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Read all entries in our daily diary. Contribute your views to our daily diary. You can also have your say at our online forum by clicking here, and there are other things you can do.
13th January, 2008
The quarantining of social security payments and threatened docking of unemployment benefits of those who fail to respond to letters and report regularly to Job Finding agencies will impact heavily on women and their responsibilities in feeding and caring for children and families in distress.
Jill Sanguinetti, Vic, 13 January 2008
9th January, 2008
Please send me any information that allows me to continue my support as a Yongul man against the negative components of the NT intervention; well done.
Phil Maslen, ACT
2nd January, 2008
To prove itself as credible the Rudd government must reconfigure the Northern Territory intervention (invasion). Thankyou for providing a voice that will support the communities at this time and in the future
Elizabeth Rogers, SA
21st December 2007
Having just discovered this web site, it's great to be able to voice support for Women for Wik. My heart goes out to you women, and I, along with many others, have hope for you with the change of government. I hope 2008 sees a positive change of direction and that you are listened to carefully and feel empowered to control your way forward.
Kaye Flanagan Vic
17th December 2007
The federal intervention in the NT must be carefully monitored with as much discussion and co-ordination from communities as possible. The politicians must LISTEN to the people, and work from their priorities, not what the politicians think is best.
Jessica Fishlock, NSW
14th December 2007
I want to give all my support and blessings to aboriginal women. Your ability to nurture, your spiritual strength, your voice, your lion-like capacity to protect what needs to be protected, your practical wisdom and sense. Your love. The whole world needs this right now. Thank you.
Jacqueline Murphy, NSW
12th December 2007
Having recently returned to Vic from two years with my family in the NT I could not add anything to this debate that has not been articulated so fluently by Karranjal John Hartley on this site, so I'll just quote from him because we need to keep hearing it: “The four consistent and most effective tools in addressing a return to wellness in Indigenous communities across the globe, from my observation, are: empowerment, choice, positive role modelling, and spiritual re-generation rooted in a core foundation of cultural values beliefs and practices. Community support infrastructures and long-term funding allocation must underpin, mirror and enhance these four fundamental elements and cultural foundation, as they are the very things from which many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been uprooted and alienated from. The recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991), Bringing Them Home report (1997) and Little Children Are Sacred report (2007) to name a few, are yet to be fully embraced and/or implemented. Racist law cannot and must not be allowed to stand in this country. We can abolish the NT Emergency Response legislation and at the same time begin the process of a positive consensual return to wellness within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a just and dignified way that empowers and brings effective and lasting community/cultural cohesion and harm to no one (Karranjal John Hartley, South Australia 1/12/07).”
All I can say is "hear hear" and let's all take our share of the responsibility to act and not squander the opportunity open to us now we have seen off the Howard era.
Celia Pollard, Vic
5th December 2007
Strongly disagree with what Howard government implemented in NT ie: another version of the white Australia policy. One set of rules for indigenous Australians - the owners of this land - & another for the non-indigenous. Discriminatory and a breach of human rights. With Rudd in power we now hopefully have the opportunity to repeal these laws.
Maria Vucko, Vic
4th December 2007
My life until I was 37 years of age was tainted by our goverments lies. Now I am so tired to read Jenny Macklin's words. Stupid cow of course there are Indigenous Australians all throughout Australia. The problem is our colonising culture doesn't care about our children. Have a look at the OECD statistics on what we spend on our children under five and the truth prevails. LESS than ALL the other countries. We need alcohol and drug rehab centres where parents can have their children with them while they are healing from the drug abuse. Then the entire family can heal together from the evils of abuse, whatever form it takes.
Christin Coralive, S.A.
3rd December 2007
Excellent work that contributes to the community voice.
Stephen Webb, NSW
1st December 2007
That many Aboriginal communities are in need of urgent assistance in relation to transitional stresses leading to personal/family/community/cultural breakdown is beyond questioning. But it is questionable whether we need racist and discriminatory legislation to provide that support. To address dysfunction and breakdown in Aboriginal communities, recognition must be given to the continued dispossession of Aboriginal Peoples. After decades of Aboriginal people loudly advocating for assistance to address the continuing legacies of colonisation are we comfortable that racist authoritarian legislation such as the NT Emergency Response is shamefully, all that Australian governments have to finally offer? We must ask in the very real need for assistance whether we are happy to repeat history and further compound the crisis that confronts our people daily? If there is no other way to address the crippling and spiralling effects of colonisation than to enforce racist legislation - when racism lies at the root of the very things the laws purport to address – that speaks volumes about the capacity and sincerity of Australian governments to assist and work alongside Aboriginal people in naming and developing long-term fully-funded strategies which will begin the movement toward positive community empowerment and generational change sorely needed in many Aboriginal communities. The fact is there is no quick fix to over 200years of continued neglect and oppression. And racist law, be it well intentioned or otherwise, will do nothing to either enhance relationships in this country or to address the fundamental root cause of cultural dispossession leading to family/community dysfunction. A prerequisite to a return to wellness is acknowledging the crisis and the need to effectively address alcohol and other drug consumption appropriately, advocating personal/family and community sobriety. Change however, isolated from a monumental shift in dominant culture mindset we know is not and will not be easy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The four consistent and most effective tools in addressing a return to wellness in Indigenous communities across the globe, from my observation, are: empowerment, choice, positive role modelling, and spiritual re-generation rooted in a core foundation of cultural values beliefs and practices. Community support infrastructures and long-term funding allocation must underpin, mirror and enhance these four fundamental elements and cultural foundation, as they are the very things from which many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been uprooted and alienated from. The recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991), Bringing Them Home report (1997) and Little Children Are Sacred report (2007) to name a few, are yet to be fully embraced and/or implemented. Racist law cannot and must not be allowed to stand in this country. We can abolish the NT Emergency Response legislation and at the same time begin the process of a positive consensual return to wellness within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a just and dignified way that empowers and brings effective and lasting community/cultural cohesion and harm to no one.
Karranjal John Hartley, South Australia
29th November 2007
The current terms of the Northern Territory invasion are discriminatory and erode self-governance measures of indigenous people. The new government has an opportunity to redefine the State's appalling relationship with its First Nations. I sincerely hope they seize it.
Jo-Anne Weinman, ACT
28th November 2007
The problem with the intervention is that it showed no sensitivity to Aboriginal women whom it was purporting to support. There should be no intervention without wide consultation - touching a whole range of groups.
Janice Howard, QLD
27th November 2007
Altering the present approach to NT policy won't happen by magic. We need genuine commitment from all tiers of government to work with Aboriginal people to achieve what it is they want for their families and children. We need programs founded on sound practice based evidence that are child focussed. They must be generously supported. Corporate Australia also has responsibilities.
There are huge problems to overcome. Rudd's government must be held accountable just as the previous one was, and not only that will need to be educated.
We cannot let pressure for genuine constitional change to fall away either. Howard's approach was simplistic. Rudd has said he won't support a referendum in the near future. However, Australian people need leadership on this issue. We are not out of the woods yet.
Sally Fitzpatrick, N.S.W.
26th November 2007
When are we going to stop this profane guise of heroism and admit what the intervention in the NT really is - a chance to blame the victims again for their own injustices rather than act responsibly.
Adelle Barry, Vic
24th November 2007
As a proud TSI woman I think the treatment our people are receiving in the NT is appalling, and needs to be repealed immediately. Please keep me informed of all action and things I can do to help.
Sophia, Romano
23rd November 2007
I fully support Women for Wik and believe the voice of Australian women is strong, we can make a difference. Having taken a couple of groups of young, middle school aged women on an Indigenous Immersion Experience to the Pitjantjara Lands in Central Australia, I have seem first hand how these girls will be the future of cross cultural equality and harmony. Keep up this most important and fantastic work!
Lynn Mason, Vic
21st November 2007
I am disgusted by the paternalistic whitefella response to Aboriginal issues in the Northern Territory and support responses that allow aboriginal people, especially women, to devise their own strategies.
Janet Ryan, NSW
19th November 2007
Having been adopted into a Yolngu family and having been fortunate enough to have been shown the strength and integrity of the women at Yirrkala, I am concerned that the present intervention policy may undermine all the work they and others in the Top End have been doing for their community. It is good to see that there is an organisation dedicated to monitoring the effects of the intervention. I hope that the bodies responsible for the development of the programmes that follow will listen to and respect the feelings and needs of those in the communities affected.
Kay Walton, UK
18th November 2007
I do not support the use of force. I will be praying for you and voting for reconciliation.
Marion Teichert, NSW
16th November 2007
Having recently attended a Human Rights Coalition election forum held in
Adelaide a number of concerns I had in relation to the Federal Governments
NT emergency response legislation were realized upon having listened to
the forums, two key speakers from the Northern Territory. Read More
Karranjal John Hartley, South Australia
15th November 2007
Another vicious example of white paternalism and condescension towards people of ATSI descent. When will white Australia learn from history? What a disgrace for this nation that yet another policy blunder is perpetrated while so many are silent. More sorry business and not an apology in sight.
Julie Saunders, VIC
14th November 2007
Keep the bastards honest!
James Manser, NSW
13th November 2007
I am ashamed of the current Federal Government's sly and deceptive strategies to gain back indigenous land for mining, under the guise of "helping" the children in NT communities.
Lin Oke, Vic.
12th November 2007
I am a whitefella
I am "Sorry"
I full support Aboriginal people as the original owners of this beautiful land that we call Australia.
Be strong be proud, be black
Mark McAlpine, NSW
11th November 2007
I’m so angry at this government and their heavy handed approach to problems in the community.
Susan Kurtz, NSW
8th November 2007
It's sad to see that politicians still feel they have a right to implement policy and legislation without going through planning and consultation. Imposing harmful interventions without implementing appropriate support and services is not acceptable. Shame on the government.
Nina Brown, VIC
7th November 2007
I feel worn out by the number of things that are happening in Australia for the worse, this intervention distresses me too. I am particularly upset at the Rudd opposition which does not even question the events, but simply endorses them.
Wendy Suiter, NSW
6th November 2007
I am appalled at the Federal Government's actions in the NT. As a Darug woman my heart and soul goes out to my brothers and sisters in the NT. Stay well and stay strong.
Melissa Stubbings, NSW
5th November 2007
It's really devastating to see a return to policies and paternalism like the 1950's. In terms of human rights its like saying some people have them and some people don't- all human beings should have them. We are all a part of each other.
Deanna Norris, Vic
3rd November 2007
I am appalled at the strategies being used by the government to prevent child abuse in the Far North. Are they going to withhold the welfare payments of all the white children who also do not attend school, many of whom are ALSO abused sexually and emotionally? Where is the rationale for this discrimination? Those of us who work in the welfare sector know it is bound for failure as an intervention.
Penny Moody Vic
1st November 2007
This current legislation is a repeat of the Protection Acts of the 1890's and the assimilation period between 1940-1970 and will have the same results.
Jacqueline Agius, NSW
30th October 2007
Once again they are telling us what to do and controlling us!!!
Leanne Sumner, Vic
29th October 2007
There are no words to describe the true depth of the injustices being perpetrated by the government against Aboriginal people. This cancer of abuse, disenfranchisement, disrespect and theft must not be tolerated by any decent Australian. It's time for respect and equality for Aboriginal people. When will we be afforded the same rights as other Australians? Or is cultural genocide still on the agenda?
Casandra Jefferson, Tas
27th October 2007
Even as a well educated, white middle class "Australian" I can feel so powerless against the political forces in this country who continue to be so blinkered against true recognition of Aboriginal people, their right to equality, sovereignty and an equal share of the country's wealth, let alone basic human rights. I am really pleased to be able to support the work of Women for Wik in any way.
Sandra Milne Victoria
26th October 2007
Very concerned, continuing to watch closely
Vickie Bennet, QLD
25th October 2007
There is no doubt that some indigenous communities need help but not like this. The government must work hand in hand with the community for the community.
Theresa Gordon, ACT
24th October 2007
Who are we to believe in the debate over the federal government's intervention in the Northern Territory – a Tiwi woman who has spent her entire personal and professional life dealing with the almost overwhelming issues affecting Indigenous Australians? Or a former hair product salesman who resorts to bullying and abuse whenever his intervention is questioned?
Leigh Hillman OAM, Vic
23rd October 2007
As a white Australian I am both absolutely ashamed of and
amazed at the racist implementation of this Bill. And appalled at the
total lack of sensitivity & morality, and of the display of absolute
ignorance of Australia's history, which is in each and every
Parliamentarian who voted for it. The land grab must suit them all!
Audrey Winther, Vic.
22nd October 2007
Protect our babies and provide them with a future that is no longer hostile.
Linda Butterly, WA
21st October 2007
I attended the Women's Workshop on Thursday and the rally yesterday in Alice Springs to hear the women's views on the invasion on their communities and their lives. It is an invasion with masses of strangers and vehicles entering communities with little regard to the effect on people. The stress of the uncertain future is immeasurable and will doubtless impact on people's health in many ways. People don't know what is happening or when. They don't know what is going to happen to their land and their homes. Some are afraid they will be moved out. I only hope the invaders are gaining some awareness of the reality of what they are doing. Major Chalmers is relocating to Darwin. He said he has learned a lot. I wonder if he sleeps well at night? He must see that the majority of the people who have been demonised by Mal Brough and the media are innocent of the ills that have been talked about. We carry on the fight across the country and are disgusted that the Federal Government is again using Aboriginal people as a political tool.
Marlene Hodder Northern Territory
20th October 2007
We welcome the Federal Govt's June 2007 decision to spend substantial additional public funds on long-neglected Indigenous people in remote communities, but we deplore the way in which the Intervention is being executed. We beg the Federal Government to pause - to listen to people 'on the ground' - people like Irene Fisher whose Sunrise Primary Health Care Service in the Katherine region has won an Indigenous Governance Award, and has achieved splendid, measurable outcomes.
Dr Ann Morrow and Professor John Power, Victoria
19th October 2007
I endorse you wholehartedly! let us stand in solidarity against all injustice to our aboriginal brothers and sisters!
As a sister of the Good Samaritan who has worked among the people of Palm Island and North West Queensland I have so much to be grateful for, through the learning I received from the indigenous communities where I ministered! When is the government ever going to realise that they are only re-iterating the past by this intervention programme! It makes me feel so embarrassed and angry! What is being done is a complete violation of justice!
Geraldine Kearney, NSW
18th October 2007
Having recently been working on indigenous issues in Malaysia, I have been shaken by the power of indigenous voices in Australia - shaken because they are more powerful than the voices of the average Malaysian. Shaken because indigenous voices in Malaysia are so much quieter. And shaken that even with so much strength, your/our rights are still violated so outrageously. Because until the rights of every person is secure, the rights of all are at risk.
Sonia Randhawa, VIC
17th October 2007
I support you wholeheartedly. Thank you for being our country's conscience.
Pat Frater, NSW
16th October 2007
Human rights belong to everyone!
Gina Solomon, NSW
15th October 2007
Thank you for your moving statements over the weekend. I can only hope that someone who can stop this horrendous intervention is listening.
Anna Saxon-Taylor, ACT
14th October 2007
I am one of millions of Australian women who long for justice for Aboriginal people. It's long overdue.
Pamela Hewitt, New South Wales
13th October 2007
Thanks for giving us a positive and respectful focus for our outrage over the Government's treatment of Aboriginal people. Particularly hard to take is the impact of the Government's harshness on women and children.
Lisbeth Duke NSW
12th October 2007
Earlier this week I endorsed Women for Wik, but was unable to provide a comment at that time. Here's one now:
"Apart from the referendum which, subject to genuine consultation with Aboriginal people, I welcome – it seems that it’s business as usual for John Howard.
Mr Howard is trying to fit, retrospectively, a policy framework around his recent actions.
As part of this, he describes two orders: the old order - to which he has banished treaty and apology, and the new order of decisive government action - as exemplified by the NT intervention.
This framework, and his language, reveal that nothing much has changed. He talks about "mistreatment" of Aborigines, not violation of human rights. He regards them as "special" rather than as unique, with continuing rights relating to their status as first peoples. He wants them to share in the "bounty" of "this land of ours", rather than recognise that this bounty was appropriated, without restitution, over two hundred years ago. He insists that Aborigines must "join the mainstream", rather than retain a separate identity.
He continues to confuse the issues of individual guilt and the actions of a nation as a whole, and to ignore established examples elsewhere which allow indigenous self-determination within a nation.
This does not signal an understanding that responding honourably to the "unfinished business" of modern Australia is our central moral issue. Any new policy needs to recognise this issue and formalise a change in attitude as well as initiating structural changes. An apology would signal a change in attitude, and a treaty would provide the basis for a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Supported by significant "catch up" resources, especially in health, housing and education, and genuine collaboration with Aboriginal people about what should be done, where and how, an apology and treaty could mark the beginning to the end of "unfinished business".
With the Prime Minister refusing to countenance the first two elements in this approach, I am left with the conclusion that the new agenda of decisive intervention, at least as implemented in the NT, is about access to land and minerals, and destruction of Aboriginal identity, rather than rights and justice.
Elizabeth Rice, NSW
11th October 2007
As a woman who has lived and worked in remote NT and as a mother who raised my off-spring amongst the oldest surviving culture on earth, we have been honoured and humbled educated and enriched by Yolgnu and Yappa way of life and knowledge. I am appalled and enraged by this 'invasion' in the guise of 'caring for children'. When has stripping people of their assets ever addressed chronic poverty?
The removal of CDEP, forcing of people onto welfare, the amendments to the NT Land Rights Act exemplify race-based paternalism at its worst.
I applaud you who've worked tirelessly to reform Women for Wik, and I applaud women everywhere who actively support the rights of Indigenous people - the most unresolved issue in our country. With a united front, by monitoring the impacts of the government’s actions, the real story can be told and create the changes needed to repeal this legislation. You have my ongoing active support!
Louise Webber, NSW
10th October 2007
I support any one and everyone standing up and being opposed to the most racist legislation to be passed and enforced paternalism of this government. There are women and children now who are staving off the army trying to defend their children. Go please and do what you can.
Kathryn Gilbey, NT
9th October 2007
ANTaR SA believes that the Northern Territory intervention
by the Federal Government continues this government's repugnant assault
on the rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of
this country. We believe that this country needs to recognise the human rights of the First Peoples of this land.
Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation South Australia, SA
8th October 2007
Many of the problems faced by Aboriginal communities are deplorable, and have been spoken about for years. This intervention by the Australian government is deplorable in its heavy-handedness, and does nothing to address these issues. In fact, many of the actions, by taking away the agency and self-determination of Aboriginal people, undermines all attempts to develop strong independent communities.
Katie Hepworth, NSW
7th October 2007
Women are an incredible source of wisdom and knowledge and of Love. Please listen to, respect and work with the local women within each community.
Georgina Gartland, Victoria
6th October 2007
It is incredible that in 2007 the government of a democratic country like Australia is taking such extreme measures to again dispossess, persecute, disempower and violate the basic human rights of the Indigenous people of Australia and to interfere and impose measures which violate the most sacred aspects of their existence, their land, their families, communities and their lives. This selective intervention in the lives and affairs of one group of people in our nation is blatant racist discrimination and the government is violating many of the International Covenants and Conventions to which it is signatory, the Human Rights Charta, the Convention of the Rights of the Child, the Convention of Civil and Political rights to name a few. The government needs to listen to the Indigenous people and consult and work with them to resolve any difficulties which exist in their communities and not force and impose its will by using the legislative power of the Parliament of Australia. I, as an Australian citizen, am calling on the government to repeal the legislation and use communication and consultation with the Indigenous people to find solutions to problems which are unique to their community and need their participation to resolve them in their own terms and manner as they always have the best interest of their children and families and communities at heart.
Vivi Germanos-Koutsounadis, OAM, NSW
5th October 2007
Thank you for this opportunity to stand with our sisters and brothers in the northern territory. I am ashamed at what this government is doing to peoples who have suffered so much, for so long.
Margaret Lamb, SA
4th October 2007
I have been working in Titjikala for 4 years - one of the pilot communities for the Federal Government's income management roll out. We've had our kids checked, our houses audited, and have been constantly inundated with public servants from all over Australia who have few ideas on how to implement the Government's Intervention policies. Unfortunately, these public servants are under a lot of pressure to "make it happen" and seem to have their targets and instructions changed constantly too - somewhat reminiscent of a dog chasing its own tail! There is no time to sit down and talk to the community as all the Whitefellas are in a big rush! It seems that there is an extraordinary amount of money being spent on facilitating the Intervention (housing in the community, 4WD's and hotel rooms in Alice Springs, TA for the workers?? and remote area bonuses??), but nothing positive happening on the ground. If anything, it is impossible to maintain the positive and proactive community driven programs we already have in place. Our CDEP program has been cutoff to facilitate income management but there was no plan for transitioning council services long subsidised by CDEP workers. We are promised that real jobs will replace the CDEP work, however government departments are still negotiating funding arrangements for Aged Care, Child Care, School support, Housing maintenance & repairs, our Tourism business and the list runs on. We have people working this week to provide essential services and Council will most likely go broke within a month at this rate. We have been told that there will be huge fines and penalties in place for bringing alcohol into the community (which has been a dry community for years) but we have no police to enforce these laws and no plans to post anyone out here. We are not quite sure how we can ensure a better future for our children under these circumstances. Most importantly, for individuals in the community this intervention is causing stress, uncertainty, and massive upheaval within a well functioning community - it seems to me to be bullying and harassment at the very highest level, something that would not be acceptable in any other workplace or community in Australia. I truly hope that other Australians will let the Federal Government know on polling day that we will not tolerate the clear undermining of our basic rights as Australians in any part of our society.
Emma Salmon, NT
3rd October 2007
It breaks my heart to see what is happening to the Indigenous peoples of this country. The introduction of the Federal Government Intervention is a gross injustice and blatantly racist policy. My hope is that the real stories of what is happening in the communities will reach the wider Australian population, so that these laws will be abandoned with a change in government and real solutions sought through authentic consultation. I still have faith that Reconciliation is achievable, but unfortunately, we now have one more thing to say sorry for.
Lucy Van Sambeek, NT
2nd October 2007
I've heard about this from London, UK. I am disgusted that a
"developed" country of the "free" world could take such an oppresive
approach towards its indegenous people who simply want to live on their
land in peace. Hopefully the news will spread around the world and show
John Howard for who he truly is.
Paddy Chatterton, London, UK
1st October 2007
Aboriginal people have faced this imperialist, paternalist regime once before under the Acts 1905 and many other Acts that were enforced to restrict our rights as human beings. All the efforts of all the Elders who fought so hard in the past from keeping the first fleets off our shores and fighting for equal rights so we could be treat just like every other Australian has now just been whisked away by the signing of a piece of paper. John Howard and his cabinet should be ashamed because they have just crated apartheid right here in this Aboriginal land. It will be another South Africa. NEW COMER, Shame, Shame, Shame on you.
Kaye Richer, WA
30th September 2007
Protecting women, children and men from violence is fundamental for the human rights of all. However, doing this by taking away basic human rights to people's own self determination, economic wellbeing and family life is unacceptable. The Federal government is failing all its citizens by lowering its standards to assist indigenous Australia. Haven't we learnt from previous mistakes that a sledgehammer approach destroys all, changes things for the worse. There was invasion, undermining and murder, assimilation policies, stolen children, stolen land and power over. Now there are more invasions, more undermining, assimilation policies, removal of permit vetos (attempt to steal land again), and more power over. How come the government isn't doing this invading and sledge hammering in all segments of our community where children and women are being violated and men are being encouraged to be violent? Why is only Black Australia in those rural and remote areas the brunt of authoritarian policies? Lots of people of all colours, creeds, in different locations are not looking after their children, but is there money being quarantined. Yes we want a better society, safe children, safe women, happy families but we won't get that by using aggressive tactics that ignore the basic human dignity of those we are supposedly helping. Wake up Federal Govt and all workers in these areas - you get respectful relationships when you model these yourself. Good luck to all the indigenous affected by the latest Fed govt invasion and theft.
Eli Sky, Qld
29th September 2007
Not content with refusing to apologise for the Stolen Generations, our government is now orchestrating the theft of new generations of Indigenous children, once again in the guise of "protecting" them. Depriving Aboriginal communities of their land rights and their human rights is the most potent and cynical form of child abuse. The impact will be felt for generations. The suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act signifies how very deep racial discrimination runs in Australia. It is not just little children who are scared. Every person who believes in justice and human rights should be frightened and appalled by this blatant land grab in the name of protecting children.
Ena Burstin, NSW
28th September 2007
I feel anguished that this is happening in the 21st century. I've been traveling n/eastern NSW and now E. SA these past 3 years - so sadly aware that as the old redback poster read, I am standing on stolen land. Get the politicians to read Bruce Pascoe's Committed Ground. Mal Brough's 'solution' is outrageous.
Gillian Mears, NSW
27th September 2007
After centuries of discrimination for our indigenous nations and worsening relations with the current federal government, I believe it is time for all of us to speak up and be counted. By staying silent we are part of the problem, I want to be part of the solution in whatever way is appropriate.
Patricia Cooney, NSW
26th September 2007
This proposed 'emergency response' legislation as it is being rolled out, has nothing to do with child protection or addressing the years of neglect of Aboriginal communities, and everything to do with further erosion of human and hard won property rights for the traditional owners of this land. So much for reconciliation. Shame on this Federal government and shame on us all if it is allowed to proceed as it is. How dare our elected governments neglect our fellow citizens for so long, in this way? And with what right, now presume to take their self-determination away? Not in my name. There are children and communities dying before our eyes, as they have been for years. More power to every woman, every girl, every mother, every grandmother, every aunty, every sister, and the men who support them, in communities black and white around this country who are standing up now and saying enough is enough. Let all our elected representatives, Federal and State alike, stand up and be counted on this issue. Now, before it's too late.
Jackie Campisi, NSW
25th September 2007
Good on you! I’m a school teacher from Central Australia and what is happening at the moment breaks my heart. How heartening then to find this great group of women from all over the world who are willing to stand up for their Indigenous sisters in the centre!
Lisa Hall, NT
24th September 2007
The militarisation of Indigenous communities is another example of the genocide and cultural imperialism that perpetuate the grief, poverty and injustice that are directly responsible for all the problematic learned behaviours that the government attributes to Original Australians. Speak to the Women elders. Consultation…not Legislation.
Yulanji Bardon, Queensland
23rd September 2007
I am disgusted by the paternalistic whitefella response to Aboriginal issues in the Northern Territory and support responses that allow aboriginal people, especially women, to devise their own strategies.
Janet Ryan, NSW
22nd September 2007
I find the current Federal action in the NT reeks of the paternalistic attitude taken towards Indigenous peoples in years gone by- and simply outrageous. It is such a missed opportunity to take a consultative, inclusive approach to create positive change and to make amend for past wrong doings. Frankly, I find the current government's approach scary and can't believe the wider community is not taking further action to protest such policy.
Cherrie De Leiuen, SA
21st September 2007
Systems have failed to protect our children, not mothers. We are more powerful than we know. We must do what we can to protect and support each other. There is no help to be had in the system. The only hand we will get is the one at the end of our own arms. Collectively, that is the most powerful force on Earth.
Katie Scott, WA
20th September 2007
Today, two of my classmates and I gave a presentation to our peers regarding the Howard government's intervention... I feel we presented well the plain facts that this government gave no consideration whatsoever as to the 97 recommendations made from the "Little Children Are Sacred" report. After the presentation the class erupted in conversation as to the government's patriarchal invasion of our most beloved traditional owners' land. All I can say is .... Sorry for what is and has been done.
Kirsty Hewer, VIC
19th September 2007
My people are Ngunawal, we live in Canberra where white man makes this policy. My countrymen that live in NT please know that you have my love, my strength and our culture.
WHY DO WE ALWAYS NEED TO LOSE SOMETHING WHEN THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO MAKE US WHITE!!!
Delephene Fraser, ACT
18th September 2007
We should be helping our people move forward - we cannot do much about what happened in the past but we can make a difference in the future of our people and this country.
Kerin Carpenter, NSW
17th September 2007
It's a sad, sad day when the Australian Government believes they have the right to strip human beings of their basic rights .... we must find a better way to help the Indigenous people of our country.
Lesley Watt, NSW
16th September 2007
I have lived on an outstation for 30 years married to an Aboriginal, proud to say I am Territorian but now I feel ashamed, branded by this government as almost an animal, not able to manage my own life, the government has to dictate to me where I am going to live and how I will live.
My island home is my life, this intervention rips out my heart and that of all Aboriginal women.
Clely Yumbulul, Northern Territory
15th September 2007
Thank you for doing this - I'm so glad there is somewhere I can go to register my dismay at what this government is now doing in the name of 'helping'. If it makes me sad and angry I can't begin to think how it must feel to be a family in one of the targeted communities in the NT.
Joy Murray, NSW
14th September 2007
I feel all women need to take a stand on this; it's what makes us human.
Libby Knight, Queensland
13th September 2007
As appalled as I am by the government's action, I was even more appalled to learn today that they are planning to do away with the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP). Are these people to be left with no dignity at all?
Alison Slocombe, NSW
11th September 2007
The future belongs to our children. They are a sacred trust, a gift to us all to nurture and protect. But, what kind of future will result from this intervention? Where are the visionary partnerships, the positive bridges between Aboriginal people and government? Where is the commitment to building a future that will honour us all? This situation needs to be independently and closely monitored.
Sally Morgan, WA
10th September 2007
As a white woman growing up in England I had never heard of the experience of the Aboriginal people who were the Stolen Generation; we heard about apartheid in South Africa, but similar atrocities here in Australia were never publicised. When I emigrated in the early 1990s, I never dreamt I would have to witness such shameful activities. I cannot believe that we are bearing witness to such atrocities again in the year 2007.
Kathy Prentice, Qld
9th September, 2007
Let the actions of this government towards the Aboriginal people of the NT backfire! The intent to remove land rights under the guise of care for aboriginal children has raised the profile of those people and the shame on all Australians for turning away from the appalling living conditions experienced by people in the communities. Now is the time to listen to the women in particular and seriously address their concerns.
Annette Brownlie, Qld
8th September, 2007
I think that all Australian women must continue to act in their territories. I'm very happy to see Australian women fighting for their rights and Aboriginal rights over their land. Those who lose their cultural origins lose their identity!! Please, fight until the end for your culture and your rights. From the Catalan countries we will always support you.
Didac Roman, Catalan Countries
7th September, 2007
I would like to endorse the statement on the need to monitor the
implementation of the Federal Government's intervention in Aboriginal
communities in remote areas.
My fear is that the current campaign is being used to drive yet another
wedge between Aboriginal people and the rest of the community. Yes,
action is needed, but it needs to be carefully thought out in full
cooperation with Aboriginal people. We should work together with respect
and love and avoid any attempt at domination - especially avoiding any
action that is taken mainly for political purposes.
Dr Rosemary Stanton OAM, NSW
6th September, 2007
A decade on from Wik, I personally cannot believe that the Australian government has regressed so badly. I am sure that my late husband, Fred, would be outraged at this interventionist approach taken without any proper consultation. Surely the major thing we've learned from our history is that nothing works unless we put control and decision-making in the hands of Aboriginal people and their wonderful organisations.
Gabi Hollows, NSW
5th September, 2007
I'm totally appalled at the Federal government's actions - how they did it out of the blue and all the wrong way, and how little knowledgeable and sensible thought they put into their so-called 'solutions' and strategies. But most of all, I'm incensed at how downright insulting their approach and actions are to all the Indigenous people and organisations who've been working so hard and so long, day in day out, with very little support, to improve quality of life for their people and communities. It makes my blood boil - but that's not very helpful to anyone. I want to be able to take some more effective personal action and hope that Women for Wik might point out some concrete things that people like me can do.
Betty Hounslow, NSW
4th September, 2007
After climate change, reconciliation is the single most important issue facing future generations. As women, we want a better future for everyone's children.
Ann Hearn, NSW
3rd September, 2007
You go girls!!! Keep up the good work.
Angela Firman, WA
Together, we can make a difference.
Fairlie Arthur, Victoria
2nd September, 2007
What we want and need is power "with" not power "over".
Ros Thorpe, Queensland
1st September, 2007
I am particularly concerned to protect native title land rights. Fifty years ago my home and land were resumed by our state government. I bear the emotional scars of that loss still and can empathise in some small way with indigenous people facing this latest land rights challenge. I believe we must stand firm with our indigenous sisters to protect their rights. I might be nearly 99 years old but gladly add my voice to the Women for Wik action and urge women everywhere to do likewise. You are never too old to speak out when an issue is as important as this.
Grace Henman, Queensland |
