120518 – “Brisbane police move on Aboriginal Tent Embassy” The Wire

Contents:
* The Wire: Brisbane police move on Aboriginal Tent Embassy
* Warwick Daily News:
Protesters [from Brisbane Embassy] march on parliament
* NTEU: Indigenous business is Union business:
Musgrave Park Tent embassy
* Change.org Petition:
Mayor Graham Quirk: allow the return of the Aboriginal
Sovereign Embassy to Musgrave Park
* Michael Anderson:
Aborigines call for UN peacekeepers to protect them
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies

See:

WGAR News: “Brisbane City Council to try to forcibly remove
Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy” MR (16 May 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/16/wgar-news-brisbane-city-council-to-try-to-forcibly-remove-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-mr

Sovereign Union: Sovereign Embassy Brisbane

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

[Musgrave Park, Brisbane, Qld]

Facebook: Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park

http://www.facebook.com/BrisbaneSovereignEmbassyMusgravePark

[Musgrave Park, Brisbane, Qld]

* THE WIRE: BRISBANE POLICE MOVE ON ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY

- Audio Interview

The Wire: Brisbane police move on Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Produced by Chris Brunner

http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9133

16 May 12: “”Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land,”
that was the catch-cry of protestors after police broke-up
the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Musgrave Park, south of the
Brisbane river earlier this morning… The Tent Embassy has
been in place since March, marking the fortieth anniversary
of the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Up
until now, the peaceful protest has been allowed to remain
in the park, an area of significance to the local Jagera
people. Over one-hundred police descended on the group this
morning making over thirty arrests… Aboriginal Activist,
Sam Watson, was there helping to lead the protest.
The Wire spoke to him earlier today, to see what happened
after the raid…
Featured in story: Sam Watson – Aboriginal Activist”

- Related Statement

Green Left:
Cease the attacks on Brisbane’s Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51049

18 May 12: “Socialist Alliance Brisbane released the
statement below on May 18 * * *
The Socialist Alliance expresses its full support and
solidarity with the Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy in
Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, and strongly condemns the
actions of police and the Brisbane City Council in forcibly
evicting the Aboriginal community members at the embassy on
May 16.
The use of more than 200 police to stage a dawn raid on the
peaceful embassy is a return to the police state tactics of
the Joh Bejlke-Petersen regime in Queensland 30 years ago.
This heavy handed show of force also appears to be a clear
signal by Liberal National Party (LNP) Mayor Graham Quirk
and Premier Campbell Newman of their intentions to crack
down on peaceful protest in this new era of LNP political
dominance in Queensland.”

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 16-05

http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-16-05

16 May 12: “* Growing condemnation of the Queensland
Liberal Government’s use of hundreds of police to remove
Aboriginal people who had established a peaceful protest
site and Tent Embassy on land widely acknowledged as being
culturally significant.
* Early Wednesday morning Hundreds of police moved in on
the site arresting up to 30 rights campaigners and forcing
other supporters to leave the site under threat of arrest.
Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad has described the
police action as an absolute unnecessary escalation in
force.”

- Related News

ABC Brisbane: What is the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-18/what-is-the-brisbane-sovereign-embassy3f/4016942/?site=brisbane

18 May 12: “The removal of an Aboriginal tent embassy from
Brisbane’s Musgrave Park on Wednesday was met with
defiance, anger, tears and frustration. Hundreds of police
surrounded the campsite at dawn, shutting it down to make
way for a Greek festival to be held at the park this
weekend. As emotions ran high, dozens were arrested and
charged. The group is now camped at the Jagera Arts Hall, a
sacred Aboriginal site only metres up the road from
Musgrave Park. … Brisbane’s was the third embassy to be
set up, after Canberra and Perth, and is now one of seven
in place around Australia.”

Sovereign Union:
Brisbane Originals subject to politically motivated eviction

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/brisbane-originals-subject-politically-motivated-eviction

“Despite successfully negotiating with the Greek community
and allocating a suitable area so they can both share the
park, … During a stand-off for a little over a day, the
Mayor with support from the Queensland government tried to
intimidate the Embassy members by parking a substantial
contingent of police vehicles adjacent to the Embassy.
Around 200 members of the Queensland police force were then
ordered to forcefully evict the sovereigns, along with
their supporters, early in the morning of Wednesday 16th
May, 2012.” Bruce Skewes, Treaty Republic sub-editor

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Embassy members pledge to fight for sovereignty

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7221-embassy-members-pledge-to-fight-for-sovereignty

18 May 12: “Indigenous Sovereign Embassy members and
supporters in South Brisbane have refused to elaborate on
the outcome of their meeting over its future. They met for
three hours in a hall next to Musgrave Park yesterday,
where Embassy stood before being dismantled by a large
number of police on Wednesday. But local elder Wayne
Saunders says the fight for Aboriginal sovereignty will
continue in Brisbane.”

ABC Brisbane: Activists quiet on Brisbane tent embassy future

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-17/indigenous-activists-to-meet-on-brisbane-tent-embassy-future/4016030/?site=brisbane

18 May 12: “Indigenous leaders in South Brisbane have
refused to elaborate on the outcome of their meeting over
the future of a controversial tent embassy. Activists met
for three hours in a hall next to Musgrave Park, where
their makeshift campsite stood until yesterday. The tent
embassy had been in the park for two months and activists
had defied a Brisbane City Council order to pack up ahead
of the Paniyiri Greek festival this weekend. More than 250
police moved in early yesterday morning and about 30 people
were arrested and later charged.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Embassy members to take up with CMC

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7218-embassy-members-to-take-up-with-cmc

18 May 12: “Members of the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy have
called a meeting for midday today to discuss plans to lodge
a complaint with the Crime and Misconduct Commission. They
say they are seeking the full story of this Wednesday’s
events, where a large contingent of police dismantled their
Musgrave Park campsite in South Brisbane. Embassy supporter
Sam Watson says the public should be told the truth about
who was making decisions with regards to the eviction on
Wednesday and why exactly the protest of shut down.”

National Indigenous Radio Service:
New Premier Newman slammed by Embassy

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7223-new-premier-newman-slammed-by-embassy-

18 May 12: “Indigenous rights advocates in Brisbane have
expressed their disappointment in Queensland Premier
Campbell Newman’s actions to dismantle their protest in the
city’s south this week. Police removed the Aboriginal
Sovereign Embassy at Musgrave Park in south Brisbane under
the orders of the State Government and Brisbane City
Council on Wednesday. About 100 Aboriginal rights supports
then marched on Parliament House to confront the Premier.
Murri Rights advocate Sam Watson was there.”

National Indigenous Times: Brisbane Tent Embassy anger

http://www.nit.com.au/news/1086-brisbane-tent-embassy-anger.html

18 May 12: “By National Indigenous Times reporter Rhonda Hagan
Aboriginal leaders who attended the Sovereignty Tent
Embassy meeting with Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on
the weekend have expressed outrage that their spiritual
camp site would have to be moved on to make way for annual
festivals held on the grounds that fall in coming weeks.
“Why do we have to be moved on all the time?” … “

Brisbane Times: Greek festival faces backlash

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/greek-festival-faces-backlash-20120517-1yshm.html

17 May 12: “Punters are threatening to boycott the Paniyiri
Greek festival this weekend amid the fallout from the
police eviction of the Aboriginal tent embassy from
Musgrave Park. Hundreds of police yesterday evicted tent
embassy protesters who had been camped in in the South
Brisbane park for about two months. Brisbane City Council
had issued the protesters with an eviction notice after
Paniyiri sent it a letter in which organisers said the
festival could not go ahead while the tent embassy remained
where it was.”

Brisbane Times: Call to open centre for protest facilities

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/call-to-open-centre-for-protest-facilities-20120517-1ys67.html

17 May 12: “Brisbane City Council should open the Jagera
Arts Centre in Musgrave Park to let tent embassy protesters
use the facilities as a “sign of good faith”, indigenous
elder Sam Watson said this morning. The area’s local
councillor Helen Abrahams this morning asked for the hall
to be opened, after tent embassy protesters moved to a site
in front of it last night. Two hundred police yesterday
forced tent embassy protestors from the northern section of
Musgrave Park ahead of this weekend’s Paniyiri Festival.
Mr Watson said the centre should be opened.”

Greek Reporter: Indigenous Find New Place to Camp
But Still Boycott Paniyiri Festival

http://au.greekreporter.com/2012/05/17/indigenous-find-new-place-to-camp-but-still-boycott-paniyiri-festival/

17 May 12: “The site of the initial tent embassy of the
Aborigines is now surrounded by carnival rides put in place
for the Greek Paniyiri festival that is about to take place
this coming weekend. The indigenous decided to camp at the
new site in Musgrave Park, as their struggle is not over
yet. Australian media report that today things are quieter
at the new camp site, with a dozen protesters gathered
around the Aborigines’s sacred fire. A spokesman for the
group says morale remains high and they have been contacted
by several law firms offering assistance.”

Brisbane Times:
Traditional owner’s plea to Greek festival organisers

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/traditional-owners-plea-to-greek-festival-organisers-20120517-1ysqn.html

17 May 12: “A Musgrave Park traditional owner has urged
Greek Paniyiri Festival organisers to make a “Welcome to
Country” ceremony a permanent feature of their annual event
on the West End site. The call came after tent embassy
protesters and Brisbane indigenous elders held a three-hour
meeting today to discuss the future of the Aboriginal
community’s involvement with South Brisbane’s Musgrave
Park.”

the Telegraph: Supporters to meet over embassy’s future

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/supporters-to-meet-over-embassys-future/story-e6freuyi-1226358481896

17 May 12: “ABORIGINAL activists are expected to meet today
to decide the future of a tent embassy in Brisbane’s
Musgrave Park. Hundreds of police broke up a tent embassy
protest testerdat after being called in to enforce a
Brisbane City Council eviction order. More than 30 people
were arrested and some supporters of the tent embassy spent
the night back at Musgrave Park, at a council approved site
not far from where the embassy had been. A meeting will be
held later this morning to decide on its future. After
yesterday’s arrests, activists vowed to re-establish the
tent embassy in the park, … “

Indymedia: 200 police evict Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign
Embassy on 1st day of new LNP parliament

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/16/200-police-evict-brisbane-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-on-1st-day-of-new-lnp-parliament

16 May 12: “At about 6am this morning 200 police evicted
about 100 people at the Sovereign Embassy at Musgrave Park
in Brisbane. The police action was under orders of the
Brisbane City Council who say they must move on so that the
Greek Panyiri Festival can use the park this weekend. Last
night union members arrived to erect portable fencing as a
security barrier in respect of the Panyiri Festival
organisers, whom they say had agreed that the camp was not
an impediment to the Festival. … A number of people were
arrested, around 30.” By kimk

Brisbane Times:
Police evict protesters from Brisbane tent embassy

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/police-evict-protesters-from-brisbane-tent-embassy-20120516-1ypnq.html#ixzz1v01zwz2B

16 May 12: “More than 200 police descended on Musgrave Park
in Brisbane’s West End this morning to move indigenous tent
embassy protesters, resulting in more than 30 arrests. The
protesters marched to Parliament House then moved to the
Roma Street watchhouse. The group cheers as each arrested
protester is released from the watchhouse. The live
coverage has concluded but check in for updates. Here’s how
the day unfolded.”

- Related Videos

SBS World News Australia: Brisbane protestors back in park

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1650775/Police-in-stand-off-at-tent-embassy

16 May 12: “Around 200 police surrounded Musgrave Park at
South Brisbane to remove tent embassy protestors, only to
return to the park. Protestors have returned to Musgrave
Park in Brisbane to resurrect their tent embassy that was
cleared by police earlier today. However, police and
council say they’re happy with the embassy’s new location.
They say while officers are on hand to monitor the
situation, they won’t be asking them to move on.”

YouTube: Brisbane Tent Embassy – Sovereigns removed

15 May 12: “Live footage from the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy
- Police remove Originals from their sacred land”

ABC: Police break up Brisbane tent embassy protest

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-16/police-break-up-brisbane-tent-embassy-protest/4013566

16 May 12: “Hundreds of police have broken up an Aboriginal
tent embassy in Brisbane, escorting and sometimes dragging
away about 80 protesters from their makeshift camp in
Musgrave Park. Police say about 30 protesters were arrested,
with the rest choosing to leave peacefully after officers
moved in before dawn today. … The embassy has been in the
South Brisbane park since March but the Brisbane City
Council wants the protesters to move to make way for the
annual Greek festival held at the site.”

BigPond News: Police arrest 31 in Aboriginal protest

http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Crime/2012/05/16/Police_arrest_31_in_Aboriginal_protest_751043.html

16 May 12: “Police have arrested 31 people at a tent
embassy protest in a Brisbane park, after protesters
refused to leave the area. More than 200 police descended
on Musgrave Park on Wednesday morning to enforce a Brisbane
City Council order to evict the group. But they refused to
dismantle their tent embassy and leave the park, forcing
authorities to act.”

- Related Analysis / Opinion

ABC The Drum Opinion: Reconciliation lost in Musgrave Park

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4015618.html

17 May 12: “There were no credible reasons for dispersing
the Embassy that I could identify, and none that have been
identified publicly by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor or the
Queensland Premier. There was talk of freeing the park up
for other users, but the Embassy was tucked into a small
corner of the park and was open to others. The Lord Mayor
repeatedly said that the park needed to be freed up for the
Paniyiri Greek festival on the weekend, but the folk at the
Embassy have been talking to the organisers of the festival
and cooperating with them about sharing the park … “
Adam Stone, a spokesperson for the Queensland Greens

The Conversation:
Musgrave Park and ‘the embassy in my own land’

http://theconversation.edu.au/musgrave-park-and-the-embassy-in-my-own-land-7064

17 May 12: “This weekend, South Brisbane will play host to
the Paniyiri Festival, one of Australia’s largest cultural
events. From May 19 to 20, thousands are expected to join
the celebrations and delight themselves with beautiful
presentations of Greek culture. There is, however, a
political battle of global significance interfering with
one of the festival’s choice venues – Musgrave Park. Today
there stands what certain commentators have come to call a
“Tent Embassy”. The Embassy is a political place where
Aboriginal people … are declaring their sovereignty.”
Jean-Paul Gagnon, Honorary Research Fellow (HKIEd),
Democratic Theory at Hong Kong Institute of Education

Dave Burton’s Blog: A Morning in May at Musgrave Park

http://daveburton.com.au/blog/?p=29

16 May 12: “From what I can gather from media sources, this
morning over thirty people were arrested at Brisbane’s
Musgrave Park after refusing to leave the area. A few weeks
ago, the organisers of the upcoming annual Greek Festival
asked for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy that occupies
Musgrave Park to be emptied for the duration of the event.
Brisbane City Council then issued that request to the
indigenous group occupying the embassy. This request caused
much distress, and amounted in a large protest, climaxing
today. 200 police officers turned up … “

Brisbane Times:
Here we Joh again: Protest divides city along familiar lines

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/blunt-instrument/here-we-joh-again-protest-divides-city-along-familiar-lines-20120516-1yq49.html

16 May 12: “After all, the cops managed to move on the
protesters from the Aboriginal tent Embassy in Musgrave
Park this morning without the crazy bad sort of violence
that attended the last big police operation there, the
attack on Triple Z’s market day way back in the ’90s. …
Thirty arrests and half of the city’s traffic grid thrown
into chaos might seem a little, well, chaotic, but it’s
nothing compared to how things used to spin out of control
when the old National Party decided to bust a few heads
open and see if any law and order votes spilled out.”
John Birmingham

* WARWICK DAILY NEWS:
PROTESTERS [FROM BRISBANE EMBASSY] MARCH ON PARLIAMENT

- Video

Warwick Daily News: Protesters march on parliament

http://www.warwickdailynews.com.au/story/2012/05/16/police-swarm-tent-embassy-protesters/

16 May 12: “PROTESTERS from the Aboriginal Sovereign
Embassy at Brisbane’s Musgrave Park have snaked their way
around the city. The group, which shrunk in numbers since
they were kicked out of Musgrave Park in West End this
morning, marched to Parliament House at 11:30am ahead of
the opening ceremony this afternoon. Protesters stood in
the Speaker’s Corner chanting “always was, always will be
Aboriginal land.”"

- Related News

newsTracker: Newman refused to meet protesters

http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/newman-refused-to-meet-protesters/

17 May 12: “Some protesters then marched on parliament
house demanding to see the premier. Mr Newman angered
protesters on Tuesday by saying their protest, which began
two months ago, had run its course and squatters’ camps had
no place in public parks. Protest organiser Sam Watson said
Mr Newman should meet with the marchers to defend the
number of police sent in to dismantle the park protest.
“Even in the face of enormous provocation our men and
women, and non-indigenous supporters, we’re peaceful,” he
said.”

Koori Mail:
Protesters march on Queensland parliament after arrests
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
16 May 12: “AFTER 31 of their number were arrested this
morning, protesters evicted from the Aboriginal tent
embassy in Musgrave Park in South Brisbane have marched on
Queensland’s parliament. Around 250 police moved on the
embassy this morning after protesters refused comply with a
Brisbane City Council eviction order.”

Embassy protesters march to Parliament
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/embassy-protesters-march-to-parliament/
Australian: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/tent-embassy-protesters-march-on-parliament/story-fn3dxity-1226357610408
16 May 12: “QUEENSLAND: Protesters evicted from an
Aboriginal tent embassy have marched to Queensland’s
parliament. Only about 50 protesters remain after the
eviction from Musgrave Park in South Brisbane on Wednesday
morning, which saw 31 arrests. The group, which was making
a statement about Aboriginal sovereignty, had been warned
they needed to move on for this weekend’s annual Paniyiri
Greek festival, after occupying the site for two months.
Murri activist Sam Watson wants to ask Premier Campbell
Newman why 200 police were necessary to move the group on.”

Sovereign Union:
Police arrest sovereigns as Originals try to hold sacred land

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/police-arrest-sovereigns-originals-try-hold-sacred-land

16 May 12: “About 100 legitimate sovereigns and supporters
have marched on Parliament House in Brisbane after a tense
protest at a southside park came to a head. The group
marched from Musgrave Park in South Brisbane where more
than 200 police moved on a tent embassy and arrested 30
people earlier this morning. Police have dragged some of
the Originals away from their Aboriginal Tent Embassy at
Musgrave Park at South Brisbane. There were dramatic scenes
of confrontation between police and the Originals, as the
campsite was cordoned off and surrounded by officers.”
[Includes Audio:
Brisbane Sovereign Embassy - Wayne (Coco) Wharton]

Brisbane Times: Brisbane protest harks back to old rifts

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/brisbane-protest-harks-back-to-old-rifts-20120516-1ypne.html

16 May 12: “An Aboriginal rights protest directed at
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has marred the
ceremonial opening of parliament and harked back to the
state’s days of deep division. Around 200 police surrounded
Musgrave Park at South Brisbane on Wednesday to remove tent
embassy protesters who had refused to make way for this
weekend’s annual Greek festival. … About 50 protesters
marched to Parliament House to demand a meeting with Mr
Newman about what they argued was an excessive show of
force.”

- Related Video

ABC: Tent embassy activists take protest to streets

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-16/indigenous-activists-move-protest-to-parliament/4014678

16 May 12: “Aboriginal activists have rallied at
Queensland’s Parliament and Brisbane’s police watchhouse in
support of about 30 people arrested at today’s closure of a
tent embassy in the city. They are angry that more than 200
police moved in this morning to close the embassy which had
been established in South Brisbane’s Musgrave Park since
March. A number of those charged initially refused to sign
bail documents because of a condition that prevents them
from returning to the park.”

YouTube: Tent embassy protesters demand to see Premier

15 May 12: “Aboriginal leader Sam Watson says evicted tent
embassy protesters will march to Queensland Parliament and
demand to see Premier Campbell Newman.”

* NTEU: INDIGENOUS BUSINESS IS UNION BUSINESS
- MUSGRAVE PARK TENT EMBASSY

- Analysis / Opinion

National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) Indigenous:
Indigenous business is Union business
- Musgrave Park Tent embassy

http://www.nteu.org.au/indigenous/article/Indigenous-business-is-Union-business—Musgrave-Park-Tent-embassy-12725

17 May 12: “As many are no doubt aware, on the 16/5/12, 200
Police Officers, on the orders of QLD Premier Campbell
Newman, and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk descended upon
Musgrave Park to forcibly remove the Aboriginal Tent
Embassy that had been there since March 2012. … With
sovereignty never ceded in this country by the Indigenous
peoples, and with a treaty never reached between Indigenous
and non-Indigenous Australians, how appropriate is it for
any politician to refer to a sovereignty movement conducted
by Indigenous Australians as “trespassing”? … One very
positive bit of news to come out of this event however, has
been the reports of Union solidarity shown towards the Tent
Embassy.” by Celeste Liddle (Indigenous)

- Related Motion

Green Left: ACTU Congress backs Brisbane Sovereign Embassy

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51041

17 May 12: “The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
Congress passed the motion below on May 16 in support of
the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy. * * *
The ACTU stands in solidarity with the unionists and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activists at the
culturally significant site at Musgrave Park, Brisbane, QLD.
Congress expresses it concern about the apparent return to
negative tactics used by the Queensland government in the
1970s and 1980s against citizens of Queensland.
Campbell Newman has been elected to govern for all
Queenslanders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Queenslanders, and this Congress calls on the
Newman government and the Brisbane City Council to respect
the rights of freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and
protest.”

* CHANGE.org PETITION:
MAYOR GRAHAM QUIRK:
ALLOW THE RETURN OF THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGN EMBASSY TO
MUSGRAVE PARK

- Petition

Change.org Petition: Mayor Graham Quirk:
allow the return of the Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy to
Musgrave Park.
Created By Steve Skitmore, West End, Brisbane

http://www.change.org/petitions/mayor-graham-quirk-allow-the-return-of-the-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-to-musgrave-park

“About this Petition: This morning, over 200 members of the
Queensland Police surrounded the Aboriginal Sovereign tent
embassy, and forcibly removed all residents. Musgrave Park
is the spiritual home of Brisbane Murris and the land was
handed back to the traditional owners of the area nearly 20
years ago. Forcibly evicting people from their own land is a
continuation the long history of dispossession that
Aboriginal people in Australia have had to endure. …
Please sign my petition … “

- Related News

newsTracker: Brisbane protest evictions spark petition

http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/brisbane-protest-evictions-spark-petition/

18 May 12: “QUEENSLAND: More than 1600 people have signed
an online petition demanding Aboriginal protesters be
allowed to return to a Brisbane park. Hundreds of police
moved in to evict the group from Musgrave Park on
Wednesday, with more than 30 people arrested. … Brisbane
resident Steve Skitmore said he started the petition, on
the social action site Change.org on Wednesday after
watching police forcibly remove the protesters.”

* MICHAEL ANDERSON:
ABORIGINES CALL FOR UN PEACEKEEPERS TO PROTECT THEM

- Media Statement

Aborigines call for UN peacekeepers to protect them
Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/aborigines-call-un-peacekeepers-protect-them
16 May 12: “Michael Anderson’s Media Staement
We have already put the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon,
on notice that we are in need of UN peacekeepers as the
Australian authorities are increasing their aggression
against our sovereignty movement.
Colin Barnett, Premier of Western Australia, in conjunction
with WA police, is executing a dictatorship of force towards
Aboriginal people, local families and protestors at James
Price Point near Broome, WA. The Premier has reportedly
ordered around 250 police with riot gear to secure a clear
access for Woodside’s staff and equipment to access the
proposed gas hub site in on the West Kimberley coast. Over
600 members of Broome’s rich and diverse multicultural
community presented flowers at Broome Police Station on
Mother’s Day as a peaceful protest against the heavy police
presence, …
We again state that the Australian government has no
sovereignty over Australia and no jurisdiction over
Aboriginal people, who have never signed a treaty nor ceded
their sovereignty to a colonial force. The Australian
government continues to fail to provide any protection
against gross misuse of police powers towards Aboriginal
people. We call for the immediate scrutiny and involvement
of the United Nations in the many human rights violations
perpetrated by the so-called ‘Australian Nation’ towards
Aboriginal people in Australia.”

See:

WGAR News: Gerry Georgatos:
Police amassing at James Price Point (16 May 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/16/wgar-news-brisbane-city-council-to-try-to-forcibly-remove-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-mr
[James Price Point, north of Broome, Kimberley Region, WA]

Sovereign Union: Walmadan Tent Embassy (James Price Point)

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/walmadan-tent-embassy-james-price-point

[James Price Point, north of Broome, Kimberley Region, WA]

Kimberley Campaigner – Background

http://www.kimberleycampaigner.com/about/history/

Save The Kimberley: Wilderness. Culture. Heritage

http://www.savethekimberley.com/

Facebook: Goolarabooloo and Lurujarri Heritage Trail

http://www.facebook.com/Goolarabooloo

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSIES:

Last updated: 18 May 2012

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

- – -

About WGAR News:

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-aboriginal-rights-australia

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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/
YouTube – Videos from this email

120516 – “Brisbane City Council to try to forcibly remove Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy” MR

Contents:
* The Wire: Aboriginal passport for refugees
* MR: Brisbane City Council to try to forcibly remove
Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy
* Gerry Georgatos: Police amassing at James Price Point
[north of Broome, Kimberley, WA]
* Socialist Party: WA: Support the Nyoongar Tent Embassy!
[Heirisson Island, Perth, WA]
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies
* Interview with Elder Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra
on the Stronger Futures bill
* Rachel Siewert: Greens:
Intervention funding could be stripped from existing programs
* More ‘Stronger Futures’ Legislation related articles
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* 3CR Radioactive Show: Lizards Revenge Festival
* Other articles

* THE WIRE: ABORIGINAL PASSPORTS FOR REFUGEES

- Audio

The Wire: Aboriginal passport for refugees
Produced by Jessica Minshall

http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=9125

14 May 12: “Two tamil refugees at Sydney’s Villawood
Detention Centre were to be presented ‘Original Nation
Passports’ today from Aboriginal elders. There are around
sixty refugees being held indefinitely in detention. It’s
not their asylum seeker claim keeping them there, but a
negative ASIO security assessment. There is currently no
right to appeal the ASIO decision. However a group of
refugees are challenging their indefinite detention, taking
their complaint to the United Nations Refugee Agency, the
UNHCR.
Featured in story:
Robbie Thorpe – Treaty Republic
Ray Jackson – President, Indigenous Social Justice Association”

- Related News

Sydney Indymedia: Aboriginal Passports issued to two
Asylum Seekers incarcerated at Villawood

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/14/aboriginal-passports-issued-to-two-asylum-seekers-incarcerated-at-villawood

14 May 12: “Sydney’s Indigenous Social Justice Association
president Ray Jackson has issued Aboriginal passports to
two Tamil Asylum Seekers who are detained at the Villawood
Centre. Mr Jackson said the two Tamil men have been facing
indefinite detention because of an adverse ASIO security
findings. … “On behalf of the Treaty Republic we have
issued the passports to these two men who continue to be
unlawfully detained, and in contravention to UN Conventions
and Aboriginal ways,” said Mr Jackson.” Gerry Georgatos

the Telegraph: Aboriginals say asylum seekers are welcome

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/aboriginals-say-asylum-seekers-are-welcome/story-e6freuyi-1226354432248

14 May 12: “AN Aboriginal group says asylum seekers
detained at Sydney’s Villawood Detention Centre are welcome
in Australia. The Treaty Republic’s Robbie Thorpe says two
Tamil detainees will be given “Original Nation Passports”
at the detention centre on Monday afternoon as a symbolic
welcome to the country. “The Australian Government has no
legitimate right to grant or refuse entry to anyone in this
country, let alone lock up people fleeing war and
persecution,” Mr Thorpe says.”

* MR: BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL TO TRY TO FORCIBLY REMOVE
ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGN EMBASSY:

- Media Release

Brisbane City Council to try to forcibly remove Aboriginal
Sovereign Embassy supporters urgently needed at Musgrave Park
Sovereign Union: [scroll down page] http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/brisbane-sovereign-embassy-standing-strong-after-eviction-notice
Workers Bush Telegraph: http://workersbushtelegraph.com.au/2012/05/14/urgent-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-supporters-needed-at-musgrave-park-2/
Green Left: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51030
Indymedia: http://www.indymedia.org.au/2012/05/15/brisbane-city-council-to-try-to-forcibly-remove-aboriginal-sovereign-embassy-supporters-u
14 May 12: “Brisbane City Council has turned its back on negotiations with the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy over its right to exist in Musgrave Park, South Brisbane.
This afternoon at around 4pm, Luke Bell from Brisbane City
Council told the Embassy by phone that negotiations were
off and that Council would be forcibly removing the Embassy
in the near future.
At a meeting at the Embassy last Saturday, Brisbane Lord
Mayor, Graham Quirk tried to confuse the issue by saying
the Embassy had to move for this Saturday’s Paniyiri
Festival despite the fact that he and Council were fully
aware that festival organisers had publicly stated in South
City News that they had no problem with the Embassy’s
presence during the festival.”

- Related News

Courier Mail:
Tent Embassy protesters building fence around Musgrave Park camp

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/central/tent-embassy-protest-reaches-flash-point-in-musgrave-park/story-fn8m0qb4-1226355888889

15 May 12: “Sovereign Tent Embassy protesters in Musgrave
Park are digging in, with a fence being constructed around
the South Brisbane camp. … Council officers handed the
group an eviction notice. But embassy representative Wayne
Wharton said he would rather go to jail. “If it means going
to jail, then so be it,” Mr Wharton said. “I believe we
can co-exist with everyone else’s law. “We’re sovereign.
We’re standing on our rights. We’re here legally. We’re
open to any type of civil negotiation…the dialogue just
hasn’t happened.”… “

Brisbane Tent Embassy not backing down
newsTracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/05/brisbane-tent-embassy-not-backing-down/
9 News: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8467376/aboriginal-embassy-not-backing-down
15 May 12: “Protestors at a makeshift Aboriginal tent
embassy are preparing to stand their ground despite being
evicted from an inner-Brisbane park. The “Aboriginal
Sovereign Embassy” has been set up in Musgrave Park in
South Brisbane for more than two months with permission
from Brisbane City Council. But embassy members say council
on Monday gave them an eviction notice ahead of the
Paniyiri Greek Festival to be held at the weekend. Embassy
member Boe Spearim says he and other protesters were given
a 12 hour eviction notice on Monday afternoon, which is due
to expire early Tuesday.”

Brisbane Times: Stand-off looms over Musgrave Park tent embassy

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/standoff-looms-over-musgrave-park-tent-embassy-20120515-1ynmm.html

15 May 12: “Members of the Musgrave Park indigenous tent
embassy say they are prepared to see their fight through to
the end despite an eviction order from Brisbane City
Council. The spokesman for the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy
at West End, Wayne Wharton, said the 150 or so indigenous
people who hade joined the embassy in support would not be
moved by the council notice. Established two months ago, Mr
Wharton said the embassy stood as an “information centre”
for indigenous sovereign rights, in solidarity with the
long standing tent embassy … “

ABC: Brisbane tent embassy vows to sit tight

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-15/brisbane-tent-embassy-vows-to-sit-tight/4011348

15 May 12: “Organisers of an Aboriginal tent embassy in
Brisbane say a council decision to evict them could prompt
a major protest. The Brisbane sovereign embassy was set up
two months ago in Musgrave Park at South Brisbane, a
traditional meeting place for Indigenous people in the
inner-city. … Queensland Greens spokeswoman Libby Connors
says a confrontational approach will almost certainly lead
to a violent showdown. “The Lord Mayor should resume
negotiations and calm everybody down,” she said.”

9 News: Stand-off looms over Brisbane park protest

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8467566

15 May 12: “The Brisbane City Council hasn’t ruled out
calling in police to evict protesters from a makeshift
Aboriginal tent embassy. The council has served a formal
eviction notice on the group, saying it’s time to end the
two-month protest at Musgrave Park in South Brisbane. It
says the group has had more than enough time to make its
point and protesters must make way for the Paniyiri Greek
Festival to be held this weekend. But the group, which has
been given until Tuesday to get out, is warning Aboriginal
people will descend on the park in large numbers to protest
any forced eviction.”

4ZZZ Brisbane: Brisbane City Council says Sovereign Embassy
is Trespassing and Must Go.

http://www.4zzzfm.org.au/news/headlines/2012/may/14/brisbane-city-council-says-sovereign-embassy-trespassing-and-must-go

14 May 12: “This afternoon a council official stated the
council was prepared to forcibly remove the Embassy within
12 hours. … The stated reason the Embassy was to move is
next weekends Paniyiri Greek Festival and other upcoming
events at the park. However the Greek community had stated
earlier in the Quest City South News that they had no
problem with the Embassy’s presence during the festival. A
call for support has been released by the Embassy asking
people to join them at Musgrave Park.”

Courier Mail: Council wants Aboriginal tent embassy out of
Musgrave Park before Paniyiri festival

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/council-wants-aboriginal-tent-embassy-out-of-musgrave-park-before-paniyiri-festival/story-e6freoof-1226355140983

14 May 12: “A STOUSH is brewing between the council and
the Musgrave Park Aboriginal “tent embassy”, with
protesters refusing to leave ahead of this weekend’s
Paniyiri Greek Festival. The “Brisbane Sovereign Embassy”
has been sitting on the site usually reserved for the
celebration for more than two months, which draws
thousands of food-lovers each year. Lord Mayor Graham
Quirk said he had “personally” spoken with protesters and
told them it was time to move on.”

- Video

YouTube: Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Quirk says Sovereign Embassy
Must Go then Makes a Quick Exit

14 May 12: “Graham Quirk makes a quick exit after stating
that the Sovereign Embassy was to move. “I’ve stated my
position.”"
[Includes embassy response.]

See:

Sovereign Union: Sovereign Embassy Brisbane

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

[Musgrave Park, Brisbane, Qld]

Facebook: Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park

http://www.facebook.com/BrisbaneSovereignEmbassyMusgravePark

[Musgrave Park, Brisbane, Qld]

* GERRY GEORGATOS: POLICE AMASSING AT JAMES PRICE POINT
[NORTH OF BROOME, KIMBERLEY, WA]

- News

Indymedia: Police amassing at James Price Point
(Monday May 14) – after yesterday’s 600 people power peaceful
protest at Broome Police Station

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/14/police-amassing-at-james-price-point-monday-may-14-after-yesterdays-600-people-power-peac

13 May 12: “Today, Monday May 14, after yesterday’s peaceful
protest by 600 folk outside Broome Police Station, police
are amassing in large numbers at Blacktank camp access
route – to ensure Woodside Petroleum geophysical site work
for the proposed gas hub precinct at James Price Point.
Police are reportedly expected at Manari Road access (near
Walmandan Tent Embassy), and Cape Leveque after between 140
to 250 police officers with riot gear arrived in Broome in
the last several days.” Gerry Georgatos

- Media Release

Environs Kimberley: Browse gas proposal sinks to new low
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/14/police-amassing-at-james-price-point-monday-may-14-after-yesterdays-600-people-power-peac
“”More than 150 police were deployed at James Price Point
this morning to escort Woodside equipment to the site of
investigations for a gas hub.”
“The WA Police public order response group were flown into
Broome over the weekend under orders from the Premier, such
is the massive opposition to the project.”
“About 30 community members silently watched the police and
Woodside contractors as they drove past an information bay
on the corner of Manari Road about 25km from Broome.”
“The Premier obviously has huge concerns about the strength
of opposition to this proposal in Broome. He’s obviously
extremely desperate to avoid any protests and will go to
any lengths including spending hundreds of thousands of
dollars of taxpayers money on sending riot police to
Broome,” said Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard.”

- Action

Kimberley Campaigner:
National mobilisation of Kimberley Community

http://www.kimberleycampaigner.com/stories/national-mobilisation-of-kimberley-community/

14 May 12: “250 police have converged on Broome, Western
Australia, as the WA Government attempts to crush peaceful
community opposition to a proposed industrial complex at
James Price Point on the pristine Kimberley coast. This
outrageous misuse of police resources was ordered by West
Australian Premier, Colin Barnett to appease the powerful
corporations behind the James Price Point development -
Woodside, BP, BHP-Billiton, Shell, Chevron, Mitsubishi and
Mitsui. Corporate interests cannot be allowed to trump the
rights of Australians to peacefully raise their concerns.
Join the Broome community and ask these fossil fuel giants
speak out and condemn the Premier’s actions.
Join us this Wednesday for a National Day of Action in
solidarity with the people of Broome”

- Related News

Sovereign Union: WA Premier sends 150 police to help destroy
Walmadan culturally significant site

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/wa-premier-sends-150-police-help-destroy-walmadan-culturally-significant-site

“Sunday: The Peacful Protest – Environs Kimberley and the
Save the Kimberley campaigners, Walmandan Tent Embassy
stalwarts and Human Rights Alliance activists gathered with
many from within the Broome community to express their
concern to police by peacefully protesting outside Broome
Police station on Sunday 14th May, 2012. …
Monday: WA Premier’s destruction Plan – Walmadan, 60km
north of Broome, is preferred by WA Premier Colin Barnett,
despite the objections of the local indigenous community
and environmentalists. Barnett suggested that he is
prepared to use State Agreement Acts to ensure gas from the
$30 billion-plus project is processed at his preferred
greenfields site at Walmadan.”

The West: Police surround Woodside gas hub convoy

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/mp/13679253/police-surround-woodside-gas-hub-convoy/

14 May 12: “UPDATE: 3.50PM A Woodside convoy flanked by
police has moved equipment through protesters at James
Price Point this morning. Activists at the Manari Road
protest site tried to stop Woodside moving machinery to the
proposed gas plant, but they were overwhelmed by more than
100 police officers. A convoy of about 20 marked and
unmarked vehicles containing police arrived just after 9am,
where about 10 people had camped overnight. Protesters had
earlier called for reinforcements when police started
arriving at dawn.”

WA today: Police convoys protect equipment at James Price Point

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/police-convoys-protect-equipment-at-james-price-point-20120514-1ym9p.html#ixzz1upFj3Qb4

14 May 12: “Environmentalists and locals camped at James
Price Point, the controversial Kimberley site marked for
the $30 billion Browse gas hub, remain poised for a
confrontation with about 150 police sent to bolster the
Broome force in recent days, as work resumes at the site.
The tensions have continued even though it is widely
understood the Browse LNG joint venture partners, including
Shell, BHP Billiton, BP and Chevron, would prefer gas from
the Browse Basin off the West Australian coast to be
processed at project operator Woodside Petroleum’s existing
facilities in the Pilbara.”

Indymedia:
250 police in Broome to break up “Save the Kimberley” picket
- hundreds protest at police station.

http://www.indymedia.org.au/2012/05/13/250-police-in-broome-to-break-up-save-the-kimberley-picket-hundreds-protest-at-police-sta

13 May 12: “With the increase of between 140 and 250 extra
police in Broome for protection of Woodside as they
continue to do destructive investigations at James Price
Point, the Broome Community thought it a proper thing to
present a letter of concern to the Police and as it was
Mothers Day as well, each Community member presented the
police a flower.”

Age: Hundreds face off with police in Broome

http://www.theage.com.au/wa-news/hundreds-face-off-with-police-in-broome-20120513-1ykhm.html

13 May 12: “MORE than 600 people have gathered outside
Broome police station in the Kimberley in a showdown with
authorities over a proposed gas hub. An estimated 250
police with riot gear started arriving in the coastal town
on Friday night in what residents say is a pre-emptive move
to clear protesters from the controversial James Price
Point gas hub site 60km north of town. Residents said they
feared police would move in as early as Monday morning to
physically remove protesters from the Woodside Petroleum
site, … “

- Video

YouTube: Police converge on Walmadan Tent Embassy – Perth Now

14 May 12: “150 police, including the WA riot squad, were
flown into Broome (over 2,000kms) to continue the WA
Premier’s push to destroy Walmadan sacred land for a Gas
Hub. Goolarabooloo Senior Law Boss Joseph Roe echoed the
words of his late grandfather at the Tent Embassy launch
last year, “We must hold this land, we must hold this for
all of us”.”

- Upcoming events

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

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

See:

Sovereign Union: Walmadan Tent Embassy (James Price Point)

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/walmadan-tent-embassy-james-price-point

[James Price Point, north of Broome, Kimberley, WA]

Kimberley Campaigner – Background

http://www.kimberleycampaigner.com/about/history/

Save The Kimberley: Wilderness. Culture. Heritage

http://www.savethekimberley.com/

Facebook: Goolarabooloo and Lurujarri Heritage Trail

http://www.facebook.com/Goolarabooloo

* SOCIALIST PARTY: WA: SUPPORT THE NYOONGAR TENT EMBASSY
[HEIRISSON ISLAND, PERTH, WA]

- Analysis / Opinion

Socialist Party: WA: Support the Nyoongar Tent Embassy!

http://www.socialistpartyaustralia.org/archives/3415

14 May 12: “In recent weeks police in Perth have repeatedly
attacked the Nyoongar Tent Embassy on Matagarup (Heirisson
Island). Large numbers of officers have been used along
with horses and dogs. Four people have been arrested on
trumped up charges in an attempt to try and weaken the
protest. The Barnett Government has ordered the police to
remove the protesters. At the moment the Tent Embassy is
the most vocal and visible form of opposition to the
government’s attempt to take land from the Nyoongar people
in South Western Australia.” By Mick Suter, Perth

See:

WGAR News: Force used to suppress the Aboriginal
sovereignty movement: Michael Anderson (27 Mar 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/27/wgar-news-force-used-to-suppress-the-aboriginal-sovereignty-movement-michael-anderson

[Several articles on the Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth, WA.]

Sovereign Union: Nyoongar Sovereign Embassy

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

[Perth, WA]

Facebook: Nyoongar Tent Embassy

http://www.facebook.com/NyoongarTentEmbassy

[Perth, WA]

Welcome to our website… Nyoongar Tent Embassy

http://tentembassywa.com/

[Perth, WA]

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSIES:

Last updated: 15 May 2012

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

* INTERVIEW WITH ELDER DR. DJINIYINI GONDARRA ON
STRONGER FUTURES BILL:

- Audio Interview

SBS Living Black:
Yolngu Gain Support In Rejecting Stronger Futures Bill
By Garfield Samuels

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/215053/t/Yolngu-Gain-Support-In-Rejecting-Stronger-Futures-Bill

11 May 12: “The Catholic Church has joined a growing number
of individuals and institutions voicing their concerns over
the Stronger Futures bill, supporting eight Yolngu nations
in Arnhem Land with their rejection of the new
intervention. … The Church has called it Stolen Futures
and has supported eight Yolngu nations in Arnhem Land, with
their rejection of the new intervention. By disregarding
the right to self determination, it is felt the bill will
only continue the discriminatory practices that began under
the Northern Territory Intervention. … The Yolngu nations
have issued an eight point plan including refusal to approve
mining exploration licenses if the bill isn’t scrapped, as
Elder Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra explains to Garfield Samuels”

See:

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

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

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

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

WGAR News: More organisations state support for the
Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement (11 May 12)

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/11/wgar-news-more-organisations-state-support-for-the-yolngu-nations-assembly-statement

STICS compilation:
Yolŋu Nations Assembly Statement and Supporters

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

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

‘concerned Australians’ compilation:
Churches, Religious, Organisations and Reconciliation Groups

http://concernedaustralians.com.au/Stronger_Futures_Yolngu_supporters.html

“Calls to Abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation, and
Calls to Support the Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement”

* RACHEL SIEWERT: GREENS:
INTERVENTION FUNDING COULD BE STRIPPED FROM EXISTING PROGRAMS

- Media Release

Rachel Siewert: Greens:
Intervention funding could be stripped from existing programs

http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/intervention-funding-could-be-stripped-existing-programs-greens

10 May 12: “The Australian Greens have raised concerns that
announcements for increased funding to the NT through
Stronger Futures are being partly delivered through cuts to
national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs.
“Our initial review of Tuesday’s budget indicates that a
number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
around Australia have been cut or suspended, with their
funding redirected to NT Stronger Futures programs,”
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said today.
“We are very supportive of secure, long term funding for
the Northern Territory, but it should not come at the
expense of existing national programs.
“It is also disappointing that this much needed funding is
being delivered through the flawed Stronger Futures
program. … “”

* MORE ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

Crikey: Homelands policy debacle set to continue for a decade

http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/05/09/homelands-policy-debacle-set-to-continue-for-a-decade/

9 May 12: “In a media release on March 28 this year, the
Australian government announced a $221 million “investment”
in municipal and essential services for outstations and
homelands in the Northern Territory over 10 years - $206
million coming from the Commonwealth and $15 million from
the NT government. Evidently, the Australian government is
keen to assure Aboriginal people living … “
by Jon Altman, an anthropology research professor at ANU

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service:
Calls for human rights revision of Stronger Futures bill

http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7195-calls-for-human-rights-revision-of-stronger-futures-bill

14 May 12: “The extension of the controversial Northern
Territory Intervention is before the Senate this week and
could be introduced by the end of next month despite a call
for a human rights review. Director with the National
Congress for Australia’s First People, Rob Little, says
legislation can be scrutinized by a human rights committee
and is urging Australians to demand a revision of Stronger
Futures. Mr. Little says the Intervention has bypassed the
Racial Discrimination Act. … For more information go to
http://congressmob.good.do/stoplisten/bnmb/ “

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

Last updated: 12 May 2012

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Last updated: 29 April 2012

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

* 3CR RADIOACTIVE SHOW: LIZARDS REVENGE FESTIVAL

- Audio

3CR Community Radio 855 AM – Podcasts
[scroll down page] http://www.3cr.org.au/podcast
Radioactive Show – 13 May 2012
[download this program] http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2012-05-12-27194.mp3
13 May 12: “A reminder of the Lizards Revenge Festival and
why people are protesting the expansion of Roxby Downs
Uranium Mine plus more vox pops from people at the Lizards
Rising fundraiser, plus news from Japan and community
announcements.”

- Upcoming events

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

Event: Fri 1 June 2012: Marrickville, Sydney, NSW
Lizard Rising Sydney Fundraiser
“Another wild night in preparation for the
Lizards Revenge global emergency
$10 entry toward the Rollen Blockade of
BHP Billitons Olympic Dam expansion”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser

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

Event: 14 to 18 July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard’s Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
“Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come.”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musicartfestivalprotest
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-billitons-olympic-dam-mine-expansion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
Perth Event: Fri 18 May 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizards-revenge-a-dinner-and-talk
Sydney Event: Fri 1 June 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
Road Trip for Change Tue 3 – Fri 20 July 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from-country

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio

SBS Living Black:
High Profile Australians Call For Justice Reinvestment
By Michelle Lovegrove

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/215045/t/High-Profile-Australians-Call-For-Justice-Reinvestment/in/english

11 May 12: “A group of high profile Australians are calling
on the year-old New South Wales’ government to overhaul its
approach to Aboriginal juvenile detention. The state’s
Governor, Marie Bashir is among a group of high profile
Australians calling on the New South Wales government to
overhaul its approach to Aboriginal juvenile detention. …
The Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, and former
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Commissioner, Tom Calma, is also supporting the Justice
Reinvestment campaign. Mr. Calma tells Greg Dyett the New
South Wales government needs to spend more on early
intervention.”

- – -

About WGAR News:

http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-aboriginal-rights-australia

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;
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and tent embassies;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.

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

- – -

You can also subscribe to our second list ‘Contact WGAR’
which focuses on activities and events and provides a point
of contact.

To subscribe, email contactwgar@gmail.com and include the
words “subscribe WGAR Contact” in the message header.

- – -

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR Website: http://wgar.wordpress.com/
YouTube – Videos from this email

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

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

Click on the links for details of the events …

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event: 20 May 2012: Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation film screening
Welcome to Country by a local Community Elder
Q&A with special guest speaker Nicole Watson
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/20-may-2012-bondi-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

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

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

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

Event: Thu 24 May 2012: Rozelle, Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening & Photography Exhibition
Hosted by Amnesty Intl NSW Demand Dignity AG
& Tali Gallery
With special guest speaker Graeme Mundine
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28567/
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/24-may-2012-rozelle-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

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

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

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

Event: 4 May – 8 July 2012: Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW
Manuwangku, Under the Nuclear Cloud
Photographs by Jagath Dheerasekara
Curated by Sandy Edwards
Head On Photo Festival
“”The photographs are excellent. They are a moving
portrayal of Aboriginal Australia that all Australians
aught to know about on an issue that wont go away.”
- John Pilger, Writer and Filmmaker, January 2012″
Event details: http://jagathdeerasekera.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/manuwangku-under-nuclear-cloud.html
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/28595/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://sydneyartgalleriesandartcommunity.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/openings-and-the-arts-in-sydney-30042012-06052012/
Article: [scroll down page] http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/picture-a-world-of-observation-and-invention-20120501-1xwx3.html

Event: Sat 26 May 2012: Bankstown, Sydney, NSW
Seminar for unionists and community members:
Stop Government Income Management
in Bankstown & everywhere
” … aimed at workers who will be caught up
implementing Income Management in
Bankstown, as well as other unionists.”
Event details: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/#May2012
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50999
Union campaign letter of 16 Apr 12: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/Campaign-Let-Bankstown-IM-Apr-12.pdf
Background: http://www.solidarity.net.au/44/bankstown-basicscard-campaign-reaches-out-to-unionists/
Background: http://www.sayno2gim.info/
Background: http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/income-management

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

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

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

Event: 29 May 2012: Sydney Uni, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
National Reconciliation Week
Followed by a guest speaker on ‘Reconciliation’
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/screenings/29-may-2012-sydney-nsw
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

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

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

Event: Fri 1 June 2012: Marrickville, Sydney, NSW
Lizard Rising Sydney Fundraiser
“Another wild night in preparation for the
Lizards Revenge global emergency
$10 entry toward the Rollen Blockade of
BHP Billitons Olympic Dam expansion”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
[See Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA below:
Lizards Revenge Music/Art Festival protest]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event: 14 to 18 (or 20) July 2012: Olympic Dam, SA
The Lizard’s Revenge:
Olympic Dam expansion music/art/festival/protest
“Sleeping underneath the ground there is an old lizard,
Kalta the sleepy lizard. The lizard ain’t so sleepy anymore.
BHP is mining right into that Lizards body. The government
has just approved an expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium
mine, making it the biggest uranium mine in the world.
Kalta is angry and wants revenge.
Arabana elder Kevin Buzzacot is calling the people of the
world to help the lizard shut down the mine. He is calling
for people to come and heal the land in the name of peace
and justice for the next 10,000 generations to come.”
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/the-lizards-revenge-olympic-dam-expansion-musicartfestivalprotest
Background: http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/australia-approves-20-30bn-bhp-billitons-olympic-dam-mine-expansion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/224524544273924
Website: http://lizardsrevenge.net/
Perth Event: Fri 18 May 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizards-revenge-a-dinner-and-talk
Sydney Event: Fri 1 June 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/lizard-rising-sydney-fundraiser
Road Trip for Change Tue 3 – Fri 20 July 2012: http://indymedia.org.au/road-trip-for-change-step-outback-and-learn-from-country

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

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

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

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

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

- ‘Our Generation’ Film Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

See:

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

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

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

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

See:

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

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

STICS compilation:
Yolŋu Nations Assembly Statement and Supporters

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

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

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

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

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

- Media Release

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

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

- Statement

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

See:

Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools
Last updated: 7 May 2012

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

* CRA: CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS SUPPORT THE YOLNGU NATIONS STATEMENT

- Statement

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

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

- Statement

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

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

- Media Release

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

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

- Letter

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

* PUBLIC STATEMENT PROTESTING AGAINST THE STRONGER FUTURES BILLS:

- Statement

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

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

- Media Release

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

* AMY McQUIRE: SYDNEY LAUNCH OF NT CONSULTATIONS REPORT 2011

- Sydney launch

Respect and Listen:

http://www.respectandlisten.org/

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

- Speech

Amy McQuire: Sydney Launch of NT Consultations Report 2011

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

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

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

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

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

- News

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

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

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

* JOSEPHITES URGE SENATE TO REJECT STRONGER FUTURES BILL?:

- Media Release

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

* MICHAEL BRULL:
SHAMEFUL SECOND INTERVENTION SLIPS UNDER THE RADAR

- Analysis / Opinion

ABC Drum Opinion:
Shameful second intervention slips under the radar

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

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

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

- Media Release

Rachel Siewert:
Greens set for debate on NT Intervention expansion

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

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

* MORE ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

Northern Rivers Echo: Red tape binding the vulnerable

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

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

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio Online News 10.05.2012

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

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

- News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last updated: 10 May 2012

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Last updated: 29 April 2012

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

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

- Media Release

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

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

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

* WALMADAN TENT EMBASSY, NORTH OF BROOME, WA:

- News

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

See:

Facebook: Goolarabooloo and Lurujarri Heritage Trail

http://www.facebook.com/Goolarabooloo

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY MOVEMENT:

Last updated: 10 May 2012

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

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

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

See:

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

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

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

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

- Media Release

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

* SNAICC STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH YOLNGU NATIONS ASSEMBLY:

- Media Release

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

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

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

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

* ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY RESPECTFULLY SUPPORTS YOLGNU ELDERS:

- Media Release

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

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

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

* UCA: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HEED YOLNGU VOICES

- News

Uniting Church of Australia ASSEMBLY
Federal Government should heed Yolngu voices

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

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

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

- Statement

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

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

- Statement

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

See:

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

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

* ACM SYDNEY: YOLNGU NATIONS REJECT “STRONGER FUTURES”

- Statement

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

See:

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

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

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

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

- Statement

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

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

- Media Release

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

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

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

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio Online News 09.08.2012

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

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

- Related News

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

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

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

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

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

Australian: Intervention laws face human rights hurdle

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

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

See:

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

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

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

- Statement

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

- Related News

Catholic Leader: Church on indigenous elders’ side

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

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

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

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

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

See:

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

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

* NATSIEC: STRONGER FUTURES OR STRONGER POLICING

- Statement

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

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

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

* MORE ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Media Releases

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

ANTaR: Budget delivers investment in remote communities

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

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

See:

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

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

ANTaR: Long term commitment to NT communities welcomed

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

- News

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

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

newsTracker: Stronger Futures expected to pass Upper House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 News: Fears intervention laws will sneak through

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

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

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

Last updated: 8 May 2012

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Last updated: 29 April 2012

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

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

- Audio

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

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

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

- Event

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

Last updated: 6 May 2012

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

* THE WIRE: INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES HAVE ROLE IN EDUCATION

- Audio

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

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

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

See:

Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into
language learning in Indigenous communities

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

[Includes 147 submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry.]

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

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

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

- News

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

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

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

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

Last updated: 7 May 2012

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio

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

- Upcoming event

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

- Audio

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

See:

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

- News

Australian: Delay urged on indigenous referendum

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

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

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

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

Click on the links for details of the events …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- ‘Our Generation’ Film Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

See:

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

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

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

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

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

- Sydney launch

Respect and Listen:

http://www.respectandlisten.org/

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

- Speech

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

See:

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

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

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

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

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

- Media Release

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

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

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

- Related News

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

Australian: Catholic bishops oppose intervention

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

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

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

- Video

Vimeo: Stand for Freedom by Respect and Listen

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

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

http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/ “

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

- Media Release

ANTaR: Time now critical to set new path in NT

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

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

See:

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

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

* CONGRESS: STOP AND LISTEN ON THE INTERVENTION

- Action

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

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

Last updated: 6 May 2012

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Last updated: 29 April 2012

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

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

Last updated: 5 May 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

See:

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

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

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

Last updated: 7 May 2012

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

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

- Video

YouTube: Nyoongar Sovereignty

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

* BACKGROUND TO THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSIES:

Last updated: 4 May 2012

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

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

- Video

Four Corners: Judgement Day by Liz Jackson and Lisa McGregor

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

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

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

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

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