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.”

– – –

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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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YouTube – Videos from this email