[recoznet2] BEWARE!!! Be aware!
Everybody, Please, please check the address you are sending from if you are trying to extract yourself from the egroups mess! Don't send it without changing the recoznet2 address to your own. Thanks, Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] Date: Tue, 6 Jul 1999 16:03:06 +1000
That one was sent by Lance, as far as I can tell. I don't know why he posted it twice. Trudy Peter McGrath wrote: why do i keep getting these At 05:58 AM 7/6/99 +, you wrote: --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ Peter F McGrath Lab Advisor TALSS Student Computing Helpdesk Queensland University of Technology E-mail pf.mcgrath.qut.edu.au Ph 07 3864 2898 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ -- +++ Tories: Rugged individualists who believe they owe nothing to society while heading the queu helping themselves to its benefits. +++ --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] We have been removed
from the radical scientist list on egroups. Ian Pitchford has just emailed me to say that he has taken recoznet2 off his address list for the group. He doesn't know who signed us up and he finds it all very strange. Once again, please don't answer these list invitations by hitting reply. Substitute your own address for the list address before answering. With any luck we can go back to normal after today. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] We have been removed
Hi Suzie, I appreciate your advice and yes, it could have been someone angry with the list although there was no prior indication of this. I believe that this happened due to an error. Apparently, egroups has been having problems in the last little while and it could be that the error spread. I informed their abuse line straight away and contacted the owners of both lists. As an individual it is not so difficult to do something about it but with a list there are a lot of people acting independently and things tend to go on a little longer. ;-) Trudy Frac wrote: Trudy, This is a very common method for people who are angry with the list rationale/ethos, moderators, or some listmember to use to get even and cause trouble. Be thankful it has only been two illegal signups thus far; it could have been much worse. May I suggest that if this happens in the future, that the *first* thing you do right away is go to the website where the offending list's messages derive from and where you can subscribe and unsubscribe to that list. Immediately enter the Recoznet2 address with a request it be unsubbed. You can do this at the first whiff of trouble and miss the fun of annoyed subscribers on your list as well as the clogging of *your* resources with superfluous messages. You may need to do this several times until you outlast your antagonist. Your other protection might be to filter addresses and for every address this list is subscribed to, set up filter in your email software to bounce back the mail coming from the offending site. Good luck, Suzie from the radical scientist list on egroups. Ian Pitchford has just emailed me to say that he has taken recoznet2 off his address list for the group. He doesn't know who signed us up and he finds it all very strange. Once again, please don't answer these list invitations by hitting reply. Substitute your own address for the list address before answering. With any luck we can go back to normal after today. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] SMH article re anthropology
Rod, I thought you might be interested in the letter appearing today(there was another, ill-informed one but it wasn't online in it's entirety.) Trudy SMH - Letters Page http://www.smh.com.au/news/9907/08/text/letters.html Myth and memory The sloppiness and bias which make Ben Hills's "Trouble in the Myth Business" (Herald, July 3) so misleading is well illustrated by the ludicrous suggestion that Coronation Hill was protected because some of the local Jawoyn people "convinced consultant anthropologists that the area was occupied by a Dreamtime spirit named Bula, who would wreak apocalyptic damage if Coronation Hill was disturbed". It is Hills, not "most Australians", who suffers from the "faulty filter of memory". They will remember Prime Minister Hawke making it clear that protection was not given because the Government believed in Bula, but because it thought the religious beliefs of Jawoyn people who did, and who would be anguished by desecration of the site, were entitled to respect. If Hills does not appreciate the difference between respecting beliefs and sharing them, he is hardly qualified to comment on public affairs in a democratic country. The same applies to Ron Brunton, who, Hills tells us, based criticism of the ban on the absence of "adverse reaction from Bula" after previous mining. Such trivialisation of beliefs held in another culture is hardly the mark of a professional anthropologist, however "dissident". It adds to the piquancy of Brunton's claim that he became a consultant (to the Institute of Public Affairs) because "he was tired of the politicisation of anthropology". - Hal Wootten, Glebe --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Lees' threat
Senator Lees is starting to sound more and more like the Coalition government. The first taste of power is accompanied by a new arrogance. It may be that Senator Lees will be too busy fighting for her political life to target anyone - let alone Senator Brown. Senator Brown has yet to sell out his principles. Trudy http://www.afr.com.au/content/990708/news/news7.html Lees firm on her party's GST stance "..Senator Lees indicated she expected the party's political representation to continue to grow at State and federal levels and suggested she would be targeting Greens Senator Bob Brown's Tasmanian seat at the next federal election." --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] GUNDJEHMI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION UPDATE 8 (7 JULY 1999)
(Forwarded) GUNDJEHMI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION UPDATE 8 (7 JULY 1999) As hot from the press as it gets: MEDIA RELEASE For immediate distribution Wednesday 7 July 1999, 10.30 pm AUSTRALIA RETREATS IN THE FACE OF UN CRITICISM The Australian government today announced to the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee that development of the Jabiluka uranium mine will be suspended until the cessation of mining at Ranger and as late as the year 2009. The announcement came after Australia was strongly criticised by the World Heritage Committee's expert Advisory Bodies over the impact of Jabiluka on the cultural and natural values of Kakadu National Park. The Bureau of the World Heritage Committee decided to form a Working Party to provide recommendations to the special Kakadu Committee Meeting on Monday 12 July. The Extraordinary Meeting will decide whether the extensive array of supposed corrective measures should be accompanied by the inclusion of Kakadu on the list of World Heritage in Danger. Executive Officer of Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation, Jacqui Katona, said today, "We welcome the serious concerns expressed by members of the Bureau with regard to cultural values." "These concerns are matched by the Bureau's explicit requirement to avoid cosmetic outcomes and uphold the World Heritage Convention." "The Australian government is yet to provide details on the proposed 10-year delay and we remain concerned that there has yet to be any attempt to discuss the issue with the Mirrar." This issue has not been lost on the Bureau, who repeatedly called on Australia to develop a relationship of trust with Traditional Owners." Comment on the above: There is at this stage no way of assessing whether this is cause for jubilation or not. Until the Mirrar delegation sees the structure and power of the Working Group; until it becomes clearer quite what the intent behind this offer is; until the company and the government sit down with the Mirrar and thrash through all of this, it be viewed as a potential threat. Hope this doesn't seem too distrustful of our elected representatives (what's the digital version of "tongue superglued to cheek"?). FURTHER NEWS I'm uncertain whether this was covered nationally or only in the Northern Territory, but on the ABC News at 7pm in this connection there was also a report that a tour company was reporting that international tourism was dropping off, and this was placed firmly at the feet of the Jabiluka issue. Karl-Erik Paasonen for Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation Contact details: Phone: Within Australia: (08) 8979 2200; international: +61 - 8 - 8979 2200; Fax: Within Australia: (08) 8979 2299; international: +61 - 8 - 8979 2299 Postal address: PO Box 245 Jabiru, Northern Territory AUSTRALIA 0886. We have this amazing web-site, which you'd be CRAZY not to have a look at: http://www.mirrar.net ... "We will fight to protect our country and that is a fact of life" Yvonne Margarula. Ba-ngurdmeninj Djabulukku! Yun Ngurri-Djalgarung Boiwek Gun-Ngukbim! "Stop Jabiluka! Don't the dig the life out of the Knob-Tailed Gecko Dreaming!" ... --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] TO ALL LIST MEMBERS!
Now that I have your attention.please delete any notices from egroups! DO NOT ANSWER the messages - just delete them. I have been in touch with the owner of radical science and apparently someone signed us up for a second time on Wednesday. He has set all subscriptions for approval now so it can't happen again and, with any luck, he will find out who it is. Thank you, Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] thank you
Thank you, Carol. I am glad that you find the articles useful and that others do too. Cheers, Trudy NQCC wrote: Trudy Just wanted to say a very warm thank you for the service you perform. I send many of the environmental stories out to a wind range of people who in turn are also very grateful. Cheers Carol Booth North Queensland Conservation Council PO Box 364 Townsville Q 4810 Phone 07 4771 6226 Fax 07 4721 1713 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ -- Tories: Rugged individualists who believe they owe nothing to society while heading the queue helping themselves to its benefits. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] SMH bias in letters page?
Rod, Glad to hear that your letter will be published. Let's hope they don't cut out all the relevant bits. As for the rest of your post -- It sure speaks for itself! I must say that, in general, the SMH is a quality newspaper compared to what else is on offer but they have this streak of tabloidism that they give into every now and again. Unfortunately, for those not in the know, this gives it a credence that it would not otherwise have. Trudy Rod Hagen wrote: At 10:10 AM 10/7/99, Trudy and Rod Bray wrote: No sign of your balancing letter here, Rod. Have you heard from them at all? Sandall and O'Meara are both long term confreres of Brunton et al, Trudy. The SMH say they are running a shortened version of my letter on Monday. The following, from the convenor of the Australian Anthropological society list, might help to shed a bit of light on the various alliances. Hills was asked whether he would be prepared to take part in an AAS panel concerning the issues invoilved in the article. he declined, but nominated various others to fill his place, including O'Meara and Sandall: I think that Ben Hills is on this list anyhow, but I will send him a copy of this note. AASNet, after all, is open to anyone who sends the correct command to the computer. I would like to report on the efforts to secure fearless and outspoken anthropologists to participate in a debate on professional practice for Monday morning, 12 July, that Ben mentioned in his e-mail to me that I circulated earlier today on AASNet. Incidentally, I did this without Ben's permission or knowledge; it was just an expediency as I am so pressed for time. I am actually grateful to Ben for raising the issues that he has and at just this time in the development of the discipline of anthropology in Australia. I thank him for his role in promoting this debate. Unfortunately, the people he mentioned have not proven to be easy to contact. Jeremy Beckett attempted to speak with Roger Sandall Tim O'Maera Ken Maddock Les Hiatt Ken is ex-directory, but I know from another source that he has advised that he is not in town. Jeremy was unable to contact Les, who may be back from the UK. Doug Lewis advises me: "Tim (O'Maera) is on leave from the University of Melbourne this year, but has moved his family back to Iowa (where he has purchased a house) and so I suspect he will not return to Australia". Finally, I rang the only Sandall in the Sydney White Pages. I asked if the person who answered the 'phone was Roger Sandall, formally of Sydney University. He replied that he was, that he knew "my pals" and had no intention of having anything to do with our anthropology conference this weekend, hanging up before I could actually speak to him. I take that as a no. So, there you have it! I am hoping that Brian Fegan will show still and participate in the debate on Monday morning. See some of you over the next few days, Grant Cheers Rod Rod Hagen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hurstbridge, Victoria, Australia WWWhttp://www.netspace.net.au/~rodhagen --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ -- Tories: Rugged individualists who believe they owe nothing to society while heading the queue helping themselves to its benefits. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Jawoyn answer to 'myth making'
The Sydney Morning Herald [Print Edition] July 10, 1999 Belittling of culture disguised as debate by Robert Lee RELIGION and politics, a whitefella once told me, are not the subjects of polite conversation. So why is Aboriginal religion such a regular punching bag for commentators? Is it mere impoliteness, or is something else at stake?. Why do my people, the Jawoyn of the Northern Territory, continually have to defend our beliefs against academic "experts because of our successful campaign to stop mining on our traditional land at Guratba, which you know better as Coronation Hill. Why do we have to fend off accusations of lies from people who know nothing about our country and its men and women? We Aboriginal people dont need outside experts to validate our faith; we don't need them to speak on our behalf to confirm the reality of our beliefs, nor to act as gatekeepers of our ritual knowledge. Yet the attacks continue, although it is almost a decade since the Hawke Government recognised Coronation Hills spiritual significance to the Jawoyn people and decided mining should not proceed. The narrow and sectarian views of so-called "dissident anthropologists such as the Institute of Public Affairs' Ron Brunton, quoted on these pages last Saturday are trotted out to prove the Jawoyn, aided and abetted by partisan and politically motivated anthropologists, invented the ancestral spirit Bula at Guratba. It is a pity no-one spoke to the Jawoyn I wonder who is doing the mythmaking? Jawoyn success in protecting the sickness country around Coronation Hill was not based on fabrication, as implied by Mr Brunton. It was based on profoundly held views by Jawoyn and other Aboriginal lawmen of the region. The fact that anthropological evidence concerning the Guratba site was not identified until the 1970s merely reflects the fact that there were simply no anthropologists around until then. Does Mr Brunton seriously suggest that the ancestral spirits of my people exist only if affirmed by an external expert, a white-fella anthropologist? As it happens, though, a great number of independent "experts were consulted on the issue of Guratba, some with many years experience in the region. None denied the genuineness of the religious belief of the custodians of Guratba, nor claimed we invented Bula for financial gain, as has been implied. One of the great unwritten parts of the story of the battle for Guratba was the rejection by senior Jawoyn of cash and other inducements to change their minds. Mr Bruntons 10,000-word critique of the inquiry into the claim about the sickness country near the proposed mine site was an armchair effort. He has never done anthropological fieldwork within cooee of Jawoyn traditional lands. Most offensive is Mr Bruntons claim that our traditional beliefs and culture allow us to construct whole incentives around victim-hood and prevent us from pulling out of disadvantage. It is our cultural strength that allows the Jawoyn - despite the Guratba experience - to engage positively with the mining industry to the point where we hold equity in exploration on our traditional lands and are represented on the NT Minerals Council executive. This in turn reflects the level of respect within the industry for our beliefs. We do not need distant theoreticians to improve ourselves. Nor do we need our religious beliefs sneered at and belittled in the guise of academic debates about anthropologists. We reject the paternalist notion that we are doomed to be manipulated by experts. Some anthropologists we agree with, some we do not. We have never instructed them to come up with particular answers. We do not always agree with the anthropologists we employ, just as we may disagree with other advisers, the lawyers, scientists, and economists we use to move towards our goal of economic and social independence. We consider their advice, and then make our own determinations. And thats no myth. Robert Lee is executive director of the Jawoyn Association, Katherine, Northern Territory. · Adele Horin is on leave. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Results of online polls
NINEMSN online polls Should Labor undo the GST if it wins government at the next election? Yes: 46% (1783) No: 54% (2072) Do you agree with the PM John Howard that Australians have no interest in a republic? Yes: 33% (1210) No: 67% (2476) Do you think the fraud charges against former Senator Mal Colston should have been dropped? Yes: 17% (663) No: 83% (3133) Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] Results of online polls
Sorry. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/06_feature/story_240.asp Liam wrote: what's the URL, Trudy? NINEMSN online polls Should Labor undo the GST if it wins government at the next election? Yes: 46% (1783) No: 54% (2072) Do you agree with the PM John Howard that Australians have no interest in a republic? Yes: 33% (1210) No: 67% (2476) Do you think the fraud charges against former Senator Mal Colston should have been dropped? Yes: 17% (663) No: 83% (3133) Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ -- Tories: Rugged individualists who believe they owe nothing to society while heading the queue helping themselves to its benefits. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Poll on Tim Fischer
http://sunday.ninemsn.com.au/ How do you rate Tim Fischer as Deputy Prime Minister during his term? Trudy PS Funny during all the praise heaped upon him, noone seems to have remembered the 'bucketloads of extinguishments' the 'bloodsucking land councils' and other such 'moderate' Fischerisms. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] ANTaR QLD: CERD campaign
Forwarded with permission from Christine Howes: From: Jen Tsen Kwok Subject: ANTaR QLD: CERD campaign Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 10:35 AM Dear everybody. On the 19th March 1999 the UN Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) found that the native title amendments created by the Federal government in the Native Title Amendment Act (NTAA) (1998) breached AustraliaÌs international obligations under the International Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969). The CERD committee called upon the Australian Federal government to suspend implementation of the NTAA. ANTaR QLD intends to run a media and letter writing campaign until the end of August concerning the CERD decision. There are a number of factors which have prompted us to do this; a) the original intention of the CERD committee to visit Australia in early July was indefinitely postponed, b) on August 16th the CERD committee will meet to decide what to do further. The importance of the CERD decision is that it gives ANTaR an opportunity to revive the issue upon which the organization's creation was originally based. That is; opposition to the 'Ten Point Plan' native title amendments. This email is in effect a formal invitation to each of you to participate in this campaign via letter writing. It may require a letter being written as often as once a week. We are still formulating our program for the media campaign and therefore it will be at least a week before I send out a formal briefing of the CERD decision. I will probably be required to send additionally mail too as the campaign progress and in response to breaking news. If you are interested, or you know absolutely anyone else who would be interested, please contact or email me. Mr Jen Kwok ph/fax (business). 3841 5333 email. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Individuals who have email access are obviously more convenient for me to contact but as we already have individuals who can only participate via snail mail, it is not inconvenient for me to send them written material. Yours faithfully, Jen Kwok. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] World Heritage final faxing request: PLEASE act on it
From: Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation [EMAIL PROTECTED] Folks, this from John Hallam, acti-nuclear worker at Friends of the Earth in Sydney, who has coordinated this massive faxing effort over the last months. Please remember, Paris time is about 8 hours behind EST; so even up to lunchtime tomorrow you can still send a fax in the knowledge it'll be there before they get up - ie maximize the chances of them seeing it and it having an effect. Dear People, Hopefully this is the last request you will get to act on Kakadu World Heritage stuff. The full body of the World Heritage Committee meets on Monday. The Australian government has exerted unprecedented pressure against an in Danger listing. There is now a danger that this pressure may be working. The 'In Danger' listing, twice strongly reccommended by the World Heritage advisory bodies, may fall vicitim to the politics of pressure and manipulation. There is one delegation that especially needs to hear a message. That is the Italian delegation. They need to hear that their delegate, mr Gabriele sardo, (+33-1-45-66-41-78), has been consistently undermining the sirit and intent of the World Heritage convention, by siding with Australia against an 'in Danger' listing. This is especially shocking, as the Italians, under Professor francesco Francioni, were responsible for the original Kakadu mission report that reccommended an 'in danger' listing. You should ask that the Italian delegate cease undermining the convention and support the reccommendations of the advisory bodies. Tell them that if Kakadu National Park is not listed as 'in danger', then this will signal to the whole world that uranium mines in the middle of world heritage national parks are acceptable. Tell them this will compromise both the spirit and intent of the entire World Heritage Convention. Tell them that their delegation should continue to uphold the once high standards previously adopted by italy when their delegation was led by Pofessor francesco francioni. Tell them that short-term political considerations have no place in a decision such as this. The fax number of the Italian delegate is 33-1-45-66-41-78. Let them know how you feel about the Italian delegations actions. A letter sent by Friends of the Earth to the Italian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister follows. MR MASSIMO D'ALEMA PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY, +39-06-678-3998 MR EDO RONCHI, MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT +39-06-679-1905 DR. LAMBERTO DINI, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS +39-06-323-6210 We are writing to express our dismay that the leader of the Italian delegation to the World Heritage Bureau, Mr. Gabriele Sardo, is undermining the World Heritage Convention by actively lobbying to assist the Australian Government to develop a uranium mine in the middle of Australias preeminent National Park, Kakadu. This is particularly disturbing, given the strong role Italy's chair of the World Heritage Committee Professor Francisco Francioni played in leading a mission to Australia to investigate the damage being caused by the Jabiluka uranium mine to Kakadu. The mission found the Jabiluka mine to be of sufficient concern to warrant placing Kakadu National Park on the list of World Heritage In Danger. The complete turnaround in the Italian governments position appears to be the result of a massive international lobbying campaign by the Australian Government (at foreign minister or higher level) to gain support for this mine going ahead. Australias lobbying campaign runs directly counter to the advice of the World Heritage Mission, and to the unequivocal advice of the three world Heritage technical advisory bodies (IUCN, ICOMOS and ICCROM), that Kakadu should be immediately placed on the 'In Danger' list. Where Italy once led the world in helping to uphold the highest international standards for World Heritage protection, its reputation as an outstanding leader in this field is fast being destroyed. How can it be that a country which placed so much store on maintaining the integrity of the World Heritage Convention can have given in to pressure from the Australian Government and placed short- term political expediency head of the high standing the Italian Government had achieved in this area under Professor Francioni? Please ensure that your delegation upholds the high standards previously adopted by Italy, and supports an In Danger listing for Kakadu National Park." John Hallam, Nuclear Campaigner, Friends of the Earth, Sydney, Australia. Karl-Erik Paasonen for Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation Contact details: Phone: Within Australia: (08) 8979 2200; international: +61 - 8 - 8979 2200; Fax: Within Australia: (08) 8979 2299; international: +61 - 8 - 8979 2299 Postal address: PO Box 245 Jabiru, Northern Territory AUSTRALIA 0886. We have this amazing web-site, which you'd be CRAZY not to have a look at: http://www.mirrar.net
[recoznet2] Rod's letter in the SMH
SMH - Letters page Hard call without fieldwork Your report "Trouble in the myth business" (Herald, July 3) cannot pass without comment. The article portrayed Dr Brunton as a whistleblower, ignored for criticising indigenous interests. Ben Hills claimed Dr Brunton left academia because he was "tired of the politicisation of anthropology". Dr Brunton's next job was as research officer for the Victorian branch of the Liberal Party. Since 1990 he has had stints with the Institute of Public Affairs, which has received some funds from Western Mining and other mining interests, and the Tasman Institute. Hills's examination of the Yorta Yorta claim beggars belief. Justice Olney specifically indicated that he was not disparaging "the qualifications, experience or integrity of the [expert] witnesses concerned". Neither Shepparton nor Wangaratta was claimed and only 10 per cent of the traditional lands of the group were involved, not the "enormous piece ... of 20,000 square kilometres" quoted. As the anthropologist who undertook field work and presented evidence on behalf of the applicants, I was bemused to find Hills focusing on the role of Dr Deborah Rose (an anthropologist of the highest repute, with immense experience in Aboriginal Australia) whose involvement was sought to address theoretical issues. It was not intended that she address local ethnography. Anthropologists called by claim opponents had no field experience of the region. Despite his high profile on Aboriginal issues, Brunton admitted he had "not done anything that I would call fieldwork" anywhere in Aboriginal Australia. One may think that this placed him at something of a disadvantage when discussing such matters. - Rod Hagen, Consultant anthropologist, Hurstbridge (Vic) --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] World Heritage decision: timing
From: Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi, folks. If matters go as according to the provisional timetable for the Committee meeting, they're due to make a decision by about 1.30 pm Paris time. According to the Northern Territory phone book that's 8.30 pm NT time, 9.00 EST. But comparing times as we've matched them up in phone calls, it's probably earlier - about 7.30 (Daylight Saving over there?). That's "if". But as soon as I get any news or a release I'll put it out. If anyone out there on this moderately extensive network has a more accurate source, please let me know. karl-erik Karl-Erik Paasonen for Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation Contact details: Phone: Within Australia: (08) 8979 2200; international: +61 - 8 - 8979 2200; Fax: Within Australia: (08) 8979 2299; international: +61 - 8 - 8979 2299 Postal address: PO Box 245 Jabiru, Northern Territory AUSTRALIA 0886. We have this amazing web-site, which you'd be CRAZY not to have a look at: http://www.mirrar.net ... "We will fight to protect our country and that is a fact of life" Yvonne Margarula. Ba-ngurdmeninj Djabulukku! Yun Ngurri-Djalgarung Boiwek Gun-Ngukbim! "Stop Jabiluka! Don't the dig the life out of the Knob-Tailed Gecko Dreaming!" ... --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] The minister for uranium mines wins...
The Australian Coalition victory on Jabiluka By MEGAN SAUNDERS 13jul99 THE Howard Government last night persuaded the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to decide against an immediate endangered finding for Kakadu National Park over the Jabiluka uranium mine. In a significant diplomatic victory, Government sources said a majority of the committee's 21 members Cuba was one exception sided with the Government at an extraordinary meeting in Paris . By late last night, Italy, Thailand and Japan which chairs the committee had spoken out against the "In Danger" listing. A spokesman for Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown said: "We are horrified at the direction things are heading". But a final vote on the Northern Territory site, which could have the internationally contentious issue referred to the next committee meeting within six months for further scrutiny, was expected overnight. A spokesman for Environment Minister Robert Hill said the success had vindicated the Government's support for the new mine. The Government and mine owner ERA Ltd had planned to provide assurances that the Northern Territory site would be strictly policed. In a last-minute boost to the Government's chances before the vote, it was almost certain to win the crucial backing of the US. The vote had been expected to be knife-edge. The Government needed the votes of just over a third of the 21-member committee, since a two-thirds majority was needed to declare the world-famous park in danger from the adjoining mine. For almost a week, it has been trying to avoid having Kakadu listed as "In Danger".. Central to the Government's argument has been legal advice that the committee could not list an area without the consent of the Government. Senator Hill and ERA, a North Ltd subsidiary, have offered to delay full-scale production at Jabiluka until 2006 as the nearby Ranger mine winds down, so production does not rise above the Ranger rate. "This concept of successive mines . . . not only demonstrates good faith but (has also) been received positively by at least some members of the World Heritage Committee," Senator Hill told ABC Radio from Paris. "What they don't explain to me is why the huge open-cut mine of Ranger for the last 18 years has not been a threat and they accepted it was not a threat," he said. "How can a small, underground mine of 20 years on in terms of technology suddenly put 20,000 square kilometres of park in danger? "It is this inconsistency of the experts' advice that we have found disappointing." However, any finding in support of the Jabiluka project was expected to meet widespread condemnation from environmental, indigenous and opposition political groups. A spokesman for Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown said it increasingly appeared as though environmentalists and traditional indigenous owners faced an uphill battle. Labor and the Democrats have also slammed the Government's lobbying. "The whole integrity of the world heritage convention is now at stake," the spokesman for Senator Brown said. "The Australian Government has bullied, bought and hoodwinked the committee, putting politics above sound policy." Prominent indigenous leader Patrick Dodson said earlier yesterday Jabiluka would destroy the spirit of the traditional owners, the Mirrar people. Leading environmental consultant and historian, Professor John Mulvaney, accused the Government of attempting to "wreck" UNESCO through its unprecedented lobbying efforts. Professor Mulvaney a foundation member of the Australian Heritage Commission accused the Government of embarking on an intense and shameless exercise in vote buying and political arm twisting. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] The real obscenity!
SMH GLOBAL INEQUITIES Three families top 600m poor Date: 13/07/99 London: The combined wealth of the world's three richest families is greater than the annual income of 600 million people in the least developed countries, according to a United Nations report released yesterday. Economic globalisation is further polarising those such as Microsoft's Mr Bill Gates, the Walton family, who own the Wal-Mart empire, and the Sultan of Brunei - worth $US135 billion ($205 billion) combined - and the millions who have been left behind, the UN's Human Development report says. UN figures show that over the past four years, the world's 200 richest people have doubled their wealth to more than $US1 trillion. In the same period, the number of people living on less than $US1 a day has remained unchanged at 1.3 billion. "Global inequalities in income and living standards have reached grotesque proportions," the report says. Canada ranks number one again for quality of life, while war-ravaged Sierra Leone stays bottom of the table. Australia is ranked seventh. To counter the downside of globalisation, the UN recommends a forum of business, trade unions and environmental and development groups to counter the dominance of the leading industrial nations; a code of conduct for multinationals; and the creation of a legal centre to help poor countries with global trade negotiations. - The Guardian This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Kakadu poll online
Ninemsn online poll http://news.ninemsn.com.au/default.asp Should UNESCO list Kakadu as being in danger because of the Jabiluka uranium mine? Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] 7:30 Report ABC TV - Second Croc Eisteddfod
7:30 Report ABC TV Transcript 12/07/1999 Weipa youth stage second Croc Eisteddfod MAXINE McKEW: The Rock Eisteddfod is a well-established event on school calendars throughout Australia's big cities. 40,000 pupils from 400 schools perform their music and dance routines each year, culminating in eight TV specials which are viewed by one in three teenagers. The events promote alcohol and drug education, well and good, of course, if you go to school in the big smoke, but what about young people in remote areas? Well, a little-known spectacle called the Croc Eisteddfod was born last year in Weipa, on the far west coast of Cape York. It's an event with a positive lifestyle message pitched at indigenous kids. After a nervous launch, a second successful Croc has just ended. Murray McLaughlin reports. MURRAY MCLAUGHLIN: They travelled huge distances to get to Weipa, by boat, bus and light plane, from remote communities in Torres Strait, Cape York and Far North Queensland. 750 children from 23 schools. But unlike its big-city counterpart, the Rock Eisteddfod, this Croc Eisteddfod is not a competitive event. PETER SHOWQUIST, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: The challenge was just to get here and to put on a show, which was great. So in effect, that they're being challenged to do their best within the context of a 100 per cent tobacco, alcohol and drug-free environment. That's what's worked and we're just delighted with the outcome. MURRAY MCLAUGHLIN: No 20-hour bus ride on bumpy dirt roads for the swag of VIPs who came to Weipa for the festival. As diverse as the festival acts were the messages from Aboriginal Affairs Minister, John Herron, and Federal Court Justice Marcus Einfeld, who each opened a night of events under the stars. JUSTICE MARCUS EINFELD, FEDERAL COURT JUDGE: We continue to deny indigenous people the very equal opportunity to a fair chance in life, which we Australians like to call "a fair go for all". SENATOR JOHN HERRON, ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS MINISTER: I say to all t he performers, it's up to you to realise your dreams. I did it and so can you. MURRAY MCLAUGHLIN: But these kids from Jessica Point State School at Nepranum are unlikely, on present trends, to realise their dreams in their home town. Nepranum adjoins Comalco's huge mine at Weipa. Comalco gave generously to this festival. It housed and fed all the participants and gave money, as well. But the company's record of Aboriginal employment is not as exemplary. After 30 years of mining bauxite here, its workforce of 500 is less than 10 per cent Aboriginal and most of them come from beyond these parts. JANE GEORGE, NEPRANUM COMMUNITY ELDER: There's hardly any men from here, a few of them are Torres Strait. MURRAY McLAUGHLIN: Did the men from here want to work at Comalco? JANE GEORGE: Oh yes, yeah. But they choose which one they want. MURRAY MCLAUGHLIN: What have been the inhibitions to having more Aboriginal people in the workforce? ROD KINKEAD-WEEKES, COMALCO: I think they include the difficulties that we have on occasions with training programs. I think the cultural differences. We're seeking to address all of these through mentoring and buddy programs and we're also seeking to address these through an increased level of cross-cultural training for our workforce in general. MURRAY McLAUGHLIN: With unemployment for Aborigines around 40 per cent and rising and 18 times higher for Aboriginal youth than the rest of the youth population, career development was a dominant feature at this year's Croc Eisteddfod. And with truancy a big problem in remote schools, the festival itself is helping to get kids to school. PETER SHOWQUIST: The teachers have used the festival as a carrot, saying, "Tomorrow, we're going to do design of the set "and the day after, we're going to paint the backdrop, "Thursday, we're going to make costumes, "by the way, what theme are we going to do?" All that sort of educational process. MURRAY MCLAUGHLIN: The festival this year was a useful one-stop shop for the Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission. Chris Sidoti is running an inquiry into rural and remote education and he had a ready opportunity in Weipa to question children, teachers and parents about their problems. CHRIS SIDOTI, HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: The one that regularly comes up is the question of race relations, tensions in schools between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Sometimes not even tensions, but almost a complete separation, socially and in terms of activities, between the two groups. And other questions relate to the isolation that country kids face, their inability to have even the basic contact with other schools that is taken for granted in city areas. So country kids can't be involved in interschool sport as much or debating or other forms of activity. And cultural events like this, the Croc Eisteddfod, become especially important for them as a way of making contact with other kids. MURRAY McLAUGHLIN: Two
[recoznet2] NAIDOC Winners
Person of the Year Mr Bob Randall, (Northern Territory) Alice Springs NT Tel: 08 89511344 Mr Bob Randall has been an active campaigner for the advancement of his people since the 1960's. He was born at Tempe Downs in the Northern Territory and is a member of the Pitjantjatjara nation. Music has been an important part in Bob's life and many of his recordings have been acclaimed and used in movies such as "The Fringe Dwellers". Bob's song, My Brown Skin Baby raises the issue of separated children. Bob's acting and music have featured in documentaries including Mixed Up Man, Secret Country, Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Last Wave. He has also acted as a consultant on Aboriginal issues for the South Australian Film Corporation. Mr Randall is currently employed with the Institute of Aboriginal Development in Alice Springs as a cultural teacher. His past experience and ability is proving to be a valuable asset to the Institute. He is actively engaged with people from all over the world who travel to Alice Springs to hear from him the cultural traditions of the Central Australia region. Elder of the Year (male) Geoffrey Shaw OAM (Northern Territory) Alice Springs Tel: 08 89528172 Geoffrey Shaw is a Kayteye man, born in 1945 in the Todd River. He grew up in Central Australia, going to school until year 8. He worked on cattle stations, then joined the army serving in Borneo, Malaya and two tours of Vietnam. On his return from active service, he found conditions of Aboriginal people in Alice Springs to be virtually unchanged from the time he had left. Realising the plight of Aboriginal people were in, he set aside his personal suffering shared by other Vietnam Veterans and began work as a Health Worker with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Geoff Shaw was also the General Manager of Tangentyere Council for over 20 years. Under his leadership Tangentyere Council developed into an effective and innovative organisation which the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody acknowledged as a model of self-determination. In 1979, Geoff Shaw participated in the redraft of the Northern Territory Electoral Act to accommodate the needs of Aboriginal people. In 1990, he was the first elected ATSIC Zone Commissioner for Central Australia and was awarded the Order of Australia medal for his work for Aboriginal people in 1993. Elder of the Year (female) Ms Zona Martin - (Queensland) Toowoomba Tel: 07 46342347 Zona Martin is an Elder and member of the Toowoomba and South West Queensland Aboriginal community as well as being the mother of 11 children. She has been involved in numerous Aboriginal and community organisations across Queensland often from their very beginning. Zona was instrumental in establishing and operating a Mobile Dental Clinic for Aboriginal families in South West Queensland as well as the creation of an Aboriginal Dental Health Service for the Aboriginal Community for the Toowoomba - Darling Downs region itself. Zona Martin was an ADC Commissioner in the period 1985 to 1989. She was appointed to the Establishment Board of the Queensland Trachoma organisation and is a foundation and long standing member of the board of the Downs Aboriginal Housing Company. Artist of the Year Mr Wenten Rubuntja - (Northern Territory) Alice Springs NT Tel: 08 89525855 Wenten Rubuntja is a Senior Arrernte lawman and a custodian of cultural sites in the Alice Springs region. He sees a great need for Aboriginal people to maintain knowledge of their country and culture and for the wider community to understand what this involves. Wenten paints in the dot and symbol technique, based on the traditional sand paintings of the desert, and in the landscape tradition made famous by his father's cousin, Albert Namatjira. He is a renowned artist in both traditional and landscape styles. Wenten has also done a number of paintings that have become the symbols and letterheads of the organisations for whom he has produced the work. In 1976 Wenten became Chairman of the Central Land Council. He has served several terms as President of Tangentyere and has had further terms as Chairman of the Central Land Council and President of Yipirinya School Council. He is also a former stock camp boss and drover, house builder, cook and a member of the original Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. Sports Achiever of the Year Mr Nicky Winmar (Victoria) C/- Western Bulldogs Football Club Tel: 03 96806100 Nicky Winmar is the first Aboriginal player to play over 200 AFL games and the driving force behind the AFL's Racial Vilification Code. He practised his footy skills by leaping off tree stumps and tackling sheep at shearing time. He joined the St Kilda Football Club at the age of 21 and began his AFL career in 1987. He is a player of great skill - a spectacular, high-flying mark, a long, accurate kick, pin-point passes by hand and foot and a fierce and effective tackler. He played as a forward, being the Saints'
[recoznet2] GAC Update 10 (14 July 1999)
Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation update *** Hi, folks, The purpose of this update is 1) to provide more information on the outcomes of the World Heritage meeting. 2) notification of two events organized by endorsed Jabiluka Acton Groups 1) MORE INFO ABOUT THE WORLD HERITAGE DECISION The material below comes partly from phone conversations with GAC participants in Paris. It comes in the context of the inevitable disappointment over the adverse decision in Paris. Where such disappointment comes up there is frequently a temptation to look for scapegoats, to try to lay blame. After all, if Hill had lost, heads would have rolled; and tody is the day that Phil Shervinton is shuffled to North Ltd, and Ken Lonie (ex-boss at Ranger) clears his desk. Such looking for places to lay blame is not productive, and this update is partly a request that we show the maturity to avoid such scalp-hunting. * There is no doubt that the decision not to place Kakadu on the World Heritage in Danger list is a terrible decision from several points of view - not least from the point of view of the World Heritage Committee's own reputation. It's perfectly clear that, Robert Hill's blandishments to the contrary, the decision was made on the basis of politics, not facts. As TWS, ACF and FoE have made clear in their press releases, the expert advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee (IUCN, ICOMOS, ICCROM) unanimously supported in-danger listing both in December and on Monday. We understand that the Committee has never before ignored the unanimous advice of the expert advisory bodies. The structure of voting for an in-danger listing is that a vote for in-danger listing requires a two-thirds majority of the 21 State parties on the Committee at any given time. The Australian government simply has far more resources - YOUR resources, if you live in Australia - at its command than small groups such as GAC, TWS, ACF or FoE. These small groups had to convince - not buy - a two-thirds majority. The government had only to buy - or convince if it could, despite all the advice from advisory bodies - about six countries. History is not short, unfortunately, of examples where, given a choice between a principle and a profit, governments will choose a profit. The Australian government has done this in backing ERA to the hilt. It seems other countries will make similar choices where their hip-pockets are concerned. But it is important that those of us opposed to the Jabiluka uranium mine, whether because we support the Mirrar struggle or because we put anti-uranium concerns first, not become too despondent over the decision. As has been said in these updates on a number of occasions, in-danger listing was never going to stop the mine. It was only ever going to be a tool, a lever, one among many. The question is, a lever for what; and what remains of this lever. It is NOT the case that the World Heritage Committee has said the Park is not in danger. It said nothing of the kind. The Committee said quite clearly that it was extremely concerned, and it required the government to accede to a number of commitments: * Complete cultural mapping and preparation of a cultural heritage management plan with a monitoring regime from ICOMOS and ICCROM. In the past the government has refused to enforce the requirement that ERA produce such a plan before starting construction. In that context, Mirrar have refused to participate while work is going on, and ERA have refused to stop work in order to develop such a plan. Now, these World heritage advisory bodies will be involved, with less chance that the government and ERA will be able to manipulate the process. * An agreement in writing from Hill for no mining at Jabiluka for 18 months. ERA had already said in the media that they would be stopping for about a year. But that period was no doubt flexible according to their priorities - and one of their priorities is to get the profits flowing as soon as possible. There is no doubt that ERA is extremely displeased about this development and will try to wriggle out of it. Having it in writing imposes the requirement upon the government to enforce it - and of course that imposes a need on the rest of us to force the government to enforce it. * A written agreement regarding sequential mining. This was one of the original requirements from the Fox Reports - that two uranium mines not be operating at the same time in Kakadu National Park. This displeases ERA even more, since it severely restricts their ability to produce jabiluka uranium in anything like the quantities they will need to bring their profit levels up to the level they need. When this was first announced, Shervington said on the ABC that it was not going to happen. Now, by some alchemy, it is. ERA
[recoznet2] Jabiluka Action Group Media Release
Forwarded from Christine Howes: JABILUKA ACTION GROUP (Qld) Ph: (07) 3846 0246 Fax: (07) 3846 0246 MEDIA RELEASE TUESDAY 13 JULY 1999 WORLD HERITAGE 18 MONTH SUSPENSION WILL PROVE KAKADU IN DANGER After yesterday's Extraordinary Session of the World Heritage Committee, it was found that the Jabiluka uranium mine will pose serious threats to the living cultural values of Kakadu National Park. This decision has seen the mine placed on hold for 18 months to investigate the implementation of a number of requirements, including a Cultural Heritage Management Plan. This management plan was supposed to be a pre-requisite for construction commencing at the site. Progress of these measures, also including full cultural mapping of important Aboriginal sites, will be under close scrutiny by the World Heritage Committee over the next 18 months. They have stated that they will remain vigilant in monitoring the Australian Government's previously dubious efforts to minimise the effects of the mine on Indigenous people in the area, and on the surrounding environment. Executive Officer of Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation Jacqui Katona said today, "The Mirrar people now have a transparent process which we believe will lead to Jabiluka being discontinued." Jabiluka Action Group spokesperson Rebecca Duffy says, "Regardless of the World Heritage decision, Kakadu is still 'in danger'. Already the mine tunnel has desecrated an Aboriginal sacred site complex." "It is extremely disappointing that the decision last night became so politicised, that the merits of the case were overshadowed by the Australian Government's diplomatic pressure. The credibility of the whole World Heritage regime has been undermined, and the Australian public can now clearly recognise just how underhanded our government has been in this matter." "The government may see this as a win for the Jabiluka uranium mine, however there can be no victory for Kakadu National Park and the Mirrar until the mine is stopped. We will continue to fight with the Traditional Owners because we have no doubt that Jabiluka should not go ahead. It will be proved in the next 18 months that the mine is not viable ecologically, culturally or economically." In response to the decision, the Jabiluka Action Group has organised a Candlelight Vigil to acknowledge the struggle of the Mirrar to exercise their rights of self determination: WHAT: CANDLELIGHT VIGIL * SPEAKERS INCLUDE ABORIGINAL POET MAUREEN WATSON * MUSICAL PERFORMANCES FROM JEVAN COLE AND REBECCA WRIGHT WHEN: FRIDAY 16 JULY 5.30 - 7.30 PM WHERE: KING GEORGE SQUARE Bring candles, warm clothes and blankets Hot Drinks and Food available For more information contact: Rebecca Duffy on 3846 0246 or 3846 7609 STOP JABILUKA URANIUM MINE - STOP JABILUKA URANIUM MINE - STOP JABILUKA URANIUM MINE --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] SMH - Letters page
SMH - Letters page July 18, 1999 Land rights law better left alone We were in the Parliament that introduced then passed the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We all voted for the passage of that Act. The Act has worked well and has brought benefits to the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory. Changes proposed by the re- commendations of Reeves QC would centralise control of Aboriginal lands in an authority appointed and controlled by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments and take away title now vested in land trusts for the traditional owners. This is turning Aboriginal land rights on its head despite the rationale of the Act in returning Aboriginal lands to the traditional owners. We believe that the Act should not be amended in ways which ignore traditional property rights of established traditional owners or which remove legal protections which allow those rights to be enjoyed. - Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister, 1975-83, Ian Viner, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, 1975-78, Fred Chaney, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, 1978-80, Peter Baume, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, 1980-82, Ian Wilson, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, 1982-83, Sydney. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Jabiluka solidarity in Spain
Forwarded with permission from Christine Howes: 300 SPANISH ENVIRONMENTALIST GROUPS CONDEMN UNESCO DECISION THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE WAS RELEASED IN MADRID SPAIN BY ECOLOGISTAS EN ACCION, A COALITION OF 300 SPANISH ENVIRONMENT GROUPS ON 13 JULY. Madrid, Spain 13 July 1999 Ecologistas en Acción, the federation of 300 environmentalist action groups around Spain, has denounced in harsh terms the decision by the Word Heritage Committee to reject the recommendation by its own advisory bodies to include the Kakadu National Park in the "Endangered" list, despite the on-going construction of a uranium mine 3 Km from the most important rock art gallery in the Park. "This decision by UNESCO is a humiliating capitulation to political pressure by the Australian Government, which has spent more than 100 million pesetas (AUS$1 million) to buy approval for a uranium mine in an area of incomparable cultural and ecological wealth. It is as if UNESCO had authorised a mine in the heart of Doñana National Park in Spain (southern Europe's largest migratory bird preserve) or at the gates of the Altamira caves. The decision has made it perfectly clear that the World Heritage Convention is not worth the paper it is written on," declared Ecologistas en Acción representative Jaime Benyei. Kakadu National Park contains one of the largest collections of cave paintings in the world, and more bird species than any other single part of Australia. In addition to the Jabiluka mine, there are 29 further mining exploration permits in force in the Park. The World Heritage Scientific Committee, the Australian Senate, the IUCN and the most prestigious independent scientific bodies in the country all recommended inclusion in the "Endangered" list at the Kyoto meeting last November, and gave the Australian Government 6 months to stop work on Jabiluka and present its allegations. The Government's reaction was to accelerate works and spend more than one million dollars (105 million pesetas) on a campaign which directly pressured the individual members of the World Heritage Committee to change their vote. According to Ecologistas en Acción, "The independence and impartiality of the Committee has now clearly been placed in doubt. The decision taken on July 12 is a precedent that places the entire World Heritage system at risk to any sort of government-backed development." In June, the UNESCO Racial Equality Committee catalogued the Australian Government alongside the Ruandan and Milosevic regimes due to its racist policies (minimising the indigenous population's right to reclaim traditional lands, elimination of bilingual education, first sentence jailing, the latter policy resulting in indigenous people forming 80% of prisoners in northern Australian jails, despite their comprising 25% of the region's population. Más información: Jamie Benyei 918 47 12 74 -- Ecologistas en Accion Marques de Leganes 12 - 28004 Madrid Telefono: +34-91-5312739 Fax: +34-91-5312611 http://www.nodo50.org/ecologistas/ e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Contact: John Hallam, Nuclear Campaigner, Friends of the Earth Sydney, 9517-3903 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] The Age: The opinion business
THE AGE http://www.theage.com.au/daily/990719/news/specials/news4.html July 19, 1999 The opinion business ROBERT MANNE IT IS an illusion to believe the present John Laws case - where bankers were willing to pay a talkback radio host a secret $1.2million to spruik on their behalf - is the only kind of case where corporate money has been used in Australia to influence the shape of opinion on matters of public concern. In the early 1980s significant parts of business in this country made a far less sinister but far more important decision - to invest considerable sums in neo-liberal think tanks such as the Institute of Public Affairs in Melbourne and the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney. The purpose of this corporate funding was to use their intellectual prestige to assist in the economic transformation of Australia, in the destruction of the traditionally protectionist, interventionist and regulatory state. From the first this intense business interest in public-opinion formation in Australia, which I experienced personally during my unwelcome dissent from economic-rationalist orthodoxy as editor of Quadrant, made me uneasy from a democratic point of view. No doubt the miners and the bankers who sank resources into the neo-liberal think tanks were genuinely convinced that the changes they advocated - the end of tariffs, lower corporate taxes, weakened trade union power - would benefit the Australian economy. No doubt, however, they also believed that such changes would improve their bottom lines. In the 1980s, within the world of big business, the distinction between the national interest and corporate self-interest became hopelessly confused. Moreover, by observing some of my acquaintances, who made new careers within these think tanks, certain potential conflicts of interest - in the new marriage of thought and money - became clear at least to me. In the late 1980s, Gerard Henderson, now a weekly columnist on this page, left his job as adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, John Howard, and set out upon a new career as columnist at The Australian and as director of the Institute of Public Affairs in NSW, soon to be reborn as the influential Sydney Institute. The late 1980s were the last years of cowboy capitalism in Australia. The great opponent of the cowboys was Henry Bosch, chairman of the National Companies and Securities Commission. The legal struggles between Bosch and the cowboys became serious business indeed. In 1988 and 1989, in his role as columnist, Gerard Henderson embarked on a personal anti-Bosch crusade. Time and again he accused Bosch of being a ``media groupie'', of conducing ''trials by media'' and of having an insufficient grasp of the rule of law. Against the bureaucratic state power wielded by Bosch, individuals were ``virtually powerless''. Which individuals did Henderson have in mind? In a column of 24 October 1988, the individual whose cause he defended was one of the businessmen Bosch was at the time investigating, Larry Adler of FAI Insurance. Adler's solicitors had complained about an NCSC media release. With ``enormous arrogance'' Bosch had refused to respond. The dispute between Bosch and Adler over this media release seemed to Henderson a matter of ``utmost importance''. In a column a little over a year later, Henderson turned to the defence of another virtually powerless individual - Christopher Skase. In a radio interview Bosch had described the practice of company directors paying themselves vast sums without reference to their shareholders as ``probably unethical and probably illegal''. Henderson commented thus: ``As a youth, I studied law and learnt very early on how to distinguish between British justice and rough justice.'' Bosch had created an entirely ``new form of legal process''. ``Bosch justice'' had the capacity to inflict on Skase's company, Qintex, very considerable harm. In 1988 and 1989 Henderson wore two hats - as an independent intellectual writing an opinion column and as a director of a new think tank seeking considerable corporate support. I have no idea which corporations supported the Sydney Institute in its early days. Henderson's anti-Bosch campaign, however, highlighted for me the potential for conflicts of interest in a regime where donations to think tanks did not have to be disclosed. So, in a different way, did the case of another old acquaintance, Ron Brunton. In 1981, Brunton, an anthropologist, left Macquarie University to fashion for himself a new think-tank career. For most of the 1990s he has been director of indigenous affairs at the IPA. In this post he has both wielded considerable influence and displayed considerable courage as the bete noire of most academic anthropologists in the field of Aboriginal affairs. Since the late 1980s support for Aboriginal land claims, interest in Aboriginal
[recoznet2] PUBLIC FORUM - CRIME PUNISHMENT - WA PRISONS
Forwarded from: Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc NOTICE CRIME PUNISHMENT - WA PRISONS TODAY 1. A Public Forum is to be held in the Christ Church at Claremont at 2 Queenslea Drive, Claremont, on Wednesday 28th July 1999 commencing at 8pm. SPEAKERS: · Peter Foss - Attorney General Minister of Justice of WA · Glenn Shaw - Chair of the Deaths In Custody Watch Committee of WA 2. All interested groups and people are invited to attend. 3. If you are attending, please advise the Secretary of the Parish, Maria Barry on 9384-9244 or leave a message on the answering machine. Kath Mallott "To monitor and work to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths In Custody" Deaths In Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc) 119 Mathieson Road, REDCLIFFE, Western Australia, 6104 "The beginning of the cause of deaths in custody does not occur within the confines of police and prison cells or in the minds of the victims. Initially it starts in the minds of those who allow it to happen." Elder Dr. Jack Davis (OA, MBE) * [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.omen.net.au/~dicwc * --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Fall-out from article in SMH
ABC News: Women's group raises doubts over some land claim evidence Tuesday 20 July, 1999 (11:53am AEST) A rural women's lobby group wants answers from the Australian Anthropological Society regarding recent allegations of dishonest and illegal activities by anthropoligists relating to Aboriginal land claims. Spokeswoman for the Regional Women's Alliance, Lindsay MacDonald, said leaseholders are concerned by recent media reports that some anthropologists are fabricating and distoring evidence to ensure Aboriginal clients win land claim cases. Mrs MacDonald said Australia's legal processes will be undermined unless the Anthropological Society can ensure all its members are acting with integrity and accountability. "Fabricating eveidence which is going to influence a land claim case is illegal," she said. "Its up to the Anthropological Society to ensure the public that its members are acting honestly and this practice is not going on." --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Meg's folly beginning to bite
http://www.smh.com.au/ The latest Herald/ACNeilson poll in NSW shows among other things: "The Democrats dropped a point to 4 per cent, the Greens rose one to 5 per cent, Independents and others each dropped a point to 3 per cent and One Nation dropped two points to 4 per cent, half what it scored on election day." Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Genes and greens
For anyone who is interested in this subject and in what they let Monsanto feed them: On Channel Nine at 7:30 pm this Sunday, July 25, 1999 "LOOK WHATS COMING TO DINNER July 25, 1999: Reporter - Ellen Fanning; Producer - Stephen Taylor Genes and greens Depending where you stand on it, genetically modified food is either Frankenstein fare or the answer to feeding future generations. Science has made such advances in genetically altering produce that its possible now to make crops disease and pest resistant or breed into vegetables chemicals that reduce cancer risk. Just as impressive are the claims that genetically-altered cereals can be grown using less land and less water. It is a brave new world that is already on us but as Ellen Fanning reports, environmental groups - particularly in Britain - are mounting a fierce campaign to stop the introduction of laboratory-grown plants saying the companies behind the new food are not to be trusted." Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] REPEAL NT MANDATORY SENTENCING LAWS CAMPAIGN.
REPEAL NT MANDATORY SENTENCING LAWS CAMPAIGN. YOUR HELP NEEDED TODAY - CAST YOUR VOTE FOR SANITY If you were outraged by the fact a homeless man got a year's jail in Darwin for taking a towel, here's your chance to take some positive action to restore the true spirit of the rule of law in the Northern Territory. DARWIN BY-ELECTION There is presently an NT Legislative Assembly by-election campaign under way in Darwin (2 seats) with elections on Saturday 31 July. Some candidates have expressed their opposition to mandatory sentencing - by not very loudly as it is not seen as an issue within suburban Darwin. The more messages received by the NTTC today and over the next week is important to encourage the sane people within the NT to act to protect the interests of the vulnerable as well as the wealthy. It just requires a little bit of outside energy to make a quantum leap. Just thinking about it won't do the trick, but sending off that email message NOW makes a REAL difference. HOW TO VOTE Send a simple and polite email message to the Northern Territory Tourist Commission asking them for more information about their "Darwin Jail First Resort Package" and requesting that they put a "WARNING NOTICE - NT JAIL LAWS" section on their website with full details of mandatory sentencing legislation. Either visit the website of the Northern Territory Tourist Commission at http://www.nttc.com.au or email them direct at [EMAIL PROTECTED] EVERY VOTE COUNTS! The first messages have started to arrive at the Northern Territory Tourist Commission. They are referring them to management. More messages please, we need more. DON'T THROW IN THE TOWEL - EMAIL THE NTTC TODAY [EMAIL PROTECTED] All those marginalised folk who get caught up in these rotten laws and deadly jails say "Thank you Brothers and Sisters." AUSTRALIANS AGAINST MANDATORY SENTENCING e-people for a fair go [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.egroups.com/subscribe?list=fairgo Pass this message on. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Answer to my letter
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank-you for your email expressing your friends concerns about mandatory sentencing in the Northern Territory. I have forwarded your email to the authorities and thank-you again for your concerns. Yours sincerely, Liz Harkin Northern Territory Holiday Centre. ^^^ My message: July 26, 1999 To Whom It May Concern, I have been asked by a friend of mine in the Netherlands, Eric Hennekam, to convey his utter disgust with your mandatory sentencing laws. Mr Hennekam will be here, with his family, for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and since he has seen many photos of Australia he was planning on visiting other places as well. One of these places was the Northern Territory but then he found out about your mandatory sentencing laws and the terrible effect these are having on Indigenous Australians. He and his family are very impressed by Indigenous culture and art but they do no wish to support in any way a regime that harms them. Also, Mr Hennekam's three children are teenagers and he is afraid that through a misunderstanding or lack of language skills, his children might be inadvertently in danger of these laws. He is also aware that there are no interpreters provided in the NT courts. Mr Hennekam is coming with a large group of friends and acquaintances (this is how they always travel) and has informed all of them why he does not want to visit the Northern Territory and so, the NT is now off the itinerary. My personal observation to you is that it might well be that your mandatory sentencing laws are costing you a lot more than you realise for some minor property thefts. Yours truly, Trudy Bray --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council-news updates
Forwarded bounced message for Brendan Thomas: The Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council (AJAC) is a council of Aboriginal people established in 1998 to provide advice to the NSW Government on Law and Justice Issues effecting Aboriginal people in this state. The NSW AJAC will be distributing a monthly e-mail news update on the work of the Council and on other important and current Aboriginal Justice Issues. We think its important to keep the community and people working in the area of Aboriginal affairs informed of whats happening in the criminal justice field. Anybody wishing to s*bscribe to our monthly news update can e-mail me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please include the e-mail address you wish the news update to be sent to. Brendan Thomas Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Can anyone help Helen?
I am posting this for Helen in case someone can help her with her second request. I will take care of the articles. Trudy Hey Trudy, How are you? Firstly, I will tell you that I am the girl looking for clippings on racial discrimination for an assignment. Well I dont really know what articles I need but I am thinking along the lines of anything to do with how racial discrimination effects the people involved. If theres anything that you can find on what people/society are doing to help the victims or to prevent this from continuing, may I please have that also? Also, if its not too much trouble, if you know anyone else I can get info from (via e-mail, phone call or a letter) could you please let me know? I really appreciate what you are doing for me. Thanks a lot again, Helen. __ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
[recoznet2] ABC 7:30 Report: SA takes a different approach to Aboriginal custody
ABC TV 7:30 Report Transcript 26/07/1999 SA takes a different approach to Aboriginal custody KERRY O'BRIEN: Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders make up less than 2 per cent of the Australian population but they account for almost 20 per cent of prison inmates. It's now almost 10 years since the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody made over 300 recommendations designed to reduce this massive over-representation of Indigenous Australians in jail. A number of the royal commission's recommendations dealt with the court system and the belief by many Aboriginal defendants that it is loaded against them. In South Australia, a new approach is being taken at the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court. The Aboriginal community, police and the judiciary are working together to break down traditional barriers. In part, it involves a man who has spent half his life behind bars, sharing the bench with a magistrate who sent him to jail. Mike Sexton reports. MIKE SEXTON: Tony Lindsay knows all too well the problems facing Aboriginal men and women in jail. Although he's only 42, he's spent almost half his life behind bars. TONY LINDSAY, ABORIGINAL OFFENDERS SUPPORT SERVICE: Well, it's not easy for anybody in prison, let alone Aboriginals. When you're trying to adjust to one society and you don't yet know where your own society is, you become accustomed to prison, you become institutionalised, you depend on the system to do for you rather than you do for you. MIKE SEXTON: Tony's first jail experience was as an 11-year-old when he spent a night in the Port Adelaide police cells. His story is not unfamiliar in this blue collar area with high unemployment and a large indigenous population. 10 per cent of the cases heard at the Port Adelaide Magistrate's Court involve Aboriginal defendants. GARTH DODD, ABORIGINAL JUSTICE OFFICER: It's like it has been for a nu mber of years. They come in, they sit down or stand up, or whatever, and they can't open up, they can't talk, or don't want to talk. MIKE SEXTON: But now that's changing with a new court system designed for everyone to talk. CHRIS VASS, PORT ADELAIDE MAGISTRATE: Well, convince me why you're over heroin? MIKE SEXTON: This case is being heard in the Special Interest Court or the Nunga Court as it is known -- Nunga being a term for Aborigines in South Australia. The court is restructured with the defendant and his or her representatives and family members sitting directly across the bench from the magistrate, Chris Vass. CHRIS VASS: How old are your kids? ABORIGINAL MAN: 7 and 8. Nearly 8 and 9. CHRIS VASS: So what are you doing to them by doing this, by taking heroin and committing crimes, what are you doing to your kids? MIKE SEXTON: The court is only for those who have pleaded guilty, but by breaking down some European court traditions Magistrate Vass wants the community to be involved in the sentencing process. CHRIS VASS: We're brought up with it, we understand it but for these people, I think they want to be able to have their say. They want to be a bit more emotional about it, they want to tell their story and they want to have other members of the family tell their story and that's an opportunity for them to do that and I think it's proper for us to listen. GARTH DODD: It will help our clients, our people work through the court system, no matter what that may be, we try and help them out throughout their procedures or if they want to know any questions or anything of the sort, we'll just help them out in any way we can. MIKE SEXTON: In this case, the defendant has explained his heroin addiction and his grief at recently losing his parents. CHRIS VASS: Your wife's told me about the family, part of your family passed away because of drugs, is that right? ABORIGINAL MAN: Yes. CHRIS VASS: So, have you learned that lesson? ABORIGINAL MAN: Just shows how easy it can be. CHRIS VASS: I understand that. ABORIGINAL MAN: I feel I haven't got the right t o take my life or take myself away from the kids. CHRIS VASS: That's right. ABORIGINAL MAN: I mean, it would be different if it was my own decision, but whatever decision I make now is for my kids' sake as well. MIKE SEXTON: During the hearing, Tony Lindsay sits next to the magistrate who once sentenced him to a prison stretch. Now he advises him and talks to the defendant. CHRIS VASS: Do you know this man? TONY LINDSAY: Yeh, I know Joe. What support people are you going to use out there, Joe? ASG, ADAC , people like that? Support group. ACOSS? ABORIGINAL MAN: Yeah, because I feel like. TONY LINDSAY: Because it's easy to say, brother, but we need to make a move. Because my face is known around the system, the prison system and community, if guys see me sitting up there it probably makes them feel more comfortable to say things, to be more open about it, and I usually talk to them before court and after court and you know encourage them to have their say. MIKE SEXTON:
[recoznet2] Brunton and Duffy exposed?
Further to the Anthropology debate Published in today's Sydney Morning Herald "Uncorroborated" I refer to an incident first reported by Dr Tim O'Meara (Anthropology program - University of Melbourne) in a letter published in the Herald (July 10) and cited in two recent articles published in The Courier- Mail by Ron Brunton (July 10) and Michael Duffy (July 17). Dr O'Meara said in his letter that he had recently interviewed a postgraduate student in anthropology at the University of Queensland who reported that in his consulting work "he and his colleagues commonly fabricated and distorted evidence and otherwise did whatever was necessary to ensure that their Aboriginal clients won". The anthropology department at the University of Queensland has contacted Dr O'Meara and his colleagues at the University of Melbourne to identify the student. In an e-mail response on July 14, Dr O'Meara acknowledges his inability, without further checking, to do this but says his colleagues Dr Monica Minnegal, Dr Mary Patterson and perhaps Dr Just and Dr Lewis (all in anthropology, University of Melbourne) would be able to verify his account. In an e-mail letter to us dated July 20 they acknowledged that "none of us can recall any conversation with Dr O'Meara in which he reported that someone associated with the University of Queensland had discussed improper conduct" and therefore were unable to either confirm or deny Dr O'Meara's account. We wish then to clarify the point that to date the claims made by Dr O'Meara, and repeated by Duffy and Brunton, are uncorroborated. A/Prof Laurence Goldman, Chairperson, Anthropology Section, University of Queensland, Brisbane. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] ABC News: Campaign by email waged against mandatory sentencing
ABC News Thu, 29 Jul 1999 6:59 AEST Campaign by email waged against mandatory sentencing Australians Against Mandatory Sentencing has begun waging an email campaign aimed at the Northern Territory Tourist Commission. The group's Bruce Reyburn says members have suggested people wanting to visit the Territory use the Internet to contact the commission. "It's a request to the Northern Territory Tourist Commission to provide information on their website about the Northern Territory's mandatory sentencing legislation," he said. "[We're] requesting that they put a warning notice on their site about the risks that tourists may face if they come here, if they're thinking of coming via the Territory or through Darwin for the year 2000 Olympic Games." © 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] (Fwd) Success for the fairgo group
Forwarded for Bruce and the fairgo group: SUCCESS! Australians Against Mandatory Sentencing now exist in the world outside of email! I did not hear it myself but we made the ABC radio news. PLUS - i was interviewed live on ABC radio this morning. The ABC said that we were based in Alice Springs (since that is where i was on the phone) and that removed the argument that we are outsiders interferring in Territory affairs for the meanwhile. I mentioned that under the CLP one law applies to all and that some tourists souvenir things like cutlery and towels, and with the removal of the discretion of the Magistrates and Judges tourists would face jail. I also said that the NT Tourist Commission had a duty of care to inform tourists of the risk. And that we would be running this campaign up to the Olympic Games. The ABC will be seeking a response from the Tourist Commission as a next moves - so any more messages to them is timely. If this doesn't send a wake up message to the Northern Territory politicians, i don't know what will! Perfect timing as fate would have it. Two days before the by- elections in an election looking for a real issue. It is now over to the candidates in the Darwin by-election to pick up the ball and run with it. I will be off line until Saturday afternoon. Let us each take the time to celebrate our success in some way after some hard work dealing with too much email Bruce 29 July 1999 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Herron's Speech
Forwarded by Les Malezer, Deputy Chairperson National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title NIWG from Geneva HERRON ADDRESSES THE UNITED NATIONS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister John Herron today told the United Nations there had been a positive and fundamental shift in Australia about the thinking of solutions to some of the most intractable problems confronting indigenous communities. Addressing the 17th Session of the Working Group of Indigenous Populations (WGIP) in Geneva, Senator Herron said that until quite recently it had been impossible to have an honest discussion about issues such as individual responsibility and the right to welfare. "There was what I call 'the great silence' at the core of much discussion of indigenous policy issues. We talked about the problems caused by history and society but few dared speak of some of the fundamental problems nurtured within many indigenous communities themselves," Senator Herron said. He said the Australian Government over the past three years had sought to change the direction of indigenous affairs away from welfare dependency but that did not mean any lack of compassion. "It also means policies that facilitate and promote genuine economic independence for indigenous people, policies that go beyond the catchcry of land and mining royalties and encompass both individual-skills development and productive business enterprises," Senator Herron said. "There have been ... assertions that the solution ultimately lies in the direction of forms of Aboriginal sovereign self-government as contemplated by the 'self-determination' provisions of the Draft Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Draft Declaration itself is at risk of becoming a distraction from the real tasks and priorities before us. The Australian Government rejects 'the politics of symbolism'. We believe in practical measures leading to practical results that improve the lives of individual people where they live." "It is the skills of people in which we must invest for the long-term future and that is what we are doing in Australia," he said. Senator Herron said that through very active government support the number of indigenous Australians attending university had increased from 1600 in 1990 to almost 8000. Four years ago there had been just 800 indigenous Australians learning trades through apprenticeships - today there were 4,800. There was unambiguous empirical evidence Australia's policies were working and that the socio-economic status of indigenous Australians was improving. A Copy of the Minister's Speech is attached and it can be viewed at www.atsia.gov.au 29 July 1999 Statement on behalf of the Australian Government 17th Session United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations 29 July, 1999 Madame Chairman, Distinguished members of the working group, Representatives of member states and of the specialised agencies of the United Nations system, Indigenous peoples and their representatives and all attending this 17th session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations. This is the second time that I have had the privilege of taking the floor in this forum. I also attended the session in 1997. May I begin by offering my warm congratulations to you, Madame Chairman, on your re-election to the chairmanship of this important working group. You first presided over this working group in 1984. Since then its meetings have grown in both size and status and the working group has completed many important tasks. I note, for example, that this week you have presented your second progress report on indigenous people's relationship to land and I look forward to reading it with interest. Much of the success of the WGIP can truly be said to be a direct result of your vision, Madame Chairman, to create a unique forum in the United Nations system where indigenous peoples may speak freely of their concerns and aspirations. Your words of constructive dialogue, freedom, human rights and equality encourage all of us. Australia, through its government and NGO representatives, has a long and active record of involvement in the Working Group on Indigenous Populations and related UN fora. It is an indication of the importance we place on indigenous rights, and, on a practical level, the importance we place on addressing indigenous disadvantage. We come here this year for a number of reasons, partly to learn from the experiences of others and partly to share the Australian experience with other participants. We believe that in recent times in Australia there has been a positive and fundamental shift in thinking about solutions to some of the most intractable problems confronting indigenous communities. I want to spend some of my time today speaking about that change in approach, but first of all I want to address a few remarks to the main theme of this week's meeting - land and land usage. Land and
[recoznet2] Minister Announces Land Court Appointments
Forwarded from Christine Howes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Qld. Media statement - Minister Announces Land Court Appointments Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 9:51 AM Environment and Heritage/Natural Resources, HON. RODNEY WELFORD 30/7/99 Minister Announces Land Court Appointments Minister for Environment and Heritage and Natural Resources, Rod Welford, today announced appointments to the Land Court and the Land Tribunal. Mr Welford said James John Trickett had been re-appointed President of the Land Court for a further three years from 27 July 1999. "The Land Court deals with appeals in important land related matters, mainly appeals under the Valuation of Land Act 1944 and claims for compensation under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967," he said. "Mr Trickett has been President of the Land Court since July 1996 and is well qualified for the position. He is a Barrister and holds the degrees of Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts and is a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute." Mr Welford also announced that Stephanie Ann Forgie and Carmel Anne Catherine MacDonald had been appointed deputy chairpersons and members of the Land Tribunal under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991. The Land Tribunal hears and determines land claims made by Aboriginal people to areas designated as claimable land. "Both Miss Forgie and Ms MacDonald have also been appointed members of the Land Court," Mr Welford said. "The appointments are until 31 May 2003 and are part-time positions." Miss Forgie holds a Bachelor of Laws and is currently Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Ms MacDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Masters of Law (London). She is currently Principal Lecturer in Law, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology. The appointment of two extra deputy chairpersons will provide the Tribunal with greater availability of persons to preside over hearings that may be set down. Further information: Greg Milne on 38963688 or 0417 791 336 30 July, 1999 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Is this where we're going??
ABC NEWS Philosophers suggest slavery as alternative to welfare The World Today - Thursday, July29, 199912:31 COMPERE: With few new ideas from either the Government or the Opposition on actually getting the long term unemployed back into jobs, two South Australian philosophers have come up with an idea which may leave a lot of Australians breathless. Associate Professor Ian Hunt, and Senior Lecturer, Rodney Allen, from the Centre of Applied Philosophy at Flinders University in South Australia, suggest that voluntary slavery would give unemployed people a purpose in life, and save taxpayers money. Peter Jeppesen reports. PETER JEPPESEN: The key difference between the slavery of the plantation owners of the past and the modern slavery of the South Australian philosophers is that modern day slavery would be voluntary. You would agree to become a slave in return for lifelong board and lodgings. Now once you'd made that contract then you would lose your rights to freedom. But according to philosopher Rodney Allen, it might not all be bad. The obvious question though who'd want to give up today's freedoms to become a slave? RODNEY ALLEN: It's been estimated that about 30 per cent of our work force are facing a lifetime of fairly low paid casual work, and they are going to be beset by economic insecurity. Now people who are anxious about insecurity or impoverished may find it to their advantage to contract themselves into life long slavery because they would have the security, the security of being maintained for the rest of their life and they could even be much better off than they would be in an impoverished welfare dependent situation because they could be sharing in the recreations and the lifestyles of their rich and powerful owners. I mean in the past slavery got a very bad press and bad name because it's been associated with the sort of brutal plantation slavery of the Caribbean and of America in the 19th century, but what we're envisaging is not just voluntary slavery, but a situation where the slaves would have rights. They'd have rights to lifelong maintenance, to sustenance, to food, lodging and medical care, and these rights could be guaranteed by a sort of industry regulator. PETER JEPPESEN: Would there be slave trade unions to protect their rights? RODNEY ALLEN: Well no. Slaves would have no right to self-determination once they made the initial contract, but there would be an industry regulator, a government body, a slavery commission, which would oversee the way in which this was done and make sure that the slaves rights - and the slave has obligations - were met, and if that was considered inadequate, I mean, we, the rest of the people in society could set up - well in the same way as we now have a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, we could have a royal society for the prevention of cruelty to slaves which would monitor the situation and make sure that slave owners, or prompt the government to make sure that slave owners were meeting their obligations. PETER JEPPESEN: So a modern day slave's life need not necessarily be a life of misery and drudgery? RODNEY ALLEN: No, no. As I say people who are now facing a life of welfare dependency and impoverishment could well be much much better off under this sort of arrangement. PETER JEPPESEN: What would be the value of this though? I mean seriously what would we actually get from it? RODNEY ALLEN: We're facing a sort of three pronged problem. There is first of all long-term unemployment, the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer, and the problems of economic insecurity, the fact that the present policy wants to emphasise the competitive market economy and labour market deregulation, but specially a competitive market economy which will ensure that we for the foreseeable future that our society will, our economy will generate both winners and also long term losers who need to be looked after and at the same time it's part of the present policy to have a low tax regime and to cut back on social welfare. So put all those things together the introduction or the institution of voluntary slavery could cut down the drain on governmental funds and so lead to lower taxes because there wouldn't be such a drain on the welfare system and at the same time the people who are now facing long term unemployment and a life of idleness could get back into useful work. COMPERE: Rodney Allen works for his living as a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Applied Philosophy at Flinders University. Peter Jeppesen reporting for us. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the
[recoznet2] Ninemsn poll result
If this is a correct result and not fiddled with by ON supporters, then we have a lot of work to to! http://news.ninemsn.com.au/06_feature/story_240.asp 19 July: Should PM Howard include reconciliation in the preamble to the Constitution? Yes: (1208) No: (1830) Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] Re: ABC Transcript: The E.S. Nigger Brown stand
He wasn't an Aboriginal man, Lance. He was a white man whose fair skin and blond hair led people to nickname him "Nigger". Like calling a tall man "shorty". "Nigger" is a derogatory term and it is perfectly understandable that some people take offence at this. The fact that other Aboriginal people want to leave the name the way it is could be because they think there are more important things to fight for. I don't know, I am speculating. It is difficult to find out from a few news articles all the ins and outs of the situation. Unless one is on the scene, I don't think anyone can say how many people within the community are for or against. Trudy Lance Kelly wrote: Question regarding this statement, So where are the supporters stating that it shouldnt be the name? How many supporters does this person have? 200 aboriginal supporters saying they wish for it to stay the same bares no semblance to one man sayiong it shouldnt be there. Who is the community 1 man or 200 people. Your argument is not relative at all, and why should one man who doenst live there have the right to tell teh community who do live there how they should remember a famous aborigianl man in the region? Regards, Lance. - Original Message - From: Laurie Forde [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; news-clip [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, August 01, 1999 9:24 AM Subject: [recoznet2] Re: ABC Transcript: The E.S. "Nigger" Brown stand Approximately 200 Aborigines signed the petition calling for the offensive name to be retained. The Aboriginal Community in Toowoomba numbers about 6000. The ABC's John Taylor is issueing a false report when he states that the "Toowoomba Aboriginal Community" has voted the name should stay. Laurie. Laurie and Desley Forde [EMAIL PROTECTED] Trudy Bray wrote... -Original Message- From: Trudy Bray [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: news-clip [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, July 31, 1999 6:09 PM Subject: ABC Transcript: The E.S. "Nigger" Brown stand The E.S. "Nigger" Brown stand The World Today - Friday, July30, 199912:53 COMPERE: Well, as a term of racial abuse, "nigger" is probably one of the worst. But is it acceptable when it's also a hero athlete's name, or at least part of his nick-name? That's the argument that's taking place in Queensland over the name of a grandstand at Toowoomba Athletic Oval. It's called the E.S. Nigger-Brown Stand. This has drawn outrage from many and a complaint to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. However, in what many people think would be a surprising move, the Toowoomba Aboriginal Community has voted that the name should stay. John Taylor. JOHN TAYLOR: His real name was Edward Stanley Brown, and in Toowoomba he was admired for playing in the 1921 Kangaroos rugby league side. He was better known by his nick-name, "Nigger", which apparently he got as a child because he had fair skin and blonde hair. And in the late 1960s, a grandstand at Toowoomba's Athletic Oval was named in his honour, the E.S. Nigger-Brown Stand. Last month a local Aboriginal activist, Steve Haigan, demanded it be changed, but the Toowoomba Sports Ground Trust said no way. But the issue hasn't died, especially since it's now been referred to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. But yesterday the debate took a new twist, with a meeting of local Toowoomba Aboriginal people voting the tag "nigger" should stay. Wally McCarthy from the Aboriginal Services Centre says more than 120 local Aborigines have spoken. WALLY McCARTHY: I hope it's the end of it and I hope the name's still there. We've done a resolution which will be under the Commission, and also other petitions, and I hope they take it into consideration at the ... of the members of the Aboriginal community and the support that we've given to Mr Brown. JOHN TAYLOR: But not everyone in the Aboriginal community agrees with keeping the name. ATSIC Commissioner, Col Dillon, told the ABC's Francis Tapim the word "nigger" is in no way, shape or form acceptable. COL DILLON: I'm absolutely bewildered. I'm absolutely appalled to think that any of our people would be supportive of a stand being named in such derogatory terms. It's terms like that and similar terms that we have been fighting in this nation to eradicate. JOHN TAYLOR: It's a fight Wally McCarthy has participated in, but in this instance in Toowoomba the name should stay. The word "nigger" is extremely offensive when used in normal, everyday language in Australia. Why isn't it offensive when it's on a football stand at Toowoomba? WALLY McCARTHY: I mean, you look at it, I suppose, in a couple of contexts. We use "nigger" a lot. You know, we've got black people that we call "nigger". You know, you can
[recoznet2] ABC TV Compass: Rainbow Spirit Theology
On ABC TV tonight: 10:10 pm. Compass Rainbow Spirit Theology (In another coup of masterful expression...) Looks at the contentious issue of incorporating traditional Aboriginal 'mythology' into Christian 'theology'. Quotation marks are mine. The put-downs are very subtle but they are unmistakable! Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] Redskins? Blacksins? Niggers?
Lance, Lance Kelly wrote: Trudy the trouble is no one accept the politically motivated corect use it. Walk out on the street and listen to any conversation and the denigration and insulting manner that people use. I agree, this happens all the time. Oh sure people put their other hat on in an exclusive environment and try to use the political terminology when in the presence of another but listen to what they say when not in the presence of others and I ask the question is this more about values and beliefs than actual activism. Depends on what result the language has. Take police for instance. In their own environment they swear all the time and then they go out an uphold the peace by arresting Aboriginal people who use the same language that the police have been using all day. Now, I would not bother about how the police talk but it is certainly worth a fight to get justice for Aboriginal people who are jailed for using the same language within earshot of the police. I agree with you in most of your statements, but the point I am trying to make its all about lack of concern this politically correct terminology. In this instance at some time in the past a man was called "Nigger" Brown in a time when it was an accepted form of expression as was many other words and types of language. This is true. And in many places they are trying to censor books which contain the language of times past when it was acceptable to use that language. I don't agree with revisionist history in this way. The trouble is as we become globalised through economy and society everyone is losing their ability to freely express themselves and whatever we say and do cannot not be expected to please everyone the world would be a very quiet place if this was to be because some dominant philosophy would say "Ok world you cant say this word any more or that word." It is not through globalisation that this is happening but through understanding that these kinds of words are offensive. They have always been offensive - even 200 years ago - but then the offended people had no power and the rest of the people were not aware or did not care that it was offensive. They considered it their right to use those terms because they saw themselves as superior. Today, however, many people do realise that these words are offensive and hurtful and they rightly feel that they should no longer offend people on purpose. Once it is known that people are offended a caring person doesn't use them anymore if they believe in justice for all. If we could do this it would be great, but we cant and its not a realistic expectation to expect people to change so much that they must not say one word or the other. We can try to educate them. I get castigated just for saying bloke and sheila which for 200 years of development of the australian colloquialism has been an acceptable form or words to use amongst friends. However its ok if I say Guys which is an american colloquialism. Im saying Trudy we should be trying to change the world as it exists here and now not what has happened in the past, the past is impossible to change. I agree with you on that. We can reconstruct it with all these new ideas about how we see the world, but basically it is the same world with the same problems just more of em' (the problems I mean). A product is called fat free I find that repulsive as Im a fat person can you change that for me? Why do you feel offended by that when the 'fat' they speak of is not the same? Ned Kelly was a Bushranger and a bad bugger, I dont like that fact but Im still with the surname Kelly. He wasn't bad in everybody's eyes. From what I understand there were a lot of lies told about him. The police didn't invent verballing yesterday. People still call me Ned occasionally. Does an insult hurt as much as being denied medical asistance when it is freely available to others around Australia. I imagine that in some cases and for some people it can. And where we should insist on access to quality health care for all we can also insist that hurtful language not be used against people. We don't have to settle for one or the other. Especially when one costs nothing and only takes a little effort and caring. Language does hurt and insults hurt as well, however how much time and resource do we want to waste on a word when the quite significant real issues beyond words that need action. Thats all Im saying - Actions always speak Louder than Words. And sometimes the actions require a word not be used when someone says they are hurt and offended by it. Trudy Regards, Lance. - Original Message ----- From: Trudy and Rod Bray [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, August 01, 1999 6:52 PM Subject: Re: [recoznet2] Redskins? Blacksins? Niggers? Lance, What some people call 'political correctness' others call 'good manners' and a "respe
Re: [recoznet2] Re: ABC Transcript: The E.S. Nigger Brown stand
Lance Kelly wrote: meanwhile aboriginal men die over simple curable illnesses blindness, alcoholism, diabetes, and social isolation poor third world housing conditions rather than hearing politically correct words what is being done about that? What actions are being taken NOW? How does an aboriginal man access equitable health? These questions are more important to me than words which we can rise over. Id love to hear some aboriginal males who has sesnse of what I'm talking about on this group. And I would love to see you mention people instead of just males. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] Males
Lance Kelly wrote: Trudy, If I was female I would be asking what about the females wheres their voice?. Would you see this as a problem too? I dont have a problem with asking for males to speak up, because in the field of human endeavours they are few and far between. That doesn't discount your gender from commentingmy personal aim however is to encourage males to speak up. I didn't start the gender wars however I'm a victim of it, ...now I want to be a survivorMy aim in life is existing for men thats my language thats my state of being. Ive spent quite a of time now looking at the statistics in this country and males are not doing well at and especially aboriginal males so when ever I talk about things on issues I will push for the plight of males, because thats what I know about. This is the same thing women have done with feminist thought. I make no apology for this. When aboriginal men regain their sense of dignity and self - worth in society then we will have some equity happening. Sorry if this upsets you Trudy but until its accepted and theres' something done about Im not about to change my view on this. As a male I dont think you or any feminist can see me as an equal person. Because you blame my gender for everything that is wrong in society, this hurts us as males and because we dont have the same communication style that you do we are already in a position of subservience. You will notice that I talk about my own gender because I cannot be female. I'm male and I come from that perpective. Regards, Lance. When did I blame your gender for everything that is wrong in society? I also don't subscribe to gender 'wars'. Men and women do not live in a vacuum and dignity for either is not possible until they both have it and that goes for Aboriginal people as well as non-Aboriginal people. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Report from Geneva: FAIRA NIWG
The attached papers, by FAIRA and NIWG, were presented to the meeting of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP) in Geneva on 26-30 July. The shorter version of Item 7 was read out while the longer version was tabled. Re Item 11, this paper was tabled but not read out, as the time for Item 11 was 'cut out' because of the lack of time. ___ Les Malezer General Manager FAIRA Aboriginal Corporation Deputy Chairperson National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title NIWG Attending: Working Group on Indigenous Peoples United Nations Geneva Mobile: 0419 710720 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.faira.org.au Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action FAIRA REPORT / INTERVENTION ON AGENDA ITEM 11 Working Group on Indigenous Populations Seventeenth Session 26-30 July 1999 Agenda Item 11 Participation in the prepatory work of the World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination Madam Chair The decision by the United Nations General Assembly that a World Conference to Combat Racism should be held during 2001 is the culmination of the International Decade to Combat Racism and arises from the frustration felt by many that efforts to combat racism are are not working. Madam Chair, the Indigenous Peoples in Australia share this frustration. No other group in Australia suffers racial discrimination to the same extent as that suffered by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Since 1996, the Australian Government has significantly reduced the budget of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission and has signalled its intention to change the nature of the Commission so that no single Commissioner will have responsibility for racial discrimination - neither will there be a Commissioner with specific responsibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice. The Australian Government has also deferred decisions about funding projects to combat racism - monies which were originally budgeted for an anti racism campaign in 1996/97 were not allocated until 1998/99, and when it finally allocated funds, not a single dollar went to applications from Indigenous organisations. Furthermore, the Australian Government has passed legislation which the CERD Committee has determined to be racially discriminatory and, instead of heeding the advice of the Committee, has sought to undermine its credibility. The Australian Government says that there had to be a balancing of interests. This obviously means that it no longer considers the elimination of racial discrimination to be absolute but something which can be compromised if it, in its wisdom, sees fit. It is the intention that the regions of the world conduct preliminary regional conferences leading up to the World Conference; indeed, I understand Europe has already organised such a regional conference. I also understand that, for the purposes of these regional meetings, Australia is considered part of the Asia/Pacific region. To date, Madam Chair, there has been no indications from the Australian Government that it intends either to facilitate or participate in such a regional meeting. We strongly urge the Australian Government to actively promote, organise and participate in a regional meeting with an emphasis on Racism against Indigenous Peoples. Madam Chair. We recommend that the organising body, the Human Rights Commission, include as a theme in the World Conference: the Elimination of Racial Discrimination against Indigenous Peoples. Madam Chair. The media, including the internet, is identified as being a vehicle for the dissemination of racist ideas and incitement to racial hatred. As we know, much of the worldÕs media is controlled by a few multi-national corporations. We recommend that the World Conference to Combat Racism studies the role of the media in this era of mass communication, particularly as it affects Indigenous Peoples - not just how the media and the internet is used to incite racial hatred but, conversely, how Indigenous Peoples can be assisted to use media and the internet to eliminate racial discrimination. Madam Chair. I mentioned earlier this week that the Special Rapporteur on Racism, Xenophobia and related matters was due to visit Australia in 1998 - the same year that the Australian Government legislated to racially discriminate against Indigenous land holders in its amendments to the Native Title Act. The Government advised the Special Rapporteur that he should not visit because a Federal election was due and that racial discrimination was no longer a problem - totally misleading the Special Rapporteur. Needless to say, his visit did not proceed. Following the CERD decision in March this year that the amendments to the Native Title Act were racially discriminatory, the Special Rapporteur amended his report on Australia to the Human Rights Commission.We strongly urge the Special Rapporteur to reconsider
[recoznet2] Reply (?) from Denis Burke
I received a reply (actually two identical replies to two different letters) from the NTTC and the NT Chief Minister, Denis Burke, this morning. I have no qualms about posting it since it is obviously not a letter but a standard piece of propaganda. Australians against mandatory sentencing - and their supporters - will be widening their campaign to include issuing warnings to the Consuls of various countries, Ministers for Foreign affairs and Tourism groups. Further details will be posted as they are decided upon. Trudy ^ From the NTTC: Please find below the response from the Chief Ministers office regarding mandatory sentencing laws. It has been presented in two different formats to allow for different computer equipment. Yours sincerely, Liz Harkin Northern Territory Holiday Centre. In March 1997, the Northern Territory introduced a mandatory minimum sentencing regime for certain crimes against peoples homes and property. These laws, which were passed by the Parliament and confirmed by the Territory people at a general election some months later, have nothing to do with race, creed or colour. They have everything to do with guilt and innocence. These laws do not target the marginalised or disadvantaged community members - or tourists. These laws do target those who break the law and are convicted by the courts. These laws only affect convicted criminals - particularly those who offend and re-offend. If a court finds someone guilty of these offences then they will go to jail - unless there are exceptional circumstances; unless they are aged 15 and 16 and this is their first conviction; unless they are under 15; - then the offender will not go to jail. It is a very simple mandatory minimum sentencing regime - do the crime, youll do the time. Everyone is welcome in the Northern Territory - it is a very multi-cultural society with an abundance of natures wonders. It is a safe place being made safer by the tough stance Territorians take on those who break the law. So dont be misled by the propaganda and lies of those who are more concerned about the rights of criminals than the rights of victims. Dont be misled by the propaganda and lies being spread by those who live thousands of kilometres away from the beauty that is the Northern Territory. If you want to know about the Northern Territory visit the website at www.nt.gov.au If you want to visit us you will be very welcome, but think for a moment about what you would feel if when you return to your own home you find someone has broken in and trashed the place, stealing your hard-earned goods and precious possessions. What would you like to see happen to the criminals who invaded your home? --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] End of thread.
I think the 'males', 'colourful words', etc. thread has reached the point where it is beginning to circle back on itself and it is time to drop it. As has been mentioned, this is a forum for discussion of Indigenous issues and while that is very broad, when a discussion reaches the point where it is no longer concerned with that but becomes a stand-off by entrenched positions and pet peeves, then it is time to call a halt. We have reached the point where no-one is learning anything new and we are off-topic and flirting with bad feelings for no good reason. With everyone's cooperation we can now concentrate on what we are here for. Cheers, Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Re: Latham/Pearson speeches
I just received a message from either Laurie Forde or Susan Forde (I was distracted and should have waited until I could give it full attention) and I lost your message. How embarrassing! Hit the wrong key. Can you send the message again? Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] AAP: Aboriginal suffering extreme, says report
Aboriginal suffering extreme, says report AAP -- Australia's Aborigines suffer levels of trauma usually found only among people who are systematically tortured, subjected to genocide or sent to concentration camps, according to a government report released today. The report says almost two thirds of patients who seek treatment at the country's Aboriginal medical services either have mental disorders or are psychologically distressed. The study of mental health in Australia was prepared by the Federal Health Department and the nation's leading statistical health research body, the Institute of Health and Welfare. The severity of problems Aboriginal people endure is comparable only to the most extreme circumstances, it said. "In studies of non-indigenous communities, the extent of such traumatic separation, loss, abuse, dislocation and dehumanization can only be found in populations subjected to systematic torture, genocide, concentration camps or urban or family violence," the report said. It is one of three background papers prepared for federal, state and territory health ministers to help set Australia's health strategies. The papers cover not only of Australia's 353,000 Aborigines but also other groups in the nation's population of some 18.8 million people. The report follows recent criticism of conservative Prime Minister John Howard's government by the United Nations for restricting Aboriginal land rights. In March, the U.N. Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination accused the Howard government of introducing racially discriminatory land laws which ignore the rights of Aborigines. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] ABC News: Aboriginal communities to send reps to police officer's funeral
Fri, 6 Aug 1999 11:41 AEST Aboriginal communities to send reps to police officer's funeral The Gurindji Aboriginal people, from two communities south-west of Darwin, are sending representatives to the funeral of a Northern Territory police officer. Sergeant Glen Huitson was killed by Rodney William Ansell on Tuesday. The sergeant's partner, Constable Jamie O'Brien, returned the fire, killing Ansell. A Gurindji representative, Roslyn Frith, says the sergeant was given the skin name, Japalyi, because of the community's respect and love for him. She says he will be missed greatly. "To the community he wasn't just a policeman, he was just another person who belonged to the community," Ms Frith said. "He got involved - like if there were ceremonies he'd go down and make sure everything was alright. "With the younger generation, he took them out. Like he was with the emergency services out here, he went out fishing and hunting with them," she said. © 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Tent Embassy eviction!
The Daily Telegraph Aboriginal Tent Embassy eviction 7aug99 ABORIGINAL protesters have been served an eviction notice to dismantle their Tent Embassy outside Old Parliament House. The National Capital Authority says Australian Federal Police will be ordered to drag away the ramshackle buses and lean-tos that make up the embassy if protesters do not. The notice was served under the Trespass on Commonwealth Land Ordinance. Protesters can be prosecuted and fined $550. "We've been trying to hold discussions and negotiations with the group of protesters to find a conciliatory solution," a spokeswoman for the NCA said. "But they haven't responded to our requests, so we've served them with a notice to either meet with us to discuss the removal of the illegal structures and vehicles dumped there or to do it themselves. "It's a serious problem for the Authority, both for our duty of care and from a public health standpoint. "We have the authority to request the AFP remove the structures if they don't comply." Tent Embassy protest leader Ray Swan was unavailable for comment yesterday. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] A second reminder...
Please, if you would like a copy of the Latham/Pearson speeches, please email me privately - off the list. Thank you, Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] AAP: Stolen generation compensation case in Federal Court
Stolen generation compensation case in Federal Court Source: AAP | Published: Monday August 9 2:35:10 PM Two members of the stolen generation of Aborigines will tomorrow appear in the Federal Court to sue the Commonwealth of Australia for being taken from their families. Lorna Cubillo and Peter Gunner are asking the Commonwealth for compensation and punitive damages for forcibly removing them from their homes as eight-year-olds in 1945 and 1956 respectively. Their battle is an important test case for the estimated 30,000 people subjected to the official policy which only ended in the 1970s. The civil action follows a failed campaign in the High Court, known as the Kruger case, which sought to prove a law allowing mixed-descent children in the NT to be removed from their full-blood mothers was unconstitutional. The claimants' solicitor, Michael Schaefer, is expecting a tough fight from the Commonwealth, with over 700 other clients from the stolen generation lined up behind Mrs Cubillo and Mr Gunner with Federal Court writs in the Northern Territory. The claimants have not specified how much they want the government to pay but Mr Schaefer has suggested the government set up a tribunal to deal with future cases if this case is won. "If needs be we will run every one of the 700-odd cases we have got (in court)," Mr Schaefer said. The federal government has already spent $3.5 million on the case and its legal team has already tried to stop it from going ahead. However, Judge Maurice O'Loughlin ordered it be heard on the grounds that it was of national importance. The hearings are expected to be highly emotional with tight scrutiny being paid to minute and often painful details of Mrs Cubillo and Mr Gunner's lives. They will be arguing the government was negligible and breached its duty of care towards them and that they sustained psychological injuries and "loss of amenities of life". "These are essentially personal injuries claims," Mr Schaefer said. "It's important because Australians will have a first hand account of one of the most terrible chapters in this country's history - the removal of children of mixed racial background from communities of friends and families without consent." The hearings are expected to run for three months and travel to Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Melbourne. The case follows the release two years ago of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission report into the stolen generation which sparked heated debate on the question of saying sorry for the policy. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] (Jabiluka) East Coast Tour
Forwarded from Christine Howes: Public Meetings and Visits Yvonne Margarula and Jacqui Katona will be in Brisbane and other east coast cities sometime in the next fortnight. Contact your local group to find out details. Here is the Brisbane invitation to the public. Many Community groups and NGO's are receiving specific invitations to attend. PUBLIC MEETING with YVONNE MARGARULA Senior traditional Owner of jabiluka Mineral Lease, Mirarr Clan, and JACQUI KATONA, executive officer - Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation "You are invited to this unique opportunity to hear first hand from the Senior traditional Owner of jabiluka about the future of the Mirarr people in World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Although Kakadu has not yet been listed as 'endangered', the World Heritage Committee has shown significant concern regarding the potential effects of the Jabiluka uranium mine. Learn what the recent World Heritage decision means. The next 18 months of the campaign to stop Jabiluka are crucial - find out why!" Ba-ngurdmeninj Djabulukku! Yun Ngurri-Djalgarung Boiwek Gun-Ngukbim! "Stop Jabiluka! Don't the dig the life out of the Knob-Tailed Gecko Dreaming!" 6.30pm monday 23rd August 1999 Wesley house Conference Hall, 140 Ann St, Brisbane Local entertainers and Hot Food and Drinks available, provided by Friends of the Earth Brisbane For more information contact the Jabiluka Action Group on 3846 0246 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Minister requests 'illegal' embassy structure removal
ABC News: Mon, 9 Aug 1999 16:23 AEST Minister requests 'illegal' embassy structure removal Territories Minister Ian MacDonald has confirmed the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra has received a letter requesting illegal structures be removed from the site. But the Minister's office denies the letter threatens eviction. The letter has been described as conciliatory by a staffer in Senator MacDonald's office. He says it flags the idea of permanent recognition of the site, but does call for so-called illegal structures to be removed. © 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] AAP: International indigenous campaign meets opposition
International indigenous campaign meets opposition AAP -- In 1985, leaders of more than 300 million indigenous peoples in over 70 countries started campaigning for a UN declaration recognising their right to self determination and land. But indigenous leaders say their campaign has run into strong opposition on those two key demands from Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. As representatives of native peoples from around the globe gathered yesterday at the United Nations to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, there was no celebration - just a sobering assessment of the struggles ahead. "Indigenous people have been basically ignored in many cases, are some of the poorest of the poor, and are also some of the most excluded in the development process," said Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, the World Bank representative at the United Nations. "They are facing serious discrimination in terms of human rights, property, and also culture and citizenship," he told a news conference. Indigenous leaders have been campaigning for a UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People to take the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights a step further and affirm that indigenous peoples are equal in dignity and rights to all other peoples - but also have a right to be different. A draft declaration, adopted in 1994 and currently being considered by a working group of the Geneva-based UN Commission on Human Rights, would protect religious practices and ceremonies of indigenous peoples, their languages and oral traditions. It would also give indigenous peoples - including native Americans and Canadians, Australian Aborigines, New Zealand Maoris, and South American Quechua and Mapuche - the right to self-determination and the right to own, develop, control and use their traditional lands, waters and other resources. "This declaration is making very slow progress," said Bacre Waly Ndiaye, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. "For many governments, it's very important to allow prospecting for gold and for oil anywhere - and they're clashing with people for whom the land where they want to prospect is sacred," he said. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Lateline Transcript.
ABC Lateline no longer carries the transcript of the whole program - just the introduction. For those of you who missed the broadcast and have RealAudio, you can listen to it on: http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/stories/s43004.htm Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] A DEATHBED RECONCILIATION
The article below was published this month in Djadi-Dugarang, the Indigenous Social Justice Association's newsletter. It was written by Ray Jackson who has given his permission to reproduce it on Recoznet2. A DEATHBED RECONCILIATION Recently the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation have issued their Draft Document for Reconciliation so the Australian people can discuss the views put by the Council and can input acceptance or other ideas back to the Council. The document is in several parts. The first is the Draft Declaration followed by four National Strategies or steps to make Reconciliation possible. The future revised document will be launched in May 2000 for its final acceptance. As a concept Reconciliation and its processes are indeed a praiseworthy attempt of allowing the non-Indigenous Australians to fully accept and become reconciled to the true black history of this land. With all that that entails. Whilst I personally, as an Aboriginal man, descended from the Wiradjuri peoples, am able to accept the social need for Reconciliation I fear that what is being offered is not the type of Reconciliation as I have outlined above, but a more severe, a more debilitating Reconciliation for the Indigenous peoples of these traditionally owned lands. What I see as being offered to all Indigenous peoples is nothing less that a death-bed Reconciliation whereby we as a culture, as a people, will die whilst those whom are left, the dominant, non-Indigenous culture and peoples, will accept the Reconciliation and everything that goes with it. And I mean everything! Our Lands, Our Culture, Our Life. Reconciliation does not and more importantly cannot mean absorption, assimilation, or being merged into the dominant culture. Reconciliation to me is total recognition of our rights as the traditional owners of this land. Reconciliation to me is non-Indigenous acceptance of our original Black History and our mixed Black and White History. Whether that History is of the black-armband view or the white-blindfold view matters not. It must be the true histories. To a certain extent the Draft Declaration does accept this but to me there appears to be the need for our mob to accept what has already happened to us and then we all march on together or to use their words - Speaking with one voice, we the people of Australia, of many origins as we are, make a commitment to go on together recognising the gift of one anothers presence. Whilst we are recognised as the traditional owners and custodian of the Land, and recognition is made that the land was colonised without our consent, (not stolen, mind you), nowhere in the whole Draft Document is there any calls to return some traditional lands to the original owners and custodian of that land. Mabo and Wik do not exist. Whilst this Draft Document is being debated we have Federal, State and Territory Governments actively winding back any legal opportunities to allow Indigenous peoples access to traditional lands. The Howard Governments active role in legally attempting to wind back the 1975 Land Rights Act in the Northern Territory is but one example. The legal machinations of the Court Government in Western Australia and the Beattie Government in Queensland are other examples. Why do these vile politicians talk of Reconciliation while they are actively removing our rights to land? Where are the Reconciliationists loudly calling on these Governments to stop this chicanery before we lose everything? Where are the Reconciliationists crying shame to the Howard Government and the Northern Territory Government against their legal actions in attempting to strike down the legitimate claims of just two of the tens of thousands of the Stolen Generations in the Northern Territory Supreme Court? Government talk and also the words of the National Strategy for Economic Independence for Indigenous Peoples, is the talk of false prophets, forked tongues, secret English. Our economic independence is based in and on and with our Lands. We do not all aspire to becoming a Skase or a Bond, nor do we all aspire to be shop owners. Independence and our lands are as one, indivisible one from the other. The National Strategy to Address ATSI Disadvantage and the Governments talk of better outcomes in health, education, employment, hosing, law and justice but they do not mention Land. All six areas mentioned are for the greater part controlled by non-Indigenous organisations, including Government Departments. Our medical services work, our education facilities such as Tranby and Eora College to name but two are quite successful, our people have worked for the dole for years and our high unemployment rate is white based, not black. There are some problems in housing areas but we need to work it out ourselves. We must have houses designed by and for our people. The mention of Law and Justice is a sick, sick joke. We have had over 200 years of your law and over 200 years of no
[recoznet2] The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is on the move
Forwarded with permission: THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY IS ON THE MOVE EMBASSADORS FROM THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY WILL BE EMBARKING ON A NATIONAL SOVEREIGN RIDE TO SING UP ABORIGINAL SOVEREIGNTY THE TOUR IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY MEMBERS OF THE SOVEREIGN COUNCIL AND CONCERNED GROUPS IN AUSTRALIA In it's 27th year of occupation, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy still spearheads the struggle for recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty and for freedom and justice. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy in it's peaceful presence poses the following fundamental question: By what authority does the British Crown or the Australian government have sovereign right over the lands and Peoples of the Aboriginal Nations? OBJECTIVES OF THE TOUR IS TO BRING THE ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY TO THE COMMUNITIES TO GIVE ALL COMMUNITIES A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON THE SOVEREIGN ISSUES CONCERNING ABORIGINAL PEOPLE AND NATIONS IN AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES TO STOP THE WAR CRIMES FROM CONTINUING AGAINST ABORIGINAL PEOPLE AND CALL FOR PEACE, BEFORE RECONCILIATION. DISCLOSE THE CONTINUATION OF GENOCIDE, BEING PERPETRATED UPON ABORIGINAL PEOPLE FOR EXAMPLE THE NATIVE TITLE ACT AND AMENDMENTS. CALL UPON THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY TO HONOUR ALL INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CONCERNING HUMAN RIGHTS AND TO STOP FURTHER VIOLATIONS OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE SELF EMPOWERMENT FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE The speaking tour starts on the 3 August 1999 and will continue until JUSTICE IS SERVED Are you interested in having speakers come to your community from the Embassy, please do not hesitate to contact us at: ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY PO BOX 71, NARRABUNDAH ACT 2604 Telephone/Fax: (02) 6295 0493 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.aboriginaltentembassy.com.au Press Release press release press release press release PRESS RELEASE Background: Aboriginal Tent Embassy has been existing since 1972, calling for Australia to keep up with international standards which it lacks concerning Aboriginal Peoples and Nations. Part of Prime Minister Howard's 1998 election victory speech was to have a "true and just reconciliation" 25 Jan 1999: Aboriginal Tent Embassy under attack because it is an eyesore to Australia. Cabinet enacted an 40 year old law. to remove embassy. 26 Jan 1999 INVASION DAY, Corroboree for Aboriginal Sovereignty held at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. 27 Jan 1999 Declaration for Peace issued. 8-16 February 1999 Calls sent out to Aboriginal Communities to come to show support to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. 8 February 1999: Aboriginal Tent Embassy demands that Prime Minister, Howard and all politicians talk to the Aboriginal people at the Tent Embassy about the crisis concerning Aboriginal Peoples throughout the land. Since this day was the first day of parliament's sitting for the new year it was an appropriate time to commit to dealing with the heart of the issues facing this Country. Namely:, the legality of Aboriginal Sovereignty; the creation of a foundation for genuine dialogue by not negotiating with the artificial Aboriginal leadership much of which is government controlled, e.g. ATSIC, NIWG, land councils etc. but with "sovereign Aboriginal councils with family bloodlines connected back to territories" [section 6 Declaration for Peace]; ceasing all incitement to genocide of Aboriginal Peoples and Nations. This is the only path to genuine peace-making. and to accept the urgency of the Declaration for Peace. That night sacred fire arrested. 9 February 1999: returned to talk peace at Parliament house, stayed all night. 10 February 1999: Sacred fire arrested again that night, along with sacred objects of the ceremony. 15 February 1999: Declaration for Peace on behalf of Aboriginal People and nations was handed to Senator Bill Heffernan to deliver to Cabinet at the Fire for Peace and Justice asking John Howard to come and talk peace. Later that day the Cabinet gave their answer to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy's eight point Declaration for Peace by instruction from Parliament through the Speaker of the House and the Presidency of the Senate, Senator Margaret Reid, who instructed the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and Australian Protective Service (APS) to move our ancient peaceful ceremonial gathering. 17 February 1999: First invitation to Governor-General, 18 February 1999: Gatjil Djerrkura says: "the tent embassy was established to demonstrate to Australians that Aboriginal people have never ceded sovereignty and to bring to national attention of our continuing quest for land."... We call on Gatjil Djerrkura, all ATSIC Commissioners and Regional Councillors, Reconciliation Council members, NIWG and all Aboriginal Statutory bodies to come to the Fire and join us in the Fire Ceremony. 21 February 1999: The Aboriginal Tent Embassy appealed our concerns to the Governor General by inviting him to the Fire for Peace and Justice Ceremony, but he has ignored our pleas the Governor General did not appear for Peace
[recoznet2] Dems referendum question passed in Senate
The Democrat minimalist question "to change the commonwealth of Australia to a republic" was passed by the Senate with some of the government Senators voting in favour! Howard will now put up his own referendum question to the lower house again. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Youth crime prevention forum to focus on solutions
Forwarded with permission: Subject: Qld. Media statement - Youth crime prevention forum to focus on solutions Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 9:18 AM Families, Youth and Community Care/Disability Services, HON. ANNA BLIGH 12/8/99 Youth crime prevention forum to focus on solutions Crime specialists, Local Government representatives, youth workers and Indigenous elders from across Queensland have gathered in Brisbane to tackle issues surrounding Youth crime. Officially opening a two day Youth Crime Prevention Forum, Minister for Families, Anna Bligh said prevention is the key to safer communities and a brighter future for young people in conflict with the law. "Youth crime prevention is a major focus of the Beattie government's statewide crime prevention strategy. "To tackle crime, we have to effectively tackle the causes of crime. "This Forum is an opportunity to review the way we are addressing the causes of youth crime and look at how we can do it better," Ms Bligh said. The Forum is a joint initiative of the Department of Families, Youth and Community Care and community agencies funded by the Department's Youth and Community Combined Action (YACCA) scheme. "We need a range of responses to youth crime. We need tough responses to crime and we need better more flexible ways of intervening early and nipping criminal behaviour in the bud. "This Government wants to make sure today's shoplifters don't become tomorrows hardened criminals. "The Conference is a good example of State and Local Governments working in partnership with the community to find solutions," Ms Bligh said. A range of specialist speakers will address the Forum to outline current prevention programs. Dr David Brereton, CJC, will discuss the nature and extent of youth crime in Queensland and Professor Ross Homel from Griffith University will give a keynote address on current trends in crime prevention practice and responses to the causes of crime. The Forum will focus on: · Current approaches to crime prevention · Over representation of indigenous young people in the youth justice system · Strategies for partnership with the wider community · Workshops focussing on improving crime prevention strategies. "I look forward to the outcome of this Forum, its recommendations and challenges to improve our approach to crime prevention," Ms Bligh said. Forum Contact: Lindsay Wegener 0419 668 242, Youth Justice Program, DFYCC --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] AAP: Preamble should be dumped: Dodson
Preamble should be dumped: Dodson Source: AAP | Published: Thursday August 12 8:39:10 AM Former reconciliation council chairman Pat Dodson today called for the preamble to be dumped from the November referendum, describing the compromise preamble agreed between the prime minister and Australian Democrats as a farce. The compromise has also been rejected by other influential indigenous leaders including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission chair Gatjil Djerrkura and Kimberley Land Council head Peter Yu. "I would prefer nothing, this is an absolute farce this preamble," Dodson told ABC radio. "We ought to take it off the agenda and leave it alone, it does nothing and it contributes nothing to enhance the position of indigenous people." Dodson said Australian Democrats reconciliation spokesman Aden Ridgeway, who negotiated the new wording, needed to learn what customary law was all about. Ridgeway proposed a reference to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders' deep kinship with their lands rather than custodianship as many indigenous people wanted. "Aboriginal people are owners of this country and if you want to put anything in there put the fact down that we own Australia and that ought to be reflected in any preamble or any constitutional reality." He said the prime minister's consultation on the preamble should go beyond Ridgeway to the rest of the indigenous community. "We are being treated with absolute contempt, we are being denied any real rights and real say over this matter," he said. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] [Fwd: LL:ART: SCRAPPING BI-LINGUAL EDUCATION]
Scrapping bi-lingual education Don't cut off our tongues! Australian actor Jack Thompson has joined the growing number of people throughout Australia who are campaigning against the NT Government's plans to scrap bilingual education. He was one of scores of people at a workshop during the Garma Cultural Festival in north-east Arnhem Land in July who heard that remote communities were not asked what they thought of the programs before the decision was made to end them. Bilingual education is basically learning and teaching in and through two languages. The general approach is that students are first taught literacy (reading and writing) in their first language, combined with a strong oral language foundation in English in the early years of schooling. In many Aboriginal communities, children come to school with a strong oral language background in their first language and English is like a foreign language. Not everyone speaks it and daily life is conducted in the local Aboriginal language. During 1998, about 47 percent of all Aboriginal students in remote Aboriginal community schools were enrolled in schools with bilingual education programs. Gurrwun Yunupingu, a teacher at Yirrkala CEC School, told the audience that she was in tears when she found out the program was being phased out. "It is very important to us. We don't want to phase it out", she said. Ms Yunupingu said her own personal education journey began in 1974, the first year of the bilingual programs, and she quickly decided she wanted to be a teacher. A strong supporter of the programs, she pointed out many of the benefits to the students of the "both ways" educational system. "We also take them out to the bush -- because we know there is a classroom out there too", she said. Principal of Papunya School in Central Australia, Ms Diane deVere said many teachers and parents were "shattered" to hear about the end of the program, but it was perhaps not such a shock for the Top End, as many programs had already faced severe cutbacks. "It is a known fact that we learn best in our first language and that the acquisition of a second language has many beneficial outcomes for learners", she said. A paper produced by the Anangu Tjuta Nintirrikupayi Aboriginal Corporation in the Papunya Community states that the suggestion that Aboriginal students should be instructed in English only "generates a killing of the spirit in our students and leads to an education which is more about forgetting: forgetting your culture, your identity and values." Mandawuy Yunupingu, former principal of the school at Yirrkala and another strong advocate of "both ways" education, explained that, while he had a conventional Western education "including reciting the Lords Prayer and saluting the flag", something different was happening at home. "To have a pride in my culture was something I could learn at home. I leaned to sing it and dance it", he said. "I wanted to go teaching and challenge white education. I knew there was a better way." Many workshop participants asked how they could help in the campaign to save the bilingual education programs and were encouraged to write to their local politicians to indicate their concerns. Actor Jack Thompson stated that he considered the scrapping of bilingual programs a crime and commented: "If they're going to strip bilingual studies, they might as well choke the children". * Article from "Land Rights News", paper of the Central and Northern Land Councils. The Guardian 65 Campbell Street, Surry Hills. 2010 Australia. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: http://www.peg.apc.org/~guardian -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
[recoznet2] Shutting down old addr*ss
[forwarded for Don Clark] Hi all, It seems that some of you did not receive the change of addr*ss is my previous post. I am therefore re-sending it with the new addr*ss. My new addr*ss is [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am just about to close down the old addr*ss so any mail needs to be sent to this addr*ss from now on. Don Don Clark President Indigenous Social Justice Association PO Box K555 HAYMARKET NSW 1240 --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Media Statement - Beattie signs Australian first for indigenous consultation
Forwarded with permission: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Qld. Media statement - Beattie signs Australian first for indigenous consultation Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 2:54 PM Premier, HON. PETER BEATTIE 13/8/99 Beattie signs Australian first for indigenous consultation Premier Peter Beattie and the Chair of the Queensland Indigenous Working Group Terry O'Shane today signed Australia's first formal protocol for future consultation on land and resource management. Mr Beattie said the main thrust of the protocol was to recognise the Queensland Indigenous Working Group as the principal conduit for consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. "It will give indigenous people a single point of access to government, and government a single point of access to the views and concerns of indigenous people," the Premier said. Mr Beattie said the protocol was in two parts - a broad statement of principles to guide future consultation, and a schedule listing various current matters to which the provisions of the protocol would immediately apply. "Those immediate issues include clearing the backlog of mining tenure applications which have been stalled as we sorted out our native title regime, and developing efficient procedures for dealing with permit notifications," the Premier said. The protocol was not legally binding and did not give indigenous representatives any right to veto. "It simply ensures indigenous views will be properly heard and considered when Government makes decisions relating to native title, land management, resources development and cultural heritage," the Premier said. Mr Beattie said his Government had an ambitious program of policy development across the range of land, resource and cultural heritage issues. "We are committed to ensuring indigenous Queenslanders have their voice heard on these issues, which are critical to the future well-being of their communities," the Premier said. "This protocol serves to formalise that commitment by spelling out the policy areas we plan to review, and the nature of consultation that will occur. "In the past, consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities was either non-existent or, at best, ad hoc and ill-defined. "This did nothing to inform decision-making and policy-setting that directly affected those communities." Mr Beattie said the QIWG offered a new approach during consultations about a new native title regime for mining in Queensland by providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views through a broad representative group. The QIWG is made up of representatives from throughout Queensland for each of the eight Native Title Representative Bodies, the six ATSIC regions, the Aboriginal Co-ordinating Council and the Islander Co-ordinating Council. ATSIC Commissioner for North Queensland, Terry O'Shane, chairs the QIWG. Mr Beattie said the protocol document would provide a cost effective and efficient way to ensure that the success of last year's native title negotiations was repeated in future government consultation with the State's indigenous people. "This protocol recognises the QIWG as the principal conduit for consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across the State on policy and legislation decision-making in the areas of native title, land management, resource development and cultural heritage," the Premier said. "The protocol sets out broad guidelines including ensuring adequate time and opportunity for proper and meaningful consultation to occur as QIWG takes issues out to their own communities and reports back to the Government." Mr Beattie said the protocol was part of a suite of consultative mechanisms that his Government has put in place to ensure the voice of the indigenous people of Queensland was properly heard in decision-making that affected their interests, "The role of the QIWG will fit neatly with that of the major indigenous policy advice body to my Government, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board which reports to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy, Judy Spence," the Premier said. "That Board will continue to be the primary conduit for policy advice relating to health, employment, housing justice and infrastructure development in indigenous communities." --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without
[recoznet2] Media Release: Drop the Preamble
On Thursday 12 August there was a national tele-conference of indigenous leaders re the revised Preamble. Media Release from that meeting, (dated 12 August) "DROP THE PREAMBLE [text] The proposed question on the draft preamble to the Australian Constitution should be dropped from the forthcoming Republic referendum. This was the unanimous position adopted by Indigenous leaders during a national telephone conference today. The conference agreed that the consultation process over the draft preamble which was released by Prime Minister John Howard was fundamentally flawed. The preamble, which was meant to be an aspirational document to unite the nation, had been drafted behind closed doors without nay meaningful consultation with the Australian people, Indigenous and non/Indigenous. The draft document, which is insensitively drafted, also fails to recognise the inherent and distinct rights of the first nations which have been recognised by the High Court. Given the flaws in the process, the absence of any real recognition of Australia's first nations and the desperate attempts to rush the legislation through the Parliament we call for the preamble question to be dropped from the forthcoming referednum. There should be one question: Should Australia become a republic? The following leaders participated in the tele-conference: Parry Agius Richie Ah Mat Gatjil Djerrkura Pat Dodson Dr Mick Dodson Norman Fry Olga Havnen Michael Mansell Dr Lowitja O'Donohue Dr Charlie Perkins David Ross ARchie Tanner Peter Yu Further comment through Olga Havnen (0409 991 761) or ATSIC OFfice of Public Affairs, Brian Johnstone (0419 010 687) --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] PR: Government Racism is not Sustainable
PRESS RELEASE Government Racism Is Not Sustainable The Howard Government will be forced to change its approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before the Olympic Games. This is the view of the National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title (NIWG), as representatives of NIWG attend as observer at the meeting of the International Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in Geneva. Today the Committee will consider the case of Australia, which has already been found to have breached the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination when it legislated the 1998 amendments to the Native Title Act. At its previous session, in March this year, CERD determined that Australia breached the Convention and called upon Australia to suspend the Native Title Amendment Act 1998 and enter into negotiations with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Australian Government, since March, has refused to accept the findings of the Committee and has engaged in extensive political campaigning to pressure CERD to alter its findings. NIWG considers that the Australian Government now faces pressures from many fronts including: - the findings by CERD that Australia has racist laws; - international concern over Jabiluka uranium mining, and the indigenous rights of the Mirrar Peoples; - the meagre proposals to alter the Australian Constitution, which do not embody preceding Indigenous rights or redress discriminatory aspects of the Constitution; - the cases of the stolen generations of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders; and the atrophy of the Reconciliation agenda in Australia. Deputy Chairperson for NIWG, Les Malezer, said that the Australian Government has taken the wrong path by setting out to decimate recent gains made in the recognition and exercise of the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Australian Government will continue to be judged by the international community as long as it embraces acts of racial discrimination he said. Australia has a high profile, not least because a) it is a rich and privileged nation enjoying the highest standards of living; b) it has a worldwide reputation for being a white, colonial nation founded on the unjust theft of Aboriginal lands; and c) it is hosting the Year 2000 Olympics. Other governments may feel the embarrassment of association with a racist government like Australia. Although the Australian Government considers that it can use its considerable affluence to divert attention away from its racist policies, its sphere of influence is diminishing Les Malezer said. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders are choosing to talk to other government, non government organisations and overseas populations about their plight in Australia. NIWG strongly advocates that the Australian Government should accept NIWGs standing offer to enter into negotiations in good faith. A significant precedent has just been established in Queensland where the Beattie Government and the Queensland Indigenous Working Group have signed an agreement aimed as cooperative and purposeful negotiations for legislative and administrative reforms for the Indigenous Peoples. NIWG urges the Australian Government to immediately follow this course of action, for the immediate and future good of the nation and all the peoples. If the Prime Minister, John Howard, is personally opposed to negotiations it is up to all other politicians to establish a fair and non-racist government in Australia Les Malezer said. *** CONTACT: Pam Jones - 0419 648154 (mobile); 07 33914677 (office) ___ Les Malezer General Manager FAIRA Aboriginal Corporation Deputy Chairperson National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title NIWG Attending: Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities United Nations Geneva Mobile: + 61 419 710720 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.faira.org.au --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Captive Lives: Looking for Tambo and His Companions
From the SMH Citysearch: location: Australian Museum address: 6 College St Sydney , 2000 cross street: William St hours: Aug 14-Nov 28 Daily 9:30am- 5:00pm prices: General museum admission: $5 adult, $3 concession, $2 child, $12 family Australian Cannibal Boomerang Throwers 1885 Captive Lives: Looking for Tambo and His Companions This is the shocking story, painstakingly researched and curated, of the abduction of nine Aboriginal people from North Queensland in 1883, and eight more in 1892. They were taken by an American showman, for display in Barnum and Bailey's Circus. They were subjected to a relentless tour as sideshow curiosities, and then used for anthropological studies. Tambo (a name invented for his circus career) was the first to die - only two of the 17 taken are known to have returned home. In 1993, the mummified remains of Tambo were found in a funeral home in Cleveland, Ohio. He was identified, and eventually brought back to his own land and laid to rest. Tambo may have travelled further than usual in his time with the circus, but his experience reflects that of many Aboriginal people who were removed and separated form their families and homes by Australian government policies. The prejudice and disregard shown by Barnum and Bailey toward indigenous people were not merely circus attitudes, but the general relationship between indigenous groups and colonial powers. Using the resources of archives, libraries, museums and supported by Aboriginal communities in northern Queensland, the exhibition reveals not only the tragic fate of Tambo and his companions, but also how indigenous people were subjected to stereotyping, exploitation and dislocation, the effects of which are still evident today. The return of Tambo to Palm Island, his native home, was a symbolic moment in the current process of reconciliation in Australia. This exhibition is a powerful reflection on both the past and the present. Jacqui Taffel --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] PR: ATSI Victory in CERD Decision
PRESS RELEASE 16 March 1999 Statement by Les Malezer, Deputy Chairperson of NIWG CERD Maintains Pressure on Australian Racism Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can claim a significant victory in their bid for international recognition and defence of their human rights. Todays decision [see below] by the International Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), to continue to monitor the Native Title laws in Australia, is a major success for the human rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title (NIWG) claims that the Australian Government has been soundly rebuffed in its attempt to force a backdown on CERDs previous decision in March 1999. The Australian Government desperately wants a political, compromise position, which it cannot get, regarding its laws which allow racial discrimination against Native Title holders. NIWG believes the Australian Government can now expect to face wider scrutiny, and harsher criticism, of its Native Title laws and policies, by the international community. It is certain that Australia will now be officially reported to the United Nations General Assembly at the end of 1999, for failing to address its breaches of the International Convention on the Elimination on All Forms of Racial Discrimination (the Convention). Furthermore, Australia must again appear before CERD in March 2000, when the Committee will once again examine whether Australia has acted to ensure the Native Title laws comply with the Convention. The CERD meeting next year will also expand its focus of attention to also consider other policies and programs of the government which affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The wider attention arises because the Australian Government has recently submitted outstanding periodic reports to CERD, which fell due in 1994, 1996 and 1998. The examination of these reports will mean that the Governments record on issues such as Deaths in Custody, Stolen Generations, and Reconciliation can also be examined. NIWG considers that there will even more submissions, complaints and delegations from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the next CERD meeting. NIWG calls upon the Australian Government to immediately reform its racist policies and legislation. NIWG is deeply concerned that continuing acts of extinguishment and impairment of Native Title, which are occuring on a daily basis around Australia, will be found to be invalid and therefore cause major problems for developers and governments in the near future. NIWG considers that there is no moral or otherwise compelling basis for these racist, illegal acts to be validated when the Native Title Amendment Act 1998 is overturned. The State and Territory Governments are also developing and implementing Native Title laws which will prove to be illegal because they are racially discriminatory. The Australian Government must act quickly to remove its opposition to Aboriginal rights and rescind the offensive Native Title Amendment Act 1999 before March 2000. NIWG reaffirms its willingness to facilitate and participate in a process promoting meaningful discussions between the government and the representatives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Les Malezer + 61 419 710720 Pam Jones+ 61 419 648154 *CERD DECISION** CERD/C/55/Misc.31/Rev.3 16 August 1999 COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION 55th session 2-27 August 1999 Draft Decision on Australia 1. The Committee reaffirms the decisions concerning Australia which it took during its fifty-fourth session in March 1999. 2. In adopting these decisions, the Committee was prompted by its serious concern that, after having observed and welcomed over a period of time a progressive implementation of the Convention in relation to the land rights of indigenous peoples in Australia, the envisaged changes of policy as to the exercise of these rights risked creating an acute impairment of the rights thus recognized to the Australian indigenous communities. It considered in detail the information submitted and the arguments put forward by the State party. 3. The Committee takes note of the comments received from the State party which, in accordance with article 9 paragraph 2 of the Convention, will be included in the Committees annual report for 1999 to the General Assembly. 4. The Committee decided to continue consideration of this matter, together with the Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Periodic Reports of the State party, during its fifty-sixth session in March 2000. 1353rd meeting 16 August 1999 ___ Les Malezer General Manager FAIRA Aboriginal Corporation Deputy Chairperson National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title NIWG Attending: Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Re: [recoznet2] Re: The Age: 'Stolen child' tells of capture
[EMAIL PROTECTED] You could email the reporter at the address above and ask her why she or her editor thought it needed to be written that way. Trudy Bob Durnan wrote: So, what's with the scare/single quotes then ?? Mr Age?? Mr Gunner was, clearly, stolen. D.J.McEvoy Alice Springs NT At 10:38 17/08/99 +1000, you wrote: THE AGE August 17, 1999 `Stolen child' tells of capture By CAROLINE MILBURN LAW REPORTER A young Aboriginal boy was chased through the bush by a white man and hidden under a blanket by relatives before being captured, the stolen generations trial heard yesterday. Mr Peter Gunner, now 51, told the Federal Court how a ``white fella'' grabbed him from his family at Utopia, an outback cattle station, after two previous bids to capture him failed. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] AAP: Protesters call for Aboriginal justice
Protesters call for Aboriginal justice From AAP 18aug99 11.45am (AEST) PROTESTERS gathered outside the Federal Court in Melbourne today pleading for justice for Aborigines ahead of a crucial appeal over a big native title claim. The Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal protesters chanted "Black history deserves respect, return the stolen land". Inside, three appeal court judges prepared to hear an appeal over a claim by the Yorta Yorta people to approximately 2000sq km. Dozens of Yorta Yorta travelled from their traditional lands to Melbourne to attend the case. Last December Justice Howard Olney rejected the native title claim in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria but the Yorta Yorta have appealed, saying the judge made legal errors. The Full Court was due to rule this morning on whether one of the judges, Justice Ron Merkel, should be barred from hearing the case due to his recent involvement with an Aboriginal cultural body. The Victorian Government and other opponents of the native title claim say Justice Merkel could be seen by the public to be a supporter of land rights and should be removed. The appeal hearing is expected to last about a week. The Yorta Yorta claim is one of three native title claims under appeal in the Federal Court, and the only one in the more heavily populated southeast of Australia. The other two claims are in northwest Western Australia and Croker Island, off the Northern Territory. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] ABC AM: UN criticism of Australia's race record
UN criticism of Australia's race record AM - Wednesday, August18, 19998:23 PETER CAVE: Australia's race record has come in for stinging criticism from an influential UN body despite a concerted lobbying effort by the Federal Government. As Mark Tamhane reports, the Geneva-based Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination says Australia's Wik legislation acutely impairs the land rights of Aborigines and may be in breach of our international obligations. MARK TAMHANE: This is the second time the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, or CERD as it's called, has expressed alarm at the Federal Government's Wik legislation. In March committee members said they were concerned at the compatibility of the amendments to the Native Title Act with Australia's international obligations under the convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination which Canberra signed up to in 1975. The CERD committee gave Australia a chance to respond to its criticism, and the Federal Government swung into action, mounting a fierce lobbying campaign and a strong defence of its race record. After all, it's not every day a Western government has to join a list of countries like Rwanda and Yugoslavia in explaining its laws to UN officials. But the committee has now rejected the Government's arguments, saying that if anything the situation with regard to indigenous land rights in Australia is becoming worse. Michael Banton is a British member of the committee. MICHAEL BANTON: The committee understood that there was a strong case for improving legal certainty as a result of the Wik decision. But it considered that it had secured that certainty at the expense of the rights of native title holders. There was a real doubt as to whether the outcome was equitable. MARK TAMHANE: The CERD committee has repeated its call for the Federal Government to suspend implementation of the Wik legislation and reopen discussions with Aboriginal groups. While it has no power to compel the Government to act, the findings are deeply embarrassing. They'll now be included in the committee's annual report which will be forwarded to the UN General Assembly. PETER CAVE: Mark Tamhane. © 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Uniting Church Media Release on CERD
Forwarded from Christine Howes: 17 August 1999 UNITING CHURCH PRESSURES GOVERNMENT OVER UN FINDINGS Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders of the Uniting Church in Australia are unified in pressuring the Federal Government to take seriously the latest United Nations findings on Australias Indigenous Peoples. The Uniting Churchs National Assembly and its Aboriginal arm, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress urge the Prime Minister not to ignore the decision of the international communitys umpire on racial discrimination. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) reaffirmed the decisions concerning Australia which it took in March regarding the Native Title Amendment Act 1998. UCA General Secretary, Rev. Gregor Henderson and UAICC National Administrator Rev. Shayne Blackman said that discussions on issues of land and human rights must be reopened in the light of CERDs identification of lack of sufficient dialogue with Indigenous Peoples. They emphasised that this matter was urgent and CERDs findings of racial discrimination in the Native Title Amendment Act 1998 needed to be addressed immediately. For the national process of reconciliation to have any credibility, Indigenous concern about land justice and human rights must be addressed, Rev. Henderson said. How else can we as a nation regain the trust and goodwill of Indigenous people. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] UN refuses to change view of Govt's native title legislation
Thu, Aug 19 1999 8:09 AM AEST UN refuses to change view of Govt's native title legislation The United Nations has reaffirmed its decision that parts of the Federal Government's Native Title Amendment Act are racist. The National Indigenous Working Group says the UN has not altered its position, despite the Australian Government's campaign for international support. The group's chairman, Parry Agius, says the legislation goes against the UN's International Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Mr Agius wants the Federal Government to accept an invitation from his group to rework the legislation, although he does not expect this will happen. Mr Agius says the Sydney Olympics will attract international attention, which might make the Prime Minister change his mind. "Come next year, around March - moving on from March, I think there will be a high profile international media in Australia," Mr Agius said. "So I would think that the Aboriginal community of Australia would be using every opportunity to ask the Australian Government to be accountable to the international community." c 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] [Fwd: LL:DDV: Yorta Yorta case]
As many people will know, the Yorta Yorta people's appeal on native title has opened in Melbourne at the Federal Court. The Yorta Yorta are fighting the Victorian, NSW and South Australian state governments and nearly 500 other organisations. The outcome of this fight will impact on native title rights for indigenous people in eastern Australia. The Yorta Yorta are resisting, despite having been told that their culture "has been washed away by the tide of history" by a judge. Monica Morgan, the main spokeswoman for the Yorta Yorta, will be talking about the case at Marxism for the New Millennium, the conference hosted at Trades Hall in Melbourne from August 27-29 by Socialist Worker. Monica will speak at 2pm on Sunday, August 29. This is likely to be the first opportunity to hear in detail about the conduct of the appeal and the issues behind it. For a full timetable and registration details, email a MAILING ADDRESS to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or ring 03 9386 4815 (24-hour message service). Other speakers at the conference include: * Jack Mundey, legendary former NSW BLF leader * Mike Salvaris, Swinburne Uni * Craig Johnston, AMWU * Alison Stewart, editor of Socialist Worker * Ellen Kleimaker, Vic Trades Hall women's officer * Michele O'Neil, TCFUA * Andrew Scott, AMWU * Andrew Rowe, Mayor of Moreland * Tom O'Lincoln and Adrian Skerritt, recently returned from Java and Aceh * Andrew Milner, Monash Uni * Ian Rintoul, ISO national organiser * Joaquim Santos from Fretilin Please forward this message to appropriate addresses. LL.VH -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
[recoznet2] Native title proof burden too great: Aborigines
What a novel idea! Have the government prove that Aboriginal peoples didn't own the land before it was stolen! Of course, it will never fly - it's not weighted in favour of the beneficiaries of the theft. Trudy ^^ ABC News Fri, 20 Aug 1999 9:50 AEST Native title proof burden too great: Aborigines Indigenous Australians say they are tired of having to prove their traditional ownership of land. It has taken five years for the Injinoo community at the tip of Cape York to prove their traditional ownership. The State Government yesterday handed back 340,000 hectares to local tribes in the largest freehold grant to Aboriginal people in the state's history. Speaking at the handover ceremony, John Abednego from the Torres Strait Regional Authority said governments should reverse the way they think about native title. "I'm asking the State and the Federal governments to change the scenario to prove to us that we haven't got traditional ties to the communities," he said. "We should have more of a 'short-cut' in the process in this particular issue." © 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] DICWC: Casuarina Prison clams another life
media release DEATHS IN CUSTODY WATCH COMMITTEE (WA) Inc. 119 MATHIESON RD ASCOT WA 6104 Tel:61 (0)8 9277-1533 Fax:61 (0)8 9478-4204 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] URL:http://www.omen.net.au/~dicwc Thursday, 19 August 1999 Casuarina Prison claims another life. The Deaths In Custody Watch Committee was today deeply saddened by the news of a young Aboriginal man's death in Casuarina Prison. "We are saddened by this news but not surprised." Said Kath Mallott, Executive Officer of the Watch Committee. "The majority of inmates at Casuarina Prison have been subjected to a 23 hour lock-down since Christmas Day and the Ministry of Justice has ignored warnings about the detrimental effect that this is having on prisoners' physical and psychological well- being." "The majority of prisoners had no involvement in the riot, but since Christmas Day, they have been punished in the most draconian fashion imaginable." Said Ms Mallott. "To be confined to a small space for such a long period of time and to be forced to exercise in a narrow corridor inside the prison is bound to have a horrendous effect on a prisoner's ability to cope with depression." "The Ministry Of Justice and Attorney General Foss have repeatedly stated that they make no apology for the horrific regime imposed but it was mismanagement at the highest levels that caused the prison overcrowding which was the major contributing factor to the riot." "Casuarina Prison was originally designed to accommodate approx 360 prisoners but since Christmas Day the figure has exploded to approx 700 per day." "The Watch Committee calls upon the Ministry of Justice to return Casuarina prisoners to a normal regime and we call on the Minister to immediately introduce legislation to reduce the shameful incarceration rates in Western Australia." Media Contact: Kath Mallott: work 08 92771533 or mobile 0419930375 To monitor and work to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths In Custody Deaths In Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc) 119 Mathieson Road, REDCLIFFE, Western Australia, 6104 "The beginning of the cause of deaths in custody does not occur within the confines of police and prison cells or in the minds of the victims. Initially it starts in the minds of those who allow it to happen." Elder Dr. Jack Davis (OA, MBE) * [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.omen.net.au/~dicwc * --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] GAC update 11 (20 August 1999)
Hi folks, the purpose of this update is to provide information on developments since the World Heritage Committee meeting of July 12; in particular: 1) ERA's 1998/1999 financial year full-year summary 2) The text of the final World Heritage Committee decision (for those who haven't seen it from other sources) 3) The text of an ABC broadcast featuring Bob Collins. (In the original interview Collins was followed by Karen Oxnam - Director, Jabiluka uranium mine - and segments of the interview with her follow). Where all this comes together is in (a) the increasing level of admission by ERA that the Jabiluka project depends on permission from the Mirrar to use the Ranger processing mill; and (b) widening acceptance among 'significant others' in the Kakadu region that this is not going to be the case. 1) ERA'S 1998-1999 FINANCIAL YEAR FULL-YEAR SUMMARY ERA's summary, released as a media release and stock-exchange announcement, notes the following (all points reproduced, just in case we should be accused of attempting to attempting to skew the news our way) (though comments are adde on occasion): * Earnings before interest and tax decreased by 6% to $45.8m * Profit after tax decreased by 18% to $21.9m (just as a matter of context: as a proportion of North Ltd's overall income, ERA dropped from 18% in the 1996-97 annual report to 9% in that of 1997-8. That represents a more than 50% drop in income for that year. While we might have preferred a similar drop this year, it was not to be. But 6% is bringing the drop up to around the 60% mark.) * An 11.0 cent fully-franked final dividend declared, maintaining a total dividend of 14.0 cents * Sales revenue decreased by 14% * Sales of Ranger material - 4006 tonnes. (This is a decrease from 4635t in 1998) * Four new sales contracts signed * Ranger production is up, to 4380t (from 4162t in 1998) (But it is being dropped to 4000 from 1.1.99) * Mining of Ranger #3 ahead of schedule * "The first stage of the Jabiluka mine was developed under budget and ahead of schedule". The drop in sales is due to "...several existing customers exercizing their option to reduce their sales for the year". (p2). Wouldn't it be nice to know which ones and why? The four new sales contracts apparently mean that "...contracts (are) now in place for over 25 000 tonnes of production in the next ten years." What? Contracts for only 2 500 tonnes per year, when they're at looking at producing 4000 tonnes a year from Ranger AND wanting to phase Jabiluka in in 18 months? Surely North shareholders need to point out yet again that the future simply is simply not in the Jabiluka mine, especially since uranium prices have actually dropped since last year (from US$11.23 per pound last year to $10.07 this year). The above is kind of academic. The Sydney Morning Herald (20.8.99, 24) says "Stockbroking analysts say Jabiluka would be uneconomic if ERA was forced to construct a stand-alone plant, given present low uranium prices." Which, of course, it will be. Curiously, in view of the agreement ERA is supposed to have made at the World Heritage meeting, no mention is made of the 18-month break. The closest it gets is: "A six week core sampling process will be completed in August 1999 after which the development will enter a six to twelve month design phase encompassing additional mine planning and further environmental, safety and cultural studies." Apparently, ERA's share price rose by 7 cents to $1.90 because of this announcement. This rise takes it to about 20 cents less per share than it was when the price allegedly 'exploded' to about $2.10 immediately after the World Heritage decision. Seems the share-buying public isn't convinced. After all, neither price compares well with the $4.60 ERA shares worth up to the early part of last year. Finally, "(o)n 12 July 1999 the World Heritage Committee, by a majority of 20 to one, confirmed that the Jabiluka Project would not cause Kakadu's world heritage status to be placed in danger." Below is the full text of the decision. If you can find anything in there to suggest the Committee confirms any such thing, please let us know. While this is certainly the line the government and ERA have touted in the press, the reality is somewhat different. *** 2) DECISION OF THE THIRD EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE, 12 JULY 1999 Kakadu National Park (Australia) 1. The Committee, (a) Emphasizes the importance of Articles 4, 5, 6, 7 and 11 of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. In particular the Committee emphasizes Article 6 (1) which states that: Whilst fully respecting the sovereignty of the States on whose territory the cultural and natural heritage (...) is situated, and without prejudice to property right
Re: [recoznet2] Re: The Australian: Aborigines urged to end partisan ways
"Meddlesome priest" is what occurred to me also after I calmed down from my disgust and anger. Who was it that said, 'Lord protect me from my friends, I can take care of my enemies' or something like that? Trudy Laurie Forde wrote: I think this is a case of carrying the 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's " bit a tad too far ; after all, Caesar did not claim that the lands he invaded were "Terra Nullius". This is more like "Give to Hitler what is Hitler's" in regard to the invasion of Poland, for example. No---"Give to Howard what is Howard's " does not ring the right bell for me. "Meddlesome Priest" does. Laurie Laurie and Desley Forde [EMAIL PROTECTED] Trudy Bray wrote Original Message- From: Trudy Bray [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: news-clip [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, August 18, 1999 10:58 AM Subject: The Australian: Aborigines urged to end partisan ways Aborigines urged to end partisan ways By political editor DENNIS SHANAHAN 18aug99 ABORIGINAL leaders should recognise the legitimacy of the Howard Government and change the strategy of close alliance to the Labor Party if there is to be any chance of reconciliation, according to indigenous rights activist Frank Brennan. The Jesuit priest, a key influence in Aboriginal rights and the Wik debate, has warned indigenous leaders that they are seen to be too close to the ALP and too "party political". Although the outspoken campaigner said the Coalition Government must be more inclusive, and has major shortcomings, the indigenous leadership must be "able to accept the legitimacy of the government of the day". "Reconciliation will not be advanced by ongoing political allocation of blame to the Howard Government accompanied by silence about the actions of State Labor governments," he said in an article in the University of NSW Law Journal. Father Brennan's remarks will sharpen the debate within the circle of Labor, Aboriginal leaders and the Government over native title and constitutional reform. The election of the Australian Democrats' Aden Ridgeway, Australia's second Aboriginal senator, and his success in dealing with John Howard on the constitutional preamble, has divided opinion on Aboriginal strategy. Indigenous groups welcomed yesterday the UN confirmation of the decision of the international committee on the elimination of racial discrimination to continue to monitor the native title laws. ATSIC chairman Gatjil Djerrkura said the Government should "now enter meaningful negotiations with indigenous leaders on the future of its native title legislation". Father Brennan said there could be no prospect of greater reconciliation unless government was more inclusive in decision-making. * This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/ --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Some food for thought
Australian Financial Review August 21, 1999 The king is dead; long live the king Capital Idea, By Brian Toohey The full horror of what Australians are being asked to approve at November's republican referendum can only be appreciated by reference to the text of the proposed alteration to the Constitution. According to the new section 63, the President will be able to appoint as many deputies as he or she likes. And what presidential powers will be exercised by the deputies? The answer, as is the case with so much of the proposed new constitution, is anything the President "thinks fit". Perhaps one deputy could be kitted out in a fetching new uniform as commander-in-chief of the armed forces under the proposed section 68. Alternatively, a deputy may simply be required to live full time at Admiralty House on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and serve in a more diverting capacity "during the pleasure of the President", as the ,Constitution Alteration (Establishment of Republic) 1999 bill so quaintly puts it in section 63. Those who find the prospect of a puffed-up president is bad enough, without half a dozen deputies swanning about the place, can probably relax. The existing Constitution already gives the Governor-General the power to appoint deputies and none has been appointed. And any republican deputies will only be allowed to raid the presidential cellar "until the Parliament otherwise provides". In the reassuring interpretation of the referendum bill, all that is really happening is that the existing constitutional powers granted to the Governor-General are being transferred to the President. Admittedly, some powers are being reinforced and others qualified, but the comforting message is that the detail doesn't matter - the referendum is merely about replacing the Queen with an Australian head of State. Yet those who notice the detail could be excused for concluding that the essential thrust of the referendum bill is to maintain a monarchical constitutional structure which was already outdated in the 19th century, let alone appropriate for the 21st century. Under the Constitution, the monarch/Governor-General sits over the top of the Parliament and the Cabinet. Despite its republican title, the constitutional amendment bill retains much of this monarchical structure. Section 58, for example, gives the President the right to withhold assent to a bill which has passed both houses of Parliament. The President also has a right to recommend amendments. This right is in the Constitution and has never been exercised. But why leave the option there? Why not state bluntly that a bill shall become law in a 21st century democracy once it has passed Parliament? One reason for not doing so is that voters may like the idea of a presidential veto over bills which a government has pushed through against strong public opposition. Or perhaps voters want presidents to reject bills, say on euthanasia or the legalisation of marijuana, which they find morally repugnant. Although this is presumably not the intention of the framers of the amendments, the language is sufficiently ambiguous to encourage a president who wanted to exercise a veto in line with sentiments expressed on tabloid radio. According to the new section 58, the President's discretion will be subject to the Constitution. And a new section 59, in the chapter on the executive government, says the President shall act on the advice of ministers. But it is not clear if this includes advice to assent to bills because the veto power under section 58 relates to the section dealing with presidential powers in regard to Parliament. A similar problem arises at the start of the proposed constitutional amendments. The meaning seems plain enough - "the executive power of the Commonwealth is vested in the President..." In line with the existing Constitution, the President will be advised by a Federal Executive Council comprising ministers "chosen and summoned by the President" and holding office "during the pleasure of the President" . If executive power is vested in presidents who can hire and fire ministers at their pleasure, this would not seem to leave a lot of room for Cabinet government. The new Constitution tries to get around this problem by inserting a sentence, the first half of which says that the President "shall act on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the Prime Minister or another Minister of State". However, the second half of this sentence undoes much of the first half by stating that the President "may exercise a power that was a reserve power of the Governor-General in accordance with the constitutional conventions relating to the exercise of that power". At the very least, this immediately introduces an exception to the statement that the President "shall act" on the advice of ministers. Although no-one really knows what is encompassed by the unwritten reserve powers, they now seem to include the power to sack a
[recoznet2] Mandatory Sentencing in the NT
MEDIA RELEASE 23rd August 1999 Greens to repeal Mandatory Sentencing Laws Greens Senator Bob Brown is due to present the HUMAN RIGHTS (SENTENCING OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS) BILL 1999 in the federal parliament on the 24th August. The Bill provides that no law of a Commonwealth State or Territory can require a court to imprison or detain a child. This Bill has been drafted in direct response to concerns submitted from the Territory Greens that the community does not support present mandatory sentencing laws which: a.. Violate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the recommendations of the 1987 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. b.. Have not been proven effective in crime prevention and rehabilitation of offenders and further involve such offenders in a cycle of anti-social behaviour. c.. Are racially discriminate. 90% of under 17-year-olds in detention in the NT are Aboriginal. d.. Carry great social and economic costs to the community. Average daily cost for a juvenile in detention facility over 1997/98 was $331.62. "The mandatory detention of children in the Northern Territory is a clear and unarguable breach of Australia's international human rights obligations, and the Territory Greens have taken this avenue through Senator Brown to present this Bill to overturn present NT legislation. We encourage the NT Government to consider addressing the social problems that contribute to the incidence of crime, rather than jailing people. We believe that there are cost-effective and just ways of dealing with prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour that do not involve imprisonment. Issues such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, drug and alcohol dependence, boredom and family breakdown are not being adequately addressed." Territory Greens spokesperson Andy Gough announced today. Support for the Bill has already been received from Labor Senator Trish Crossin who stated: "It is the intention of the ALP is to support the introduction of this Bill and its referral to the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee for an Inquiry. This will enable all parties that either support or oppose the case for mandatory sentencing to be put before the Federal Parliament." The Bill is also widely supported by community groups such as Territorians for Effective Sentencing, which incorporates the NT Council of Churches, Darwin Community Legal Service, and the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council. For more information contact Andy Gough (08) 89811343 or Bob Brown (02) 6277 3170 www.nt.greens.org.au --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] SMH - Let judges be the judge
JUVENILE CRIME Let judges be the judge Date: 23/08/99 Mandatory sentencing is inevitably a denial of justice. By GEORGE ZDENKOWSKI The Senate is about to consider legislation invalidating all Federal, State and Territory laws which impose mandatory prison sentences on juveniles. A private member's bill, the Human Rights (Mandatory Sentencing of Juvenile Offenders) Bill 1999, is being put up by the Greens Senator Bob Brown and its immediate target is the notorious 1997 Northern Territory mandatory minimum imprisonment legislation. This required courts, in designated property crimes, to imprison adults (those 17 and above) for their first offence and juveniles (15- or 16-year-olds) for their second offence, no matter how trivial the offences and without regard to the offender's background - the twin considerations usually at the heart of sentencing decisions. There is no adequate statistical base to measure the effectiveness of the legislation against crime, but its unfairness and its economic and social cost are plain: removing judicial discretion creates harsh, capricious and arbitrary outcomes with a particularly devastating impact on the indigenous population. The NSW Chief Justice, Jim Spigelman, talking about guideline sentences, recently observed: "Sentencing discretion is an essential component of the fairness of our criminal justice system [otherwise] there will always be the prospect of injustice ... Guideline judgments are preferable to the constraints of mandatory minimum terms of grid sentencing." Despite sustained criticism, the NT laws (and kindred "three strikes" laws in WA) have survived both political and constitutional challenge. Recent amendments to the NT laws have done little to assuage critics because few defendants could demonstrate the exceptional circumstances required to avoid a mandatory term. For indigenous offenders, it is likely to be business as usual. Moreover, the mandatory regime has been extended to new offences. In 1998, Senator Brown formulated the Abolition of Compulsory Imprisonment Bill to override the NT regime. It was based on S122 of the Commonwealth Constitution which authorises the Federal Parliament to enact laws for the NT. But this ran into complaints that it was an attack on NT autonomy and was discriminatory. The new bill has an Australia-wide application and its scope is also limited to outlawing the mandatory imprisonment of juveniles which some politicians might find more palatable than a general measure which extended to adults. The constitutional basis for the bill is the external affairs power. The bill would implement aspects of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (an international treaty to which Australia is a signatory) requiring the use of imprisonment only as a last resort. One interesting issue would be whether the bill also overrode the NT law as far as 17-year-old Northern Territorian adults were concerned. The international benchmark of adulthood is 18. However, the Brown bill defines a child as a person under 18. Arguably, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides a constitutional touchstone for a general measure prohibiting Commonwealth, State and Territorial legislation requiring courts to impose mandatory prison terms on anyone. But the legal and political arguments for relying on the Convention on the Rights of the Child are certainly stronger. There is, apparently, growing support for Senator Brown's bill in the Senate. But the key will be the Government's attitude in the House of Representatives. The Greens are also canvassing support for a Senate inquiry into mandatory sentencing. Such inquiries have the power and resources to amass detailed, credible evidence. In the NT, consideration is being given by a member of an Aboriginal community in Darwin to an approach to the UN Human Rights Committee about a violation of aspects of the ICCPR by the NT legislation. There is also an Amnesty International campaign, focusing on mandatory imprisonment of juveniles, which is likely to cause the Australian Government international embarrassment. However, it remains to be seen whether these developments can influence a government which is publicly sceptical about the domestic implementation of human rights obligations in international treaties. - George Zdenkowski is an associate professor of law at the University of NSW. This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for
[recoznet2] AAP: PM shifting ground on stolen generation [sic] apology
PM shifting ground on stolen generation apology From AAP 23aug99 12.10pm (AEST) A FORMAL apology to the stolen generation of Aboriginal children now appears likely, due to a change of heart by Prime Minister John Howard. Mr Howard had vetoed an apology because of concerns it could lead to legal action from Aborigines forcibly removed from their parents. But cabinet secretary, Senator Bill Heffernan, who has been working behind the scenes on the issue, told ABC radio he believed Mr Howard was now prepared to back some form of apology. "I think the Prime Minister has come a long way on this issue and certainly is keen to see a solution," he said. Instead of a Government apology, the motion is now likely to come from the parliament. Newly-elected Australian Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway, the only indigenous member of Parliament, is expected to call this week for a conscience vote on the apology. Senator Ridgeway already has brokered a compromise with Mr Howard on the proposed preamble and Senator Heffernan said he was confident another compromise would remove the need for a conscience vote. "I would have thought that given the right, correct form of words that a conscience vote shouldn't be necessary because I would have thought that all Australians would support the right form of words to reflect what has gone on in the past," he said. Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said he was delighted by Senator Heffernan's move, but urged the Prime Minister not to bother with an apology unless he really meant it. "That's excellent, but at the end of the day an apology that's not meant is not an apology worth making," he said. "So I have said to the Prime Minister if you don't mean it and you don't feel it yourself don't make it, but let the parliament do it." The possible compromise has also run into early strife with the National Party, with MP Ian Causley warning a formal apology would divide the community and leave the Government open to compensation claims. "You can never trust lawyers," he said. "Lawyers jump in on anything these days and that's the real problem and they'll be in to try and get some money out of it for themselves mainly." --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] The Sunday Times: Aborigines were the first Americans
The Sunday Times (UK) http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/Sunday-Times/stifgnusa02003.html?999 August 22 1999 Aborigines were the first Americans By Sarah Toyne THE first people to inhabit America were Australian Aborigines - not American Indians. New archeological findings have uncovered evidence that they crossed the Pacific Ocean by boat and settled on the continent long before Siberians trekked across the Bering Straits after the Ice Age. Scientists have reconstructed the skull of a young girl found in Brazil. At 12,000 years old, "Luzia" is the oldest human skeleton yet found on the American landmass. During the past four years 50 other skulls have been discovered in Brazil and Colombia, all predating the invasion of Mongoloid peoples from the north about 9,000 years ago. Luzia's skull was discovered in the early 1970s by a French archeologist in a layer of sediment in Amazonas and was dismissed as insignificant. It was given away to the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, where it remained until a few years ago when Walter Neves, professor of biological anthropology at the University of Sao Paolo, heard about it and realised that it might provide vital clues for solving the mystery of America's anthropological heritage. The procedure has revealed conclusive evidence of Luzia's ancestry. Neves is still shocked by his findings. "When we started seeing the results, it was amazing because we realised the statistics were not showing these people to be Mongoloid; they were showing that they were anything except Mongoloid," he said. Luzia was reconstructed by Richard Neave, a forensic artist from the University of Manchester, for Ancient Voices, a BBC2 documentary to be shown next week. Neave's reconstruction backed up Neves's calculations: "That to me is a negroid face. The proportions of the face do not say anything about it being Mongoloid." Luzia's facial characteristics are similar to those of the people of the islands of southeast Asia, Australia and Melanesia. "They are similar to modern-day Aborigines and Africans and show no similarities at all with Mongoloids from east Asia and modern-day Indians," said Neves. The oldest signs of habitation in north or south America were previously believed to be stone spear points discovered at Clovis, New Mexico, in the 1930s. They were dated at 11,000 years old. Charcoal, a chipped stone stool and scraps of food found recently, however, have been dated at 40,000 years old - the remains, perhaps, of a campfire lit by ancient seafarers from Asia. The theory that Aborigines could have travelled by water to the Americas has been given further credence by the discovery of a painting of an ocean- going vessel in Western Australia, which is 20,000 years old. The 4,000-mile journey between Australia and South America can still be undertaken with relatively short island hops. Dennis Stanford, chairman of the anthropology department at the Natural Museum of History in Washington DC, believes the capability of prehistoric peoples has long been underestimated. "Way back then they weren't really 'cave' people, they were pretty sophisticated," he said. "I think Neolithic people were doing a whole lot more than we give them credit for; they were just as smart as you and I, they just did different things." Further evidence of the fate of the Aboriginal invaders has been provided by computer- imaging technology, used to interpret cave paintings in the Serra da Capivara in northeastern Brazil. The pictures show pregnant women and hunters chasing giant armadillos, as well as what were initially interpreted by archeologists as human figures dancing. After more examination, however, the figures are now thought to be warriors spinning through the air with a spear - illustrating battles between the Aborigines and the invading Mongoloids from the north. The American Aborigines were almost entirely wiped out by the encroaching Mongoloids, but anthropologists believe that some of their descendants, interbred with the Mongoloid peoples who preceded today's South American Indians, survived in Tierra del Fuego. Scientists believe that Aboriginal descendants escaped to this remote island off the southern tip of South America, where they prospered until European settlers migrating to Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century brought stomach illnesses to the area, which wiped out the majority of the remaining native Fuegans. Rows of white crosses mark the graves of the Fuegans, who wore sealskins and lit fires everywhere - even in boats - to protect themselves from the harsh climate. Their skulls have now been analysed to reveal features common to Neves's skulls. Evidence from Father de Agostini, an Italian ethnographer who filmed the Fuegan way of life in the 1930s, reveal similarities with Aboriginal culture in Australia. Only a few Fuegans remain alive today, a fading anthropological link with the first native Americans.
[recoznet2] Another miscarriage of justice in NT
Below is an article on the front page of the SMH. If any recoznetter has not yet written the letter to the NTTC [EMAIL PROTECTED] urging them to warn tourists of the laws in the NT and to urge the government to repeal the law, now is the time to do it! Trudy ^^^ SMH The boy condemned to jail for stealing $3.50 biscuits Date: 25/08/99 By BERNARD LAGAN An Aboriginal youth charged with stealing a $3.50 packet of biscuits is doomed to be jailed next week for a year - too soon to be saved by a Federal push to overturn the Northern Territory's mandatory sentencing laws. Darwin legal sources confirmed last night that the 17-year-old would have to be sentenced to a minimum one year's jail when his case came before a court because the theft was his third minor property offence. In the Territory, 17-year-olds are classed as adults - and it has mandatory jail terms for all adult property offences, beginning with a two-week term for a first offence. Yesterday, Federal politicians announced a campaign to end the right of States and Territories to impose mandatory terms on juveniles. Supported by Labor, the Democrats and Independent MP Mr Peter Andren, Tasmanian Green Senator Bob Brown will introduce a bill that would overturn existing laws in the Territory and Western Australia. It would also raise the adult age to 18 - in line with most States - to protect young offenders like the youth facing jail in Darwin. Juveniles in the Territory - those aged either 15 or 16 years - receive a warning for their first property offence and a minimum one-month term in an institution for a second offence. Scores of juvenile Aborigines have received mandatory terms since the laws were passed last year, including one who stole a $2.50 cigarette lighter and four jointly charged with the theft of $1.60 worth of petrol. There have been confidential expressions of support for Senator Brown's bill from some Government MPs, according to the Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Chris Sidoti, who appeared at a Canberra press conference with the senator yesterday. "It is an initiative of the Commonwealth Parliament to exercise its ultimate responsibility to protect the rights of all Australians and, in this instance, among the most vulnerable Australians, children," Mr Sidoti said. Senator Brown said the legislation would be debated in the new year. He said Aborigines, with a high incidence of minor property offences, were six to eight times more likely to be jailed than non-Aborigines under the laws. It has forced the transportation of Aboriginal prisoners for 1,500 kilometres to jail in Alice Springs because Darwin jails are full. But the laws affect not only juveniles. A 29-year-old homeless Aborigine who stole a $15 towel - his third minor property offence - was jailed for a year. Jailed for two weeks were a 24-year-old mother who stole a $2.50 can of beer, and a 27-year-old white teacher who disputed the quality of a hotdog and poured water over a shop till. This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] Another miscarriage of justice in NT
Hi Liam, Bruce got the group together. He is just leaving the NT and will be back in the Illawarra on Monday. I will pass your message on to the group and see what they think you could do while there. Trudy Liam wrote: I'm gonna be in the NT around the 20th with school, anything I can do while I'm there? I've written letters/emails/etc...I figure while I'm there I might as well get some work done, eh? I'm not sure how far north I'm going...probably only as far as Alice Springs.. is Bruce Reyburn running this campaign? peace Below is an article on the front page of the SMH. If any recoznetter has not yet written the letter to the NTTC [EMAIL PROTECTED] urging them to warn tourists of the laws in the NT and to urge the government to repeal the law, now is the time to do it! Trudy ^^^ --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] UN Press Release
The Australian Government is obviously intending to downplay and mislead public opinion on the recent decsion by CERD (Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination). The Australian Government considers: "The CERD decision was in line with what we had hoped for. Originally it was said to be an urgent decision and now that's been put back until next year, at the normal [CERD] reporting time processes." Perhaps the Australian Government should read the attached press release issued by the UN Press Office. (The attachment is in HTML format and should be opened in a web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer. A text version has been also attached, just in case) ___ Les Malezer General Manager FAIRA Aboriginal Corporation PO Box 8402 Woolloongabba Qld 4002 Australia Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http//www.faira.org.au Phone + 61 7 33914677 Fax + 61 7 33914551 -- COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION EXAMINES SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA, ADOPTS DECISION MORNING HR/CERD/99/52 16 August 1999 The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination adopted a decision this morning expressing serious concern that envisaged changes in policy by the Australian Government risked creating an "acute impairment" of the land rights of indigenous communities. The decision also reaffirmed decisions taken by the Committee in March in reference to the situation in Australia. The actions came as the Committee reviewed circumstances in the country under its early warning and urgent action procedures. Gay McDougall, the Committee Expert who served as rapporteur on the situation in Australia, said the recommendations contained in the Committee's March decisions had not been acted upon by the Government and there had been no progress with regard to indigenous land titles in Australia. Rather, she said, the situation was becoming of greater concern in that amendments to the Australian Native Title Act were being brought into effect within the jurisdictions of the various states and territories of Australia. In March, the Committee expressed concern "over the compatibility of the Native Title Act, as currently amended, with the State party's international obligations" under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It further noted with concern Australia's proposed changes to the overall structure of its national Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission which would abolish the position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and assign those functions to a generalist Deputy President. The Committee urged the Australian Government "to suspend implementation of the 1998 amendments and re-open discussions with the representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a view to finding solutions acceptable to the indigenous peoples and which would comply with Australia's obligations under the Convention". The decision of the Committee took note of comments received from the Government of Australia and said those comments would be included in its annual report. Australia is one of 155 States parties to the Convention and is obliged to submit periodic reports to the Committee on efforts to comply with the treaty and also required, when requested, to supply additional information under the Committee's early warning and urgent action procedures. Participating in the discussion were Committee Experts Mahmoud Aboul-Nasr, Michael P. Banton, Theodoor van Boven, Regis de Gouttes, Yuri A. Rechetov, Ion Diaconu, Agha Shahi, Mario Jorge Yutsis and Michael E. Sherifis. Also this morning, the Committee continued its discussion of proposed revisions to reporting guidelines with particular reference to article 5 of the Convention, which says that States parties must undertake to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, to equality before the law. When the Committee reconvenes at 3 p.m., it will take up an initial report of Kyrgyzstan (document CERD/C/326/Add.1). Decision on Australia In its decision on the situation in Australia, the Committee reaffirmed the decisions of March 1999. In adopting those decisions, the Committee was prompted by its serious concern that after having observed and welcomed over a period of time a progressive implementation of the Convention in relation to the land rights of indigenous peoples in Australia, envisaged changes of policy as to the exercise of those rights risked creating an acute impairment of the rights thus recognized to the Australian indigenous communities. The decision said the Committee had considered in detail the information submitted and the arguments put forward by the Government of
[recoznet2] Letters to the editor at SMH
http://www.smh.com.au/news/9908/26/text/letters.html For letters on the 'apology' have a look at the above URL Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Aden's maiden speech
http://search.aph.gov.au/search/ParlInfo.ASP?action=viewitem=129from=browsepath=Chamber/Senate+Hansard/1999/Spring/25+August+1999items=146 Aden Ridgeway's maiden speech can be read at the above URL For anyone without web access, contact me for a copy. Trudy --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
Re: [recoznet2] pm or PM?
My first impression is that this 'motion' has the same depth of sincerity as Howard's description of Michael Hutchins as 'a great Australian product' was an expression of condolence. There seems to be an unseemly haste about the whole thing. Could it be that Howard realises he is running out of time before the whole world condemns his racism after the Olympics? Is this another form of government lobbying to save its reputation? I will reserve my judgement. I have a very uneasy feeling that something is not right and we are being duped. Maybe it is paranoia, but then again Trudy tim dunlop wrote: Just saw Howard deliver this motion and speech to the Parliament. I'm very confused about the whole thing. He seemed reasonably sincere and given what at is at stake - and given the apparent enthusiasm with which people like Lowitja O'Donahue are embracing his 'change of heart' - I feel inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt, but still can't help feel there is an emptiness in his words. Beazley's response was sensational I thought, and he was unequivocal about the inadequacy of the motion and moved a couple of amendments. If you can say "sincere regret" surely you are expressing sorrow; and if you are sorrowful, then surely you can say "sorry"? His refusal to use the word 'sorry' smells rotten to me. Anyway, here is the motion and I guess we'll see how it plays out.TimFROM THE PMs OFFICEMOTION OF RECONCILIATION That this House: (a) reaffirms its whole-hearted commitment to the cause of reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians as an important national priority for all Australians; (b) recognising the achievements of the Australian nation, commits to work together to strengthen the bonds that unite us, to respect and appreciate our differences, and to build a fair and prosperous future in which we can all share; (c) reaffirms the central importance of practical measures leading to practical results that address the profound economic and social disadvantage which continues to be experienced by many indigenous Australians; (d) recognises the importance of understanding the shared history of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and the need to acknowledge openly the wrongs and injustices of Australias past; (e) acknowledges that the mistreatment of many indigenous Australians over a significant period represents the most blemished chapter in our national history; (f) expresses its deep and sincere regret that indigenous Australians suffered injustices under the practices of past generations, and for the hurt and trauma that many indigenous people continue to feel as a consequence of those practices; and (g) believes that we, having achieved so much as a nation, can now move forward together for the benefit of all Australians. 26 August 1999 -- + "the things that will destroy us: politics without principle, pleasure without conscience, wealth without work, knowledge without character, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice and business without morality." ---Mahatma Gandhi +
[recoznet2] AAP: Stolen generations members dismiss Howard's apology [sic]
Stolen generation [sic] members dismiss Howard's apology Source: AAP | Published: Thursday August 26 2:47:49 PM Members of the stolen generation today reacted angrily to Prime Minister John Howard's expression of regret in federal parliament, saying it did not go far enough. They said Mr Howard's statement may benefit Australia's profile but would not help the Aboriginal people who were taken from their families as children, in accordance with past government policy. They doubted the sincerity of Mr Howard's statement because the Commonwealth was fighting a compensation case by those children in the Federal court here. They estimated the government had spent $6 million on the case. 'How can they be serious about regret while they pour millions of dollars into fighting our compensation claim tooth and nail?' said Central Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation (CASGAC) spokesman Harold Furber. 'How can they be serious about atonement if they will not consider some form of compensation to the individuals whose lives were devastated. 'We have grave concerns that the deal being done in Canberra will look good for the nation but will not benefit a single member of the stolen generation.' Central Land Council director Tracker Tilmouth accused Mr Howard of trying to weasel out of saying sorry and said expressing regret was not good enough. 'He must say sorry, not some play on words or legal squirming phrases designed to get him off the hook,' Mr Tilmouth said. 'We of the stolen generation find this a deplorable lack of compassion by the Australian government and should be noted as such. Mr Tilmouth also took a swipe at Aboriginal Democrat Senator Aiden Ridgeway for accepting Mr Howard's form of apology. Senator Ridgeway's maiden speech to parliament last night called on the government to express deep and sincere regret for the hurt and trauma suffered by indigenous Australians. 'Some Aboriginal leaders and members of parliament are too willing to sign off on the hard issues because some white fella said g'day to them," Mr Tilmouth said. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] AAP: Greens senator attacks PM over apology issue
Greens senator attacks PM over apology issue Source: AAP | Published: Thursday August 26 10:35:26 AM Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown has accused Prime Minister John Howard of failing as a leader on the issue of an apology to the stolen generation. "He cannot say ... he is not big enough to say, I am sorry, on behalf of the nation," Senator Brown told reporters. "Every other parliament in the nation, almost every other politician and people right across this country have been able to say I am sorry. "But John Howard is not big enough to do that," Brown said. Australian Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway's maiden speech last night called on the government to express deep and sincere regret for the hurt and trauma suffered by indigenous Australians. Australia's only Aboriginal federal MP omitted the word sorry in a compromise Howard seems likely to accept. But Brown believes this had come about because Howard had not offered an alternative. "Thank goodness we have an indigenous community that is big enough to find ground for this leader who has failed in this context," Brown said. "I have said I am sorry. I feel deeply sorry about the whole history since the invasion as far as the Aboriginal people are concerned and the stolen generation in more recent history, in particular. "However, I remain also sorry that we don't have a prime minister who could give ground," he said. --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] SMH - Motion not enough: Beazley
Motion not enough: Beazley Source: SMH | Published: Thursday August 26 1:22:50 PM Opposition Leader Kim Beazley today said Prime Minister John Howard did not go far enough with his expression of deep and sincere regret to indigenous Australians. Mr Beazley moved a number of amendments to Mr Howard's motion to ensure it contained an unreserved apology and reference to adequate compensation. His amendment calls for the motion to: "unreservedly apologise to indigenous Australians for the injustice they have suffered and for the hurt and trauma that many indigenous people continue to suffer as a consequence of that injustice." Mr Beazley said the stolen generation was not a matter of historical record, but contemporary history which extended well into the 1970s and the lives of many current politicians. He criticised Mr Howard for forcing Australia's indigenous people to assume responsibility for the wording of the prime minister's motion. "It is unfair to make them the arbitrators of our apology," he told parliament. "That is our job. That is the job of every person in this house. It is unfair to compromise them in relation to other members of the Aboriginal community for whom this will not be satisfactory." --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Non-apology
From what Howard is saying it is obvious he hasn't learnt anything at all. He still doesn't understand and is defending the 'well-meaning' and the present generation. Daryl Melham is right - this is a political deal. Trudy ABC News: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 15:32 AEST Present generations not responsible for the past: Howard The Prime Minister, John Howard, says the greatest blemish on Australia's national story is the treatment of its indigenous people. Mr Howard has tabled a motion in Parliament which expresses deep regret for the injustices suffered by indigenous people under past practices. It also expresses a belief that Australians can now move forward for the benefit of all. In his speech to Parliament, Mr Howard reiterated his belief that present generations should not be held accountable for the mistakes of the past. "Nor should we ever forget that many people who were involved in some of the practices that caused hurt and trauma felt at the time that those practices were properly based and to apply retrospectively the standards of today to their behaviour does some of those people who were sincere an immense injustice," he said. But Labor has refused to support the resolution and has moved an amendment to upgrade it to an unreserved apology. The Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Daryl Melham, says unless the Prime Minister makes a full apology, the trauma of indigenous people will continue. "This is a political deal, I'm not signing up to it, and nor is the Labor Party," he said. "That's why we're moving the amendment and we say to the Prime Minister you accept our two paragraphs, then it doesn't stop there, you can't have an apology like this," Mr Melham said. © 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
[recoznet2] Pat Dodson:
Here is an extract of an ABC item on what Pat Dodson had to say: "The former chair of the Reconciliation Council, Patrick Dodson, has condemned the resolution, saying it does little to advance reconcilitation. "When people pass away in our society we cry with them. We siddown and we cry with them to express our sorrow, to show our sorrow. And we mourn with those people, we show that feeling," he said. "There's no feeling in this. There's nothing in this that says to the people who've suffered that yes we are genuinely sorry that this has happened to you."" --- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words:unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
