federal Government beef-up of the measure which forms part
of the extended Northern Territory Intervention as “income
management on steroids”. Australian Greens senator Rachel
Siewert said the Government’s claim it consulted widely on
the issue is wrong and in fact not enough time was spent
on… “

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits:
Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER)
- “The Intervention”:
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-territory-intervention.html

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association)
- NT Intervention:
http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group):
Mparntwe – Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

Crikey – NT Intervention:
http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

‘concerned Australians’:
Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney):
http://stoptheintervention.org/

Tracker – NT Intervention:
http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

Treaty Republic – NT Intervention:
http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention:
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights/northern-territory-intervention

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition:
http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)
- NT intervention:
http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective):
http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

The Conversation – After the Intervention:
http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Jobs with Justice:
http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

New Matilda – northern territory intervention:
http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

Amnesty International Australia:
Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Students For Indigenous Rights – UQ:
The Northern Territory Intervention:
http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-factsheet-new1.pdf

Defending Indigenous Rights:
http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off’s Blog:
http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

Australian Human Rights Commission:
Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response’ intervention:
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC:
Australia’s compliance with CERD – Fact Sheet 2:
Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts:
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights):
http://wgar.wordpress.com/

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio interview

Indigenous radio station 98.9FM Brisbane:
Paul and Arthur Ah Wang
http://www.989fm.com.au/category/podcasts/
7 Dec 11: “Tiga Bayles speaks to 76 year old twins – Paul
and Arthur Ah Wang – who are seeking justice for their
stolen wages.  In their teens the twins worked on a
pearling lugger off the north Queensland coast and like
many Aboriginal and Strait Islander workers, their wages
were subject to government control. For his years of work
and labour, Paul received $3000 from the Beattie
government’s $55.4 million dollar reparations package.
Despite working alongside his brother, Arthur received no
compensation because he did not have sufficient documentary
evidence for his application.”
Listen to this interview on-line:
http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/paul-and-arthur-ah-wang/

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 09-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-09-12-2011
9 Dec 11: “The Co Chairs of the National Congress of
Australia’s First peoples have urged Prime Minister Julia
Gillard to remove discriminatory parts of the constitution
instead of adding a preamble.”

- Analysis / Opinion

National Indigenous Times:
Native Title an Act too hard to follow
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/342-native-title-an-act-too-hard-to-follow.html
9 Dec 11: “My social, cultural, political journey has
revealed flaws in Native Title law which leave Aboriginal
people and the environment vulnerable to genocide and
ecocide. I have learnt that the colonial ethos is
entrenched in the laws, policies and practices of
governments, corporations and Indigenous representative
bodies which impose development over Traditional Owners who
do not have free, prior or informed… “

- News

National Indigenous Times: Michael Anderson takes
sovereignty fight all the way to European courts
http://www.nit.com.au/news/362-michael-anderson-takes-sovereignty-fight-all-the-way-to-european-courts.html
9 Dec 11: “Michael Anderson is taking his challenge of
Australian sovereignty over his traditional land all the
way to some of Europe’s biggest courts. Mr Anderson, from
Goodooga in north west New South Wales, will travel to
Europe this month in an attempt to prove the Euahlayi
people should not be subject to Australian rule. The tribal
leader is due to have discussions at the International Court
of… “

National Indigenous Times: “We won’t leave Walmandan”
http://www.nit.com.au/news/361-we-wont-leave-walmandan.html
9 Dec 11: “Kimberley Traditional Owners have had enough and
have told the West Australian State Government to “back
off” from threats to forcibly remove them from Walmandan
Tent Embassy camp. Traditional Owners protesting the
Kimberley gas hub proposal have claimed Western Australia’s
Department of State Development (DSD) has threatened to
forcibly remove them from their Aboriginal camp ground near
James Price… “

National Indigenous Times:
Walter Shaw fears Tangentyere job losses
http://www.nit.com.au/news/358-walter-shaw-fears-tangentyere-job-losses.html
9 Dec 11: “Tangentyere Council Chief Executive Officer,
Walter Shaw has warned up to 20 jobs for Aboriginal people
could be lost if the Alice Springs Town Council takes over
rubbish removal services in town camps. “There are close to
20 Aboriginal workers who are attached to this municipal
services contract and my concern is the continuation of
fulltime employment for these employees,” he said.”

National Indigenous Times: Embassy celebration
http://www.nit.com.au/news/323-embassy-celebration.html
2 Dec 11: “Michael Anderson, the last survivor of the four
young Black Power men who founded the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy in 1972, said there would a number of events held
to celebrate the Embassy’s 40th anniversary. The Tent
Embassy will have three days of workshops to finalise
declarations and a peace package.”

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
- 15 EVENTS FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011:

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, 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: 11, 12, 13 December 2011: Paddington, Sydney, NSW
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Chauvel Cinema, Paddington
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: 11, 12, 13 December 2011: Brisbane, Qld
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Palace Barracks Cinema, Brisbane
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: Mon 12 to Fri 16 December 2011: Darwin, NT
Exhibition
Rights on Show 2011
The 17th annual Human Rights Art Award and Exhibition
The theme for 2011 is Housing and Homelessness
Darwin Community Legal Service
Event details: http://www.dcls.org.au/rights-on-show.html

Event: Tue 13 December 2011: Upwey, Melbourne, Vic
Belgrave Survival Day film showing:
Murundak: songs of freedom
“Journeys into the heart of Aboriginal protest music
following The Black Arm Band, a gathering of
some of Australia’s finest Indigenous musicians,
as they take to the road with their songs of
resistance and freedom.”
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49700
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/belgrave-survival-day-film-showing-%E2%80%9Cmurundak-%E2%80%93-songs-of-freedom%E2%80%9D

Event: Wed 14 December 2011: Newcastle, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Thu 15 December 2011: Tuggerah, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sat 17 December 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Save The Kimberley warehouse party in Melbourne
“Save The Kimberley (melbourne) PRESENTS:
The 20 Ovens Warehouse will play host to
some of Melbourne’s favourite live acts”
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/12/02/upcoming-events/
Poster: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/372801_103126279804401_514630056_n.jpg

Event: Sun 18 December 2011: Newport, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 12 Jan 2012
Submissions about Stronger Futures due 12 Jan 2012
Parliament of Australia – Senate:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
and two related bills:
Information about the Inquiry
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/info.htm
“Submissions should be received by 12 January 2012. …
The Committee is seeking written submissions from
interested individuals and organisations”

Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
“To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner”
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
“Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate “SOVEREIGNTY DAY” and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site.”
Event details: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-january-2012
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phillips/
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567

Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
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: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 17 Feb 2012
Submissions on role of languages and culture due 17 Feb 2012
United Nations Human Rights:
Study on languages and cultures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IPeoples/EMRIP/Pages/StudyLanguages.aspx
“Call for submissions from indigenous peoples and their
organisations
The Expert Mechanism is calling for submissions on the role
of languages and culture in the protection and promotion of
the rights and identity of indigenous peoples, its current
mandated study in accordance with Human Rights Council
resolution 18/8 …
Submissions will need to be submitted by 17 February 2012″

- ‘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

* HERALD SUN: ABORIGINAL LEADER TAKES FIGHT TO EUROPE:

- News

Herald Sun: Aboriginal leader takes fight to Europe
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/aboriginal-leader-takes-fight-to-europe/story-e6frf7jx-1226211602305
Last Updated 3 Dec 11: “AN Aboriginal leader is taking his
challenge of Australian sovereignty over his traditional
land all the way to some of Europe’s biggest courts.
Michael Anderson, from Goodooga in northwest NSW, will
travel to Europe this month in an attempt to prove the
Euahlayi people should not be subject to Australian rule.
The tribal leader is due to have discussions at the
International Court of Justice in The Hague and the
European Court of Human Rights, in France. … “

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Information-seeking trip to Europe focuses on sovereignty law
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6675-journey-to-europe-for-information-about-sovereignty-statute
5 Dec 11: “A Euahlayi man who set up the Aboriginal Embassy
in Canberra in 1972 is now taking his fight for Indigenous
rights to Europe. Michael Anderson has travelled to
England, and will also visit the International Court of
Justice in the Hague, saying he wants to open up
discussions to challenge Australian sovereignty over
traditional lands.”

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 05-12-2011
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-05-12-2011
5 Dec 11: “A veteran New South Wales Aboriginal rights
campaigner is travelling to the International Court of
Justice in Europe to challenge the British Parliament over
a promise made by Queen Victoria that Aboriginal people
would keep their lands, laws and leaders. The law remains
in the British statute books.”

- Statement

Aboriginal tribal leader off to Europe to challenge
Australian sovereignty
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/12/01/aboriginal-tribal-leader-off-to-europe-to-challenge-australian-sovereignty
1 Dec 11: “A northwest NSW tribal leader will travel to
England from the 4th December and on to the Continent for
discussions on the liberation of his Euahlayi people “from
the tyrannical colonial rule that Aboriginal people have
been subjected to since the English invasion”.
Michael Anderson is the last survivor of the four young
Black Power men who set up the Aboriginal Embassy in
Canberra in 1972. …
As well as talks in Britain, Mr Anderson will also go to
the International Court of Justice in The Hague and have
discussions in the European Court of Human Rights.
He will base a lot of his case on Queen Victoria’s promise
to Aborigines that they would keep their lands and law,
which he says is still on the British statute books.”

See:

New Way Sovereignty Summit,
Canberra 22-25 April 2011 (Easter Weekend)
http://indymedia.org.au/new-way-sovereignty-summit-canberra-22-25-april-easter-weekend

Michael Anderson was Summit Convenor

* ABC: MAJOR ARNHEM LAND EMPLOYER IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE:

- News

ABC: Major Arnhem Land employer in financial trouble
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-05/20111205-laynhapuy-financial/3713318?section=nt
5 Dec 11: “One of the major employers in Arnhem Land in the
Northern Territory is in financial strife. The Laynhapuy
Homelands Association provides services to outstations
across the region, which are home to about 1,000 people.
… Jon Altman from the Centre for Aboriginal Economic
Policy Research says the problems have arisen in part
because of the way funding is delivered. “The Northern
Territory Intervention, which has focussed resources on
larger places and not on the homelands, and the fact that
with the shires again, Laynha has lost trading income,”
Mr Altman said. “So I think there are a lot of challenges
on the financial front that in some ways have been caused
by Government.”" Katrina Bolton

* VIDEO: REV DR DJINIYINI GONDARRA MESSAGE TO ALP CONFERENCE:

- Video

YouTube: Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra message to ALP conference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrEWMHTvexY
4 Dec 11: “Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra responds to the
‘second Intervention’ otherwise known as ‘Stronger Futures
in the NT’, a new Commonwealth Government initiative which
will maintain key powers introduced through the NT
Intervention. This message was screened in Sydney on
Saturday December 3, at a meeting hosted by the CFMEU
Indigenous Committee, “The Case Against the NT Intervention”.
The meetings was part of the official Fringe program of
the ALP national conference. Dr Gondarra is a Senior Elder
from Elcho Island.”

See more about Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM

WGAR News: Aboriginal elder raises international awareness
of the NT Intervention (14 May 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/14/wgar-news-aboriginal-elder-raises-international-awareness-of-the-nt-intervention

WGAR News: Global call to action for Aboriginal rights in
Australia (17 May 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/05/17/wgar-news-global-call-to-action-for-aboriginal-rights-in-australia

Media Release: Response to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s
announcement of a Second Intervention in the Northern
Territory (26 Jun 11)
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/MR-Dr-Djiniyini-Gondarra-Resp-26-6-11.pdf

WGAR News: Interviews with Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra about
the Government’s consultation process (6 Jul 11)
http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/06/wgar-news-interviews-with-rev-dr-djiniyini-gondarra-about-the-government%E2%80%99s-consultation-p

Interview: ABC Darwin – Drive with Vicki Kerrigan:
Yolngu embassy proposed (17 Oct 11)
http://blogs.abc.net.au/nt/2011/10/yolgnu-embassy-proposed.html

WGAR News: Thanks from leaders to supporters of the
Yolngu Nations Assembly (12 Nov 11)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2011/11/12/wgar-news-ca-paper-cuts-to-welfare-payments-for-school-non-attendance-requested-or-impose

* DR HILARY TYLER AND PADDY GIBSON:
STILL NO EVIDENCE FOR MACKLIN’S INTERVENTION:

- Analysis / Opinion

Rollback the Intervention:
Still no evidence for Macklin’s Intervention
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/statements/
5 Dec 11: “In the past month, FaHCSIA has released more
than 1000 pages worth of reports that seek to justify an
expansion of the NT Intervention. One of the most important
for Minister Jenny Macklin has been the Community Safety
and Wellbeing Research Study (CSWRS). This analyses the
results of a survey and a voting process with more than
1343 people across 16 unnamed NT Aboriginal communities.
Its findings are a cornerstone of a 400-page evaluation of
the NTER. Despite being touted as proof that communities
want the Intervention, the 17 page survey form used in
communities does not once refer to “the Intervention” or
the “Northern Territory Emergency Response”.”
Dr Hilary Tyler and Paddy Gibson.
Dr Hilary Tyler is an Emergency Physician working in Alice
Springs.
Paddy Gibson is a Senior Researcher at the Jumbunna
Indigenous House of Learning.
Both have been active in the campaign opposing the
Northern Territory Intervention.

* JON ALTMAN:
THE CUNNING OF CONSULTATION:
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND WELFARE REFORM:

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: The cunning of consultation:
school attendance and welfare reform
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/12/02/the-cunning-of-consultation-school-attendance-and-welfare-reform/
2 Dec 11: “There are other ways of thinking and talking
about indigenous education and development, but such
alternatives are closed off, suppressed and silenced. They
mainly come from white and black practitioners at the
education coalface, Aboriginal activists, civil society and
those parts of the academy that are not subject to state
capture. Take, for example, the very different
interpretation and counter-narrative of what happened at
consultations reported in Cuts to Welfare Payments for
School Non-Attendance: Requested or Imposed?, a must read,
available on the Concerned Australians website.” Jon Altman,
a research professor in anthropology at The Australian
National University and a “concerned Australian”

See:

Cuts to Welfare Payments for School Non-Attendance:
Requested or Imposed?
Michele Harris and Rosa McKenna, ‘concerned Australians’
October 2011
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/Welfare-Cuts-Requested-or-Imposed.pdf

‘concerned Australians’:
Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

* 2SER’S RAZORS EDGE: LABOR LOOKING LOST ON POVERTY:

- Audio

2SER’s Razors Edge: Labor looking lost on Poverty
http://2ser.podomatic.com/entry/index/2011-12-02T21_39_45-08_00
2 Dec 11: “A key policy in Labors plan to reform welfare
payments and jobs – Income Management – will be trialed
across 5 regions in the nation including Bankstown starting
in July next year. An extension of the Howard governments’
intervention in the Northern Territory, the policy has been
labeled as racist, humiliating and prejudiced against the
poor. As the ALP meets for its annual conference, social
policy expert EVA COX has bitterly attacked the party for
failing to seriously attack poverty.”
[Includes comments by Eva Cox and Paddy Gibson.]

* EVA COX: STRONGER FUTURES DEMANDS ARE UN-AUSTRALIAN:

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: Cox: Stronger Futures demands are un-Australian
http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/12/02/cox-stronger-futures-demands-are-un-australian/
2 Dec 11: “How un-Australian is it for the federal
government to invite submissions and input from an affected
population and then expect them to spend Christmas doing
the submission? Imagine a hot Northern Territory Christmas
dinner in one of the smaller communities targeted under the
Stronger Futures legislation currently before the
parliament. Apart from the difficulties of managing the
Christmas shopping with the BasicsCard, … “

Submissions about Stronger Futures due 12 Jan 2012:

Parliament of Australia – Senate:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011
and two related bills:
Information about the Inquiry
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/strong_future_nt_11/info.htm
“Submissions should be received by 12 January 2012. …
The Committee is seeking written submissions from
interested individuals and organisations”

* MANUWANGKU, UNDER THE NUCLEAR CLOUD EXHIBITION:
SUPPORT NEEDED!

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
Manuwangku,Under the Nuclear Cloud exhibition: support needed!
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/2011/11/16/manuwangkuunder-the-nuclear-cloud-exhibition-support-needed/
16 Nov 11: “Beyond Nuclear Initiative is collaborating with
photographer Jagath Dheerasekara and Muckaty Traditional
Owners on a photographic exhibition titled “Manuwangku,
Under the Nuclear Cloud”. The exhibition presents the
country and community in the Northern Territory targeted to
host a national radioactive waste dump. … As this is a
grass-roots initiative, for the project to be successful we
need to raise at least $5000 for completion of photo
framing, production of the exhibition catalogue and travel
for Traditional Owners to attend the opening in Sydney on
January 17.”

See:

YouTube: Muckaty Voices-Australia’s nuclear waste dump story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcuNpT84Ovo

Beyond Nuclear Initiative:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.com/

Nuclear Territory News: Waste Dump News
http://ntne.ws/articles/article.php?section=waste

Proposed Radioactive Waste Dump at Muckaty, NT
Briefing Paper – February 2011
Jim Green B.Med.Sci.(Hons.), PhD
National nuclear campaigner – Friends of the Earth, Australia
Friends of the Earth: http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/nontdump/Dump%20briefing%20Feb%202011.pdf

* WHAT’S WORKING: VALERY’S BUS:

What’s Working: Valery’s Bus
http://www.whatsworking.com.au/whats-working/valerys-bus/
“The story of Valery’s bus is a tale of how an indigenous
community is working with others to solve the high cost of
transport. Valery Dhamarrandji lives in Nhulunbuy – a
remote community in eastern Arnhem Land. There are plenty
of taxis in that part of the world, but taxis don’t come
cheap. So Valery reckoned that it would be good idea to get
a bus. She approached the Indigenous Stock Exchange. …
It’s a service which helps indigenous people who have a
business project or a service to offer to connect with
investors and customers. The ISX began to publicise
Valery’s idea hoping that sponsers would come forward to
finance a bus. Sponsers did respond and a week ago Valery
began operating the Southern Cross Family Car Service.”

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- News

Crosslight: Elders continue fight against Intervention
http://crosslight.org.au/2011/12/03/elders-continue-fight-against-intervention/
3 Dec 11: “United First People’s men and women gathered in
Melbourne last month to speak out against the Federal
Government’s Stronger Futures document. The document was
produced by the Gillard Government and is an extension of
the largely discredited Northern Territory Intervention
undertaken by the Howard Government. The group, which
represents people within the prescribed areas in the
Northern Territory under the Intervention, said the report
created further anger and frustration.” Chip Henriss

- Analysis / Opinion

CDU Law and Business Online:
Polarised debate on the NT Intervention
http://cdulawonline.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/polarised-debate-on-the-nt-intervention/
5 Dec 11: “There’s a very noisy left-leaning opposition
group to the Gillard government’s modified version of the
NTER or Indigenous Intervention (which Minister Macklin has
variously renamed “Closing the Gap” or “Stronger Futures”).
No doubt they’re sincere in their opposition to current
policy, but their rhetorical style is shrill to say the
least.” kenparish

Australian: High cost puts good food out of reach
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/high-cost-puts-good-food-out-of-reach/story-e6frgd0x-1226212651812
3 Dec 11: “THE Gillard government last month introduced the
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill which,
among other things, continues the intervention. One of the
main measures strengthens the licensing requirements of
remote stores. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin
has suggested this measure will increase availability of
fresh and healthy food in remote communities. Indeed, a
store may be disqualified from trading if it does not
“provide a satisfactory range of healthy and good quality
food, drink or grocery items”.” Alex Harper

Overland literary journal: A reply to CIS on the Intervention
http://overland.org.au/2011/12/a-reply-to-the-cis-on-the-intervention/
2 Dec 11: “At first I didn’t think it was worthwhile
responding to Sara Hudson’s response to me on the
Intervention. I thought it was pretty insubstantial, and
its ad hominem tone seemed to me suggestive that replying
would reduce the issues to one of personalities, rather
than the issues. However, I then decided that some comments
may help illuminate the issues to outside parties. So, let
us review the state of debate.” Michael Brull

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits:
Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER)
- “The Intervention”:
http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-territory-intervention.html

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group):
Mparntwe – Alice Springs:
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association)
- NT Intervention:
http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

Crikey – NT Intervention:
http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

‘concerned Australians’:
Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney):
http://stoptheintervention.org/

Tracker – NT Intervention:
http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

Treaty Republic – NT Intervention:
http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention:
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/category/issues/indigenous-rights/northern-territory-intervention

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition:
http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)
- NT intervention:
http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective):
http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

The Conversation – After the Intervention:
http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Jobs with Justice:
http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

New Matilda – northern territory intervention:
http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

Amnesty International Australia:
Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Students For Indigenous Rights – UQ:
The Northern Territory Intervention:
http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-factsheet-new1.pdf

Defending Indigenous Rights:
http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off’s Blog:
http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

Australian Human Rights Commission:
Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response’ intervention:
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC:
Australia’s compliance with CERD – Fact Sheet 2:
Northern Territory Intervention:
http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts:
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights):
http://wgar.wordpress.com/

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Video

YouTube:
Muckaty Traditional Owners at ALP national conference 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppLQW_FHM1o
4 Dec 11: “Muckaty Traditional Owners Dianne Stokes and
Kylie Sambo travelled to Sydney for the ALP national
conference held December 2-4. They spoke at a fringe event
on December 3 organised by the Beyond Nuclear Initiative
titled “Hot Politics: Radioactive Waste Management in
Australia” and met with many delegates who pledged support
for their campaign. More info at
www.beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com ”

- Audio

ABC PM: Secret men’s business could threaten gas hub
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3384015.htm
5 Dec 11: “MARK COLVIN: An area marked for a massive gas
project in Western Australia has hit another potential
hurdle. An Indigenous man says it’s a sacred site for
secret men’s business. Traditional owners in the Kimberley
have reached agreement with Woodside and the state and
federal governments for a gas hub at James Price Point,
north of Broome. But Goolarabooloo man Joseph Roe says the
site was known for ceremonies associated with initiations
and secret business. Joseph Roe says he is prepared to
testify if necessary but only in a court of men. He spoke
to our reporter David Weber.”

- Analysis / Opinion

NT News Editorial: Wood’s state of confusion
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/12/06/276605_opinion.html
6 Dec 11: “POLITICIAN Gerry Wood may not know very much
about statehood. And he may know even less about economics.
But he seems to understand the politics of uranium mining
and nuclear energy very well. Mr Wood is right to dismiss
claims by doctors that trucking low-level nuclear waste to
the dump near Tennant Creek will be dangerous. The Alice
Springs medics are part of the Medical Association Against
War.”

- News

NT News: Doctors wrong on nuke waste, says Gerry
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/12/05/276461_ntnews.html
5 Dec 11: “AN INDEPENDENT politician has dismissed claims
by doctors that trucking low-level nuclear waste into the
NT is dangerous. Nelson MLA Gerry Wood said the Alice
Springs medics – part of the Medical Association Against
War – were scaremongering. He said their objection to
transporting waste to the dump at Muckaty, near Tennant
Creek, was “not about safety” but part of a campaign that
was “against all things nuclear”.”

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
- 18 EVENTS FROM 7 DECEMBER 2011:

Click on the links for details of the events …

Event: 4 November 2011 to February 2012: Townsville, 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: 7 December 2011: Paddington, Sydney, NSW
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Chauvel Cinema, Paddington
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: 7 to 14 December 2011: Brisbane, Qld
Documentary Film – The Tall Man
“… a vivid portrait of an Australian island enraged
by the death of an Aboriginal man while in custody
of the local, predominantly white-run police force.”
Palace Barracks Cinema, Brisbane
Cinema Release Date: Thu 17 November 2011
Event details, incl. film review and interview with the director: http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/coming-soon/thetallman-film/
Event details: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/thetallman/

Event: Thu 8 December 2011: Redfern, Sydney, NSW
Stop black deaths in custody forum
Speakers include:
Ray Jackson, Indigenous Social Justice network
Daivd Shoebridge, Greens NSW MLC
Raul Bassi, union, Palestine and Aboriginal rights activist
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49634

Event: Thu 8 December 2011: Darwin, NT
Opening and Awards presentation
Rights on Show 2011
The 17th annual Human Rights Art Award and Exhibition
The theme for 2011 is Housing and Homelessness
Darwin Community Legal Service
Event details: http://www.dcls.org.au/rights-on-show.html

Event: Fri 9, Mon 12 to Fri 16 December 2011: Darwin, NT
Exhibition
Rights on Show 2011
The 17th annual Human Rights Art Award and Exhibition
The theme for 2011 is Housing and Homelessness
Darwin Community Legal Service
Event details: http://www.dcls.org.au/rights-on-show.html

Event Cancelled: Alice Springs, NT
“International Human Rights Day
Celebrations planned for Mparntwe-Alice Springs
on 10th December have been cancelled due to
musicians/speakers and key people being busy
elsewhere.
IRAG is looking at the possibility of visiting a
bush community on that day to discuss the
2nd intervention laws and receive feedback
from the people to be affected by these laws.”
Details: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

Event: Sat 10 December  2011: Paddington, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
The Chauvel Cinema
Hosted by Eastern Suburbs Amnesty International Australia
“The screening is held in support of
Amnesty International Australia’s
Homelands report released in August.”
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/27271/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 10 December 2011: Adelaide, SA
Kimberley Cultural Festival
“Kimberley Cultural Festival is a community event to raise
awareness of the cultural and environmental significance of
the Kimberley region, which is under threat from proposed
gas and industrial development.”
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/12/02/upcoming-events/
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27331/
Event details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=270070339699908

Event: 10 December 2011: Broome
Nowhere else but here celebration rally
“At Town Beach listen to updates from Community and
guest speakers, enjoy live music from some of the
best local musicians, watch short films from local
film-makers highlighting the best of the year, and
eat great food from a muticultural selection of food stalls.”
Save the Kimberley event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/12/02/upcoming-events/

Event: Wed 14 December 2011: Newcastle, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Thu 15 December 2011: Tuggerah, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Greater Union Cinemas
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Sat December 17 2011: Brunswick, Melbourne, Vic
Save The Kimberley warehouse party in Melbourne
“Save The Kimberley (melbourne) PRESENTS:
The 20 Ovens Warehouse will play host to
some of Melbourne’s favourite live acts”
Event details: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/12/02/upcoming-events/
Poster: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/372801_103126279804401_514630056_n.jpg

Event: Ongoing Protest: James Price Point, Kimberley, WA
Kimberley gas plant protest
Save the Kimberley info: http://www.savethekimberley.com/
Kimberley gas plant threatens Aboriginal culture: http://ccr.uws.edu.au/2011/06/22/kimberley-gas-plant-threatens-aboriginal-culture-join-the-discussion/#.TkjD3WEgp8E
Aboriginal elder Elsta Foy at the protest camp: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3296152.htm
Protest updates: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/blog/
Environs Kimberley: http://www.environskimberley.org.au/
Kimberley info: http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/
Kimberley Country and Culture: http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/whats-the-fuss/country-culture/
Rachel Siewert: Greens: Saving the Kimberley (17 Oct 11): http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/kimberley
WGAR News: Kimberley gas plant protest and blockade (28 Jun 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/06/28/wgar-news-kimberley-gas-plant-protest-and-blockade-sydney-anti-nuclear-rally-29-june-2011
WGAR News: 25 protesters arrested at JPP blockade (9 Jul 11): http://indymedia.org.au/2011/07/09/wgar-news-25-protesters-arrested-at-james-price-point-blockade-petition-handed-to-ministe

Event: Fri 20 January 2012: RMIT entrance, Melbourne, Vic
Indigenous freedom-fighters commemoration:
Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner
“To commemorate the execution of the indigenous
freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner”
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49054

Event: Thu 26 to Sun 29 January 2012: Parkes, Canberra, ACT
40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy Canberra
Sovereignty Never Ceded: a key theme of the 40th Anniversary
“Indigenous elders invite all Aboriginal people, supporters
and other members of the general public, to come together
at the ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ site, on Thursday 26th
January 2012, to celebrate “SOVEREIGNTY DAY” and be part of
the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Gathering that will marks 40
years since the first protest on the site.”
Event details: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/invitation-aboriginal-tent-embassy-january-2012
Event details: http://www.aboriginaltentembassy.net/
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/aboriginal-tent-embassy-40th-anniversary-canberra
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/40th-anniversary-of-the-tent-embassy-canberra
Interview with Dr Janet Hunt: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/dr-janet-hunt-and-jacqui-phillips/
Event summary: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49413
Aboriginal Embassy Elder Tribute song: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2079567

Event: February 2012 to May 2012: Queensland Museum
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: Sat 11 February 2012: Melbourne, Vic
Our Generation Film Screening
as part of the inaugural Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

- ‘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