WGAR News: "Listening But Not Hearing" - Audio recordings from the launch of the report

Newsletter date: 3 April 2012

Contents:
* "Listening But Not Hearing"- Audio recordings from the launch of the report
* Full video recording of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 Feb 12
* Transcripts of the Senate Hearings on 'Stronger Futures'
* ANTaR: Long term commitment to NT communities welcomed
* More 'Stronger Futures' Legislation related articles
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles

* "LISTENING BUT NOT HEARING" - AUDIO RECORDINGS FROM THE LAUNCH OF THE REPORT:

- Audio

'concerned Australians':
Launch of the report "Listening But Not Hearing" by the Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser AC CK
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
"The report, based on transcripts of the 2011 Consultations, was prepared by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning and the Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC.
Audio recordings from the launch of the report on 8 March 2012
* The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (excerpts) (MP3)
Former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia
* The Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser AC CK (MP3)
Former Prime Minister of Australia
* Nicole Watson (MP3)
Senior Researcher, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, co-author of the report
* The Hon Ian Viner AO QC (MP3)
Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
* The Hon. Frank Vincent AO QC (MP3)
Provost of the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, Former Chancellor, Victoria University"

See:

WGAR News: New report into 'Stronger Futures' consultations by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS (9 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
[New university report entitled 'Listening but not Hearing']

* FULL VIDEO RECORDING OF SENATE HEARING AT MANINGRIDA 22 FEB 12:

- Videos

'concerned Australians':
Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012 - full recording:
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/Maningrida_Senate_Hearing.html

* TRANSCRIPTS OF THE SENATE HEARINGS ON 'STRONGER FUTURES':

Public hearings:
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills

'concerned Australians': Transcripts of the Senate Hearings
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/#Senate_Maningrida
"20/02/2012 Ntaria (Hermannsburg) (PDF)
21/02/2012 Alice Springs (PDF)
22/02/2012 Maningrida (PDF)
23/02/2012 Darwin (PDF)
24/02/2012 Darwin (PDF)
01/03/2012 Canberra (PDF)
01/03/2012 Canberra (PDF)"

Direct Government link to view all uploaded hearing info:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

* ANTaR: LONG TERM COMMITMENT TO NT COMMUNITIES WELCOMED:

See:

WGAR News: Responses to Ten-Year Funding of NT Aboriginal Communities (1 Apr 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/01/wgar-news-responses-to-ten-year-fundi...

- Media Release

ANTaR - Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation:
Long term commitment to NT communities welcomed
http://www.antar.org.au/long_term_commitment_to_nt_communities_welcomed
"ANTaR has today welcomed the Federal Government's announcement of a 10 year commitment to fund health, child and family services in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities. This follows yesterday's announcement of funding for community safety initiatives and essential services for people living on Aboriginal homelands. ...
"While we welcome the Government's commitment to ongoing funding for Aboriginal homelands, we urge the Government to commit resources for housing in these communities."
"Today's commitment to long-term funding will help re-build trust in communities, but the Government must also respond to community concerns and withdraw and review the Stronger Futures bills if it is to truly reset the releationship.""

* MORE 'STRONGER FUTURES' LEGISLATION RELATED ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

agendaTracker: Evidently: Stronger Futures juggernaut hits a few potholes
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/evidently-stronger-futures-juggernaut-hits...
2 Apr 12: "NATIONAL: The opportunity to shine a light on the atrocious Stronger Futures legislation came about more through good luck than good management, writes PROF JON ALTMAN. A juggernaut is a force that is regarded as mercilessly destructive and unstoppable. For many this is an apt metaphor for the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bills which was scripted to be rubber stamped, possibly with minor changes, by the Australian Senate on March 22, 2012. Against extraordinary odds, passage of these laws, ... has been delayed at least until May." Jon Altman, research professor in economic anthropology, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR), Australian National University

- Video

ABC Lateline: Community groups fight income management trial
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3469513.htm
2 Apr 12: "In Western Sydney more than 50 community groups have formed a coalition to fight the Federal Government's income management trial, describing it as discriminatory.
Emma Alberici, Presenter: ... Bankstown is one of five locations nationally chosen for the five-year test. It means for some people between 50 and 70 per cent of welfare payments will be set aside to spend on essential items such as food and clothing. But the Arab Council and Indigenous elders say the policy is discriminatory." Reporter: Amy Bainbridge

- Audio

ABC The World Today: Federal funding continues for NT Intervention (mark II)
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2012/s3468728.htm
2 Apr 12: "The Federal Government is investing half a billion dollars in an education package for the next stage of the Federal Intervention in the Northern Territory. The package will enable funding for 200 teachers in remote Territory schools to continue. It will also fund the Government's program to link welfare payments to school attendance, as Sara Everingham reports."

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Northern Land Council lauds homelands funding
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7087-northern-land-council-lauds...
2 Apr 12: "An alliance of the Northern Territory's peak Aboriginal organisations says the Federal Government's announcement of funding for remote outstations is a 'relief'. ... Kim Hill, CEO of the Northern Land Council, which is part of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory alliance, says the cultural benefits of this announcement are significant. "There was uncertainty after August 18th if the Australian Government or the Territory Government was going to continue funding homelands. However, in regards to the amount, yes, it's not a lot. ... ""

newsTracker: Funds for NT Indigenous education
http://tracker.org.au/2012/04/funds-for-nt-indigenous-education/
2 Apr 12: "NATIONAL: The federal government will spend more than half a billion dollars over the next 10 years to improve Indigenous education in the Northern Territory. Labor announced the $583 million package on Monday saying it will pay for a range of programs including 200 extra teachers and teaching assistants, a school nutrition program and housing for teachers. The funding will be included in the 2012/13 federal budget to be handed down on May 8."

Age: PM promises $583m for remote schools
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/pm-promises-583m-for-rem...
2 Apr 12: "THE Gillard government will today announce more than half a billion dollars in education funding as part of the next phase of the federal intervention in the Northern Territory. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and School Education Minister Peter Garrett will announce the Commonwealth will provide $583 million over the next 10 years. The money will pay the wages of 200 teachers and for the construction of up to 100 teacher houses in remote communities."

NT News: 100 new homes for NT teachers
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2012/04/02/297041_ntnews.html
2 Apr 12: "THE Federal Government will build up to 100 houses for remote teachers. It is part of $583 million package to be announced today for indigenous education in the Territory over the next decade. ... The announcement - by federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin and School Education Minister Peter Garrett, - will also continue funding for 200 teacher positions that were funded under the Northern Territory Intervention."

* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:

Human Rights Petition: Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...

Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice:
http://standforfreedom.org.au/

Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation

WGAR News: Responses to Ten-Year Funding of NT Aboriginal Communities (1 Apr 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/01/wgar-news-responses-to-ten-year-fundi...

WGAR News: STICS: Aunty of deaths in custody victim speaks out against 'Stronger Futures' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...

WGAR News: Photograph your feet and 'Stand For Freedom' (24 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/24/wgar-news-call-for-delegates-to-inter...

WGAR News: Stand For Freedom campaign delivers a petition to the Senate signed by 33,000 people (22 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/22/wgar-news-stand-for-freedom-campaign-...

WGAR News: Responses to Senate Committee report on 'Stronger Futures' New NT Intervention laws (18 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/18/wgar-news-responses-to-senate-committ...

WGAR News: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert provides an overview: "Ending the NT Intervention" (15 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...

WGAR News: Senate Inquiry into Stronger Futures releases it's report (15 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/15/wgar-news-greens-senator-rachel-siewe...

WGAR News: 28 Leading Australians call on Government to abandon the Stronger Futures legislation (14 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/14/wgar-news-28-leading-australians-call...

WGAR News: "Hear the Voice of the People!": Video of Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012 (13 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/13/wgar-news-hear-the-voice-of-the-peopl...

WGAR News: New report into 'Stronger Futures' consultations by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS (9 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...
[New university report entitled 'Listening but not Hearing']

WGAR News: Former PM Malcolm Fraser launches new report into consultations (9 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/09/wgar-news-new-report-into-stronger-fu...

WGAR News: Our Generation and ANTaR have launched a new video and campaign (8 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/08/wgar-news-our-generation-and-antar-ha...

WGAR News: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida (3 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/03/wgar-news-nitv-current-affairs-presen...

WGAR News: Press Conference on Stronger Futures legislation by Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (1 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...

WGAR News: "NT Aboriginal leaders reject Stronger Futures" Tracker (23 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...

WGAR News: New Website for Stronger Futures info and submissions (21 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...

WGAR News: Book report launched: "NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations" (19 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...
[Includes link to transcripts of consultations and book of quotations: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ ]

WGAR News: More on the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (9 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/09/wgar-news-tent-embassy-protest-interv...

WGAR News: Submissions received on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...

Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures: New compilation weblink -Petition -NITV Forum
http://www.stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Facts-Info/...

Stop the Intervention: Stronger Futures Media Coverage
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/stronger-futures-legislation/#Media-SF

Main Government page for Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

Direct Government link to view all uploaded submissions
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

Direct Government link to view all uploaded hearing info
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...

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

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

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

Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/

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

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

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

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Ending the NT Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/ntintervention
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...

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

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

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

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

Equality Rights Alliance: Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory: http://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/projects/womens-experience-inco...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adelaide Stop the Intervention: http://www.stoptheintervention.com.au/

Central Land Council: The Australian Government Intervention 2007: http://www.clc.org.au/Media/issues/intervention/intervention_intro.html

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

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Analysis / Opinion

SMH: Pitching camp for a cultural cause
http://www.smh.com.au/national/pitching-camp-for-a-cultural-cause-201203...
1 Apr 12: "NESTLED among the Bunya Nut trees in a place where people have come together for centuries, sits a small, neat camp site. A fire sits has been built in the centre of the tent circle and the flames slowly warm a pot. A short distance away, a toddler, watched by two women, enthusiastically plays in a washing bucket filled with water. The camp is clean and tidy with nothing out of place. There is an area for sleeping, one for food preparation and another for gathering. Nothing unusual. Except that it is in one of Brisbane's inner city parks and its founders say it is there to stay. The Musgrave Park tent embassy is in its third week, ... " Amy Remeikis

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Muckaty Station 'land will be poisoned': Anti-nuclear campaigner
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7086-muckaty-station-land-will-b...
2 Apr 12: "The prospect of the Muckaty Station nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory looms closer as many traditional owners express their anger. Arabunna man Peter Watts of the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance says there are frequent natural disasters in the area and this may release radioactive waste, potentially affecting the livelihood of people across the country. He says people aren't giving up the fight. "Once land becomes poisoned like that, there's going to be vast areas where people won't be able to enter at all. ... ""

Australian: Compo 'must come soon for Stolen Generations'
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/compo-must-c...
2 Apr 12: "A COMPENSATION scheme for the Stolen Generations must be enacted quickly to avoid victims dying before receiving payment, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement says. A Stolen Generations reparations tribunal is being advanced by the Greens to compensate Aborigines forcibly taken from their families as a result of government policies. If the bill is successful, South Australia will become the second state after Tasmania to compensate victims of forced separation policies."

Green Left: Nyoongar Tent Embassy puts sovereignty on the agenda
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/50562
31 Mar 12: "A movement for Aboriginal sovereignty has galvanised around the February 12 formation of the Nyoongar Tent Embassy in Perth. The embassy was directly inspired by two developments: the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, which promoted a national push for Aboriginal sovereignty, and the February 8 report about negotiations between the state government and the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) about Nyoongar native title." Alex Bainbridge, Perth

- - -

Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.

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

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

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

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

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

- - -

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

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

- - -

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