[learningcirclegoldcoast] Fw: Fw: seeking an uncompromised RDA in NT
Lyn Jones
>>> "Georgina Gartland" <mpge...@optusnet.com.au> 29/04/2010 11:30 am >>>
Dear Marshall
I am from a small informal group called 'concerned Australians' who have been seeking the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act in the NT. We hope you can help us in wide distribution of the petition its preamble- attachment 1) . Michele Harris has been behind two previous petitions? calling for its reinstatement since 2008. Individuals from various walks of life have been working with her for nearly a year now in this and we have come to be known as 'concerned Australians'.
We studied the future directions discussion paper for the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) last July, and because of our serious concerns from people and communities on the ground, and as per the limitations within the future directions document itself, ended up having 4 of the NT consultations filmed. We then commissioned what became known as the Will They Be Heard report.
The report demonstrated serious flaws in the Govt. run NT consultations. Despite this, Aboriginal people where able to express their views. Prof. Larissa Behrendt and Alastair Nicholson AO, QC, & Michele Harris were 3 of the report?s 5 co-authors. The Govt. ignored the report! [Another]! What followed was the book This Is What We Said (see attchment 2 ) as we wanted to respect the unheard voices from within the prescribed communities.*
We are very much aware and support the IPO of Australia's media statement of April 23rd, issued at the UN Headquarters, during the 9th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. In relation to reinstating the RDA and seeking human rights we ask your support in whichever way your organisation is able to help, if possible please.
We have a petition (attachment 1) seeking an ?uncompromised? reinstatement of the RDA. The one likely to be approved through the senate in June sitting is a 'heavily restricted' RDA according to our legal advice. And, legislation it seems has been reworked so as to allow the continuation of the same policies under NTER! (Policies that would have been illegal had the RDA not been suspended, and policies that breech our international conventions and treaties). We realise the increasing adverse impacts of these on health and wellbeing of the people affected by such measures e.g. march 2010 AIDA -HIA report.
We saw the AIDA HIA and the interim Menzies statement on NTER and know that policy directions must change. We have seen Prof .Anaya's final statement on his visit to Australia last years and note his recommendations, too. Our group understands that self-determination, cultural respect and cultural integrity are vital to Indigenous health and wellbeing.
We believe that an uncompromised RDA is a necessary step at this time in returning human rights and dignity to Aboriginal people in the N.T. Please see attachment, the preamble, the flyer and petition which have legal support and backing.
We would appreciate any support your organisation may be able to give us in this e.g.
o placing a small note about the Petition: seeking the reinstatement of an 'uncompromised' RDA in Australia in your newsletters and E[mail]-news till May 31st
o displaying links to it on the home page of the web site/s you may be linked to.
o we are also asking individuals to provide links to the petition on their face book, if they have one, until the end of May.
o where possible could hard copies be left around your work place, university etc for signing; then these collected and returned by due date May 31st, as directed. The hard copy of the petition can be also be downloaded from http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/
o If you do not have the capacity to collect signatures, please sign the online petition at www.gopetition.com/online/35341.html and circulate it as widely as possible to peers, families and friends.
Many Thanks for your time and consideration
I look forward to your reply
Georgina Gartland
03 98747595
On behalf of concerned Australians
Acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people
* We are hoping to get This Is What We Said out as widely as possible and are selling these for only $15. (& small postage fee for orders less than 3 copies) so that Aboriginal people from with the NT prescribed areas may be heard around the country. We are also currently asking organisations to place this book on web sites / in their catalogue see order form (attachment 2). We can provide a book blurb and review on request.
N.b: Will They Be Heard Report available at: http://www.socialpolicyconnections.com.au/Portals/3/docs/wil%20they%20be%20heard%20report%20nov%2009.pdf . Moere than happy for this to be io your web site too, if you feel it appropriate. Larissa Behrendt addresses also legal concerns / special measures etc in this
Acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people
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