April | 2010

Archive for April, 2010

23/04/2010: RAW SEWERAGE DUMPED IN AMPILATWATJA – ABORIGINAL WORKER DISMISSED

Posted in NEWS on 23/04/2010 by D

Contents:
* Raw Sewage dumped in Ampilatwatja – Aboriginal worker dismissed
* Public Forum: A National call out launched by John Pilger & Richard Downs
* Update: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump
* Other NT Intervention Articles
* Other Aboriginal Articles

RAW SEWERAGE DUMPED IN AMPILATWATJA
– ABORIGINAL WORKER DISMISSED:

– Background

Melbourne Indymedia: WGAR News: … Raw sewage dumped in NT ‘prescribed community’ (18 Apr 10)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/17/wgar-news-ampilatwatja-walk-off-film-raw-sewage-dumped-in-ampilatwatja-18-apr-10

– Media Release

Rollback the Intervention: Media Releases
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/media/
18 Apr 10: “Mark Fordham, an Aboriginal man employed until
12th April by the Barkly Shire, has been summarily
dismissed after refusing to cart raw sewage and dump it on
the Ampilatwatja tip. Contractors were subsequently hired
by the Shire to do this work, one of them subsequently
becoming ill. On the pretext of him not fulfilling his
contractual obligations, Mr Fordham was denied leave and,
after speaking out about the health risks in handling and
dumping of the raw sewage, he was dismissed and told to
vacate his house, along with his 2 young sons, with only 2
hours’ notice. The Barkly Shire has told him he needs to
seek their permission before he accesses any of their
shire communities in the future.”

– Report Back

Overland: A slippery reality
http://web.overland.org.au/2010/04/21/a-slippery-reality/
21 Apr 10: “We drove out with a video camera to film events
taking place the following day. One was a meeting that was
happening in the community, the other was evidence that the
Barkly Shire Council had dumped 3000 litres of raw sewage
in the tip. Sewerage that was still, almost a week later,
sitting there exposed to the sun and the rain. Sitting
there for the dogs to play and roll around in. Sitting
there for people to get sick, … ” Scott Foyster

– Video

ABC Alice Springs:
Council worker arrest ‘linked to sewage disposal’
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/04/20/2877166.htm?site=alicesprings
20 Apr 10: “A man from Ampilatwatja, north-east of Alice
Springs, has been charged with making death threats to a
fellow employee but friends say his arrest is linked with
raising concerns over sewage disposal.”

PUBLIC FORUM: A NATIONAL CALL OUT LAUNCHED BY JOHN PILGER & RICHARD DOWNS:

Stop the Intervention:
[scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/
“Friday 23 April, 2010, 6 pm:
Public Forum: The NT Intervention is a fraud
– A National call out launched by
journalist John Pilger, Sydney Peace Prize Winner 2009 and
Richard Downs, spokesperson for the Alyawarr walk-off,
Ampilatwatja NT
with Prof. Larissa Behrendt, NAIDOC Indigenous Person of
the Year 2009 and
Paul McAleer, Branch Secretary Maritime Union of
Australia, Sydney Branch.
Federation Conference Centre Auditorium,
37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills.
All welcome.
Organised by Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS).”
[includes link to poster]

UPDATE: MUCKATY STATION NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

– Background

Beyond Nuclear Initiative’s weblog:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/audio/
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/video/

WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory (2 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/02/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-in-the-northern-territory-2-mar-10

WGAR News: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (20 Mar 10)
http://groups.google.com.au/group/foblmail/browse_thread/thread/ddc393bb66205849

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump … (28 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/28/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-close-the-gap-day-28-mar-10

WGAR News: Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump … (4 Apr 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/03/wgar-news-muckaty-radioactive-waste-dump-welfare-quarantining-4-apr-10

WGAR News: National day of action against Muckaty nuclear waste dump: 12th April!
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/10/wgar-news-national-day-of-action-against-muckaty-nuclear-waste-dump-12th-april

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump: Senate inquiry in Darwin; Nationwide protests (17 Apr 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/16/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-senate-inquiry-in-darwin-nationwide-protests-17-apr-10

– News

ABC: Nuclear dump opponents campaign in Melbourne
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/22/2879974.htm
21 Apr 10: “Some traditional owners from Muckaty Station in
the Northern Territory were in Melbourne last night to
campaign against a proposed nuclear waste dump being built
on their land. Dave Sweeney from the Australia Conservation
Foundation says a public meeting was held in the electorate
of the federal Resources Minister, Martin Ferguson.”

ABC: Brown questions nuclear dump rationale
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/21/2879186.htm
21 Apr 10: “The Greens Senator Bob Brown says a proposed
nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station is not necessary. Mr
Brown was commenting after completing a trip to Central
Australia. He says the disposal of nuclear medical waste is
the responsibility of the cities concerned.”

Green Left: Nuke dump protesters target PM’s office
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2010/834/42915
18 Apr 10: “BRISBANE – “We don’t need nuclear power”, Sam
Watson, Aboriginal community leader and Socialist Alliance
Senate candidate, told a picket against the proposed
nuclear waste dump at Muckaty in the Northern Territory,
held outside PM Kevin Rudd’s electorate office in Norman
Park on April 12.”

NT News: Gray backs Muckaty as location for nuke dump
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/04/16/140271_ntnews.html
16 Apr 10: “THE federal parliamentary secretary for
northern Australia said he supports the move to bring a
nuclear waste facility to the Territory despite concern
over the process of the selection of a site. Gary Gray said
he supported the proposed site at Muckaty because be
believed the process with traditional owners had been
fair.”

National Indigenous Times:
Nuke waste dump could face legal challenge: Newhouse
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19694
15 Apr 10: “Traditional owners of land which has been
nominated for a proposed nuclear waste dump in the Northern
Territory are considering legal action to stop the project
going ahead. … The land was nominated by the Ngapa
traditional owners, one of a handful of family groups who
are custodians of the land. But other traditional owners
weren’t consulted, according to Sydney-based human rights
lawyer George Newhouse.”

– Opinion/Analysis

Socialist Party (Australia):
NT: Nuclear waste facility to be dumped on locals
http://www.socialistpartyaustralia.org/archives/2504
21 Apr 10: “Federal ALP Resources Minister Martin Ferguson
recently announced he intends to pursue plans for a
national radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory
(NT), despite opposition from many traditional owners. The
Liberals and National opposition have decided to support
government legislation to do this. … The Socialist Party
is opposed to nuclear power as it is an expensive and
dangerous alternative to fossil fuels.”

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17/04/2010: NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP: SENATE INQUIRY IN DARWIN; NATIONWIDE PROTESTS

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 17/04/2010 by D

Contents:
Nuclear Waste Dump:
* Darwin Senate inquiry on National Radioactive Waste Management Bill
* Nationwide protests against nuclear waste dump at Muckaty NT
* Muckaty Traditional Owners in Melbourne on April 21
* Other Muckaty Articles

NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP:

– Background of Muckaty Nuclear Waste Dump

Beyond Nuclear Initiative’s weblog:
http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com/
“This site is a snapshot of current nuclear free campaigns
in Australia, particularly focusing on the proposal for a
federal radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory.”

WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory (2 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/02/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-in-the-northern-territory-2-mar-10

WGAR News: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (20 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/20/20032010-muckaty-station-nuclear-waste-dump/

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump … (28 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/28/28032010-nuclear-waste-dump-close-the-gap-day/

WGAR News: Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump … (4 Apr 10)
https://wgar.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/04042010-muckaty-radioactive-waste-dump-welfare-quarantining/

WGAR News: National day of action against Muckaty nuclear waste dump: 12th April!
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/10/wgar-news-national-day-of-action-against-muckaty-nuclear-waste-dump-12th-april

* DARWIN SENATE INQUIRY ON NATIONAL RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT BILL:

– Media Release

Greens: Muckaty radioactive waste plan must be dumped
http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/muckaty-radioactive-waste-plan-must-be-dumped-greens
12 Apr 10: “The Federal Government has no alternative but
to scrap the nomination of Muckaty Station, near Tennant
Creek, as a site for Australia’s first ever radioactive
waste dump following evidence heard at a Senate inquiry in
Darwin, according to the Australian Greens. “Today we heard
first hand accounts of just how flawed the process was that
led to Muckaty’s nomination,” said Senate Committee Member
Greens Senator Scott Ludlam. “Numerous Traditional Owners
outlined how they and their people were completely excluded
from the shared decision making process which is the norm
in Aboriginal custom on issues to do with kinship of land.”

– Opinion/Analysis

New Matilda: Labor Lied About Nuclear Waste
http://newmatilda.com/2010/04/16/labor-lied-about-nuclear-waste
16 Apr 10: “The tension was evident at Monday’s Senate
committee hearing in Darwin. … Elders from the Ngapa,
Milwayi, Ngarrka, Yapayapa and Wirntiku clans travelled to
Darwin to reject the Government’s claim that any one person
has the exclusive rights to say yes or no to the waste
dump.” Scott Ludlam

– News

Tennant & District Times: Inquiry hears from Muckaty owners
http://tennantcreek.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/inquiry-hears-from-muckaty-owners/1804955.aspx
16 Apr 10: “TRADITIONAL owners of Muckaty told a Senate
Inquiry held in Darwin on Monday they had not given
permission to build a nuclear waste facility on their land.
Dianne Stokes, one of several traditional owners who spoke
at the Inquiry said she, and others, had been excluded from
Northern Land Council meetings where the deal was
discussed.”

New Matilda: Labor’s Nuclear-Powered Steamroller
http://newmatilda.com/2010/04/15/labors-nuclearpowered-steamroller
15 Apr 10: “On Monday, the Senate inquiry into the National
Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010 held its final
hearing in Darwin. The inquiry has been underway since
September and is expected to deliver its recommendations by
the end of the month. Those recommendations are not
expected to favour the proposed dump site at Muckaty
Station near Tennant Creek. But the Bill may be passed
anyway, … ” Jennifer Mills

Age: Terrorist fears over NT nuclear dump site
http://www.theage.com.au/national/terrorist-fears-over-nt-nuclear-dump-site-20100413-s7nq.html
14 Apr 10: “TERRORIST groups could target radioactive
material being transported to a proposed nuclear waste dump
in a remote part of central Australia, the Northern
Territory Government has warned. And security agencies in
northern Australia do not have the expertise or equipment
to securely store or respond to accidents involving the
transportation of radioactive material, … “

SMH: Clans challenge plan for N-waste dump
http://www.smh.com.au/national/clans-challenge-plan-for-nwaste-dump-20100412-s43o.html
13 Apr 10: “A FEDERAL government proposal to build a
nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory faces a fresh
challenge from Aboriginal land owners who claim their
“dreaming” and traditional laws overlap the nominated site.
… In a submission to a Senate committee yesterday, elders
from the Ngapa, Milwayi, Ngarrka, Yapayapa and Wirntiku
clans rejected a claim by the Northern Land Council … ”

NT News: Consent ‘not given’ by Muckaty land owners
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/04/13/139011_ntnews.html
13 Apr 10: “THE deal to build a nuclear waste dump at
Muckaty Station in the NT Outback was done without the
consent of many affected by the decision, a Senate Inquiry
was told yesterday. Muckaty Land Trust member Diane Stokes
was one of many traditional owners who travelled from
Tennant Creek to Darwin for the hearing.”

ABC: Nuke dump nomination process divisive: Greens
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/13/2871117.htm?section=justin
13 Apr 10: “It is clear something went wrong in the
consultation process regarding the nomination of Muckaty
Station as a nuclear waste dump, the Greens Senator Scott
Ludlam says. A Senate inquiry into the Federal Government’s
proposed Radioactive Waste Management Bill wrapped up its
public hearings in Darwin yesterday.”

ABC: NT unfairly singled out over nuke dump: Henderson
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/12/2870645.htm
12 Apr 10: “The Chief Minister has told a Senate inquiry
the Commonwealth is forcing a nuclear waste dump on the
Northern Territory by using a constitutional weakness. …
The Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, has told the inquiry
the Territory has been unfairly singled out to house the
dump.”

Canberra Times: NT clans, MPs oppose N-dump
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/nt-clans-mps-oppose-ndump/1799912.aspx
12 Apr 10: “A proposed nuclear waste dump near Tennant
Creek, in the Northern Territory, is being approved by the
Rudd Government despite a majority locals opposing it,
traditional owners will tell a Senate inquiry in Darwin
today. And fears are growing that the dump, at Muckaty
Station, about 120km from Tennant Creek, could close the
cattle industry in the area, hurt tourism and damage
biodiversity.”

ABC Darwin: Wood blocked from airing nuke dump views
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/12/2870247.htm?site=darwin&section=news
12 Apr 10: “Independent MLA Gerry Wood says he has been
silenced by the Senate Committee examining a proposed
nuclear waste facility in the Northern Territory. …
Traditional owners of the site proposed for a nuclear waste
dump near Tennant Creek are today expected to tell the
Senate Inquiry that their opposition was ignored when the
site was nominated.”

* NATIONWIDE PROTESTS AGAINST NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP AT MUCKATY NT:

– Report back

Overland: Mucking up at Muckaty
http://web.overland.org.au/2010/04/14/mucking-up-at-muckaty/
14 Apr 10: “Close to one hundred people were gathered
outside Parliament House in Darwin this April afternoon –
traditional owners from Muckaty Station, activists from
Alice Springs and Darwin, a woman who’d helped defeat the
waste dump proposal in South Australia, unionists, two
politicians and concerned citizens. The reason for the
gathering, aside from showing opposition to the nuclear
waste dump at Muckaty Station, was the senate inquiry
taking place inside Parliament House … ” Rohan Wightman
[includes photos]

– Photos

ASEN – Australian Student Environment Network:
Sydney – National Day of Action against Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump
http://asen.org.au/news/2010/04/13/sydney-national-day-of-action-against-muckaty-radioactive-waste-dump/
13 Apr 10: “Monday 12th April marked a National Day of
Action against the Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump and for
Sydney that meant a message needed to be sent to and heard
by Peter Garrett! … Sydney ASEN crew with Friends of the
Earth Sydney created a delicious radioactive waste dump
outside of Peter Garrett’s office to show what it felt like
to have nasty nuclear waste on his front door.”

– Video

EngageMedia: No Dump at Muckaty – Melbourne, 12 April 2010
http://www.engagemedia.org/Members/pc/videos/muckaty-nda-12april10_transcoded.avi/view
14 Apr 10: “Footage from Melbourne’s contribution to a
National Day of Action against the nuclear waste dump due
to be forced on the people of the Northern Territory … On
the day a Senate enquiry into the plan was due to start in
Darwin, Friends of the Earth’s Anti-nuclear and Clean
Energy Collective (ACE) and ASEN (Australian Student
Environment Network) joined forces in a loud and colourful
event … “

– Media Release

Tasmanian Times: Tasmanians support Muckaty Traditional Owners
http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php?/pr-article/tasmanians-support-muckaty-traditional-owners/
12 Apr 10: “Today at 12pm concerned Tasmanians will create
a mock nuclear waste dump in Franklin Square Hobart to
highlight the real threat of the proposed Federal ALP
nuclear waste repository in the Northern Territory. The
protest is part of a national day of action coinciding with
a senate inquiry hearing in Darwin on the National
Radioactive Waste Management Bill (NRWMB) that seeks to
impose a radioactive waste dump at Muckaty station, 120
kilometres north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
“The Hobart action stands in solidarity with the vast
majority of Muckaty Traditional owners who have been
opposing the plan to dump dangerous nuclear waste on their
country since it was first proposed.” commented media
spokesman Brett Thompson.”

– News

NT News: Protesters demand end to nuclear waste dump plan
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/04/13/139021_ntnews.html
13 Apr 10: “ABOUT 80 people opposed to a radioactive waste
dump at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek protested
yesterday in front of the Northern Land Council and
Parliament House. Muckaty Land Trust member and Yapa Yapa
elder Diane Stokes led the protest. She challenged the
Ngapa people who approved the deal to prove their culture
through dance and ceremony.”

ABC: Nuclear dump protesters target NT Parliament
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/12/2870362.htm
12 Apr 10: “Protesters have gathered at Parliament House in
Darwin to lobby against the Commonwealth’s plans to set up
a nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory. The protest
comes as a Senate inquiry is about to hear evidence in
Darwin from traditional owners who are against the dump.
… Protesters are calling on the inquiry to travel to
Tennant Creek and talk to the people directly affected.”

Koori Mail: Muckaty protest outside Senate inquiry
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
12 Apr 10: “A NATIONAL Day of Action is underway today as
protests continue against the nomination of Muckaty Station
near Tennant Creek in the NT as the site for a possible
nuclear waste dump. Some Ngapa traditional owners have
supported such a dump but others are opposed and joined a
protest rally in Darwin, where a Senate inquiry hearing
into related legislation is currently underway.”

Age: Protesters hit out at nuclear waste dump plan
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/protesters-hit-out-at-nuclear-waste-dump-plan-20100412-s2s2.html
12 Apr 10: “Melburnians have joined a nationwide protest
against Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson’s plans
for a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty, in the Northern
Territory. Protesters gathered at Parliament House today
before walking to Federation Square where they announced
their preferred site for the waste dump – Mr Ferguson’s
backyard.”

QUT News: Nuclear protest targets PM
http://www.qutnews.com/2010/04/12/nuclear-protest-targets-pm/
12 Apr 10: “Nuclear protesters delivered a radioactive
message to Kevin Rudd’s electoral office in Brisbane today.
The group is fighting against a Bill, which proposes
dumping Nuclear Waste on Aboriginal Lands in the Northern
Territory. … Armed with mock waste barrel and a letter
from the traditional owners of the Land, the group had a
message for the Prime Minister: How would you like it?”
[includes video]

* MUCKATY TRADITIONAL OWNERS IN MELBOURNE ON APRIL 21:

– Event

Friends of the Earth Melbourne:
Muckaty Traditional Owners in Melbourne on April 21
http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=node/709
“Traditional Owners fighting Martin Ferguson’s plan to dump
nuclear waste on their land in the Northern Territory will
be in Melbourne on April 21. Please come to this public
meeting to hear their story and to find out what we can do
to support them.
Information evening, photo exhibition, film screening.”

* OTHER MUCKATY ARTICLES:

– Report back

Overland: The land is in our heart and in our minds
http://web.overland.org.au/2010/04/12/the-land-is-in-our-heart-and-in-our-minds/
12 Apr 10: “The next morning we went to the rally. We met
outside the Northern Land Council (NLC) building and after
a welcome and a few words from Muckaty Traditional owner
Diane Stokes, the 250-strong contingent of Traditional
Owners, Tennant and Territory residents, nuclear-free
campaigners from around the country, children and dogs
marched down the main street shouting slogans ‘no dump at
Muckaty’ and ‘don’t dump on the NT’.” Scott Foyster

– Article and Slideshow

ACF – Australian Conservation Foundation:
‘No Muckaty radioactive waste dump’ gathering and protest
http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=2779
13 Apr 10: “However, many local Aboriginal people with the
authority to speak for the land either actively oppose or
have not been adequately consulted about the controversial
plan and the deal struck between a this group, the Northern
Land Council and the Commonwealth remains secret. The
Muckaty story is one of broken promises, secret deals,
confidential documents and the profound abuse of process.”

– Photos

Flickr: beyondnuclearinitiative’s photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42376368@N02/
Uploaded 15 Apr 10

– Radio

104.1 Territory FM:
Proposed Nuclear Waste Site at Muckaty station
http://www.territoryfm.com/podcasts/proposed-nuclear-waste-site-muckaty-station
12 Apr 10: “Daryl Manzie talks to Chief Minister Hon. Paul
Henderson about the current federal proposal for a Nuclear
Waste Dump at Muckaty station.”

– News

ABC: Right owners consulted on nuke dump: Ferguson
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/12/2870739.htm?section=justin
12 Apr 10: “The Federal Resources Minister says there is no
doubt the right traditional owners were consulted over the
prospect of their land being used to host a nuclear waste
dump in the Northern Territory.”

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11/04/2010: WELFARE QUARANTINING & THE RDA; UNRESTRICTED RDA PETITION

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 11/04/2010 by D

Contents:
* STICS Forum (29 Mar): Welfare Quarantining and the Racial Discrimination Act
* Petition for reinstatement of an Unrestricted Racial Discrimination Act
* Intervention Rollback Action Group April bush tour funding appeal
* Other Aboriginal Articles

STICS FORUM (29 MAR):
WELFARE QUARANTINING AND THE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ACT:

[STICS: Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney: http://stoptheintervention.org/]

– Special STICS Compilation

STICS Public Forum:
Welfare Quarantining and the Racial Discrimination Act
– what will Macklin’s new Intervention laws mean?
Monday, 29th March 2010, 6pm
http://stoptheintervention.org/forum-welfare-quarantining-and-the-rda
[Includes background info, media coverage, videos and more]

– News of Forum

National Indigenous Times:
Nicholson, Siewert slam Rudd govt over ‘disgraceful’ RDA laws
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19631
1 Apr 10: “A former Family Court Chief Justice has
delivered a damning assessment of the Rudd government’s
attempt to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA),
saying the fight should be kept up against the
“disgraceful” laws even if they are passed. Professor
Alastair Nicholson, who launched a report based on the Rudd
government’s NT community consultations last year, joined
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert at a forum on the RDA in
Sydney on Monday night.”

– Videos of Forum Speeches

Stop the Intervention – Videos:
http://stoptheintervention.org/forum-welfare-quarantining-and-the-rda/videos
“* Professor the Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC,
former Chief Justice of the Family Court
* Senator Rachel Siewert,
Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal issues”

– Edited transcript of Forum Speech

National Indigenous Times:
THE BIG READ: Tired of being ashamed
http://www.nit.com.au/news/story.aspx?id=19603
1 Apr 10: “This is disgraceful legislation which
perpetuates the paternalism and racial discrimination
inherent in the Intervention. It is a disturbing extension
of bureaucratic powers and the power of the executive over
welfare recipients and seems to reflect a philosophy more
in tune with that of the previous government than what one
would expect of a Labor government. The real issue that
troubles me is as to why this government, which was elected
with such expectation of change, is behaving in this way
towards Aboriginal people. … I urge all of you to
continue the fight against this legislation and to maintain
that fight even if it is passed.” Professor Alastair
Nicholson, former Chief Justice of the Family Court of
Australia

– Opinion

National Indigenous Times:
EDITORIAL OPINION: Shame over intervention laws
http://www.nit.com.au/opinion/story.aspx?id=19596
1 Apr 10: “The last paragraph of former Family Court Chief
Justice Alastair Nicholson’s speech, published in this
fortnight’s Big Read, is compelling. “I urge all of you to
continue the fight against this legislation and to maintain
that fight even if it is passed,” he said. “As an
Australian I am tired of my country being subjected by its
governments to classification as racist and white
supremacist and I am tired of being ashamed of my country
as I have been since the advent of the Howard government
and now its successor.”” Amy McQuire, editor

PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF AN UNRESTRICTED RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ACT:

– Online Petition

Go Petition: An Unrestricted Racial Discrimination Act
for the Northern Territory
http://www.gopetition.com/online/35341.html
6 Apr 10: “Background (Preamble):
Legislation currently before the Commonwealth Government
includes plans to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act
which was suspended when the Intervention was introduced
into the Northern Territory in June, 2007.
However, this new Act will be a very restricted version to
the one which was suspended in 2007. It will NOT have the
powers to protect Aboriginal people from the consequences
of so-called special measures.
For example, when the RDA was suspended, Aboriginal people
had no means of appeal against compulsory acquisition of
their land by government on 5-year leases. When this new
Act is reinstated, NOTHING WILL CHANGE. There will be no
legal avenue to address this issue, or any other issue
related to the measures. …
Petition:
To the Secretary of the Committee for the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination
We, the undersigned, call upon the Committee for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) at the UN to
press for the Reinstatement of an UNRESTRICTED and
UNCONDITIONAL Racial Discrimination Act that will provide
FULL protection for Aboriginal people in the Northern
Territory.”

– Petitions to print off and distribute

ANTaR Victoria: Government ignores calls to reinstate an
uncompromised Racial Discrimination Act
[scroll down page] http://www.antarvictoria.org.au/
“The RDA that the Australian Government is planning to
reinstate has heavily restricted powers and will not
protect Aboriginal people from discriminatory ‘special
measures’. Concerned Australians calls on community support
to press for the reinstatement of an unrestricted RDA.
Download and sign the petition here
http://www.antarvictoria.org.au/downloads/flyer-petition%20RDA%20%202%20April.pdf “

INTERVENTION ROLLBACK ACTION GROUP APRIL BUSH TOUR FUNDING APPEAL:

Rollback the Intervention:
URGENT FUNDING APPEAL
Intervention Rollback Action Group April bush tour funding appeal
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/
“IRAG is planning a tour of remote NT communities this
month to get feedback about the ongoing effects of the
Intervention and help communities participate in the
national campaign demanding change. $3000 is required to
cover food, camping, fuel and other vehicle costs over this
period. This tour comes at a critical time. … “

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NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP: 12th APRIL!

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 11/04/2010 by D

Contents:
National Day of Action against Muckaty Nuclear Waste Dump: 12th April!
Nuclear Waste Dump: Possible Legal Challenge; Tennant Creek Protests

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST MUCKATY NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP: 12th APRIL!

– Background

WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory (2 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/02/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-in-the-northern-territory-2-mar-10

WGAR News: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (20 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/20/20032010-muckaty-station-nuclear-waste-dump/

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump … (28 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/28/28032010-nuclear-waste-dump-close-the-gap-day/

WGAR News: Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump … (4 Apr 10)
https://wgar.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/04042010-muckaty-radioactive-waste-dump-welfare-quarantining/

– National Day of Action Events

ASEN – Australian Student Environment Network:
National Day of Action against Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump: 12th April!
http://asen.org.au/news/2010/04/01/national-day-of-action-against-muckaty-radioactive-waste-dump-12th-april/
1 Apr 10: “On 12 April, the Senate will hold a public
hearing in Darwin as part of its inquiry into the
legislation that will lock-in Muckaty as the site for a
national radioactive waste dump. There will be no hearing
in Tennant Creek, effectively SILENCING many Traditional
Owners, who will be unable to travel to Darwin.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT to the Muckaty Traditional Owners who
have been opposing the plan to dump dangerous nuclear waste
on their country since it was first proposed.”
[Includes contacts for every state and territory]

Sydney plans are:

australian activist calendar:
National Day Of Action Against The Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump.
http://www.greenleft.org.au/calendar/?q=node/3724
“Peaceful protest at Peter Garrett’s Office
3pm Monday 12 April 806-812 Anzac Pde, Maroubra [Sydney]”

NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP: POSSIBLE LEGAL CHALLENGE; TENNANT CREEK PROTESTS:

– News

Tennant and District Times:
Legal eagles weigh in on Muckaty dispute
http://tennantcreek.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/legal-eagles-weigh-in-on-muckaty-dispute/1798532.aspx
9 Apr 10: “A PROMINENT human rights lawyer has agreed to
examine legal options which would jettison plans to
construct a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty. Sydney-based
George Newhouse, who spent the Easter weekend in Tennant
Creek, said evidence from traditional owners has raised
serious doubts about whether the proper people had been
identified for consultation.”

Antinuclear: Traditional Aboriginal Owners to Appear at
Senate Inquiry on Australian Govt’s Nuclear Waste Dump Plan
http://antinuclear.net/2010/04/09/traditional-aboriginal-owners-to-appear-at-senate-inquiry-on-australian-govts-nuclear-waste-dump-plan/
9 Apr 10: “Aboriginal Traditional Owners from the Muckaty
Land Trust will appear at a Senate Inquiry hearing in
Darwin on Monday April 12 to speak against the federal
government’s new law that seeks to impose a radioactive
waste dump on the NT – the National Radioactive Waste
Management (NRWM) Bill.”

National Indigenous Times:
Nuclear waste dump could face legal challenge: Newhouse
http://www.nit.com.au/story.aspx?id=19638
Also SMH: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nuclear-dump-could-face-legal-challenge-20100406-rphv.html
7 Apr 10: “Traditional owners of land which has been
nominated for a proposed nuclear waste dump in the Northern
Territory are considering legal action to stop the project
going ahead. … The land was nominated by the Ngapa
traditional owners, one of a handful of family groups who
are custodians of the land. But other traditional owners
weren’t consulted, according to Sydney-based human rights
lawyer George Newhouse.”

ABC: Lawyers confident over Muckaty legal challenge
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/07/2865948.htm
7 Apr 10: “Lawyers planning to challenge a waste dump at
Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek say if what they have
been told is correct, they should be able to have the
decision overturned. George Newhouse was one of three
lawyers from around Australia who met traditional owners in
Tennant Creek over the weekend.”

ABC Alice Springs:
McCarthy challenges NLC to debate Muckaty dump
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/06/2864872.htm?site=alicesprings
6 Apr 10: “A Northern Territory politician has challenged
the Northern Land Council chief executive to a public
debate over the proposed nuclear waste dump site near
Tennant Creek. … the Member for Barkly Gerry McCarthy
said he and most of his electorate, including some other
traditional owners, are against the move.”

ABC: Hundreds rally to stop nuclear dump
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/05/2864076.htm?section=justin
5 Apr 10: “Indigenous groups and environmentalists are
continuing a push to stop a radioactive waste dump being
built on Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory. More
than 200 people gathered in Tennant Creek on the weekend to
protest against the dump being built on the site north of
the town.”

Koori Mail: Muckaty dissent continues
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
5 Apr 10: “OPPOSITION continues to mount over Ngapa clan
requests that the Government consider Muckaty Station in
the NT as the site for a nuclear waste dump. Other
Aboriginal people have disputed the right of traditional
owners backed by the Northern Land Council to make such
decisions for the area.”

Indymedia Australia: Muckaty Nuclear Waste Dump
protested by Traditional Owners in Tennant Creek
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/04/04/muckaty-nuclear-waste-dump-protested-by-traditional-owners-in-tennant-creek
4 Apr 10: “250 Traditional indigenous owners and
anti-nuclear activists protested in Tennant Creek on
Saturday April 3 in opposition to the proposed Muckaty
Station Nuclear Waste Dump. Anger was particularly directed
at Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson,
and to the Northern Land Council.”

TopNews United States:
Lawyers Convinced of Winning Muckaty Station Dumping Case
http://topnews.us/content/215648-lawyers-convinced-winning-muckaty-station-dumping-case
4 Apr 10: “Lawyers who are planning to dispute a waste dump
at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek are confident that if
reports are correct then it is probable that they would win
the case and the decision will be reversed. George Newhouse,
who is part of the three lawyer team who are taking up the
case met with traditional owners in Tennant Creek this
weekend.”

Brisbane Times: Ngapa people reject nuclear waste dump
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/ngapa-people-reject-nuclear-waste-dump-20100403-rklr.html
Also NIT: http://www.nit.com.au/breakingNews/story.aspx?id=19633
3 Apr 10: “Traditional owners of land that could house a
nuclear waste dump have protested against the plan, saying
they were excluded from the process. … About 250 people
including traditional owners and anti-nuclear campaigners
marched in Tennant Creek on Saturday, directing their anger
at both Resources Minister Martin Ferguson and the Northern
Land Council (NLC) – who they say overlooked them.”

Tennant & District Times:
Big turnout expected for Muckaty rally
http://tennantcreek.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/big-turnout-expected-for-muckaty-rally/1792075.aspx
1 Apr 10: “HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out in
Tennant Creek on Saturday to rally against the proposed
nuclear waste dump at Muckaty. Natalie Wasley from the
Beyond Nuclear Initiative said the people the Federal
Government are attempting to silence with draconian new
legislation would turn out to voice their opposition.”

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04/04/2010: MUCKATY RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP; WELFARE QUARANTINING

Posted in NEWSLETTER on 06/04/2010 by D

Contents:
Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump
Expansion of Welfare Quarantining

MUCKATY RADIOACTIVE WASTE DUMP:

– Background

WGAR News: Nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory (2 Mar 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/02/wgar-news-nuclear-waste-dump-in-the-northern-territory-2-mar-10

WGAR News: Muckaty Station Nuclear Waste Dump (20 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/20/20032010-muckaty-station-nuclear-waste-dump/

WGAR News: Nuclear Waste Dump … (28 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/28/28032010-nuclear-waste-dump-close-the-gap-day/

– National Day of Action

ASEN – Australian Student Environment Network:
National Day of Action
against Muckaty Radioactive Waste Dump: 12th April!
http://asen.org.au/news/2010/04/01/national-day-of-action-against-muckaty-radioactive-waste-dump-12th-april/
1 Apr 10: “On 12 April, the Senate will hold a public
hearing in Darwin as part of its inquiry into the
legislation that will lock-in Muckaty as the site for a
national radioactive waste dump. There will be no hearing
in Tennant Creek, effectively SILENCING many Traditional
Owners, who will be unable to travel to Darwin.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT to the Muckaty Traditional Owners who have
been opposing the plan to dump dangerous nuclear waste on
their country since it was first proposed.”

– Media Releases

Greens MPs:
Govt admits six jobs will be created at Muckaty waste dump
http://www.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/govt-admits-six-jobs-will-be-created-muckaty-waste-dump
30 Mar 10: “The Senate Inquiry into the Commonwealth
Government’s radioactive waste dump legislation has heard a
total of six jobs will be created at a future Muckaty
Station nuclear dump, near Tennant Creek. “This puts to
rest the myth that somehow this waste dump will create
benefits for Aboriginal people or the wider Tennant Creek
community,” said Senator Scott Ludlam, Greens spokesperson
on nuclear issues.”

Greens MPs:
Greens to question secret Muckaty contract in waste dump inquiry
http://www.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-question-secret-muckaty-contract-waste-dump-inquiry
29 Mar 10: “The Australian Greens will question the two
parties involved in signing a secret contract that led to
the nomination of Muckaty Station, near Tennant Creek, as
the only proposed site for Australia’s first ever
radioactive waste dump. “This inquiry will give the
Commonwealth Government and the Northern Land Council the
chance to finally be open with Northern Territorians and all
Australians about the exact nature of the deal struck under
a process which Labor described as illegitimate,” said
Senator Scott Ludlam, Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues.”

– News

Brisbane Times: Ngapa people reject nuclear waste dump
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/ngapa-people-reject-nuclear-waste-dump-20100403-rklr.html
3 Apr 10: “Traditional owners of land that could house a
nuclear waste dump have protested against the plan, saying
they were excluded from the process. … About 250 people
including traditional owners and anti-nuclear campaigners
marched in Tennant Creek on Saturday, directing their anger
at both Resources Minister Martin Ferguson and the Northern
Land Council (NLC) – who they say overlooked them.”

ABC Alice Springs: Dump site row put to Aboriginal dance-off
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/01/2862211.htm?site=alicesprings
1 Apr 10: “Aboriginal people from the Barkly region say
they will test claims to a potential nuclear waste dump
site by holding a traditional dancing session.”

Indymedia Australia: Proposed Muckaty nuclear waste dump
no benefit to traditional owners
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/03/30/proposed-muckaty-nuclear-waste-dump-no-benefit-to-traditional-owners
31 Mar 10: “The Government has admitted that only 6 jobs
will be created by the Nuclear Waste dump on Muckaty
Station, and none of them are likely to go to traditional
people. “This puts to rest the myth that somehow this waste
dump will create benefits for Aboriginal people or the
wider Tennant Creek community,” said Senator Scott Ludlam,
Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues.”

ABC: Long term radiation from possible dump needs attention
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/31/2861282.htm
31 Mar 10: “The deputy chair of the Senate committee
examining the proposed national nuclear waste dump near
Tennant Creek says the management of long-term radiation
needs more attention.”

ABC: Greens want Government to dump waste ‘secrecy’
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/30/2859873.htm?section=business
30 Mar 10: “The Greens say they will use today’s Senate
inquiry into a proposed nuclear waste dump to demand the
release of documents nominating a Northern Territory
station as the preferred site. A Senate inquiry is sitting
in Canberra today to examine the proposal to situate the
dump at Muckaty Station, north of Tennant Creek.”

Brisbane Times: NT nuclear waste dump to create six jobs
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/nt-nuclear-waste-dump-to-create-six-jobs-20100330-r9sr.html
30 Mar 10: “A nuclear waste dump to be built in the heart
of Australia will employ only six people, yet the
traditional owners who consented to the deal hope it will
create prosperity for generations.”

ABC: Senate hears dump will ‘build children’s future’
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/30/2860365.htm?section=business
30 Mar 10: “A Ngapa land owner has told a Senate inquiry
there is no reason a nuclear waste dump should not be built
at Muckaty Station, north of Tennant Creek. Amy Lauder told
the inquiry a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station will
help her people build a better life for their children.”

NT News: NT not able to cope with nuke accident, says Government
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/03/29/135341_ntnews.html
29 Mar 10: “MOST Territory hospitals and the Port of Darwin
are not equipped to deal with a radioactive waste incident
or interest from “sophisticated criminal groups”, the NT
Government has said.”

ABC: Ferguson evades protest through back-door escape
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/29/2859067.htm
29 Mar 10: “The Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson
has avoided protesters in Darwin by leaving through the
workers entrance of a popular tourist attraction.”

Flickr: Madeline Hudson speaking against the proposed
nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station
http://www.flickr.com/photos/takver/4473335726/
29 Mar 10: “Madeline told the crowd:
“Our Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson
has decided that Muckaty is the designated spot, the site
for the national radioactive waste dump. … Now this
decision is a politically based decision. It is not based
on science, environmental or ethical considerations. It is
another example of exploiting an already disenfranchised
and minority group in our society.””

ABC: Traditional owners put hands up for nuclear dump
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/29/2859584.htm
29 Mar 10: “Traditional land owners from the Northern
Territory have visited Australia’s only nuclear reactor to
see what they are in for if a radioactive waste dump is
built on their land.”

ANSTO: ANSTO welcomes Npaga visitors
http://www.ansto.gov.au/home/left_column/latest_news_item/news_items/ansto_welcomes_npaga_visitors
29 Mar 10: “Representatives of the Ngapa people,
traditional owners of Muckaty Station in the Northern
Territory, were taken on an extensive tour of ANSTO’s
facilities at Lucas Heights on Monday, 29 March.”

– Video

YouTube: Madeline Hudson on stopping nuclear waste storage
at Muckaty Station
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ik-UqCnRnM
29 Mar 10: “Madeline Hudson from Friends of the Earth spoke
about the campaign against the nuclear waste storage dump
at Muckaty Station.”

ABC: Muckaty Station owners visit nuclear reactor
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/03/29/2859566.htm
29 Mar 10: “Traditional owners of Muckaty Station, near
Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, say they will
accept a nuclear waste dump being built near their land.”

EXPANSION OF WELFARE QUARANTINING:

– Background

Parliament of Australia: Senate Community Affairs Committee
Inquiry into Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment …
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/clac_ctte/soc_sec_welfare_reform_racial_discrim_09/submissions/sublist.htm
[Includes: Submissions received by the Committee;
Documents Tabled at hearings; Additional Information received]

Stop the Intervention: Racial Discrimination Act – New Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/rda-new-legislation

WGAR News: New NT Intervention laws that extend welfare quarantining (12 Feb 10)
http://indymedia.org.au/2010/02/11/wgar-news-new-nt-intervention-laws-that-extend-welfare-quarantining-12-feb-10

WGAR News: New NT Intervention laws that extend income management (19 Mar 10)
http://wgar.info/2010/03/19/19032010-new-nt-intervention-laws-that-extend-income-management-2/

– Speech from STICS Forum

Stop the Intervention:
The Failure of the Rudd Government’s Aboriginal Policy
An Address delivered by
Professor the Honourable Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC
http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/A-Nicholson-RDA-29-3-10.pdf
29 Mar 10: “This is disgraceful legislation which
perpetuates the paternalism and racial discrimination
inherent in the Intervention. It is a disturbing extension
of bureaucratic powers and the power of the executive over
welfare recipients and seems to reflect a philosophy more
in tune with that of the previous Government that what one
would expect of a Labor Government.”

– Media Release

Rollback the Intervention: Media Release – 31 March 2010
http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/media/
31 Mar 10: “Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny
Macklin needs to stop perpetuating misinformation about
income management and its supposed benefits, particularly
to children, says a spokesperson for the Intervention
Rollback Action Group, which is based in Alice Springs.
There is no evidence, either in Australia or
internationally, that income management helps
underprivileged people to deal with issues arising from
their circumstances. The measure in fact goes again the
government’s own policy of social inclusion. Extending the
measure to other areas of disadvantage around the country
will not help people who are struggling to cope with issues
impacting on their lives but will add to their psychological
and financial stress.”

– Opinion and/or Analysis

The Stump – A Crikey Group Blog:
Will Caucus allow unproven, dangerous changes to income management?
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/thestump/2010/03/31/will-caucus-allow-unproven-dangerous-changes-to-income-management-to-go-through-how-do-you-balance-expert-evidence-and-personal-communications-and-opinions/
31 Mar 10: “On the one side is Alastair Nicholson, nearly
all major welfare agencies, including sole parent groups,
other women’s groups, Indigenous Doctors, Academic
researchers, a report from the Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare, some statistics and one small
longitudinal research project who all oppose continuing and
extending compulsory income management in the NT and
potentially throughout Australia. … ” Eva Cox

– Radio

ABC Radio National Breakfast: Welfare quarantining
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2010/2859642.htm
30 Mar 10: “The federal government’s proposed legislation
to expand compulsory income management across the Northern
Territory is expected to come before the Senate when
parliament resumes in May. This would see the controversial
measure of income quarantining extended to all Australians
on welfare, including white families.”
[Includes guest Alastair Nicholson, Former Chief Justice of the Family Court]

ABC Radio National Breakfast:
Minister responds to welfare quarantining criticism
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2010/2860873.htm
31 Mar 10: “Yesterday Breakfast spoke with former chief
justice of the Family Court Alastair Nicholson, who has
been critical of the federal government’s plan to introduce
income quarantining across the Northern Territory. He
argued the proposed legislation, to be debated in the
Senate in May, is a ‘sham’ and that the Minister for
Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin is misrepresenting the
results of consultations held by the government.”
[Includes guest Jenny Macklin, Indigenous Affairs Minister]

ABC Radio National Life Matters: Income management
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2010/2854901.htm
25 Mar 10: “A hot topic at the ACOSS Conference, which
kicks off today, will be income management. The federal
government and the welfare sector are at loggerheads over
it. The government has legislation currently in the Senate
which would see a national roll-out of the policy, which
partially quarantines social security payments to buy food
and other essentials.”
[Includes guests: John Falzon from St Vincent de Paul;
David Glasgow, who’s involved in an income management trial
in Cape York]

– News

Koori Mail: NSWALC backs Nicholson on welfare reform
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Mar 10: “THE NSW Aboriginal Land Council has supported
former Family Court Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson’s
‘searing’ condemnation of the Rudd Government’s Indigenous
policies … NSWALC Chairperson Bev Manton said the land
council feared that the Senate would pass the Government’s
proposed welfare reforms – including extension of
compulsory income management to all welfare recipients –
before Aboriginal people knew about or understood them.”

Koori Mail: Macklin defends income management plans
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
31 Mar 10: “FEDERAL Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny
Macklin has fended off criticisms of her proposal to extend
compulsory income management beyond NT Intervention
communities to welfare recipients nationwide. Ms Macklin
told ABC Radio that most of more than 500 of people
consulted over the measure supported it, and insisted that
welfare recipients could avoid the measure by getting their
kids to school regularly.”

Australian: Noel Pearson hails welfare quarantining extension
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/noel-pearson-hails-welfare-quarantining-extension/story-e6frgczf-1225848138079
31 Mar 10: “NOEL Pearson has called the Rudd government’s
extension of mandatory income management across the
Northern Territory a “historic leap” into a new era.”

WAtoday: Former top judge slams NT action
http://www.watoday.com.au/national/former-top-judge-slams-nt-action-20100329-r8ax.html
30 Mar 10: “A FORMER chief justice of the Family Court,
Alastair Nicholson, QC, says Kevin Rudd is failing
indigenous Australians by continuing the Northern Territory
intervention and paying lip service to equality. …
Professor Nicholson said the Prime Minister had avoided the
”searing moral challenge” of forced assimilation, and he
asked why Mr Rudd ”continued to roll over like a puppy”
in support of the intervention.”

ABC: Universal welfare quarantining will ‘punish’
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/30/2860050.htm?site=indigenous&topic=latest
30 Mar 10: “A former chief justice of the Family Court has
criticised the Federal Government’s push to roll out
welfare quarantining to all recipients. Judge Alistair
Nicholson, who prepared the ‘Will They Be Heard’ report
examining the Government’s consultation efforts on the
Northern Territory Intervention, believes the welfare
measure will remain discriminatory even after being
applied to everyone.”

Koori Mail: Welfare legislation ‘disgraceful’, ‘a sham’
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
29 Mar 10: “A FORMER Family Court chief judge says Federal
Government proposed welfare reforms perpetuate, rather than
remove, racism under the NT Intervention. Alastair
Nicholson told a forum in Sydney tonight that planned
income management of welfare recipients nationwide still
targeted Aboriginal people and would not restore the Racial
Discrimination Act in the NT. Prof Nicholson urged the
public to pressure the Parliament to reject a related bill
currently before the Senate.”

– Of related interest

SMH: First welfare penalties for truancy
http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/first-welfare-penalties-for-truancy-20100328-r59p.html?skin=text-only
29 Mar 10: “THE federal government has for the first time
suspended the welfare payments of parents because their
children were not attending school. The suspensions took
place in the Northern Territory just before the last school
year ended, under a controversial trial that links school
enrolment and attendance to welfare payments.”

CAAMA Radio News
(Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association):
http://caama.com.au/radio/30th-march-2010-caama-radio-news/
30 Mar 10: “Some families restricted from Centrelink
payments due to children not attending school.”

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