The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Economic Empowerment) Bill 2021 is before parliament

Minister Ken Wyatt MP has introduced what he terms as the most comprehensive reforms to the NT Land Rights Act to the Australian Parliament since its enactment in 1976.

The Aboriginal land Rights Act is the most powerful expression of land rights in Australia.

There are serious concerns with aspects of his proposed bill. ‘concerned Australians’ are calling for a Senate Committee inquiry. Amendments are required.

There will now be a Senate Inquiry which is due to report on 25 November and submissions will be required by 5 November.

Inquiry details and to place in submissions have been posted, please act now: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/ALREconomicEmpowerment

Further information:

• Prof Jon Altman AM brief critical assessment: please click here

• Some comments for the Institute for Cultural Survival Inc.: please click here

• Letter from ‘concerned Australians’ to The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP: please click here

• Prof Jon Altman spoke about "Land Rights at Risk, again? Evaluation of the Economic Empowerment Bill" on Wed, 27 Oct, 7.30pm AEDT. Recording of this session see below.

• Reasons for referral of the Bill to the committee: please click here

• Prof Jon Altman's speaking notes of 27 Oct: please click here

Prof Jon Altman speaks about
Land Rights at Risk, again?
Evaluation of the Economic Empowerment Bill

The history of the Commonwealth’s Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (ALRA) and policy of the past twenty years which has hindered social justice

"The Commonwealth’s Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (ALRA) is a statutory instrument designed to deliver a form of social justice – that is, to arrest and even reverse the illegal land dispossession that occurred in Australia since British colonisation."  ...

"... in the last two decades the steps have been backward. Those living on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory are not only the most impoverished people in Australia, but also they are becoming relatively poorer. This trend is the result of policy to discourage and even financially penalise those who live on their country. The most recent ... survey indicated that there are over 600 homelands in the Northern Territory. People may have land rights, but because the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments fail to support living at outstations, people are leaving their ancestral lands. To pressure Aboriginal people for whom connection to country, sacred sites and ancestors in the landscape are paramount values to live in the same way as non-Aboriginal people is a form of cultural genocide.

Jon Altman, SELF-DETERMINATION’S LAND RIGHTS Destined to disappoint?, (September, 2020)

Click here to read the full article

The 2007 Northern Territory Intervention:
Cultural Genocide and Ecocide?

These assimilation policies destroy our culture and our lives. It is the Stolen Generation all over again. ... The government is refusing to build us any housing unless we sign over control of our land for 40 years or more. We say NO LEASES. We will not sign. … The government having this control is no good. Our lives depend on our land. It is connected to our songlines, our culture and our dreaming. Prescribed Area Peoples’ Alliance from First Nations communities affected by the NT Intervention, Mparntwe /Alice Springs, (September & November 2008).

...

Returning to the crucial issue of land, given that the 2006 [Aboriginal Land Rights Act] ALRA reforms were promoted to open up Aboriginal land to mineral exploration and development, the Intervention’s compulsory acquisition of townships has created a dangerous precedent for other Aboriginal lands. In late 2007, the Howard Government signed up to the US-led Global Nuclear Energy Partnership initiative (GNEP), which committed Australia to mine and enrich its uranium, export it to other countries, then re-import the resultant radioactive waste to be stored for ever more in the Australian desert. Approximately 30% of the world’s currently identified uranium reserves are to be found on NT indigenous lands and since last year the number of exploration licences for uranium in the NT has doubled, with nearly 80 companies either actively exploring or having applied to explore ...   click here to read more

Martin Cook, Damien Short, Political Economy of Genocide in Australia: The architecture of Dispossession Then and Now, in Bachman, J. (ed.) Cultural Genocide: Law, Politics, and Global Manifestations. New York: Routledge. 2019.

13 years of failed NT Intervention
First Nations people demand their solutions

The Intervention is the worst infraction of human rights we have seen in recent times in relation to Aboriginal people and paved the way for the continuing erosion of rights. Its my honour to be hosting a forum [with] some of the strongest most continuing voices.

Facilitator Larissa Behrendt AO, June 19th 2020

 

 

 

Videos from the event:

Excerpt from the forum shown in "The Point" (NITV) on 24th June 2020 - 2 min

Video of the complete forum - 1h 48min

Videos of the individual speakers

Speeches and Transcripts:

How did the Intervention affect Yuendumu - Speech from Harry Jakamarra Nelson

The Wasted Years - Speech from Greg Marks

Transcript of Pat Ansell-Dodds' speech

Transcript of Yingiya Mark Guyula's speech

Transcript of Amelia Kunoth-Monks' speech

Media:

25 June 2020 - 'Guns is not our law, it is not our culture': calls for systemic change as Kumanjayi Walker matter back in court’

19 June 2020 - Joint cA-IRAG-STICs Media release

26 June 2020 - The Point Recap - includes 13 Years NT Intervention

27 June 2020 - Interview with Georgina Gartland in Classically 'It's About Time' Saturday 3MDR 97.1 FM
(scroll down the page and click on the "listen back" button, about 48 minutes into the program)

5 July 2020 - ABC radio: Speaking out - NT Intervention: 13 years On

Support Aboriginal People to have their voice:
This is Self Determination

During this time of promoting Aboriginal Lives Matter, help support those fighting for Self Determination and equality. Yingiya Guyula MLA, a highly respected senior Yolngu Leader and currently the only elected Aboriginal Independent member in any Australian, State or Territory parliaments, needs support.

This man of great strength and integrity is re-standing in the 2020 Northern Territory election on August 22nd this year. His people are being disempowered and oppressed under current bipartisan policy directions hence his standing as an Independent, free of party politics. In the neighbouring electorate of Arnhem, a second First Nation Independent candidate, Ian Mongunu Gumbala, is also standing as an Independent. Both are standing for their people and communities to flourish, for resources to be equally distributed to homelands and for effective community led decisions to be supported. Yolgnu have the solutions in their own country but these are denied. As independents they do not have the resources of larger parties. They need your support.

Support Self Determination, watch this short film, see what has been and what is yet to be achieved and why funds are necessary, donate if you can. Go to www.yingiya.net

www.yingiya.net

To Donate:

www.yingiya.net/donate.php or direct transfer

Campaign Video in English and Yolŋu Matha (11 minutes)

There are NEW challenges introduced by NT Labor for non-english first speakers -
need to fill out full preferential voting system

Help create some positive history. Australia needs these voices, and they need our support.

13 years of failed NT Intervention
First Nations people demand their solutions

Online Forum on Friday, 19 June 2020
6pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) – 8pm

Join the Zoom Meeting at https://amnestyau.zoom.us/j/97829224417

21 June is the 13th anniversary of the discriminatory and brutal NT Intervention, now so-called "Stronger Futures".

Last year in an open letter to Ken Wyatt, Minister for Indigenous Australians, First Nations People from Central Australia, stated: “Although Aboriginal people have become conditioned to the detrimental impacts of those racist laws, the trauma is deeply entrenched and continues. ... The voices of people struggling under these racist laws have not been heard, or their pleas have been distorted to impose further repressive laws on them.”

A new report on the Intervention from the Castan Centre of Monash University has given yet another damning picture of the abject failure of these laws to address the cultural and social well-being of First Nations People. Child removals and incarceration rates have skyrocketed with all the consequent devastation on families and communities. Compounding the detrimental effects of the Intervention, changes made to the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 have weakened First Nations People’s land control, causing great concern.

The failure of the Intervention has contributed to the unacceptable vulnerability of people as the country is facing Covid-19.

This forum moderated by Professor Larissa Behrendt will be an opportunity to hear First Nations People speak of their lived experience and discuss the way forward in the struggle to be heard.

Speakers include:

Aunty Pat Ansell Dodds, Arrernte/Amjatere, Central Australia

Yingiya Mark GUYULA MLA - A Liya Dhalinymirr leader of the Djambarrpuyngu people

Amelia Pangarte Kunoth-Monks, NT youth leader living on the BasicsCard

Harry Jakamarra Nelson, Warlpiri Elder, Yuendumu, NT

Barbara Shaw, Arrente, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Waramungu, Alice Springs, Member of IRAG

Greg Marks, International human rights law expert, Indigenous rights, who has lived and worked in the Northern Territory and retained a close interest in NT issues

Stephen Gray, Senior lecturer, Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash University. Head researcher of The Northern Territory Intervention: an Evaluation report (Feb 2020).

Join the Zoom Meeting at https://amnestyau.zoom.us/j/97829224417

Meeting ID: 978 2922 4417

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Meeting ID: 978 2922 4417

Find your local number: https://amnestyau.zoom.us/u/adcQ5Xl5Qv

Gove Peninsula Native Title:
Help Save the Yolngu way of life

The Yolngu people of North East Arnhem Land are one of the last Indigenous groups still living within their traditional framework of law and governance. Although the Yolngu won rights to their land and way of life in 1976 through the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, these rights have been overridden and are increasingly denied due to Australian government agency error, mismanagement and arbitrary rule.

With regard to the Gove Peninsula there has never been a court determination of any kind settling who the traditional owners are and how they give consent. Consequently, most traditional land owning and caretaker groups of the Gove Peninsula are excluded from decision making, which remains the greatest source of injustice and has adverse consequences threatening the Yolngu way of life.

The Yolngu people are seeking to correct this through a native title process.

For more information, the explanatory video and to donate click here:

Gove Peninsula Native Title: Help Save the Yolngu way of life

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Aboriginal Peoples were four times more likely to be admitted to hospital with the 2009 pandemic (H1N1) of influenza than non-Aboriginal people. This was a costly lesson that must be heeded.

AIDA has long promoted the significance of the social determinants of health as an important measure in improving the health of our communities. The challenges of mitigating the impact of any pandemic will be influenced by the current burden of chronic diseases endured by our Peoples, inadequate housing and environmental health infrastructure, and the lack of access to culturally appropriate healthcare faced by many of our communities.

All governments and health departments must continue to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, communities and stakeholders to ensure that our Peoples and communities are consulted appropriately, and receive equitable access to services at this critical time.

AIDA, March 5th 2020

Click here to read the full release “Australian Indigenous Doctors Respond To Covid-19 Pandemic”

Further Information:

Djambatjmarram:

Introduction to the Coronavirus

Why Warriors:

How Coronavirus could impact remote Indigenous communities

ABC News   (21 March 2020):

Coronavirus panic-buying threatens food security in remote NT community

The Conversation   (2 April 2020):

The answer to Indigenous vulnerability to coronavirus: a more equitable public health agenda

Central Land Council (CLC)   (2 April 2020)

Food security alert: remote communities will defy stay home orders

Galiwin'ku residents allocated housing shelter years after Cyclone Lam's havoc

Almost five years after the Arnhem Land community of Galiwin'ku was battered by Cyclone Lam, the NT Government is yet to spend $20.3 million of disaster relief funding for rebuilding housing.

• 80 houses in Galiwin'ku were destroyed when Cyclone Lam hit the Arnhem Land coast in 2015

• $20 million allocated to rebuild houses in Galiwin'ku remains unspent by the NT Government

• The NT Government has missed deadlines to claim Commonwealth reimbursements for the program

Please click here to read the full article by Kate Ashton on ABC News

Traditional First Nations’ burial rites are under attack in the Northern Territory October 2019

The Bill has been withdrawn ‘for now’. Thank the ministers but keep pressure on NT Govt (in this and other issues) to work closely with Clan/First Nations’ community leaders across the NT.

Yingiya Mark Guyula Mla speaks of serious concern with the bill - section 39 &40

Northern Territory forced to back down on plan to criminalise Aboriginal burial rites

“Is this Government genuine about working in partnership with Aboriginal Nations? This Government is introducing a law that disrespects our culture, and our authority and criminalises our elders and leaders.”

The Burial and Cremation Bill was referred to the … Committee in August 2019, and despite receiving submissions that raised serious concerns from the NLC, CLC , NAAJA, the Galpu and Golpu Clans of Elcho Island, and the Member for Nhulunbuy, and hearing evidence from many of these groups, the Committee have tabled their report to the Assembly with no recommendations to amend any part of the legislation.”

Yingiya Mark Guyula Mla

ABC News: Burial bill 'the worst form of disrespect in the world' for Aboriginal communities, Chelsea Heaney, 16 Oct 2019

Katherine Times: Indigenous groups warn Govt not to meddle with traditional burials, Chris McLennan, 16 Oct 2019

Let’s Talk Podcast: Boe Spearim at 98.9fm discusses concerns with Alastair Nicholson Former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, 21 Oct 2019

Refer:

Media statement from Yingiya Mark Guyula, Member for Nhulunbuy, NT Legislative Assembly

Media release from the Northern Land Council (NLC)

Media release from 'concerned Australians'

Yingiya Mark Guyula speaks in language on the secretion 39 &40 that would have criminalizing for practicing traditional law

Call to Action:

Please email and phone the relevant Ministers’, for details please click here

Sign the Get Up Petition: Stop the NT Government from criminalising traditional burials

Remote Control

The Community Development Program (CDP), remote Australia's work for the dole scheme

The CDP is expected to perform a herculean task. Remote Australia has few jobs and a disadvantaged workforce. However, the CDP is failing. It pays less than the minimum wage and imposes harsh penalties. It costs taxpayers more than similar programs. Government claims of success are based on creative interpretation of statistics, not on outcomes.

Rod Campbell, Bill Browne, Matt Grudnoff. The Australia Institute: Research that Matters. ACTU

Please click here to read the report.

So much at stake:
Forging a Treaty with Authority and Respect

by Sarah Maddison and Dale Wandin

published in Australian Book Review (ABR) , August 2019, no. 413

The article concludes:
At this point in time, it is impossible to predict the success or failure of treaty in Victoria. This is a bold attempt to respond to a claim that has been central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations over many decades, but for Aboriginal people in Victoria, the fear of assimilation hiding in the acts of treaty is creating high levels of anxiety and concern. While treaty would be a landmark accomplishment, this can never occur at the expense of protocol, culture, and respect. It seems the current process has not done enough to put those fears to rest.

Please click here to read the full article

2019 Garma Key Forum

Address by Mr. Yingiya Guyula

Justice Now for David Dungay:
An Interview with Leetona Rose Dungay

The following is another incident of a Death in Custody. For those wanting justice and closure it is a long and difficult road.

Warning: the details in this article can be distressing to some people

David Dungay Jr, a 26 year old Dunghutti man, died in custody on 29th December 2015 at Sydney’s Long Bay Prison Hospital. The details that led to his death are shocking. The circumstances surrounding the death have been questionable and the investigation has been drawn out.

Interview with Mr Dungay's mother Leetona

Michael Mansell:
If the choice is between Treaty or Voice, I say Treaty

OPINION: Activist and lawyer, Michael Mansell critiques the Voice to Parliament proposal and asks, is this as good as it gets or should we all aim higher?

Please click here to read the article

12 years of the NT Intervention

21st June 2019 marks 12 years of the NT Intervention and continued entrenched trauma.

The NT Intervention Rollback Action Group wrote an open letter to the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Please click here to read the letter.

12 Years NT Intervention - IRAG Report Card (June 2019)

Media Release from 'concerned Australians'

Rally in Sydney on Saturday, 29th June, 1pm Hyde Park North

Treaty-Truth Telling

2018 Garma Key Forum - Truth Telling Session

Yingiya Mark Guyula

You cannot understand treaty until you first understand sovereignty

Please click here to watch the speech (YouTube)

Please click here to download the speech (PDF)

Prince Charles asked to intervene on behalf of the Yolngu

Click here for a larger image

Prince Charles on Monday April 8th 2018 “visited the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Arts Centre in the Northern Territory, where he met with Yolngu clan leaders and the Member for Nhulunbuy who asked him to intervene on their behalf and acknowledge their people's sovereignty.

He was asked to take a strong position on the issue and was handed a letter stick to deliver to the Prime Minister of Australia.

"We have many difficulties with the Australian governments because they do not recognise our sovereignty," Member for Nhulunbuy Yingiya Mark Guyula MLA said.

"We need to correct this situation, for the sake of our children and their children, for our cultural survival - for our ancestors."

Source: Prince Charles winds up Australia visit, Sydney Morning Herald, April 10th 2018

Yolungu Leaders Declare Sovereignty (PDF)

Prince Charles tours Nhulunbuy for sixth visit to the Northern Territory (ABC News)

Yolŋu Leader Gives Prince Charles A Treaty Letter Stick … And A Diplomatic ‘Middle Finger’ (Chris Graham in New Matilda)

Aboriginal Declaration of Sovereignty - meeting with Prince Charles (Tasmanian Times)

Treaty Yeh, Treaty Now!
Long March for 'Justice Thru Treaty' 26 Jan

“Calls for a Treaty were repeatedly raised by Aboriginal communities during the recent Constitutional Recognition consultations as a practical means to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the First Nation Peoples and to implement the structural changes required to establish self-determination. ... A Treaty sets a process to legitimately move forward in partnership between Aboriginal people and the Australian State.”

Flyer: Please click here

List of Speakers: Please click here

IPO Video compilation of event (17 minutes):

Watch this video on YouTube

Treaty Talks Workshop on 23-25 January 2018

In the three days before the “Justice Through Treaty” march Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will meet to discuss what we wish included in a national Treaty. Speakers and participants from every State will look at practical means to address self-determination, how we can support our communities to overcome the legacy of colonialism, poverty, racism and marginalization. For more information please click here.

Facebook Page: Justice Through Treaty

For other January 26th events: Please click here

Time to end 10 years of Intervention in the Northern Territory

Statement from eminent Australians

Statement of Eminent Australians on the continuing damage caused by the discrimination, racism and lack of justice towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, exemplified by the continuation of the Northern Territory Intervention

While the Australian nation deliberates on the future of its relationship with the First Nations of this land, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are focused on the continuing discrimination, racism and lack of justice, shown towards them by Federal, State and Territory Governments in so many areas.

Statement of Eminent Australians

The impetus for this statement lies with the ongoing profound disempowerment and destruction caused over the past decade and the three June 2017 statements of NT Elders, leaders and communities impacted by the Intervention:

1. Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation Statement (Yananymul Mununggurr and directors)

2. Mparntwe (Alice Springs) Stand Up 2017 statement

3. Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory Statement impacted by the NT Intervention of 29 June 2017

Audio recording from the launch of the statement

Video recording from the launch of the statement (1h 54 min)

For further information and to view the 6 Individual speakers (shorter videos) click here

Mining Royalties

Mining royalty payments and the governance of Aboriginal Australia

Distinguished lecture 2017

Professor Ciaran O’Faircheallaigh

Delivered at Griffith University, South Bank campus, 9 August 2017

Please click here to download the lecture (PDF)

Further information:

ABC Big Ideas: Mining royalties and Aboriginal autonomy

McArthur River Mine Compensation Talks

(in: NLC Land Rights News Oct 2017, page 12)

http://www.yingiya.net

Quest for Treaty: Yingiya's Bid for Parliament

Yingiya Mark Guyula, a Yolngu Elder, endorsed by the Yolngu Nations Assembly, makes a bid for the NT Parliament as an independent candidate. He stresses the importance of Treaty and the need for the Yolngu Madayin Law to be recognised.

As part of Treaty Awareness and Fund Raising Tour Mr. Guyula spoke at two events:

Geelong, 11 March 2016: Mr. Guyula spoke on the disempowering impacts of living under the ongoing intervention policies, the need of a Treaty for Arnhem Land and his contributions towards the book The Intervention: an Anthology

Melbourne, 12 March 2016: Mr. Guyula spoke on Madayin law and how his platform Treaty Now! will work.

Please click here to read his speech

Please click here for further information (including videos) of the events.

Declaration of the Yolŋu Nations Assembly (Yolŋu Matha and English) on Sovereignty & Treaty

Custodianship in the 21st Century

Jeff McMullen AM, presented the 15th Vincent Lingiari Memorial Lecture at Charles Darwin University, August 6th 2015.

Custodianship is one of the foundational concepts of the intellectual knowledge system of all of the First Peoples of this land. As a senior lawman, Vincent Lingiari was drawing on his grandfather’s connection to Gurindji country, reclaiming and asserting this core responsibility.

...

Can we forge a treaty or treaties, recognizing the truth of the past and legally supporting a fair and just future? Can we rise above our doubts and flaws and in the 21st Century find the full expression of custodianship that Vincent Lingiari cherished?

Vincent Lingiari knew who he was and that this land held him close to its heart. "You can keep your gold. We just want our land back."

Please click here to read the full lecture

Interviews with Jeff McMullen: CAAMA, ABC and 104.1 Territory FM

Articles:

Tony Abbott and White Australia: Lets's be serious about change

'First Nations Telegraph' article (includes iconic pictures)

Jeff McMullen with Jimmy Wavehill, just prior to delivering the 15th annual Vincent Lingiari Lecture at Charles Darwin University.

Watch this video on Vimeo

Justice before Reconciliation -

A conversation with Rosalie Kunoth-Monks

This video presents excerpts of a speech given by Rosalie on May 28th during a 2015 Reconciliation event, organised by Monash Reconciliation Group, Mt. Waverley.

The book In The Absence of Treaty is now available as PDF.

Please click here to download the book (1 MB).

Endnotes for the book updated October 2015

Published by 'concerned Australians'

The Intervention - an Anthology

In this historic anthology, award-winning writers Rosie Scott and Dr Anita Heiss have gathered together the work of twenty of Australian’s finest writers both Indigenous and non-Indigenous together with powerful statements from Northern Territory Elders to bring a new dimension and urgency to an issue that has remained largely outside the public radar.

Past Book launches:

Redfern (NSW) – 1 July 2015, 6:30pm

Ashfield (NSW) – 9 July 2015, 6:30pm

Darwin (NT) - 4 August 2015, 5:30pm

Parramatta (NSW) - 12 August 2015, 7:30pm

Glebe (NSW) - 26 August 2015, 6pm for 6.30pm

Sydney (NSW) - 2 September 2015, 6:30pm for 7pm

Mona Vale (NSW) - 14 September 2015, 7.30pm

Fitzroy (VIC) - 24 September 2015, 11.30am - 1pm

Adelaide (SA) – 8 December 2015, 6:30pm

Fremantle (WA) – 18 February 2016, 6pm

Geelong (VIC) – 11 March 2016, 2pm - 3pm

Book reviews:

Syndey Morning Herald (SMH)

Linda Jaivin

Arena Magazine No. 137, August-September 2015

Michael O'Connor, AURORA

Elizabeth Lhuede

Julie Wark

Book orders (via Booktopia)

The Anthology can also be ordered from major booksellers.

The Honourable Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC at the Fitzroy launch:

Watch this video on Vimeo.

Speech by The Honourable Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (PDF)

Speeches and photos from the launches

Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL 1930 - 2015

20 March 2015

‘concerned Australians’ is mourning the passing of Malcolm Fraser at the age of 84. Malcolm was a person of dignity and courage who showed tenacity and compassion in his commitment to racial equality and multiculturalism. He will be remembered as a true humanitarian and a good friend.

We offer our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to his wife Tamie and family.

We are most grateful to him for the support he gave to the Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory over the last eight difficult years. He was a man of integrity who recognised injustice and was prepared to speak out for change. We were profoundly thankful for the support that he gave to the work of ‘concerned Australians’.

Remote Community Closures

March 2015

Will You Help to Prevent a Crisis?

The Commonwealth’s commitment to Homelands and Outstations was surely sealed by the 1967 Referendum. How can it be then that the federal government can consider abandoning their long-held responsibilities by cutting essential funding to these especially vulnerable areas?

What is clear is that the Commonwealth knows full well that the consequences of the cuts will fall with brute force onto Aboriginal communities least able to defend themselves. Such behaviour is contemptible.

It is quite clear that state governments do not have the resources to simply replace Federal funding. Mr. Barnett in Western Australia has responded by indicating that he will close up to 150 remote Aboriginal communities by simply cutting off their essential services – water, power etc. Arrangements with the South Australia government are still to be determined but at this stage the outstations fear their fate will be similar to those in the West.

Please click here for more information.

Joe Morrison's comment in The Age: Remote communities aren't a utopian lifestyle choice but they are good for our people

Jon Altman: Homelands under the hammer, again, from the aspiring PM for indigenous policy

Treaty Messages

9 February 2015

Treaties and Constitutional Recognition are both important issues. They are independent of each other. There is no particular order in which these important changes should be made.

"Canada has its centuries-old treaties, and more modern treaties today, and more recently, constitutional recognition of Aboriginal Canadians in the life and history of that nation."

Mick Dodson, July 2007

Please click here for more Treaty messages

6 December 2014

On 6 December 2014, ‘concerned Australians’ invited a group of some 50 colleagues and friends to join them for a discussion on Treaties.

Three of the attendees graciously agreed to share their views on the advantages of treaty. They were Bobby Nicholls, Aboriginal Partnership Officer at the Department of Health in Wangaratta and Co-Chair of the Traditional Elders Owners Land Justice Group, Gene Roberts who is now the Western Metropolitan Local Justice Worker for VALS, and Janet Turpie-Johnstone. Melbourne’s first Aboriginal Anglican priest, and currently working as an Aboriginal Equity Pathways Officer at the Australian Catholic University.

All three were enthusiastic in their belief that treaties would improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples across Australia and their establishment would be the only way by which Aboriginal culture could be protected. Janet feared that without treaties Aboriginal culture might not survive.

Please click here to read the full article.

Bobby Nicholls, Gene Roberts and Janet Turpie-Johnson

Land Rights News - Northern Edition

December 2018

August 2018

May 2018

Feb 2018

Oct 2017

July 2017

April 2017

Jan 2017

Oct 2016

July 2016

April 2016

Please click here for general information
about the Land Rights News

A Discussion on 99-Year Township Leases

Featuring: Yirrininba Dhurrkay and James Wapiriny

Introduction: David Suttle

Watch this video on YouTube

This article by Murray Garde flags lessons for all parties, including the NLC, which are involved in consultations with Aboriginal communities where English is far from being the predominant language.

Murray Garde is highly qualified for this assignment, and the NLC has total confidence in his expertise as an interpreter.

Linguists have taught us for a long time about the problems that arise from cross-purposes communication.

Murray Garde’s article demonstrates the value – indeed, in some instances, the necessity – of engaging an experienced cross-cultural interpreter for complex negotiations such as those that arise from profoundly important public policies that will have impact on the lives of current and future generations of Aboriginal people.

He has revealed the complexity of these negotiations and demonstrated that there are big holes in the understanding of Traditional Owners at Gunbalanya about the substance of negotiations so far towards the Commonwealth’s goal of securing a 99-year-lease over their community.

JOE MORRISON

CEO, Northern Land Council

Please click here to read the article by Murray Garde

The plan to undermine the Land Rights Act

by Ian Viner AO QC

With the Commonwealth Government’s push for 99-year leases, the Forrest Report call for Aboriginal land to be privatised so as to be bought and sold, and attacks upon the Northern Land Council in particular over their defence of traditional ownership and their responsibilities under the Land Rights Act, the iconic 1976 Land Rights Act is under threat like never before.

Please click here to read the full article

Open Letter from Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM to

Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister of Australia

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Tony Abbott, the Prime Minister of Australia for his courage in publicly acknowledging the terrible impact on Aboriginal Peoples as a result of early British settlement.

It is of extreme importance to us that we now work together for better outcomes and this can happen when a Prime Minister is prepared, as you have been, to recognise the pain and suffering that has taken place. This is a beginning point and we thank you for it very sincerely.

You say that we should be recognised as first class citizens in our own country. We believe this to be true and we also believe that determining our own future is our right. With your determined support we look forward to realising this in the not too distant future.

Your support for the recognition of Aboriginal Peoples in the Constitution is greatly welcomed and it is our wish that changes will also include provision of a framework for incorporating treaties as they are negotiated

Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM

International Day of Peace

On World Peace Day 2014, I pray for the rights of the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia to determine their own destiny.

It is a severe indictment on Australia that many of its indigenous people still feel that their culture and dignity are being eroded, and that they continue to be treated as second class citizens – 42 years after the country signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Aboriginal elders say that although the Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1976 transferred control of much of the Northern Territory to Aboriginal peoples, the people never had the opportunity to draw true advantage from the land. They were ill prepared to deal with complex Western bureaucracies, and their efforts have been undermined by under-development and neglect.

The imposition of legislation generally known as the Northern Territory Intervention, in 2007 virtually stripped them of their voice.

Community councils have been closed down and management of many aspects of the peoples’ lives has been transferred to non-indigenous institutions. The exclusion of local Aboriginal perspectives from decision-making is directly eroding customs, laws, languages and land-use aspirations. Nearly 50% of the youth in detention in Australia are Aboriginal, although the Aboriginal population constitutes just 3% of the Australian population.

There are no first-class and second-class citizens on earth, just citizens; sisters and brothers of one family, the human family, God’s family. Our diversity is a Gift from God. It strengthens and enriches us.

All people, regardless of their looks, cultures and beliefs – including the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia – are equally entitled to dignity, to justice, and to the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives. I support those who have called for a Truth and Justice Commission for Aboriginal Peoples to lay bare the horrors of the past and, finally, commence a national healing process for all Australians.

More: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/1113

Other Links:

http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2014/2014922_1617.shtml

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/desmond-tutu-lay-bare-the-horrors-of-the-past-20140921-10jxuj.html

http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/desmond-tutu-lay-bare-the-horrors-of-the-past-20140921-10jxuj.html

http://nationalunitygovernment.org/node/1113

http://www.yolngunations.org/

http://mediablog.catholic.org.au/?p=3235

http://acmsydney.wordpress.com/

https://www.victas.uca.org.au/newsmedia/Documents/Archbishop%20%20Desmond%20Tutu%20Statement.pdf

http://au.pairsonnalites.org/2014/09/desmond-tutu-lay-bare-horrors-of-past.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=feed

http://www.anglicancg.org.au/news.php/134/bishop-desmond-tutu-prays-for-the-rights-of-australian-aboriginal-peoples-on-world-peace-day

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/22/john-howard-there-was-no-genocide-against-indigenous-australians

http://caama.com.au/

http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/desmond-tutu-lay-bare-the-horrors-of-the-past-20140921-10jxuj.html

http://www.stmichaeldaceyville.org.au/index.php?option=com_newsfeeds&view=category&id=93&Itemid=489

http://www.olmcmtpritchard.org.au/index.php?option=com_newsfeeds&view=category&id=93&Itemid=489

https://www.facebook.com/FirstNationsTelegraph/timeline

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/desmond-tutu-lay-bare-the-horrors-of-the-past-20140921-10jxuj.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/adelaide.congress

http://stmarymags125.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/35948/Desmond-Tutu-announces-support-for-First-Nations-self-determination.html

The book A Decision to Discriminate is now available as PDF.

Please click here to download the book (3 MB).

The National Indigenous Human Rights Awards 2014

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights:

Review of the Stronger Futures package of legislation

Source: http://www.openaustralia.org/debates/?id=2014-03-05.4.2

In the 43rd Parliament, our predecessor committee applied this approach to the examination of the Stronger Futures package of legislation, and used its 11th report of 2013 to set out its understanding of the concept of special measures and the circumstances in which special measures may be permitted or required under human rights law. In considering those measures described as special measures in the Stronger Futures legislation, the committee noted the importance of continuing close evaluation of such measures and concluded that the committee could usefully perform an ongoing oversight role in this regard. The committee recommended that in the 44th Parliament it should undertake a 12-month review to evaluate the latest evidence in order to evaluate the continuing necessity for the Stronger Futures legislation.

The committee has given careful consideration to our predecessor committee's recommendation and has decided to undertake a review of the Stronger Futures package of legislation, commencing in June 2014. The committee proposes to write to the minister and advise him of its intention to undertake this review, invite him to respond to the conclusions drawn by our predecessor committee in its 11th report of 2013 and alert him to the range of information the committee will seek from him and his department as part of the review. The committee proposes to report the conclusions of this review in 2015.

Survey
of Aboriginal Adults residing outside the Northern Territory on
The Intervention and Stronger Futures Legislation,
Constitutional Change and Treaties

Please click here for the Report

The Disallowance by the Senate of Regulations made under s28A
of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976

Media Release Northern Land Council

Media Release Northern and Central Land Councils

Official Notification of the Senate

Justice

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

Benjamin Franklin

In an excellent article (SMH 2 March 2014) by long-time Aboriginal advocate, Sol Bellear, he suggests that reconciliation has failed. This leads me to ask the question, “What is the basis on which reconciliation might be delivered?”

While I regularly read of new opportunities that are being promoted for Aboriginal people under the banner of ‘reconciliation’ and I greatly applaud them, at the same time I wonder if we have confused the meaning of the word itself and whether this could be the root of Sol’s conclusion?

Please click here to read the full article from 'concerned Australians'

Treaties

25 Jan 2014 - Yalmay Yunupingu calls for Treaties

Yalmay’s speech in response to her husband, Dr M Yunupingu, being posthumously awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia

27 Jan 2014 - Warren Mundine on Treaties with Aboriginal Nations

28 Jan 2014 - Tony Abbott Open to Aboriginal Treaties

30 Jan 2014 - Yolngu Nations Assembly on Indigenous Treaties

Changes to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976

Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Delegation) Regulation 2013 - F2013L02122

The new Regulation was registered on 12 December 2013. This was the last sitting day of Parliament for the year and means the changes will not come before Parliament before February 11, at the very earliest.

All information can be found at: www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2013L02122

The legislative instrument allows for Aboriginal Corporations to request that certain functions of the Land Councils be delegated to them. Where there is reluctance on the part of the Land Councils, the Minister is the final arbiter.

from: Explanation from the Regulation:

Subsection 28(3) of the Act provides that a Land Council may delegate certain functions and powers to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.

Subsection 28A(1) of the Act provides that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation may apply to a Land Council for a delegation of certain Land Council functions or powers.

Subsection 28A(5) of the Act provides that a Land Council is taken to have refused to make a delegation if it has neither made nor refused to make the delegation within the period worked out in accordance with the regulations (or such longer period as is agreed by the Minister).

Subsection 28B(4) of the Act provides that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation may apply to a Land Council for a variation of an existing delegation to apply to all of the Land Council’s functions or powers that are delegable to the corporation, or to add specified delegable functions or power, or to add specified delegable functions or powers in relation to specified matters.

In the Absence of Treaty

This book explores the current inadequacy of the process used in engaging with Aboriginal people, which results in control slipping away from them. It provides concise but incisive account from recent reports about the reasons for the ongoing and growing frustration of many Aboriginal people in the NT. In doing so it hints at possibly the only solution - treaties.

Past Book launches:

Sydney – 28 January 2014, 6pm for 6:30pm

Melbourne – 4 February 2014, 6pm for 6:30pm

(in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia)

Canberra – 6 February 2014, 5:30pm for 6pm

Darwin – 13 February 2014, 5pm for 5:30pm

(in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia

Adelaide – 13 February 2014, 6pm for 6:30pm

(in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia - Tickets $5)

Waurn Ponds (VIC) – 6 March 2014, 6:30pm for 7pm

(in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia)

Mona Vale (NSW) – 10 March 2014, 7:30pm (sharp)

(in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia)

Sydney - 5 April 2014, 1pm for 1:30 pm

(book presentation in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia)

Katoomba (NSW) - 12 April 2014, 12:30pm for 1pm

(book presentation in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia)

Ryde (NSW) - 28 June 2014, 1:30 pm

(book presentation in conjunction with a screening of John Pilger's film Utopia)

Book review by The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

To order the book please click here

Speeches and photos from the launches

The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

Answers Questions on 99-Year Leases

from Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM and Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM

1. Government is asking some communities to agree to 99-year township leases. What are the implications of signing a 99-year lease?

2. Government states that the community will still own the land even though a 99-year lease has been signed. Can you explain this please.

3. How important to Aboriginal Peoples are the protections in the Land Rights Act?

4. Under current legislation we are able to support housing and business development in our towns. Why do you think Government is asking communities to agree to 99-year leases?

5. Our people have great difficulty in persuading Government to negotiate with us in a culturally appropriate manner – that is, talking with the senior law men of our communities. Can you suggest ways in which this can be achieved?

Dismantling the Land Rights Act

99 year leases

6 Nov 2013

Statement by Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM regarding MOUs on township 99 year leases

I express my deep concern at the actions of the Abbott Government as evidenced by the behaviour of the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Scullion, in hastily procuring MOUs on township leases for 99 years in Gunbalanya and Yirrkala in recent weeks. He is quoted as saying that this was part of a blitz to encourage other communities around the country to sign similar deals.

Please click here for the full statement

Article in the The Australian: Overhaul township leasing system, says Northern Land Council (18 Nov 2013)

Letter from Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra to The Australian (22 Nov 2013)

Response from The Australian (23 Nov 2013)

22 Nov 2013

Interview with Dr Gondarra

NT First Nations leader calls for rejection of lease deals

27 Nov 2013

Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM in Conversation with

NITV News:

Mr Fraser is among a growing number of opponents to the plan [to take 99-year leases on communities] who say there has been little community consultation to date.

"If the government is wanting 99-year leases, it goes a long way to making sure Aboriginals can no longer control their own land" Mr Fraser said.

Please click here for the full statement

Other statements:

Unravelling the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) of 1976 by Rita Camilleri

The 99-Year Lease Attack on the NT Land Rights Act by Ian Yule

NIT 4 Dec 2013 by Geoff Bagnall

Senator Scullion peddles De Soto in Arnhem Land by Jon Altman

Dismantling the Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 by Catholic Religious Australia

No 99 year leases - No oil and gas exploration say Arnhem Land clans by David Wood

Nigel Scullion responds to criticisms about the 99-year-leases by The Stringer

Coalition stirs the ghost of Jimmie Blacksmith by Tim Kroenert

Anti-Poverty Week

October 2013

To coincide with Anti-Poverty Week, the following books produced by ‘concerned Australians’ are now available for download:

This Is What We Said (2010) - 3 MB

Walk With Us (2011) - 1 MB

NT Consultations Report 2011 (2011) - 13 MB

Please click here to download the poster

John Pilger’s film "UTOPIA"

October 2013

The Premiere of Utopia was held at the London National Film Theatre (BFI South Bank) on Thursday 3 October 2013. A large crowd attended the screening and many signed a message calling for Treaties to be negotiated between Aboriginal Nations and the Australian Government.

Utopia is John Pilger’s new feature documentary. In his new film Utopia, John says that until white Australia negotiates a genuine Treaty with indigenous Australia, it can never claim its own nationhood.

The launch of the film in Sydney will feature special screenings at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney, leading up to 'Australia Day' on 26 January 2014, followed by a cinema release across the country.

Further film screening: http://utopiajohnpilger.co.uk/screenings

Community Living Areas

26th July 2013

We are advised through a statement on the website of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) that regulatory changes have been made to Community Living Areas in the Northern Territory.

This regulation Number 184 is made under the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Act 2012. (See ComLaw for details)

The explanatory Note states:

The Regulation modifies section 110 of the Associations Act (NT), as set out in Schedule 7 of the Regulation, and enables community living area landowners (both associations and Aboriginal corporations) to grant leases and licences for purposes consistent with the Northern Territory Planning Scheme without Northern Territory Ministerial consent if the grant is for a term of 10 years or less.

Purposes consistent with the Northern Territory Planning Scheme, including the following:

(i) commercial purposes, including a community store

(ii) purposes relating to infrastructure

(iii) public purposes, including the provision of essential services

See http://www.lands.nt.gov.au

This change was implemented following ‘consultations’ held between just fifteen selected Community Living Areas and Commonwealth Government representatives. There are more than a hundred Community Living Areas. The criteria for conducting consultations recommended by the Human Rights Commissioner (2010) and again recommended by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (2013) were not used and no transcripts have been provided.

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Report

June 2013

We learn from the Report that the Committee:

... sets out the committee's analytical framework for the assessment of human rights compatibility and addresses a number of issues of general relevance raised by the Stronger Futures package. It then goes on to apply this analytical framework to a number of the Stronger Futures measures on which the committee has decided to focus its comments: the tackling alcohol abuse measure, the income management measure, and the school attendance measure.

The report does not deal with the food security measures relating to the licensing regimes for food stores in certain areas, certain land reform measures, and amendments relating to the extent to which customary law may be taken into account in bail and sentencing decision, or restriction on access to pornography in certain areas.

Even with these limitations, the report reaches the conclusion that the Stronger Futures measures considered are unlikely to be ‘special measures’.

The committee is not persuaded by the material put before it by the government that the Stronger Futures legislation can properly be characterised as 'special measures' under the ICERD or other relevant human rights treaties.

The report identifies a series of concerns including the need to ensure the affected communities are engaged in the development of policy making and policy implementation processes, and are engaged in meaningful consultation – using the criteria as set out by the former Human Rights Commissioner, Tom Calma.

Ultimately, the report concludes:

The committee has indicated the importance of continuing close evaluation of measures such as these which are claimed to have a beneficial effect, and notes that the potentially disempowering effects of such measures also need to be taken into account in any assessment of human rights compatibility.

The committee considers that it can usefully perform an ongoing oversight role in this regard and recommends that in the 44th Parliament the committee should undertake a 12 month-review to evaluate the latest evidence in order to test the continuing necessity for the Stronger Future measures.

Please click here for the full report

Sixth Anniversary of the Intervention - 21 June 2013

Striking the Wrong Note

Aboriginal advocate Olga Havnen, in her Lowitja O’Donoghue oration, has asked a critical question. She asks what has been the psychological impact of the Intervention on Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory. It is surprising that so little attention has been given to this critical, yet in some ways tenuous, link before now.

Even before the Intervention began in June 2007, government had long planned a new approach to the ‘management’ of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. It was no longer part of government thinking that self-determination and Aboriginal control over land could be allowed to continue.

Please click here to read the full document

Keeping Them Home

The most recent data shows that the number of children being moved into out-of-home care in the Northern Territory has just about doubled since 2007. Two-thirds of these children are being placed with non-Indigenous families away from their communities.

Elder Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra, as spokesperson for Yolngu Makarr Dhuni calls for this trend to be reversed by increasing family support services in communities. He has written to the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Adam Giles, asking him for his support.

Letter from Djiniyini Gondarra to Adam Giles

We would like to thank all those who also wrote to Adam Giles in support of Dr Gondarra’s request. Your sustained support for Aboriginal-managed family support and preventative services in communities in the Northern Territory is important.

What Did We Learn from “Bringing Them Home”?

The Guardian: We have to stop the creation of another Stolen Generation

The Australian: Keep care for kids 'within family'

Community Living Areas (CLAs)

CLA Media Release by the government

CLA Discussion Paper

Rather than providing certainty and support to Aboriginal people in Community Living Areas (CLAs) in the NT, the Federal Government continues its obsessive march to remove control from Aboriginal Peoples.

It is understood that current leases for CLAs need to be less restrictive, and there is evidence for this from some of the larger CLAs. The Federal Government, however, intends to use this opportunity to take control over future development in these areas through sections 35 (4) and 35 (5) to the Stronger Futures legislation which allow changes to regulations without consultation with owners and where their consent is not required.

Such loss of control will deny certainty for those living in CLAs and deny them the right to self-determination.

This is disgraceful legislation and in breach of Australia’s commitments under international law. The controls that have been set are arbitrary and there is no avenue for appeal.

The Stronger Futures Legislation on Land Reform

35 (4) Before making regulations for the purposes of subsection (1) in relation to a community living area, the Minister must consult with:

(a) the Government of the Northern Territory; and

(b) if the owner of the land that is the community living area requests to be consulted about the making of regulations for the purposes of subsection (1)—the owner; and

(c) the Land Council (within the meaning of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976) in whose area the community living area is located; and

(d) any other person the Minister considers appropriate to consult.

35 (5) A failure to comply with subsection (4) does not affect the validity of the regulations.

Submission by 'concerned Australians' on CLAs – April 2013

Submission by 'concerned Australians' on Stronger Futures Land Reform - January 2012

Disempowerment in NT Communities Driven by Arrogant Policy and Inept Processes

List of Community Living Areas in the NT as shown on the FaHCSIA website

A Decision to Discriminate

Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory

Through the use of direct quotation, this new book is an important historical record that focuses on the Senate Committee Inquiry into the Stronger Futures legislation. It shows how the Government decision-making process chose to ignore the views expressed by many Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory communities, in much the same way as has happened since colonisation.

Past book launches:

Sydney – 5 November 2012, 6pm for 6:30pm

Melbourne – 7 November 2012, 12pm for 12.30pm

Canberra – 13 November 2012, 5:30pm

Murray Bridge (SA) – 16 November 2012, 7pm

Adelaide – 9 December 2012, 2pm

Darwin – 10 December 2012, 5:30pm

(International Human Rights Day Celebration with Introduction to the book)

Brisbane – 12 December 2012, 5:30pm

Blackett (NSW) - 18 March 2013, 6pm

Mornington (VIC) - 12 April, 7 pm

(including Film Screening ‘Our Generation’)

Geelong (VIC) - 3 May, 2pm

Mona Vale (NSW) - 13 May, 7.30pm - 9.00pm

(The book will be presented as part of the event "An update on NT Intervention")

Mitcham (VIC) - 13 May, 7.15 for 7.30pm start – 9.30 pm

(The book will be presented as part of the event "Human Rights and the Northern Territory")

Shepparton (VIC) - 31 May, 6.30pm for 7pm start

(The presentation includes video clips and opportunities for questions)

Ryde (NSW) - 11 June, 6.30pm - 9.00pm

(including Film Screening "Our Generation")

Download the Book (PDF, 3 MB)

Unfortunately hard copies of this book are no longer available.

Instead you might want to consider ordering one of the following books:
Walk With Us ,   NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations or
In the Absence of Treaty

Book reviews

Speeches and photos from the launches

Djiniyini Gondarra

at the Adelaide book launch

Watch this video on Vimeo

Amelia Pangarte Kunoth-Monks

at the Adelaide book launch

Watch this video on Vimeo

Rosalie Kunoth-Monks

at the Adelaide book launch

Watch this video on Vimeo

Interview with Jeff McMullen

on Blackchat   Koori Radio 93.7FM with Lola Forester on 5 Nov 2012

with kind permission of Koori Radio 93.7FM

'concerned Australians' gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the
Mary MacKillop Foundation

Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni

(Yolŋu Nations Assembly)

Statement from the second Yolngu Nations Assembly meeting, Maningrida
October 11th – 13th, 2012

Click here for the Statement

3CR Radio Interview with Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra and George Gaymarani about the Yolngu Nations Assembly (MP3)

Stronger Futures and Associated Bills are Passed into Law - 29 June 2012

Response from the Northern Territory 27 June 2012:
Media release Yolngu Nations Assembly and Alyawaar Nation

Letter from Deni Langman to Politicians read during the Senate 'debate'

Hansard of the passage of the Bills through the Senate

Senate Inquiry Committee Report

Stronger Futures Legislation (and Associated Bills) Chart

(designed to be printed at A1 size)

A Public Forum on the Northern Territory Intervention into Indigenous communities and the Stronger Futures legislation

from top left: Prof Jon Altman, Barb Shaw,
Les Malezer, Rosalie Kunoth-Monks and Gary Foley at the centre

Incorporating the launch of Arena Magazine’s
special issue on the NT Intervention

on 21 June 2012 in Fitzroy, Victoria

Listen to Rosalie Kunoth-Monks talking about the impact of the Intervention on her community (audio)

Speech by Jon Altman (PDF)

Press Conference on the Stronger Futures Legislation

in the Senate Courtyard at Parliament House, Canberra on 18 June 2012

Click here for the Statements made by Aboriginal, Church and Community Representatives

Signing the Statement

Yolŋuw Makarr Dhuni

(Yolŋu Nations Assembly)

Statement regarding Australian Federal Government Stronger Futures Bills and Northern Territory Policies, to the Leaders of the Australian Federal and Northern Territory Parliaments

Click here for a copy of the Statement

Churches, Religious, Organisations and Reconciliation Groups

Calls to Abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation, and

Calls to Support the Yolngu Nations Assembly Statement

Click here for their Statements

Launch of the report "Listening But Not Hearing"

by the Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser AC CH

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 CH (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

Click here for a copy of the report (PDF)

From left to right:

Ian Viner, Frank Vincent, Malcom Fraser, Nicole Watson, Alastair Nicholson

The House of Representatives debates the Stronger Futures Legislation

Monday, 27th February 2012

13 March 2012

Statement supported by 28 Leading Australians

is sent to Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott and Bob Brown calling on Government to Abandon the Stronger Futures Legislation

Names of Supporters

Senate request for inquiry

The Selection of Bills Committee referred the Stronger Futures Bills to the Community Affairs Committee on 25 November 2011.

The reason for Referral/Principal Issues for Consideration:

The Effect of measures and implementation plans, evidence of community awareness / acceptance. Assessment of intended and unintended consequences.

(See Appendix 8 of the

 Selection of Bills Committee
 Report No. 17 of 2011 (PDF) )

Senate Hearing at Maningrida 22 February 2012

The above video is a compilation from the hearing (13 min).

Click here for the full recording of the hearing

Transcripts of the Senate Hearings:

Watch this video on Vimeo

Stronger Futures Forum

held at Maningrida on

21 February 2012

Aboriginal people from West, Central and East Arnhem Land give their views on the proposed Stronger Futures Legislation

Facilitator: Jeff McMullen

This video was produced by NITV

(National Indigenous Television)

NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations

Consultations took place in the NT between June and August 2011, at the request of government. Ten of these consultations were recorded and quotations from them are contained in this report.

Launch & Press Conf. on the Stronger Futures legislation with
The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC and
The Hon. Frank Vincent AO QC
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 12:30pm in Melbourne (PDF)

“NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotation” Order Form (PDF)

Download the book (13 MB)

Transcripts from the ten recorded consultations (PDF):

Videos from the Launch and Press Conference

on the Stronger Futures legislation

Watch this video on Vimeo

From the Introduction-

by Jeff McMullen

Commentary on the Proposed Stronger Futures Legislation -

by The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

Watch this video on Vimeo

Watch this video on Vimeo

From the Commentary -

by The Hon. Frank Vincent AO QC

Opinion:

NTER Evaluation 2011

Prepared by 'concerned Australians' in November 2011

Click here for a copy of this document (PDF)

Cuts to Welfare Payments
for School Non-Attendance
Requested or Imposed?

Prepared by 'concerned Australians' in October 2011

Click here for a copy of this report (PDF)

No More! Enough is Enough!

Statement by Northern Territory Elders and Community Representatives
4 Nov 2011 (PDF)

Central Land Council, Kalkaringi, 26 August 2011 (PDF)

New round of consultations 2011

Letter from the Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO to Minister Jenny Macklin  
27 Jun 2011 (PDF)

This letter was also signed by other influential Australians.

Media Release by Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM   26 Jun 2011 (PDF)

Media Release by the Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL, former Prime Minister of Australia   27 Jun 2011 (PDF)

Media Release by The Anglican Diocese, the Most Rev Archbishop Philip Freier   29 Jun 2011 (PDF)

Open letter from the Hon Malcolm Fraser, the Hon. Alastair Nicholson and the Hon Ian Viner to Minister Jenny Macklin   4 Jul 2011 (PDF)

Public statement re the Northern Territory Intervention   14 Jul 2011 (DOC)

Walk With Us

Aboriginal Elders Call Out to Australian People
to Walk with them in their Quest for Justice

The book will be launched in:

Melbourne – 30 August 2011 at 12.30pm

Sydney – 1 September 2011 at 6pm for 6.30pm

Canberra – 8 September 2011 at 5.30pm

Perth – 14 September 2011 at 4pm for 4:30pm

Darwin – 18 November 2011 at 6.30pm

Information about the book (DOC)

Download the book (1 MB)

“Walk With Us” Order Form (PDF)

CHILDREN OF THE INTERVENTION - Aboriginal Children Living in the Northern Territory of Australia

Click here for a copy of this report (PDF)

This report is a complement to the report

"Listen to Children - 2011 Child Rights NGO Report Australia"

by the Child Rights Taskforce.

The Child Rights Taskforce is a coalition of organisations committed to the protection and promotion of child rights in Australia. The co-convenors of the Taskforce are NCYLC and UNICEF Australia.

Click here for a copy of the "Listen to Children" report (PDF)

Aboriginal Leaders meet
Navi Pillay in Darwin
20 May 2011

Leaders from 20 different communities spent several hours with the UN Human Rights Commissioner telling her of their concerns about the loss of their rights under the Intervention.

Thank you to those organisations who assisted in making this meeting possible.

Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (PDF)

Letter to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

We would like to sincerely thank all who added their name to this letter to Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Just over 6,500 signatures were presented by Djapirri Mununggirritj to the Commissioner in Darwin on Friday 20th May.

Signatures were collected from every State and Territory and a large percentage were from NT towns and communities.

Letter to Navi Pillay (PDF)

A Further Conversation with Elders
held at the Melbourne University Law School on 7 Feb 2011.

Bringing you up to date with the impacts of living under the Intervention

Statement by Aboriginal Elders of 7 Feb 2011 (PDF)

Statement on Aboriginal Rights by leading Australians (DOC)

ABC Sunday night: Indigenous Australia: The Future (LINK)

Audio recording from the event (LINK)

Audio recording from the event (MP3)

NT Intervention coverage by the NIT (National Indigenous Times) (PDF)

From left to right: Dhanggal Gurruwiwi from Yirrkala, George Gaymarani Pascoe from Milingimbi, Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM from Utopia, Betty Pike, a Nyoonga woman from SW Australia, Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM from Nauiyu (Daly River), Djapirri Mununggirritj from Yirrkala, Rev Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM from Galiwin'ku and Harry Jakamarra Nelson from Yuendumu

LOSS OF RIGHTS - the Despair of Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory

A submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by ‘concerned Australians’ August 2010

Prepared by
Professor the Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC
Michele Harris OAM
Georgina Gartland
July 2010

Submission to the CERD by 'concerned Australians'

Click here for a copy of this report (PDF)

Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM and Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM with Australian Racial Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes at the UN

Report by Rev.Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM and Rosalie Kunoth Monks OAM (LINK)

Media Release by ‘concerned Australians' (DOC)

Concluding Observations report by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
13 September 2010 (PDF)

Report by Australian Racial Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes
11 August 2010 (LINK)

Statement to the UN by the Australian Government
11 August 2010 (DOC)

Media Release by ‘concerned Australians’
28 August 2010 (DOC)

ABC Alice Springs interview with Professor the Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC discussing the Loss of Rights Report/UN CERD Concluding Observations
30 August (MP3)

Australian Aboriginal people give their views on the Northern Territory Intervention - February 2010

Download the book (3 MB)

Unfortunately hard copies of this book are no longer available.

Instead you might want to consider ordering one of the following books:
Walk With Us ,   NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations or
In the Absence of Treaty

“This Is What We Said” Media Release (DOC)

Launched on 9 February 2010 at Melbourne University by

Irene Fisher, former CEO Sunrise Health Service, Katherine, NT and

The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

Conversation with Elders held at the Melbourne University Law School on 19 May 2010.

Elders: Roslaie Kunoth-Monks OAM from Utopia in Central Australia
Rev Dr. Djiniyini Gondarra OAM from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island in East Arnhem Land
Professor the Hon. Alastair Nicholson former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia

Facilitated by well-known journalist, Jeff McMullen

Conversation with Elders Transcript (DOC)

Click here for video with Elders night

“Will They Be Heard?” – a response to the NTER Consultations June to August 2009

Introduction by the Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

Prepared by the Hon. Alastair Nicholson, Larissa Behrendt, Alison Vivian, Nicole Watson and Michele Harris - Research Unit Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, November 2009

Initiated and Co-ordinated by “concerned Australians”

Launched at Melbourne University Law School on 23 November by:

The Right Hon. Malcolm Fraser, AC CH,

The Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC

Larissa Behrendt, Professor of Law & Director of Research at Jumbunna House of Indigenous Learning, University of Technology, Sydney, and

“Will They Be Heard?” Media Release (DOC)

“Will They Be Heard?” Report (PDF)

"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."

Lilla Watson and a group of Aboriginal activists in Queensland in the 1970s

PO Box 2903

Rowville Vic 3178

info@concernedaustralians.com.au

'concerned Australians’, formed at the time of the NT Intervention, is an independent, human rights advocacy body with extensive networks that creates opportunities for Aboriginal voices being heard, especially those of the Northern Territory.