Barbara Shaw speaks out against the Northern Territory Intervention
I have fought the Intervention from day one. We built a massive amount of support from people and organisations right across Australia to try and stop the government from continuing the Intervention for another 10 years through the “Stronger Futures” laws. But they refused to listen to us.
I will keep fighting. Self determination is the key to getting us out of the social problems that we face today. It is the only way to do this. It is just disgusting how much money has been wasted on bureaucrats to control us, or on ineffective non-Aboriginal services that can not engage with our people.
Northern Territory – Opinion Piece, by Barbara Shaw The Stringer June 23rd, 2013 Six years ago my family watched the TV in my living room as John Howard announced he would be sending in the military and taking control of our communities
I have never been more frightened in my life. I locked the gate of my town camp and kept the kids inside for two weeks for fear of them being taken. I worried constantly about my family out bush who didn’t understand what was coming.
They said the Intervention was about stopping children from being abused, that it was going to stop the drinking and domestic violence. But all I have seen is racism and disempowerment of our people. It’s the old assimilation policy back again, to control how we live. The government and many non-Aboriginal NGOs have taken over the assets and responsibilities of our organisations, both in the major town centres and remote communities forcing us to comply with their policies that take no account of Aboriginal culture and our obligations.
Take income management, which I have been on for five and a half years. I ran for parliament in 2010 and outpolled both Labor and Liberal candidates in Central Australian communities. I have represented my people at the United Nations. But the Government says I can’t manage my money. On their own estimations of $6000 to 8000 per person per year administrative cost for income management, the government has spent more than $30,000 dollars just to control my small income. Continue reading
Removing Aborigines from Homelands was the purpose of the Northern Territory Intervention
Intervention marks 6 years, as community questions impact http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/news/in-australia/intervention-marks-6-years-as-community-questions-psychological-impact.htm By Paul Bleakley 19 June, 2013 INDIGENOUS leaders have marked the sixth anniversary of the controversial 2007 government intervention in the Northern Territory by questioning the psychological repercussions of regulating the day-to-day management of Aboriginal communities.
Indigenous advocacy group Concerned Australians have published an article alleging that the ultimate aim of the intervention was to “empty the homelands” in the Northern Territory. The article’s writer Michele Harris claims that federal government claims that the intervention was needed to protect Indigenous children were an attempt to make the plan more palatable to the Australian public.
Ms Harris said: “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. These were the Whitlam notions of 1975 and they were no longer acceptable.
“The plan was to empty the homelands, and this has not changed. Continue reading
Report on first World Indigenous Network Conference, held in Darwin
“…a worldwide movement of Indigenous Peoples to highlight their strong connections to ancestral territories and waters and ever greater recognition by governments and international community of the importance of these connections”.
Summary of ICCA Consortium participation at World Indigenous Network (WIN) Conference http://iccaconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/06/13/summary-of-icca-consortium-participation-at-world-indigenous-network-win-conference/ June 13, 2013 Darwin, Australia – A small yet strategic group comprising 10 delegates from countries such as Iran, Philippines, Nepal, Pakistan, Taiwan, Zimbabwe and Australia associated with ICCA Consortium participated in the first World Indigenous Network (WIN) Indigenous and Local Communities Land and Sea Mangers’ Conference, May 26-30 in Darwin, Australia.
Darwin is a ‘country’ of Larrakia nation, also known as ‘Saltwater People’ who are aboriginal traditional custodians of all land and waters of the greater Darwin region. Hosting of this conference in the country of Larrakia peoples is symptomatic of respect and recognition of strong connections to land and sea, and the conservation stewardship of aboriginal peoples in the Northern Territory of Australia. Continue reading
Top environment award for Top End Aboriginal leader
Australian Conservation Foundation, Dave Sweeney, 5 June 13, Australia’s largest National Park got bigger this year with the inclusion of the unique Koongarra region into the World Heritage listed Kakadu. This achievement – and the man who made it possible – ( Jeffrey Lee, at left, )has been acknowledged in the Australian Conservation Foundation 2013 Rawlinson Award
The Koongarra region is part of the estate of the Djok clan and has extremely high cultural and conservation values and properties. It includes the famous Nourlangie Rock (Burrunggui/Anbangbang) and is important in both the Rainbow Serpent and Lightning storylines.
The senior Traditional Owner Jeffrey Lee has spoken powerfully against uranium mining at Koongarra and consistently rejected pressure from a series of multi-national mining companies, most recently the French nuclear giant Areva, to mine a major uranium deposit on his country.
Uranium mining has long been a source of conflict in Kakadu with Traditional Owners leading campaigns against mining proposals at both Koongarra and Jabiluka. The industry continues to generate headlines and heartache in Kakadu with mining company Energy Resources of Australia currently seeking federal approval to develop a new underground uranium mine at its existing Ranger site.
At the 2010 federal election all major parties agreed to support Jeffrey’s call for Koongarra to be incorporated into Kakadu and in March 2013 Jeffrey Lee finally secured the long term protection of his country stating that it’s inclusion in Kakadu “will ensure that the traditional laws, customs, sites, bush tucker, trees, plants and water stay the same as when they were passed on to me by my father and grandfather”.
For years Jeffrey has patiently and persistently taken his message opposition to uranium mining and his efforts to permanently protect this area from the corridors of Canberra to UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
His tenacity and vision is a powerful reminder of the importance of country and culture and has provided a lasting legacy for all people and time. ACF is proud to acknowledge Jeffrey’s efforts with a special Rawlinson Award for his outstanding efforts to protect one of Australia’s most special places from the threat of one of Australia’s most contested industrial activities.
Where does Northern Territory’s Chief Minister Giles stand on NT becoming nuclear waste dump host?
Nuke waste for Barkly? Tennant and District Times, By By Barkly MLA Gerry McCarthy May 31, 2013, “……..The Federal Court hearing in relation to Muckaty Station as Australia’s first nuclear waste management facility should become the Chief Minister’s ‘yard-stick’ as the decision reflects, can a small family group make a decision about Aboriginal land allowing development that adversely impacts on the extended clan, moiety and tribal owners including traditional owners from surrounding Aboriginal land?
Chief Minister Adam Giles, has not declared his position or the CLP Government’s position on the NT becoming the repository for Australia’s nuclear waste including intermediate to high level waste from nuclear fuel rods and decommissioned nuclear reactor from Sydney’s Lucas Heights.
However where do Mr Giles and his Government members stand on the Muckaty nomination as Territory Labor’s position has not changed in opposition to Federal colleagues imposing Australia’s first nuclear waste dump on the NT! http://www.tennantcreektimes.com.au/story/1540673/bali-for-tiwis-nuke-waste-for-barkly/?cs=1261
Traditional owners, Central Land Council, unions marched in Tennant Creek, against nuclear waste dump
Waste dump opponents ‘not going to back down’ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-27/waste-dump-opponents-not-going-to-back-down/4715238 By Gail Liston May 27, 2013 More than 200 people have marched in Tennant Creek to protest against a nuclear waste dump planned for Muckaty Station north of the town.
Traditional owner Diane Stokes says the chairman of the Central Land Council (CLC), Maurie Ryan, addressed the rally, declaring the CLC will support the protesters. Mr Ryan told the crowd, the CLC is on a collision course with the Northern Land Council over how they have handled the Muckaty nomination. Ms Stokes says it is time the CLC takes control of the country as far north as Elliott to support traditional owners in their bid to stop the dump going ahead.
“We were saying before about the boundaries to be put back now because Central Land Council is very strong on helping us out, supporting us in getting the boundary back to Elliott,” she said.
She says representatives from Unions NT and the CLC travelled to Tennant Creek to join the rally. “I’m very happy that we’ve marched and I know I want these people out there to know that we’re still standing strong and I want to let the supporters know that I want to thank them for supporting us,” she said.
Natalie Wasley from the Beyond Nuclear Initiative says the protesters recognise that the proposed nuclear waste dump is not just an NT issue. “This is shaping up to be a very important issue in the Northern Territory for the federal election and so that was expressed very strongly at the rally, that people are going to be knocking [on] the doors of all the candidates and asking where they stand and are they going to stand up for the Territory on this issue,” she said.
She says it has been six years since the site was nominated and no-one is planning to give up the fight. “It was noted that this Muckaty campaign has outlasted many federal ministers, chief ministers and chairpeople and CEOs of the Northern Land Council,” she said.
“The community is absolutely resolute and they’re not going to back down. “They’re going to build up and radioactive waste is going to last even longer than all of those politicians.”
First World Indigenous Network (WIN) Conference opens in Darwin
World Indigenous Network 5 Day Conference Underway In Australia By Albert Oppong-Ansah Ghana News -SpyGhana.com 28 May 13 The inaugural World Indigenous Network (WIN) Conference has formally been opened in the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, Australia.
The five day conference, which is being attended by about 1,500 delegates from over 50 countries including Ghana, would share stories, knowledge, cultural experiences and ideas on how to better manage ecosystems, protect the environment and support sustainable livelihoods…….
Dr Braulio F. de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, said initiatives such as the WIN which recognized and thrives on local knowledge and actions was the surest method to achieve the Aichi target by the UN.
The Aichi target, he explained, seeks to reduce direct pressure on biodiversity and promote its sustainable use.
Dr Dias said traditional knowledge was the most efficient method of conserving the environment and called on governments to adopt such an approach.
Ms Eleen Ravin, Manager, Equator Initiative at the United Nations Development Programms, said WIN’s commitment to promoting local and indigenous knowledge and experience was a value closely shared by the Equator Initiative, and by UNDP as a whole.
“Although there are synergies between the vision of the Equator Initiative and that of the World Indigenous Network we see WIN as additional opportunity to build on our experience of working to connect local and indigenous land and sea managers,” she said.
Ms Ravin said UNDP recognised community-based approaches seriously because it could help nations to advance people-centered development solutions.
She said sharing similar values regarding the importance of utilizing local and indigenous knowledge was a tool for addressing some of the most pressing development and environmental issues facing the world today. http://www.spyghana.com/world-indigenous-network-5-day-conference-underway-in-australia/
NT trade unions join Traditional Owners to protest Muckaty radioactive waste dump.
24 May 13, Six years and still standing strong: NT Union members will join Traditional Owners and supporters from across the Territory in Tennant Creek this weekend for a rally against the proposed national radioactive waste dump at Muckaty in the Northern Territory. The rally and concert will mark exactly six years since the Northern Land Council voted to nominate the site.
In May 2012 the Australian Council of Trades Unions National Congress unanimously voted to support the Muckaty campaign. Bryan Wilkins, NT Organiser for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union said, “NT Unions are standing in solidarity with Traditional Owners and communities to resist the federal government plan for a radioactive waste dump. We will continue to campaign against any legislation that targets the Muckaty Land Trust, or any site in Australia for a nuclear waste dump that is not based on recognised scientific and international best practice.”
Muckaty Traditional Owners and the community in Tennant Creek remain resolutely opposed to the national radioactive dump being built. Muckaty Traditional Owner Dianne Stokes said, “It’s been six years of big struggle for Warlmanpa and Warumungu people. We are still standing strong. We are saying that we still don’t want the waste to come to Muckaty Land Trust.”
“Tomorrow will be a big day for us mob, the Traditional Owners of the Muckaty. We are happy that we have people traveling to Tennant to join us for the rally against the nuclear waste. We also have unions coming along and we are looking forward to meet these people. We will march together to stand up strong and tell the NLC and the government to back down and leave us alone.”
Beyond Nuclear Initiative coordinator Natalie Wasley added, “The nomination of Muckaty by the NLC and the dogged pursuit of the site by successive Federal Ministers are being challenged on the ground as well as in the federal court. It is highly disappointing that while the court is scrutinising the original nomination process, the NLC is preparing to nominate a new site on Muckaty for assessment. The process of managing radioactive waste must be transparent and include all stakeholders. We urge Federal Resources Minister Gary Gray to step away from the highly contested Muckaty plan and initiate an Independent Commission into radioactive waste management.”
Yvonne Margarula’s continued fight against uranium mining on her people’s land
Fifteen years on and still no mine at Jabiluka
Sunday May 19th marks fifteen years since Yvonne Margarula – Senior Traditional Owner of the Mirarr clan – was arrested for ‘trespassing’ on her traditional land at Jabiluka.
In the early hours of May 19th 1998 Yvonne Margarula was arrested along three other Aboriginal people – Jacqui Katona, Christine Christophersen and Reuben Nango – on the Jabiluka mineral lease. The highly controversial proposed Jabiluka uranium mine was under construction at the time of the arrests but development of the mine was eventually halted as a result of the campaign lead by Ms Margarula.
Ms Margarula argued that her protest against the Jabiluka uranium mine was “traditional action taking a modern form” and that her long standing opposition to the mine was fulfilling her duties as a Traditional Owner. However, in an extraordinary court ruling Ms Margarula was found guilty of trespassing on her own land and after appeal was fined $500.
Yvonne’s arrest took place on a shipping container which was the property of the mining company and she was aware of the fact that she may be arrested. This combination of factors was enough to see tens of thousands of years of living culture and connection with land overruled by the imposition of an unwanted mining project. Amidst significant publicity surrounding this ludicrous legal situation, Yvonne’s fine was anonymously paid and legal history was made.
Fifteen years ago Yvonne Margarula stood on her country and said no to unwanted mining just as her father said no to unwanted mining on Mirarr country at Ranger fifteen years before that. The efforts of the Mirarr to protect their country and culture continue. Please support the Mirarr in their continued fight to ensure responsibility at Ranger and to permanently protect Jabiluka.
Northern Territory uranium miners no longer to claim tax costs for offices in foreign countries
Mining miners for a little extra cash NT News, ALISON BEVEGE | May 15th, 2013 THE NT Government has moved to close two tax loopholes to gain an additional $10.6 million out of mining companies.
It’s the only revenue-raising move in this year’s savings-based Budget. Mineral production was forecast to be worth $2.7 billion in 2013-14 but mining royalties are expected to raise $113.3 million, for a recovery rate of 4.2 per cent.
The first new Budget measure is a cap on the amount mining companies can claim as a transfer price for a mineral set at 5.5 per cent of its value……
The second measure would put a cap on the amount corporations can claim on tax for administrative costs for a foreign head office. Mr Tollner said they had been claiming expenses as NT costs……. http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/05/15/320899_nt-business.html
The skilled and proud work of Indigenous rangers in remote Australia
There is a lot of unmanaged country out here. Our people want to get to work managing it. Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas are a great success story providing real jobs and good management for our country.
In a federal election year I am calling on all leaders of state and federal political parties to support increased funding for these programs over the next decade. That’s a vision we can all support.
A proving ground for proud carers of country, Canberra Times, Murrandoo Yanner, 13 May 13 2013 A quiet evolution has been occurring in remote Aboriginal communities over the last decade, with ranger programs enabling people to earn a decent income, support their families and experience the pride that comes with that.
…….. quiet evolution has been occurring in remote Aboriginal communities over the last decade that isn’t well understood.
Up to now, indigenous-ranger programs have had bipartisan support, starting under the former Howard government and greatly strengthened by Labor. It’s an evolution because ranger programs are increasing the capacity of our mob and bringing them out of poverty, while also contributing to the evolution of attitudes in remote regions and healing the land….. Continue reading
Northern Territory govt sets levy on miners to clean up old mines, such as Rum Jungle
Miners to pay for mess, NT News, ALISON BEVEGE | May 8th, 2013 A MINING levy will raise funds to fix polluted legacy mine sites, the NT Government has announced.
The fee will be 1 per cent of the upfront environmental bond that all miners must pay, as set by the Department of Mines’ Security Assessment Board.
The Government has said the bond would be 100 per cent of clean-up costs but there is no way for the public to tell as the amount is secret. The new levy comes into effect in October. Mines Minister Willem Westra van Holthe said the impost would raise $6.5 million in its first year………. “We’re simply asking mining companies to chip in to a program that will be used to remediate legacy environmental problems caused by the industry.”
The move comes after the NT News exposed environmental disasters that festered for decades at defunct mines including Rum Jungle, Redbank and Mt Todd.
Camping is banned at the recreational lake near abandoned uranium mine Rum Jungle, 100km south of Darwin, as radiation levels are too high for long-term use…… Environment Centre NT co-ordinator Stuart Blanch said he supported the levy, but it would not be enough to clean up the polluted mine sites which could cost up to a billion dollars….. http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/05/08/320647_ntnews.html
May 6: antidote to uranium lobby’s lies about benefits to Aborigines
AUSTRALIA’S URANIUM EXPORT REVENUE IN PERSPECTIVE YELLOWCAKE FEVER Exposing the Uranium Industry’s Economic Myths , Australian Conservation Foundation“……..The Australian Uranium Association supports a profits-based, rather than production-linked, royalty system in the NT although such a system fails to provide a certain, secure and assured revenue platform for Indigenous communities. During the first 5 -10 years of a uranium mining operation, there is a high likelihood that little or no income would be generated under a profit-based royalty scheme, even though there would be direct environmental and social impacts from any such operations.. ” http://www.acfonline.org.au/sites/default/files/resources/ACF_Yellowcake_Fever.pdf
Nuclear waste dump: other sites more suitable than Muckaty
Proposed new nuclear waste dump site nomination, Natalie Wasley 19 April 13 Nuclear waste dump: where do New NT Chief Minister Giles and Federal Resources Minister Gray, stand?
New NT Chief Minister and Federal Resources Minister , by Natalie Wasley, 19 April 13
approached to meet with Traditional Owners opposed to the waste dump and we hope this meeting will be advanced soon to allow grassroots voices of opposition to be heard and represented.1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 