The CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Services Western Australia, Noongar man, Dennis Eggington has called the call to close the communities of First Peoples an outrage. He warned “it will be catastrophic” for people to be “forced off their land, their Country.” Outrage and even hatefulness of Western Australia’s Government and of the Commonwealth Government have spread to communities. Residents of remote communities are horrified and so too are fair-minded people right throughout the nation.
“Western Australia is more concerned about profits than people,” said ALSWA CEO, Dennis Eggington.
“How can you even contemplate removing people from their land when it is the very essence of their being?”
“What kind of society have we become when our most disadvantaged are targeted even more than we ever thought possible?”
“If our people were pastoralists living in remote WA, we would be supported, accommodated and rewarded for our efforts. Yet, because we are Aboriginal people who perhaps don’t share the same materialistic values as our non-Indigenous counterparts, we are seen as not being ‘viable’ and we should be ‘removed’ – there’s that term again.”
“Mining companies have the green light to carve up Aboriginal land. We supposedly live in the ‘lucky country’, yet our poorest, most disadvantaged are once again being targeted and shunted around, with little or no regard for the health and well-being of those community members, or the regions they will be moved to.”
“We are First Nations Peoples, who have survived for thousands of years by living on a land that owns us. We respect our land, we respect our Culture and to be ordered from our Traditional lands is an international disgrace,” said Mr Eggington.
Amnesty International has pleaded to the Western Australian Government to drop plans to forcibly evict First Peoples from their homeland communities. Amnesty Australia’s Indigenous Peoples Rights manager, Tammy Solonec said “it is hypocritical for Premier Colin Barnett to admit that closing communities would be traumatic for people” but “still move ahead with plans to evict Traditional Owners from their homes, breaking their connection to land and culture.”
Ms Solonec said that the Government’s assimilationist agenda was a haunting one with “echoes of tragic policies of the last century, which removed Aboriginal people from their homelands.”
“It has been nearly 50 years since the poor execution of the basic wage policy and lack of planned integration forced many Aboriginal people into towns in Western Australia. Those people are still healing from the consequences and trying to reconnect with their culture. The WA Government needs to learn from the lessons of the past.”
Ms Solonec criticised Premier Barnett who she said “made a public pledge last month to reduce rates of Indigenous incarceration.”
“It is not enough to pay lip service to this, while enacting policies he admits will traumatise Aboriginal peoples.”
Amnesty’s 2011 Homelands report states that First Peoples living on their homelands “extends life expectancy, improves health outcomes and reduces rates of domestic and other violence.” The report rejects press statements by Governments that state otherwise. The report states that living on homelands “allows Indigenous people agency and decision-making, provides people connection to their land and culture, and reduces their exposure to the damaging influences in larger towns.”
Ms Solonec was critical of the municipal services funding spat between the State and the Commonwealth.
“The rights of people in remote communities must not be a buck that is passed back and forth between state and federal governments.
“The well-being of Aboriginal people and their communities is an important of our country and society.”
“It is the State’s responsibility to provide all communities, whether urban or rural, with essential services such as health, education and law and order.”
Ms Solonec said that forcibly evicting people from their homes and “denying them a right to practice their culture is a breach of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Declaration of Indigenous Peoples.”
Shadow minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Yamatji man Ben Wyatt, and the member for the Kimberley, Kija woman, Josie Farrer will meet with Kimberley communities that will be affected by the Government’s decision to close down remote communities.
“Since the Abbott Government abandoned its responsibility to remote Aboriginal communities, the only response from Mr Barnett, leading a rickety old Government bereft of ideas, is to announce the closure of 150 remote communities,” said Mr Wyatt.
“Of particular concern is that the Federal Liberal Minister, Nigel Scullion, announced that Mr Barnett had been discussing the closure of remote Indigenous communities for a number of years. It seems the only people Mr Barnett hadn’t been discussing the issue with is the remote Indigenous communities he is seeking to close.”
Mr Farrer said that is “terribly worried” about the impacts.
“The larger towns and communities are simply not in a state to accommodate an influx of people from the remote communities that Mr Barnett wants to close.”
“By stating publicly that he wants to close 150 communities but not identifying which communities, the Premier has created great distress and uncertainty across the Kimberley. My office has been inundated with phone calls from people all over my electorate anguished about their future.”
The Northern Territory parliamentarian Alison Anderson said that closures to 100 to 150 communities across the border would impact Alice Springs.
“Western Australia is creating problems for everyone, for the Territory and for South Australia.”
Ms Anderson said there will be large-scale social chaos and it that communities from across the border such as Kiwirrkurra if closed down, the residents will influx Territory borders towns and communities and Alice Springs.
“Where are these people going to live?”
Ms Anderson made the salient point that the majority of the communities that the Western Australian Government is seeking to shut function well.
“They want us to be like them, White fellas, and not live in remote communities.”
Ms Anderson said in many of the communities people are employed and that the communities are well maintained and happy.
But Premier Barnett said they “are not viable.”
The Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre coordinator Wes Morris said, “In financial terms what the Premier is saying is pure and utter nonsense. The cost of building houses for displaced persons would be considerably higher than the cost of keeping communities going. Not to even begin a discussion of the human, personal costs,” said Mr Morris.
See:
WGAR News: Government Buck-Passing Could Force Aboriginal People Off WA Homelands: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/11/15/wgar-news-government-buck-passing-could-force-aboriginal-people-off-wa-homelands-amy
Newsletter date: 16 November 2014
Contents:
* News: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Government Buck-Passing Could Force Aboriginal People Off WA Homelands
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Outrage at prospect of closing down communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Redneck agenda to close down communities
* News: Nicolas Perpitch & Anna Vidot, ABC News: Cost of closing remote communities greater than tackling issues, Aboriginal leaders say
* Audio: Ryan Emery, World News Radio: Fears over WA community closures
* Audio: ABC News with NIRS: WA Greens: Closure of remote communities will be harmful
* News: Nicolas Perpitch, ABC News: Jigalong would struggle to cope with influx if nearby communities closed, says chairman
* News: Anthony Stewart, ABC News: Alice Springs to be hit hard by WA community closures, NT Indigenous leader Alison Anderson says
* News: Patricia Karvelas & Paige Taylor, The Australian: WA remote closures ‘apartheid’, says Warren Mundine
* Analysis / Opinion: Alex Bainbridge, Green Left: Aboriginal communities resist government attacks
WGAR News – Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
WGAR News: Kimberley Aboriginal communities condemn Colin Barnett’s plan to close small communities: Bush Telegraph, ABC RN
This newsletter: https://indymedia.org.au/2014/11/23/wgar-news-kimberley-aboriginal-communities-condemn-colin-barnetts-plan-to-close-small
Newsletter date: 24 November 2014
Contents:
* Statement: Croakey: “Do not turn our people into fringe dwellers once again”: Fitzroy Crossing groups on threats to close WA remote communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Larissa Behrendt, The Guardian: Shutting WA’s remote communities is a false economy. It will cost Indigenous people far more than it saves the state
* Audio: Verica Jokic & Cameron Wilson, Bush Telegraph, ABC RN: Kimberley Aboriginal communities condemn Colin Barnett’s plan to close small communities
* Analysis / Opinion & Audio Interview: Indymedia Australia: Open Letter from Nyungah Land and Culture Protector Iva Hayward-Jackson
* Analysis / Opinion: Amnesty International Australia: WA Government must abandon “traumatic” plans to close Aboriginal Homelands communities
* News: Alex Salmon, Green Left: Protests against closure of 150 Aboriginal communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: South Australia’s remote communities could face closure
* News: CathNews: Bishop fears ‘catastrophic’ result of WA town closures
* News: ABC News: Labor says anger and frustration brewing over possible closure of remote Aboriginal communities
* News: Gian De Poloni, ABC News: WA’s PGA head Tony Seabrook backs closure of remote Aboriginal communities
* Background: WGAR News: Government Buck-Passing Could Force Aboriginal People Off WA Homelands: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/08/background-plans-to-close-aboriginal-homelands-remote-communities-in-wa-and-sa
WGAR News: Shutting down Australia’s Aboriginal areas: Royce Kurmelovs, Al Jazeera
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/08/wgar-news-shutting-down-australias-aboriginal-areas-royce-kurmelovs-al-jazeera
“Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Royce Kurmelovs, Al Jazeera: Shutting down Australia’s Aboriginal areas
* Audio Interview: Let’s Talk: Jon Altman on re-emergence of WA and SA threats to neglect Aboriginal citizens living at homelands
* Video Interview: WTV: Gerry Georgatos on the threat to close homelands / remote communities
* Audio: NIRS: Cultural organisation warns against remote community closures
* Audio Interview: Let’s Talk: Arrernte woman, Celeste Liddle on removal of people from WA Communities
* Letter: Congress: Open Letter to Prime Minister – Remote Communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Congress: National Leadership Needed for Remote Communities
* Background to the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
* Analysis / Opinion: Ray Jackson, Indymedia Australia: “The British constitution was soaked with our ancestors’ blood”
* Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA”
WGAR News: “Ethnic cleansing” said Dennis Eggington of forcible removals off Country: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/15/wgar-news-ethnic-cleansing-said-dennis-eggington-of-forcible-removals-off-country-gerry
Contents:
* Change.org Petition: Stop the closure of the homelands. State and Federal governments must fund services in remote Aboriginal communities.
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: “Ethnic cleansing” said Dennis Eggington of forcible removals off Country
* Audio: NIRS: Proposed WA remote community closures labelled “ethnic cleansing”
* Analysis / Opinion: The Stringer: Australia’s human rights record shambolic according to Pope Francis and Bishop Saunders
* Media Release: ACSJC: Human Rights Day: Time for Australia to Take Stock
* Analysis / Opinion: Melissa Parke, The Guardian: Aboriginal people are entitled to be treated as human beings, not just as a fiscal problem
* Video: Bronwyn Herbert & Leigh Sales, ABC 7.30: Remote Aboriginal communities face closure, leaders voice concerns
* Analysis / Opinion: Dr Woolombi Waters, The Stringer: To end our trauma government must stop the assault on our People and our Culture
* Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/15/wgar-news-ethnic-cleansing-said-dennis-eggington-of-forcible-removals-off-country-gerry
– Media Release
Sovereign Union: History repeats: Ethnic cleansing in ACT 1954 and now in WA removal from homelands
http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/history-repeats-ethnic-cleansing-1954-act-and-now-wa-removal-homelands
http://sovereignunion.mobi/pdf/2014/141217-SU-MA-EthnicCleansing.pdf
18 Dec 14: “I remind the public that in 1954 the young Queen Elizabeth on her first trip to Australia as Queen personally signed a law in Canberra that permitted the ethnic cleansing of the Australian Capital Territory, clearing it of resident Aboriginal Peoples. …
Now we find that proxy agents, in the guise of governance, continue to sign laws into place to remove Aboriginal people from their homelands yet again, as is the recent case in Western Australia and now South Australia, following on from the Northern Territory Intervention of 2007.
Clearly, this monarch and her colonial authorities do not consider Aboriginal Peoples have any rights whatsoever. …
The human rights violations we are experiencing all over this country are themselves genocidal …
The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide Article II defines genocide as:
Article II: In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, …
The forced removal of Peoples from their ancient homelands is totally unacceptable and relates to Article II(c) in particular. As a First Nations Peoples we must fight this autocratic dictatorship, no matter what the cost may be.” Ghillar Michael Anderson, Convenor and Joint Spokesperson of Sovereign Union of First Nations and Peoples in Australia and Head of State of the Euahlayi Peoples Republic
WGAR News: Forrest review of Aboriginal welfare: the good, the bad…and the very ugly: Land Rights News – Central Australia
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/03/wgar-news-forrest-review-of-aboriginal-welfare-the-good-the-badand-the-very-ugly-land
Contents:
* Audio Interview: Minelle Creed, Living Black Radio: Brisbane Food Van [Featuring Wayne ‘Coco’ Wharton, Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy (BASE)]
* Submission: Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT): The proposed Government budget cuts to Aboriginal services
* News: Central Land Council: Land Rights News – Central Australia: Battle rages against budget pain
* Analysis / Opinion: Central Land Council: Land Rights News – Central Australia: Forrest review of Aboriginal welfare: the good, the bad … and the very ugly
* Analysis / Opinion: Antinuclear: Australian government’s budget cuts threaten remote Aboriginal communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: Mining royalties may save WA’s remote Indigenous communities from closure
* WGAR Background: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the Federal Budget
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia: Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/01/08/wgar-news-forced-displacement-of-aborigines-in-west-australia-franciscans-international
Contents:
* Joint Urgent Appeal: Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia
* Background: Franciscans International: Indigenous Peoples
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Closure of remote communities devastates residents: Miranda Wood, Red Flag Newspaper
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/02/14/wgar-news-closure-of-remote-communities-devastates-residents-miranda-wood-red-flag
Contents:
* Change.org Petition: Saving Aboriginal communities: Stop Colin Barnett premier of Western Australia
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: Gerry Georgatos discusses the closure of WA Aboriginal homelands with Hugh Riminton
* Analysis / Opinion: Miranda Wood, Red Flag Newspaper: Closure of remote communities devastates residents
* Analysis / Opinion: Jessica Lukjanow, Global Research: Australia May Stop Providing Water and Power to Remote Aboriginal Communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Ben Collins, ABC Kimberley: Indigenous community closures: essential service uncertainty
* Video: NITV News: Planned Closure of WA Communities Highlights WA’s Poor Contribution to Closing the Gap
* News: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: WA premier withdraws royalties help for struggling Aboriginal communities
* News: Sydney Morning Herald: Spend ‘to save WA Aboriginal communities’
* News: Vicky Validakis, Australian Mining: Mining not dead in WA
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Aboriginal protesters set up camp on Heirisson Island as some remote communities face closure: Andrew O’Connor, ABC News
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/03/wgar-news-aboriginal-protesters-set-up-camp-on-heirisson-island-as-some-remote
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In the heart of Perth, Aboriginal Tent Embassy and a refugee camp
* News: Andrew O’Connor, ABC News: Aboriginal protesters set up camp on Heirisson Island as some remote communities face closure
* News Analysis: Liam Croy, The West Australian: Act of war claim in Heirisson protest
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
OPEN LETTER
To:
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of UN General Assembly, New York, NY 10017 USA
From:
Ghillar Michael Anderson, Convenor and Joint Spokesperson of Sovereign Union of First Nations and Peoples in Australia and Head of State of the Euahlayi Peoples Republic
Re: Refugee Camp in Perth and developing Humanitarian Crisis
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/pdf/2015/150303-SU-UN-SG-re%20Refugee%20Camp.pdf
3 March 2015:
“As the appointed Ambassador of the original Aboriginal Embassy, the Convenor of the Sovereign Union and Head of State, Euahlayi Peoples Republic, I herewith bring to your attention the humanitarian crisis that has now developed in the state of Western Australia. This crisis is a consequence of the Western Australian government’s policy of shutting down up to 150 Aboriginal homelands and communities, which they have wrongly stated to be financially ‘unsustainable’ and economically unviable. We regard these actions as an an act of war and aggression against the various tribal Nations in Western Australia.
Already we have seen the Lockridge Aboriginal community in Perth bulldozed with impunity after the Commonwealth government of Australia had just completed building new dwellings. The people are homeless and have now crowded into other family homes creating massive overcrowding, which leads to family confrontation and lateral violence that affects not only children but adults alike.
In the northern part of Western Australia the Aboriginal community of Oombulgurri was progressively closed down: First, the government closed the services. … then eventually the electricity and water were turned off. Finally, the 10 residents who resolutely stayed to the end were forcibly evicted, …
I call upon Your Excellency to make this humanitarian crisis known throughout the world.
Furthermore, we ask that Your Excellency assist in the immediate provision of safeguards and protection of the refugee camp and to provide appropriate aid for the health and well-being of the refugees.”
WGAR News: Djurin Refugee Camp – Nyoongar People Speak Out about Homelessness: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/10/wgar-news-djurin-refugee-camp-nyoongar-people-speak-out-about-homelessness-eleanor
Contents:
* Video: NITV News: Refugees In Their Own Country – Noongars Protest Against Remote Community Closures
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 1 March 2015 Djurin Refugee Camp – Nyoongar People Speak Out about Homelessness
* Analysis / Opinion: Ray Jackson, Redfern-Waterloo Community Action: community shutdowns, wa.
* Analysis / Opinion: Miranda Wood, Red Flag: Activists set up camp in WA
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* Video: Yahoo: Protestors stay put on Heirisson
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Premier Barnett, how dare you? – “appalling mistreatment of children”
* Video: NITV News: Colin Barnett a No-show at Kimberley Land Council’s Alliance Meeting
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
WGAR News: Urgent Action – Remote Homelands and Outstations in WA – Will You Help to Prevent a Crisis?
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/11/wgar-news-urgent-action-remote-homelands-and-outstations-in-wa-will-you-help-to-prevent-a
Contents:
* Urgent Action: Sovereign Union: Remote homelands and Outstations in WA: Will You Help to Prevent a Crisis?
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: Aboriginals becoming refugees, following WA community closures
[Featuring Nicole Culbong from the Nyoongar Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Perth]
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Tony Abbott’s Australia: From ‘Nothing But Bush’ to ‘Brimming With Choices’
* Media Release: Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Remote indigenous communities are not a ‘lifestyle choice’ and should not be treated as such
* News Analysis: SBS News: Labor slams PM over ‘highly offensive’ remote communities comments
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Barnett Plays ‘Abuse Card’ To Defend Closure Of Remote West Australian Communities
[Featuring comments by Amnesty International’s Indigenous rights campaigner Tammy Solenec & Noongar activist Marianne McKay]
* Analysis / Opinion & Photos: Calla Wahlquist in the Kimberley, The Guardian: Of three remote communities here, why are only the two Aboriginal ones under threat?
* Video: Sovereign Union: Djurin Nyoongar Swan River Treaty
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: NZ MP’s support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities: Heeni Brown, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/13/wgar-news-nz-mps-support-aboriginal-protest-over-proposed-closure-of-indigenous
Contents:
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: NZ MP’s support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* Audio Interview: Paul Wiles, CAAMA Radio: Going backward is the problem – Rosalie Kunoth Monks
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: Support growing for for displaced community mob … [Featuring Gerry Georgatos]
* Media Release: NAACHO: Closure of WA Aboriginal communities repeats historic failures
* News Analysis: NAACHO News: Will closing Aboriginal communities be detrimental to future health and wellbeing?
* Audio Interview: Sarah Martin, The Wire: Connection to country essential for Aboriginal culture [Featuring Glen Kelly, CEO, SWALSC]
* Analysis / Opinion: Joe Morrison NLC, SMH: Remote communities aren’t a utopian lifestyle choice but they are good for our people
* Analysis / Opinion: Michelle Dunne Breen, The Conversation: For the real story on Indigenous Australia, social beats old media
* Analysis / Opinion: Corinne Grant, The Hoopla: Why Can’t Black People Live More Like White People?
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: PM’s comments a bone for the right wing… Shadow Minister Shane Neumann
* Background: Helen Davidson, The Guardian: Explainer: the facts behind the outrage over Tony Abbott’s Indigenous ‘lifestyle choice’ remarks
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Remote Indigenous communities are vital for our fragile ecosystems: Craig Moritz, Emilie-Jane Ens & Jon Altman, The Conversation
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/13/wgar-news-remote-indigenous-communities-are-vital-for-our-fragile-ecosystems-craig-moritz
Contents:
* Audio Interview: Steven Riggall, The Wire: The environmental benefits of Indigenous people living on country [Featuring Emillie-Jane Ens]
* Analysis / Opinion: Craig Moritz, Emilie-Jane Ens & Jon Altman, The Conversation: Remote Indigenous communities are vital for our fragile ecosystems
* Analysis / Opinion: Marie McInerney, BBC News: Australia’s remote indigenous communities fear closure
* Analysis / Opinion: Dan Tout, arena: Settler Colonial Closures
* Report: Gavin Mooney: Health and Homelands: Good Value for Money?
* Report: Sean Kerins, CAEPR: The Future of homelands/Outstations
* Background: Amnesty International Australia: Homelands
* Background: Jens Korff, Creative Spirits: Aboriginal homelands & outstations
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Matargarup Aboriginal Refugee Camp
WGAR News: Matargarup Aboriginal Refugee Camp: About 50 WA police officers have used mounted police and K-9 dogs to seize the tents and valuables
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/15/wgar-news-matargarup-aboriginal-refugee-camp-about-50-wa-police-officers-have-used
Contents:
* Petition: Change.org Petition: Stop displacing Indigenous Australians by the closure of Indigenous communities.
* Urgent Action: Jennifer Kaeshagen, The Stringer facebook: “If anyone can donate to the … Matargarup First Nations refugee camp, then that be good. Really good. Tents, mattresses, bedding, … cash”
* News Analysis: Alex Bainbridge in Perth, Green Left: Police move in but fail to snuff out sacred fire at Matagarup
* Audio: Adam Evans with CAAMA Radio, NIRS: We have a right to be on Matagarup: Noongar embassy [Featuring Marianne Mackay]
* Photos: Sovereign Union: WA uses mounted police and dogs to seize tents and valuables at Refugee Camp
* Audio Interview: social justice and sustainable living – new media: #Indigenous tent Embassy near #Perth CBD will continue despite eviction by police – yarn with Herbert Bropho
* News: Calla Wahlquist and agencies, The Guardian: Mounted police join effort to dismantle Heirisson Island protest
* News: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: ‘Refugee Camp’ For Aboriginal People Moved Off Remote Communities Ordered To Close
* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia’s reputation abroad – again
* Analysis / Opinion: Jon Altman, ‘concerned Australians’: Homelands under the hammer, again, from the aspiring PM for indigenous policy
* Analysis / Opinion: Michael Gordon, SMH: Tony Abbott’s lifestyle choice remark leaves ‘everyone hurting inside’ in remote indigenous communities
* News & Photos: Green Left: Rally against Indigenous community closures shuts down Melbourne CBD
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Forced to dance to the White Man’s song – Australia, steeped in racism
* Background: Diet Simon sourcing from WGAR news, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori politicians support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Aboriginal Australian Communities Send a Powerful Message to Government: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/24/wgar-news-aboriginal-australian-communities-send-a-powerful-message-to-government-stop
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Here is part of the list of threatened Homelands – “remote communities”
* Media Release: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: Aboriginal Australian Communities Send a Powerful Message to Government
* News Analysis: Miranda Wood, Red Flag: Thousands join nationwide rallies against community closures
* News Analysis: Alex Bainbridge, Green Left: Resistance builds against plan to close Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Calla Wahlquist & Helen Davidson, The Guardian: Close the Gap day: Colin Barnett tells protesters to ‘put yourselves in my shoes’
* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, National Indigenous Radio’s ‘Weekly News-in-Review’:
Proposed community closures in Western Australia [Featuring Graham Merritt, Irene Davey, Nigel Scullion & Kirstie Parker]
* Audio: Lucy Martin, ABC News: Thousands rally in protest of remote community closures
* Video: SBS News: Barnett shouted down at Indigenous rally
* Video: SBS News: SA crowd protests remote closures
* News Analysis: Brendan Foster, SMH: Aboriginal community closure: intense rally at Parliament House
* News Analysis: Nicolas Perpitch, Bonnie Christian & Andrew O’Connor, ABC News: Colin Barnett pushed as anger erupts at protest over remote communities closure
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Thu 19 March 2015 Canberra Rally against Homeland Closures
WGAR News: Eleanor Gilbert’s Videos of Canberra Speakers at 19 March 2015 Rally against Homeland Closures; from Aboriginal Tent Embassy to Parliament House
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/24/wgar-news-eleanor-gilberts-videos-of-canberra-speakers-at-19-march-2015-rally-against
Contents:
* Event: Thu 19 March 2015: Rally from Aboriginal Tent Embassy to Parliament House, Canberra:
Aboriginal communities in Australia announce a global call to action.
* Videos: Eleanor Gilbert’s Videos on Vimeo
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Abbott for genocide
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands March
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Gerry Georgatos
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Ghillar Michael Anderson
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homeland-Alice Haines
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Hamid Bin Saad
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Rod Liddle
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Nova Peris
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Shaun Harris
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Nicole Culbong
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Senator Rachel Siewert
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
WGAR News: International exposure: Rallies throughout Australia protesting closure of Aboriginal homelands / remote communities
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/25/wgar-news-international-exposure-rallies-throughout-australia-protesting-closure-of
Contents:
* Video: NITV News: Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
* Open Letter: Sovereign Union Letter to United Nations – SOS Forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities in WA
* Photo: Sovereign Union facebook: “Here is Sovereign Union founder and convenor Ghillar Michael Anderson speaking on a Russian TV program on Thursday night by Skype.”
* News Analysis: Charlotte Chabas, Le Monde: En Australie, la colère des Aborigènes face au « mépris » de leur culture: “The World: In Australia Aboriginal People’s anger faces the ‘contempt’ of their culture”
* News Analysis: teleSUR: Australians Rally against Closure of Aboriginal Communities
* Media Release: Sisters of Saint Joseph: Josephites express profound concern at proposed Government plans to withdraw basic services to Aboriginal communities
* Media Statement: Bishops Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: What Choice? Aboriginal peoples have the right to decent services where they live
* Joint Urgent Appeal: Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia
* Background: Franciscans International – a voice at the United Nations: Indigenous Peoples
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: NZ MP’s support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Royce Kurmelovs, Al Jazeera: Shutting down Australia’s Aboriginal areas
* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia’s reputation abroad – again
* Analysis / Opinion: Marie McInerney, BBC News: Australia’s remote indigenous communities fear closure
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Background: Diet Simon, sourced from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal Australian communities send a powerful message to government
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-news-breaking-news-homeless-camp-raided-city-of-perth-in-disgrace-once-again-gerry
Contents:
* Breaking News & News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Help the First Nations Homelessness Project – help Matargarup refugee camp – help the homeless
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In the heart of Perth, Aboriginal Tent Embassy and a refugee camp
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Jennifer Kaeshagen sets up The First Nations Homelessness Project
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth
WGAR News: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/29/wgar-news-protests-against-closure-of-aboriginal-communities-gain-momentum-rewa-harriman
Contents:
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum [Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth]
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: Maori concern grows for remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Taroi Black, Maori Television: Maori students join online protest against the closure of Aboriginal communities
* Action: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Call for support for Australian indigenous rights
* Video: Digital Dreaming Project, facebook: Coroboree Causes Conjestion: Brisbane Unites for the WA Mob.
* Video: Lia Yorkston, facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: “Brisbane knows how to protest”
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Background: The Stringer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: May Day marches:
Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent:
Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/30/wgar-news-may-day-marches-forcibly-removing-our-peoples-from-their-lands-unacceptable-as
Contents:
* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: May Day marches: Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures – SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight ‘Cultural Genocide’
* News: Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Maori supporters entertain indigenous protesters
* Background: Diet Simon, sourcing from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Threats to close Aboriginal homelands in South Australia
WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM
Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/31/wgar-news-sa-indigenous-leaders-seek-urgent-meeting-over-community-closure-concerns
Contents:
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns [Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC]
* News: ABC News: Indigenous elders meet at Port Augusta as federal funding cuts threaten to close remote communities [Featuring Elder Mima Smart]
* Video: NITV News – 30 March 2015: Threats to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in SA
* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures – SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight ‘Cultural Genocide’
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News – Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
Bella Bropho interviewed on Maori Television
WGAR News: Bella Bropho interviewed by Rewa Harriman – Aboriginal Community Closures: Native Affairs, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/05/wgar-news-bella-bropho-interviewed-by-rewa-harriman-aboriginal-community-closures-native
Contents:
* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* Video Interview: Native Affairs, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Native Affairs – Aboriginal Community Closures [Rewa Harriman interviews Bella Bropho]
* News Analysis & Video: Native Affairs, Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Aboriginal people call on John Key to support their communities
* News Analysis & Video: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Support grows for Australian Aboriginal communities from Maori MPs
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Marama Fox denied leave for vote on Australian Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Wangkatja elder concerned about mineral wealth of ancestral land
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Nyungah tribe embroiled in familiar battle with Australian Government
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions: Tammy Solonec, The Guardian
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/07/wgar-news-abuse-in-remote-communities-is-the-oldest-excuse-for-catastrophic-evictions
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Tammy Solonec, The Guardian: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions
* Analysis / Opinion: Tammy Solonec, Indigenous Rights Manager, Amnesty International Australia: Update: forced closure of homelands communities
* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, NIRS Weekly News-in-Review [Featuring Dennis Eggington & Margaret Culbong: remote community closures]
* Analysis / Opinion: Revive Magazine: Concern for WA’s remote Indigenous communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Ruth DeSouza: The closure of remote Aboriginal communities: What is the role of nurses in Indigenous disadvantage?
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Marches in Melbourne & Sydney protesting community closures
WGAR News: Breaking News 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/11/wgar-news-breaking-news-10-april-2015-over-thirteen-thousand-people-shut-down-melbourne
* Photos, Videos & Media: 10 April 2015 Marches in Melbourne & Sydney: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
* Audio Interview: Van Nguyen & Sacha Payne, SBS News: Protests over plans to close remote communities [Van Nguyen spoke to Sacha Payne from the Melbourne rally]
* Video: David Hurley, Herald Sun: Flinders Street protest causing traffic, commuter chaos
* Breaking News & Photos: CAAMA: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne
* Breaking News: ABC News: Thousands rally in Melbourne in support of remote Aboriginal communities
* Breaking News: Aisha Dow, The Age: Protests bring city roads to standstill
* Breaking News: Skye News: Aboriginal protest disrupts Melb CBD
* Breaking News: SBS News: Hundreds protest against WA closures in Melbourne, Sydney
* Video: NITV News: We Want the World to Know: Rallies Continue Against Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities
* Breaking News: Brittany Ruppert, SMH: 800 people march in Sydney protest against forced closure of remote Indigenous communities
* News Analysis: Green Left: Good news: Victorian council opposes closures of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: Marches Today In Sydney, Melbourne Against Forced Closures Of Aboriginal Communities
* Photos: Citizenside France: Noosa: Protesters condemn community closures outside Abbott’s lunch
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Reps from KLC will travel to NY for 20 April meeting of permanent forum on Indigenous issues
WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/10/wgar-news-kimberley-land-council-to-ask-un-forum-to-condemn-indigenous-community-closures
Contents:
* Video: Rachael Thornton, The Feed, SBS: Indigenous communities facing closure [Featuring Aboriginal people from WA homelands]
* Personal Story: Samantha Martin, Sunday Style, news.com.au: It’s more than just a ‘lifestyle choice’, it’s my home
* Analysis / Opinion: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures
* Analysis / Opinion: Michelle Lovegrove & Andrea Booth, NITV: Indigenous MP Linda Burney condems WA remote community closures
* Analysis / Opinion: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA Indigenous figures fear funding dispute could lead to ‘cultural genocide’
* Analysis / Opinion: Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese: Funding Cuts to Remote WA and SA Communities Will Destroy Aboriginal Life
* News Analysis: Natalie Whiting, ABC News: Remote SA Aboriginal communities reassured they will stay open in face of national funding cuts
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Aboriginal groups assured communities won’t close
* WGAR News: Breaking News – 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
KALACC Directors Statement – Kimberley
WGAR News: KALACC Directors: Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/12/wgar-news-kalacc-directors-threatened-closure-of-remote-aboriginal-communities-kimberley
Contents:
* Statement: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre: KALACC Directors Statement on the Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities – April 2015
* Background: KALACC is the Kimberley Region’s Peak Indigenous Law and Culture Centre
* Background: WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian
* Background: Kimberley Land Council – About Us
* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia
* Audio: Dom Vukovic, 2SER – Real Radio: “removal of aboriginal communities from their lands in Western Australia”
[Featuring Paddy Gibson, Brenda Croft & Rosalie Kunoth-Monks]
* News: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: ‘We’ll Be Back’: Thousands Protest Forced Closure Of Remote Communities
* News: NZ Herald: Melbourne rocked by protests
* News: Reme Sakr, Press TV: Australians slam govt. over plans against aboriginals
* Video: Seven Local News – Sunshine Coast, facebook: “A group of protesters tried to interrupt the Prime Minister while he lunched in Noosa”
* Event Poster: TangataWhenua.com: Maori solidarity with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Australia
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Background: Press TV: Australia discontinues water, electricity services for Aboriginals
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Funding for South Australia’s Aboriginal Communities
WGAR News: Interview with Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga – Radio Adelaide
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-interview-with-haydyn-bromley-on-funding-for-the-60-sa-aboriginal-communities
Contents:
* Audio Interview: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga – Radio Adelaide: Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Stephen Goldsmith, Minungka McInerney]
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio’s Strong Voices: South Australia’s Remote Communities Safe for Now!
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Aboriginal Lands Trust South Australia]
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Indigenous communities safe: state and federal governments strike a deal
[Featuring Nigel Scullion, Haydyn Bromley & Kyam Maher]
* Media Release: Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Federal funding for SA remote aboriginal communities secured, WA must receive funding rethink
* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia
* Breaking News: Natalie Whiting, Nicola Gage & staff, ABC News: Future of remote Aboriginal communities secured by deal between SA and federal governments
* Breaking News: Lauren Novak, The Advertiser: State and Federal Governments sign $15 million funding agreement for services for Aboriginal communities.
* Breaking News: Stephanie Anderson, SBS News: Deal secures future of SA remote Indigenous communities
* Breaking News: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA remote Indigenous communities thrown lifeline by funding deal
* Background: WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley & Tammy Franks]
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
WGAR News: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand: Online News Team, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-aboriginal-protest-continues-as-australian-pm-plans-visit-to-new-zealand-online
Contents:
* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Maori perform haka in Sydney opposing closure of remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Taiha Molyneux, Maori Television: Maori and Australian artists collaborate to create artwork opposing remote community closure
* Call Out: Melissa Sweet, Croakey – the Crikey health blog: Calling health professionals to stand up on May 1, and join the “Selfish Rabble”
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* News Analysis: Steph Price, Red Flag: The fight for remote communities strengthens
* News Analysis: Rachel Evans & Jemma Nott, Green Left: Huge rallies against WA community closures
* Video: Yupster2501, YouTube: Stop The Forced Closure Of Aboriginal Communities – Sydney 10th April 2015
* Interview: The Guardian: #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA: stop the forced closure of Aboriginal communities – IndigenousX [Featuring Sam Cook]
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Aboriginal Homelands Closure
WGAR News: Unions Slam Closure Of Remote Aboriginal Communities In WA: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/18/wgar-news-unions-slam-closure-of-remote-aboriginal-communities-in-wa-amy-mcquire-new
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Mia Pepper, Eco-Shout: Radioactive racism in the Wild West – WA takes aim at remote communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Unions Slam Closure Of Remote Aboriginal Communities In WA
* News Analysis: Shar Adams, Epoch Times: Australia: Indigenous Affairs Take Backward Step [Featuring Jon Altman]
* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, NIRS Weekly News-in-Review:
[Featuring: Pekeri Ruska, Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance & Haydn Bromley, South Australian Aboriginal Lands Trust]
* Interview: Solidarity Online: Aboriginal community closures: ‘This is an attempt to destroy our culture’
[Featuring Meriki Onus, protest organiser from the youth group Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance]
* News: Michele Jedlicka, The Inverell Times: Inverell plans second protest march over closing WA Aboriginal communities
* Audio: Kristy McMahon, NIRS: Auckland to rally in support of remote WA communities
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Video: Myles Morgan & Andrea Booth, NITV News: NT Minister expects migration if WA communities close
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Maori Party letter to the Australian Prime Minister
WGAR News: Maori Party issues scathing letter to Tony Abbott regarding treatment of Aboriginal people: Claire Trevett, New Zealand Herald
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/21/wgar-news-maori-party-issues-scathing-letter-to-tony-abbott-regarding-treatment-of
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Belinda Grant Geary, Daily Mail Australia: ‘The first thing that strikes me about Australia is how racist this place is’: Writer claims our treatment of Aborigines is WORSE than apartheid South Africa
* Analysis / Opinion: Sisonke Msimang, Africa is a Country: Is There a Place Where White People Are More Committed to Faux Race Blindness than South Africa?
* News Analysis: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Maori Leader Brands Tony Abbott A ‘Racist B*stard’ Over Remote Closure Plans
* News Analysis: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Harawira has message for Australian PM
* Media Release: Maori Party letter to the Australian Prime Minister
* Video: Te Karere TVNZ, YouTube: Maori Party calls out Australian PM on treatment of Aboriginal people
* News Analysis: Claire Trevett, New Zealand Herald: Maori Party issues scathing letter to Tony Abbott regarding treatment of Aboriginal people
* News: Dan Conifer, ABC News: New Zealand Maori Party condemns potential closure of Aboriginal communities in open letter to Tony Abbott
* News Analysis & Video: Numia Ponika-Rangi, Maori Television: Opposition groups enraged ahead of Abbotts arrival to NZ
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Native Affairs – End Of The Dreamtime
* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia – Maori Television
* Statement: Green Left: New NT group says fund and support self-determination for Aboriginal communities
* Audio: Warren Barnsley, NIRS: Community closures threaten spiritual identity: KALACC
* Upcoming Event: 1 May 2015, Rally at Belmore Park, Sydney – National Day of Action: Speakers: Aunty Jenny Munro, John Pilger, Gwenda Stanley & reps from WA communities
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the Federal Budget
John Pilger – war correspondent, film-maker and author
WGAR News: Evicting Indigenous Australians from their homelands is a declaration of war: John Pilger, The Guardian
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/23/wgar-news-evicting-indigenous-australians-from-their-homelands-is-a-declaration-of-war
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: John Pilger, The Guardian: Evicting Indigenous Australians from their homelands is a declaration of war
* Video Special report back: Paddy Gibson, Stop the Intervention: First Nations Peoples and Australian Government Policy – What happened to the Intervention? 20 April 2015
* News Analysis & Video: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Protest against closure of Aboriginal communities continues to gain momentum
* News: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Marama Fox to attend protest against closure of Aboriginal communities in Australia
* Latest News & Videos: Indigenous – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/indigenous
* News Analysis: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Maori Leader Brands Tony Abbott A ‘Racist B*stard’ Over Remote Closure Plans
* Community Solidarity Action Sign-on Statement: Green Left: New NT group says fund and support self-determination for Aboriginal communities
* Upcoming Event: 1 May 2015, Melbourne – rally and march against the forced closures of Aboriginal communities, facebook
* Upcoming Event: 1 May 2015, Sydney Rally May 1: National Day of Action: Stop the forced closure of Aboriginal communities, Stoptheintervention_announce
* Event Call: Mudgin-Gal calls for organisations to close early May 1 in solidarity with NDA, Stoptheintervention_announce
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the Federal Budget
Kimberley Land Council condemns community closures at UN
WGAR News: ‘Systemic Racism’ Of WA Remote Community Closures Savaged At United Nations: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/23/wgar-news-systemic-racism-of-wa-remote-community-closures-savaged-at-united-nations-amy
Contents:
* News Analysis: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: ‘Systemic Racism’ Of WA Remote Community Closures Savaged At United Nations
* News Analysis: Kimberley Land Council: KLC condemns community closures at United Nations
* News Analysis: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: UN forum backs fight against closure of remote Aboriginal communities in WA
* Audio Interview: RN Drive, ABC: Australian lawyer to chair top UN indigenous body [Featuring Megan Davis]
* Background: UN News Centre: As Forum opens, deputy UN chief says 2015 a ‘critical year’ for world’s indigenous peoples
* Background: United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Fourteenth Session of the Permanent Forum
* Analysis / Opinion: John Pilger.com, The secret country again wages war on its own people
* News: Online News Team, Maori Television: Events planned worldwide to support Aboriginal communities on May 1st
* News: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Labour outlines concerns on Aborigine communities in letter to Australian Labor Party
* Latest News & Videos: Indigenous – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/indigenous
* News & Video: Phil Hickey, Perth Now: Heirisson Island camp Indigenous leaders protest at State Parliament
* News: Brendan Foster, WA Today: Parliament House protest: ugly scenes as police make arrests
* Facebook: The Stringer: “Official statement from Elder Bella Bropho, of the Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp”
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA