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Appendix 2: Chronology of Events Relating to the Administration of Indigenous Affairs - Social Justice Report 2011

Social Justice Report 2011

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Appendix 2: Chronology of Events Relating to the Administration of
Indigenous Affairs

1 July 2010 – 30 June 2011

DATE
EVENT / SUMMARY OF ISSUE

2 July 2010

Torres Strait Islander sea rights
recognised by Federal Court

The Federal Court recognised the Torres Strait Regional Sea Claim
Group’s native title rights over about 37 800sq. km of sea between Cape
York Peninsula and Papua New
Guinea.[1]

The decision is
important because the non-exclusive native title rights include the right to
access marine resources for any purpose, including commercial
purposes.[2]

2 July 2010

Central Australian ranger program received
funding

The Central Land Council received $5.1 million to expand an Aboriginal
ranger program in seven remote locations across Central Australia. This was one
of eight land and sea management projects to receive grants from the Aboriginals
Benefit Account (ABA).[3]



3 July 2010

Government releases native title
discussion paper


The discussion paper ‘Leading Practice Agreements: Maximising
Outcomes from Native Title Benefits’ called for public consultation on
reforms to promote leading practice in native title agreements and governance of
native title payments. It also considered streamlining the future acts processes
and clarifying the meaning of ‘in good faith’ under the right to
negotiate provisions.[4]

4 July 2010

Ancestral remains in Washington, handed
back to Traditional Owners in Arnhem Land

Nine ancestral remains were returned to Arnhem Land Traditional Owners
from Groote Eylandt, Gunbalanya and Milingimbi at a ceremony in Washington,
United States of America (USA).

The remains were removed during the 1948
American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land and were housed at the
Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of Natural History. Since 1990 more than 1
150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains have been returned
from six countries, but over 1 000 are still held in museums
worldwide.[5]

4 – 11 July 2010

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
culture and the contributions of individuals in various fields.

The 2010
NAIDOC Week theme was Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their
Way
. Among the ten National NAIDOC Award Winners, Dennis Eggington was
awarded Person of the year and recognition for Lifetime Achievement went to
Vince Coulthard.[6]

9 July 2010

ABA grant to the Traditional Credit Union
(TCU)

Eleven remote Northern Territory (NT) communities will have improved
access to financial services and financial literacy through a $14 million ABA
grant to the TCU.

The TCU was established by Aboriginal people to provide
financial services to residents in Arnhem Land communities who were
disadvantaged by the lack of banking and financial
services.[7]

9 July 2010

NAIDOC Day

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick
Gooda and the Co-Chairs of the National Congress of Australians First Peoples
(the National Congress) highlight constitutional reform as the next major step
in reconciliation and to achieving the full recognition of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander rights.[8]

12 July 2010

Australian and Northern Territory (NT)
Governments partner to deliver new family support services

The Australian Government committed to providing $5.3 million over
three years, with the NT Government contributing $7.2 million over two years to
establish and run new parenting support and playgroup services in the NT. Local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will receive employment and
training to deliver the
services.[9]

15 July 2010

Progress on National Partnership
Agreement (NPA) on Remote Indigenous Housing (RIH)

The Australian Government released results under the NPA RIH which was
renegotiated in December last year when it became clear that progress was
insufficient to meet the targets.

The states and the NT have delivered
316 new houses and 828 refurbishments in remote Aboriginal communities across
Australia in 2009-10. The 2009-10 targets for RIH were 320 new houses and 587
refurbishments.[10]

17 July 2010

Marulu: The Lililwan Project into Foetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

The first Australian study into the prevalence and impact of Foetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorder on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was
initiated by the Fitzroy Valley community in Western Australia (WA), with the
support of a $1 million Australian Government
grant.[11]

6 - 10 August 2010

12th annual Garma
Festival

The Garma Festival, held at Gulkula (40 km from Nhulunbuy), is one of
Australia's most significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural
events. The festival sees an annual pilgrimage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples throughout Arnhem Land, the NT and the rest of
Australia. 

The festival aims to promote and preserve Yolngu culture
through song, dance, art and
ceremony.[12] The key theme of Garma
2010 was ‘Indigenous Education and
Training’.[13]

8 August 2010

International Day of the World’s
Indigenous People

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick
Gooda, called on Australian legislators and policy makers to mark International
Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by making a commitment to fully
implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(the Declaration).[14]

7 September 2010

Federal Court case filed against
Andrew Bolt

The Federal Court case filed against Herald Sun columnist Andrew Bolt
included racial vilification charges following articles he wrote on the racial
identity of Aboriginal people in
2009.[15]

13 September 2010

Third anniversary of the
Declaration

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
Mick Gooda announced the future release of community education materials on the
Declaration. Since Australia’s support for the Declaration, it has become
used increasingly in the legal and political
landscape.[16]

14 September 2010

Prime Minister Gillard reinstated
Snowdon as Minister for Indigenous Health

Prime Minster Julia Gillard did not include Warren Snowdon as
Indigenous Health Minister when reshuffling her frontbench on the 11th
September.[17]

Mr Snowdon
was reinstated as the Indigenous Health Minister after reservations from peak
Aboriginal organisations that the Indigenous health portfolio had been
overlooked.[18]

20 September 2010

United Nations (UN) Special
Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples (Special Rapporteur) reports on
Australia to the Human Rights Council

The country report resulting from the visit to Australia by Special
Rapporteur, James Anaya in 2009, recommended that programs aimed at reducing the
disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be better
devised to advance cultural integrity and self-determination. It was also noted
the despite recent amendments to the NT Emergency Response (NTER) to meet human
rights obligations, the legislation still remains a subject of
concern.[19]

20 September 2010

Australia’s response to the
Special Rapporteur

In response to the Special Rapporteur the Australian Government
highlighted its commitment to close the gap in social and economic outcomes
through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and noted the need to work
towards full enjoyment of human rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people.

The Government confirmed that while it will maintain the core
measure of the NTER, it will be redesigned in an attempt to comply with the
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)
(RDA).[20]

22 September 2010

Regional Partnership Agreement for
New England Region

The Australian and New South Wales (NSW) Governments and the 14 local
Aboriginal land councils in the NSW Aboriginal Land Council's Northern Region
Forum, made a long-term commitment to sustainable social and economic outcomes
for Aboriginal people in the New England region. This was the Australian
Government’s 11th regional partnership
agreement.[21]

27 September 2010

The 16th annual Deadly
Awards

Twenty-eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and
organisations received awards at the 16th annual Deadly Awards. The Deadlys
showcase the depth of talent and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islanders across the fields of sport, the arts, education, health, employment,
cultural advancement and leadership.

Among the winners, Bran Nue Dae won
film of the year, Colleen Carwood from the Prince of Wales Hospital was named
Indigenous Health Worker of the Year and Dan Sultan won Male Artist of the
Year.[22]

28 September 2010

Human remains handed back to the
Torres Strait Islanders

Representatives from the Torres Strait Islands travelled to the World
Museum in Liverpool to collect the remains of a young child that was removed
from Erub (Darnley Island) 161 years
ago.[23]

28 September 2010

Ken Wyatt the first Aboriginal
member of the House of Representatives

Ken Wyatt is the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to be
elected to the House of Representatives, as the Member for Hasluck in WA. Mr
Wyatt is a former teacher and public servant and is of Noongar, Yamatji and
Wongi heritage.[24]

30 September 2010

House of Representatives Economics
Committee to examine Wild Rivers

The Government announced that it will refer the issues of the Wild
Rivers Act 2005
(Qld) to the House of Representatives Economics Committee
for inquiry. The inquiry will look into a range of issues affecting Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander economic development in Queensland (Qld), the
operation of environmental and industry regulation and the native title system.
The Economics Committee is to report in March
2011.[25]

5 October 2010

Coordinator General for Remote
Indigenous Services released his second 6-month report

The second report from Brian Gleeson, Coordinator General for Remote
Indigenous Services, detailed improvements in delivering essential services to
people living in 29 priority locations across Australia.

The
recommendations focus on addressing issues in future Local Implementation Plans,
some include:
  • Using baseline mapping more effectively to inform joint
    planning.
  • Support for community level efforts responding to Early Childhood
    education and care issues.
  • Increasing education and attendance focus.
  • Addressing identified infrastructure
    deficits.

Recommendations also focus on addressing systemic
issues, including:
  • Review and revision of agencies’ program funding arrangements
    to ensure they are responsive and flexible and applying place-based
    approaches.
  • Any review of COAG National Partnerships should assess contribution
    to Closing the Gap.
  • Support by agencies for the complex and difficult work undertaken in
    Regional Operations Centres.
    [26]

6 October 2010

Housing and refurbishment works for the
Alice Springs town camps

The package of housing and refurbishment works for Alice Springs town
camps was announced. The Australian and NT Governments will build 85 new
houses, 101 rebuilds and 33 refurbishments in an attempt to resolve acute
overcrowding and sub-standard housing which has prevented town camp residents
from having the most basic human rights. Only 18 new houses and 19 rebuilds have
already been completed or are
underway.[27]

8 October 2010

Evaluation released on trial of child
protection and voluntary income management in Perth and the Kimberley

An independent evaluation of the Australian Government’s trial of
child protection and voluntary income management in Perth and the Kimberley was
conducted by Orima Research.

The evaluation suggested program
improvements and recommendations to improve compulsory income management and
voluntary income management
programs.[28]

8 October 2010

Government introduces child protection
income management in the NT

As part of the Australian Government’s attempt to roll out a
non-discriminatory income management across the NT, child protection income
management has been introduced.

NT Government child protection workers
can now refer parents to Centrelink for compulsory income management when
children are seen as neglected or are at risk of neglect. Under child protection
income management, seventy per cent of parents’ welfare payments are
quarantined and restricted to necessities such as food and
clothing.[29]

18 October 2010

‘Growing them strong,
together’ report released

The Growing them strong, together report reviewed the child
protection system in the NT. The Report by the Board of Inquiry found the system
consistently failed children and recommended focusing on prevention,
collaboration, strengthening families and greater Aboriginal control and
involvement of service delivery.

The Inquiry’s three
co‐chairs, Professor Muriel Bamblett, Dr Howard Bath and Dr Rob Roseby,
recommended immediate action to deal with an overburdened system, preventative
measures to deal with upstream problems and a dual response system to helping
vulnerable families that doesn’t depend on statutory
interventions.[30]

22 October 2010

The Gunaikurnai Native Title
determination by the Federal Court

The Federal Court recognised the Gunaikurnai people's native title
rights in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The consent determination was the
first settlement under the new Victorian native title settlement framework,
Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) (the Act). This new
legislation recognises the special relationship Aboriginal people in Victoria
have with their land and the rights they hold. This legislation is specifically
designed to provide statutory authority ‘Framework
agreements’.
Significantly, it will see the return of land to the
Gunaikurnai people through grants of Aboriginal Title over ten national parks in
Gippsland. Aboriginal Title is a new form of Victorian land tenure which has
been created under the Act. This settlement creates a partnership approach in
the joint management of public lands in
Gippsland.[31]

27 October 2010

Cape York welfare reform trial reports

The Cape York Family Responsibilities Commission’s Annual
Report 2009-10
and its 8th Quarterly Report April–June 2010
were tabled in Qld Parliament. The Reports show more people are being
referred to services and income management, which places more pressure on
services.[32]

3 November 2010

National Press Club address

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick
Gooda, spoke about the priorities of his term, to develop stronger and deeper
relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the rest
of Australia, all levels of government and between Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples.[33]

4 November 2010

Healing Foundation announced new
community healing projects

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation announced
$2 million for 20 community-led healing projects. These projects focus on
overcoming the traumatic legacy of colonisation, forced removals and other past
government policies.[34]

8 November 2010

Prime Minister Gillard announced the
establishment of an Expert Panel on constitutional reform

The Federal Government announced that it will create an Expert Panel on
Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians (Panel) to lead a broad
national consultation and community engagement program to seek a wide spectrum
of views and advise government on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people in the
Constitution.[35]

8 November 2010

Low aromatic Opal fuel available in
Kakadu National Park

The Australian Government committed $83.8 million to tackle petrol
sniffing, which included introducing Opal fuel to 39 new retail sites across the
NT, WA and Qld. Opal is already available in 106 sites around
Australia.[36]

10 November 2010

Gunbalanya Community Local Reference
Group sign Local Implementation Plan

The remote Arnhem Land community of Gunbalanya was the first NT town to
sign a Local Implementation Plan outlining priority actions in early childhood
education, schooling, housing and community safety. The plan was signed by the
Australian and NT Governments, the West Arnhem Shire Council and the local
Reference Group of
Gunbalanya.[37]

11 November 2010

Indigenous Opportunities Policy (IOP)

Under the revised IOP policy that applies to Australian Government
projects greater than $5 million, businesses dealing in regions with significant
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations will be required to employ and
train local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and local Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander suppliers beginning from July
2011.[38]

12 November 2010

Canada officially endorsed the
Declaration

When the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration in September 2007,
Australia, New Zealand, The USA and Canada were the only countries to vote
against it. Australia reversed its position and endorsed the Declaration in
April 2009, New Zealand followed in April 2010 and Canada in November
2010.[39]

25 November 2010

NSW Australian of the Year

Professor Larissa Behrendt was named NSW Australian of the year, in
recognition of her advocacy for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people.[40]

25 November 2010

Native Title Amendments
passed

The Native Title Amendment Act (No 1) 2010 (Cth) makes it easier
for public housing and infrastructure to be built on land where native title may
exist.[41]

26 November 2010

Independent evaluation of Cape York
welfare reform released

An independent evaluation of the Indigenous welfare reform program in
Cape York was released by consulting firm KPMG. The report focuses on the Family
Responsibilities Commission (FRC) and highlights recommendations to improve the
Commission’s processes and communication with partners and community
members.

Recommendations included:
  • Appointing one or more deputy commissioners.
  • Streamlining FRC administration processes.
  • Providing training and development support for emerging and existing leaders
    in the four
    communities.[42]

2 December 2010

AFL SportsReady reached it’s 1
000th Indigenous trainee

Through AFL SportsReady, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees
from around Australia receive full-time or school-based employment placements in
the sports and leisure industry and training for Certificate II or
above.[43]

3 December 2010

Sub-regional consultation on
‘The operationalization of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples by National Human rights Institutions

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick
Gooda attended a meeting of representatives from National Human Rights
Institutions (NHRI).Indigenous People’s Organisations also attended from
15 countries in the Asia Pacific Region to discuss their role in the
implementation of the Declaration. A resolution was adopted recognising the
Declaration as a comprehensive statement of rights and
responsibilities.[44]

9 December 2010

Indigenous Chronic Disease
Package Annual Progress Report 2009-2010 released

The first government report detailing the achievements and progress of
the Australian Government’s Indigenous Chronic Disease Package was
released.

The report highlights that one of the key barriers to improving
health care outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is poor
access to primary health care services. The Package attempts to address issues
such as cost, location or transport problems, and the provision of culturally
sensitive services.[45]

10 December 2010

Australian Human Rights
Commission(AHRC) Awards

The Human Rights Medal recognises outstanding contributions to advance
human rights in Australia. Thérèse Rein was awarded the Human
Rights Medal for 2010. Jack Maning-Bancroft from the Australian Indigenous
Mentoring Experience was awarded the Human Rights Young People’s
Medal.[46]

16 December 2010

First Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Rhode Scholar

An Adelaide University student has become Australia's first Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Rhodes Scholar. Anthropology student Rebecca Richards
will study a Masters of Philosophy when she enrols at Oxford University next
September.[47]

16 December 2010

The USA support the
Declaration

The USA endorsed the Declaration, being the final State to vote against
the Declaration in 2007 to reverse its position. This is a major breakthrough
for Indigenous peoples around the world.

There is now international
consensus on Indigenous rights and support for the survival, dignity and
wellbeing of indigenous
peoples.[48]

23 December 2010

Government appoints the Panel on
constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
People

The Australian Government announced the membership of the Panel,
consisting of a range of individuals. Including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community leaders, constitutional experts and parliamentary members.
The Panel will be co-chaired by Professor Patrick Dodson and Mr Mark Leibler
AC.[49]

31 December 2010

RDA Reinstated in relation to the
NTER

The Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform
and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act) Act 2010
(Cth) was passed by
the Australian Parliament on 21 June 2010 and came in to force on 31 December
2010.

Legislative amendments formally lifted the suspension of the RDA in
relation to the NTER legislation. This means that s 9 of the RDA will apply to
decisions and actions under or for the purposes of the NTER legislation. Section
10 of the RDA will also apply in relation to the NTER legislation itself. 


However, the amendments did not expressly state that the RDA would
prevail even if contrary to the NTER legislation. The amendments also included
retrospective application provisions. The result of this is that if the NTER
legislation cannot be read so as to be consistent with the RDA, the NTER
legislation, being the later legislation, will prevail. In other words, if there
is a conflict, the NTER legislation will override the RDA. Any remaining
discriminatory measures under the NTER, such as the compulsory acquisition of
five-year leases, cannot be challenged under the RDA. Furthermore, measures the
Government considers to be ‘special measures’ under the RDA, may not
in fact be compliant with the requirements of a special measure under the
RDA.[50]

3 January 2011

The NT Strategic Indigenous Housing and
Infrastructure Program (SIHIP)

The SIHIP exceeded its 2010 targets of 150 new houses and 1 000
rebuilds and refurbishments, with174 new houses built and 1 023 rebuilds and
refurbishments
completed.[51]

However these
targets do not reflect issues highlighted in the Strategic Indigenous Housing
Infrastructure Program: Post Review Assessment- 2010
, concerned with the
long term sustainability of outcomes such as:
  • the ability to ‘normalise’ remote housing
  • population growth in remote communities
  • the future of funding and program management resources when the NPA RIH
    ceases in 2018.[52]

19 January 2011

Charges laid in Mr Ward case

In 2008 Mr Ward died after being transported across the Goldfields in
the back of a prison van. Four charges have been laid under the Occupational
Safety and Health Act 1984
(WA). WorkSafe will prosecute the State of WA
(Department of Corrective Services), government contractor G4S Custodial
Services Pty Ltd (formerly GSL Custodial Services Pty Ltd) and the two drivers
involved in the death of Mr Ward in January
2008.[53]

26 January 2011
AFL representatives at the UN

Andrew McLeod, Michael Long and Andrew Demetriou presented at the
‘Combating Racism Through Sport’ Forum in Geneva using AFL as a
leading example of addressing racism in
sport.[54] Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda also participated on the
panel.[55]

27 January 2011

Australia attends the UN Universal
Periodic Review (UPR)

During the UPR in Geneva, nearly 50 countries questioned the Australian
Government on its human rights record, making 145
recommendations.[56]

A number
of key recommendations addressed the ongoing disparity of rights for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people including, full reinstatement of the RDA,
implementation of the Declaration in Australian law, native title reform,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration rates and a compensation
tribunal for the Stolen
Generations.[57]

28 January 2011

Roundtable for
overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the
criminal justice system

The Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
conducted a roundtable with representatives from around the nation to discuss
the justice system and how it could better meet the needs of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander youth before finalising its report into the high level of
involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander juveniles and young adults
in the criminal justice system.[58]

1 February 2011

UPR report adopted in Geneva

Australia has until June 2011 to formally respond to the
recommendations made by the international community in the Report of the Working
Group on the UPR. The Australian Government has agreed to use the outcomes of
UPR to inform the development of Australia’s National Human Rights Action
Plan. The Australian Government committed to table the concluding observations
from treaty bodies and UPR recommendations in
Parliament.[59]

1 February 2011

Australian Government released the
framework for independent evaluation of new income management measures

The Australian Government released the framework for the independent
evaluation of a new model of non-discriminatory income management that was
applied across the NT and in parts of WA.

The two-stage evaluation will
run until 2014, delivering a series of annual reports and the results will
inform further implementation across Australia.

The new model of income
management replaces the model of income management introduced as part of the
NTER that was inconsistent with the
RDA.[60]

8 February 2011

Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare report shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smoking rate in
decline

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released a report
showing a decrease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people smoking from
53% in 2002 to 50% in 2008. The rate was still much higher than the
non-Indigenous rate of 17%. Smoking is the number one cause of chronic
conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.

The study also found that the amount of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who completely abstain from alcohol
is twice that of the non-Indigenous
population.[61]

8 February 2011

‘Statement on Aboriginal rights
by leading Australians’

The former chief justice of the Family Court in Australia, Alastair
Nicholson, and the former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser met with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander elders and other Australians in Melbourne to sign a
document calling for changes to the NTER. Larissa Behrendt, Julian Burnside QC,
Phil Lynch and Patrick Dodson were also signatories.

The document,
called the ‘Statement on Aboriginal Rights’, raises concerns that
the Intervention remains discriminatory with inadequate consultation and is
failing to address housing, health and
education.[62]

9 February 2011

Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivered
the 3rd annual Closing the Gap statement to Parliament

In the Closing the Gap statement, the Prime Minister set targets in
health, education and employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, this included:
  • decreasing the mortality rate
  • increasing life expectancy
  • providing better access to early childhood education
  • improving reading, writing and numeracy skills
  • increasing year 12 retention rates
  • increasing employment outcomes.
The Prime Minister also
highlighted that recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
in the constitution would be a day of great national
pride.[63]

9 February 2011

Partnership with the National Congress
to Close the Gap

Thirteen national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health peak
bodies and stakeholders from around the country met with the Prime Minister to
discuss how government can work in real partnership to close the gap in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health inequality.

Prime Minister
Julia Gillard announced that she will work with the Congress and the Close the
Gap Steering Committee. Minister Warren Snowdon and Minister Nicola Roxon agreed
to develop a long term national plan to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander life expectancy by
2030.[64]

11 February 2011

Launch of the 2010 Native Title and
Social Justice Reports

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick
Gooda officially launched the first reports of his five year term. The reports
are focused on building positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people and governments, the wider population and within
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Significance was
placed on discussing the history-making opportunity the nation faces as it
considers recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the
Australian Constitution.[65]

12 February 2011

NSW high school students retraced the
Freedom Rides

Thirty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous
students departed from Sydney University to retrace the 2300km ‘Freedom
Rides’ through 21 NSW country towns led by Charles Perkins in
1965.

The students carried a message stick to present to the Australian
Government supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition in the
Australian Constitution.[66]



13 February 2011

The 3rd anniversary of the National
Apology

Community groups across Australia marked the third anniversary of the
Apology to Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the
Stolen Generations with a series of local
events.[67]

14 February 2011

Reconciliation Australia released
the 2010 Reconciliation Barometer findings

The study revealed that relationships between Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians are improving and that most
Australians believe the relationship is important. It also revealed there is
still a low level of trust between the two groups, low levels of cultural
understanding and high levels of
prejudice.[68]

23 February 2011

University of Western Sydney
released ‘Challenging Racism’ research

The University of Western Sydney released the findings of the
‘Challenging Racism Project’ research for which the AHRC was a
partner. After twelve years of in-depth study and comprehensive surveys of more
than 12 500 Australians, the Challenging Racism Project produced findings about
Australian attitudes towards people of different races, ethnicities and
cultures, and their experiences of racism and
prejudice.[69]

Over 90% of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians believed
there was racial prejudice in Australia but less than 15% of both groups
admitted they were racially prejudiced against other
cultures.[70]

24 February 2011

Kevin Spratt acquitted of charges in
the WA Supreme Court

An Aboriginal man, Mr Kevin Spratt, tasered 14 times at a Perth
watch-house successfully appealed his conviction for obstructing police. The WA
Supreme Court acquitted the charges after Justice Stephen Hall ruled there had
been a miscarriage of justice. Justice Hall said Mr Spratt's guilty plea had
been induced by false allegations that were made by the police
prosecution.[71]

25 February 2011

Taking Action to Tackle Suicide
package fast tracked

Department of Health confirmed that some of the $274 million Taking
Action to Tackle Suicide package would be fast tracked to address urgent needs
in the Kimberley region. Funding is to assist communities being affected by
suicides among young Aboriginal people in the
Kimberley.[72]

28 February 2011

The Productivity Commission released
the first Indigenous Expenditure Report

The report forms part of the COAG commitment to reporting transparency
on expenditure on services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Australians.[73]

Key points
of the report included:
  • Significant gaps in outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
    People and nonIndigenous Australians.
  • Limited information available on expenditure relating to Aboriginal and
    Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Data quality and methodological challenges remain to be resolved in
    future.
  • Expenditure on services related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
    people is expected to be greater than nonIndigenous Australians, given
    significant relative disadvantage and factors such as providing mainstream
    services in remote
    areas.[74]

4 March 2011

Legal action against ‘Action for
Alice’ advertisements

Alice Spring residents represented by human rights lawyer George
Newhouse took legal action against advertisements being run on the Imparja
television network by business owner group ‘Action for Alice’.
Advertisements were said to be racist and vilify Aboriginal
people.[75]

9 March 2011

Adelaide City Council issues notice to
vacate Yeundumu community group

Following a number of conflicts since September due to a dispute
between families in the NT community of Yeundumu, a group from the community
sought refuge in South Australia (SA). Adelaide City Council issued a notice to
the group to cease camping and to vacate by the end of the
week.[76]

10 March 2011

5th anniversary of Close the
Gap National Press Club, Canberra

Close the Gap co-chairs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social
Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and Tom Calma spoke at the National Press Club
marking five years since the Close the Gap campaign began.

The Close the
Gap Campaign for Indigenous Health Equality has been the mobilising force behind
efforts to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
More than 20 peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous
health, and health professional, peak bodies drive the
campaign.[77]

10 March 2011

Return of remains from the United
Kingdom’s Natural History
Museum

The United Kingdom’s Natural History Museum will return
138 ancestral remains belonging to the Torres Strait Islander
community.

This is the single largest return of Torres Strait Islander
ancestral remains from an overseas
collection.[78]

11 March 2011

Alice Springs Transformation
Plan

The Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the NT
Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, announced a $4.1 million package of initiatives
to support the community of Alice Springs as part of the Alice Springs
Transformation Plan.[79]

15 March 2011

Investigating police officers into death
in custody on Palm Island

Qld Police Service (QPS) fails to take disciplinary action against
police officers involved in investigation around the death in custody of
Mulrunji Doomadgee on Palm Island.

The Crime and Misconduct commission
will seek legislative change to install independent review of QPS disciplinary
decisions.[80]

21 March

The Australian Greens Table Native Title
Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011

The Private Senators Bill includes amendments to native title law,
removing some of the barriers to effective outcomes. Reforms in this bill
address the barriers claimants face in making the case to demonstrate their
pre-existing native title rights and
interests.[81]

24 March 2011

National Close the Gap Day

More than 850 National Close the Gap Day events were run in schools,
workplaces and other community venues across all states and territories in an
unprecedented show of support for the
campaign.[82]

25 March 2011

Day release reinstated for Mr Noble in
WA

Mr Noble has spent over a decade in jail without being
convicted.[83] In March 2003, Mr
Noble was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial and detained until the Mentally
Impaired Accused Review Board could examine his situation.

This
highlights a lack of mental health facilities and inflexible policies and
procedures of the Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board which has kept him in
prison for 10 years.[84]

28 March 2011

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd
commits to reflect the Declaration

Mr Rudd addressed the UN Human Rights Council. In his speech he stated
that the Australian Government has sought to reflect the principles of the
Declaration in relation to their laws and policies that affect Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples. Mr Rudd also highlighted the government’s
commitment to the ‘Closing the Gap’ program, while acknowledging
there is still much more to
do.[85]

28 March 2011

Establishment of the Australian Centre
for Indigenous Knowledge and Education

Charles Darwin University and the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous
Tertiary Education will partner to establish the Australian Centre for
Indigenous Knowledge and Education to jointly deliver qualifications in areas of
significant relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
including health, education and Indigenous knowledge.

The Centre plans to
use mobile learning units to service remote areas to ensure that the services
will be available to as many people as
possible.[86]

31 March 2011

500th Indigenous Land Use Agreement
(ILUA)

The 500th ILUA was registered with the National Native Title
Tribunal.[87] ILUAs were introduced
as a result of the Native Title Amendment Act 1998
(Cth).[88]

4 April 2011

Report into remote Indigenous service
delivery

The third six monthly report from the Coordinator General for Remote
Indigenous Services, Brian Gleeson, provides a community by community assessment
of progress, particularly in relation to the Government and Community agreed
Local Implementation Plans in each
community.[89]

5 April 2011

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda visits Alice Springs

After a three day trip to Alice Springs Commissioner Gooda highlighted
that access to essential services for Town Campers and continuation of long-term
investment in Alice Springs is needed to move forward.

The Alice Springs
community needs a coordinated approach to finding solutions and racism and
relationship tensions also need to be resolved. The Commissioner also called for
legislation to introduce a floor price on
alcohol.[90]

12 April 2011

Twenty year anniversary of Royal
Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick
Gooda addressed a forum in Redfern marking 20 years since the release of one of
the country’s landmark reports into Indigenous affairs. There are more
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison now than when the RCIADIC
reported in 1991. Commissioner Gooda highlighted the need to focus on evidence
based alternatives like justice reinvestment, a criminal justice approach that
diverts a portion of funds spent on imprisonment to local communities where
there is a high concentration of
offenders.[91]

A Joint Call
to Action was also released endorsed by a range of Aboriginal and community
legal services and human rights organisations aimed at dramatically reducing the
over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our
jails.[92]

19 April 2011

The National Congress Co-Chairs
elected

Jody Broun and Les Malezer were elected as Co-Chairs of the National
Congress.[93] The elected Co-Chairs
will work to expand the National Congress as a voice for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people of
Australia.[94]

5 May 2011

WA Government pleads guilty in death of Mr
Ward

The Department of Corrective Services pleaded guilty to failing to
ensure Mr Ward was not exposed to
hazards.[95]

11 May 2011

Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara native
title determination

Federal Court’s recognised the native title rights in the
Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara claim around Coober Pedy in SA.

The
consent determination covers approximately 75 991 sq. km, and is the first SA
native title settlement to which the Australian Government has been a
party.[96]

16-27 May 2011

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
voice at the UN

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
delegates attended the Tenth
Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. The
Australian delegation, numbering around 40, was co‐chaired by Janine Gertz
and Brian Wyatt. During the forum the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Delegation focused on the importance of implementing the
Declaration.[97]

3 June 2011
Major native title agreement for the Pilbara
region

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation represented the Nyiyaparli, Puutu
Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura, Kuruma and Marthudunera and Ngarlawangga traditional
owners in negotiations.

The agreements, which provide for land access
and cooperation across more than 71 000 sq. km in relation to Rio Tinto’s
iron ore business, are amongst the largest and most comprehensive native title
agreements ever made.

These unique agreements provide an option for
traditional owners to enter an additional Regional Agreement through a Regional
Aboriginal Corporation and recognises the inclusion of a ‘Future
Fund’ as a way to provide intergenerational benefits for traditional
owners.[98]

7-9 June 2011

Inaugural National Congress
meeting

The first meeting of the National Congress was attended by the 120
Delegates from which the first board was elected. The meeting focused on future
policy areas and the future engagement of the National Congress with its
members.[99]

8 June 2011

Rio Tinto Alcan Gove Traditional Owners
Agreement

This is the first negotiated agreement with traditional owners in
relation to the Gove mining operations since exploration began in the 1960s
without consent. The Agreement has been designed so payments from mining will be
principally managed through two traditional owner entities, the Gumatj Future
Fund and the Rirratjingu Aboriginal
Corporation.[100]

21 June 2011

Report on over-incarceration of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth

Twenty years after the RICADIC, the Standing Committee on Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has tabled a report into the high
representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander juveniles and young
adults in the criminal justice system.

The report focuses on justice
targets, justice reinvestment, prevention and early intervention strategies to
reduce the alarming detention and incarceration rates for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.[101]

22 June 2011

Discussion paper Stronger Futures in the
NT

The Australian Government's new discussion paper, Stronger Futures
in the Northern Territory,
will form the basis of conversations as the NTER
comes to an end. The discussion paper proposed areas for future action,
including:
  • school attendance and educational achievement
  • economic development and employment
  • tackling alcohol abuse
  • community safety
  • health
  • food security
  • housing
  • governance.[102]

The
discussion paper also provided a timeframe for consultations on the proposals
from late June to mid August 2011.

29 June 2011

40 Year leases signed in the NT

The NT communities of Hermannsburg and Lajamanu signed 40 year leases
under the NPA RIH in order for governments to begin work on building essential
new houses.[103]

29 June 2011

Review of remote services

A review of remote employment services was announced, along with
establishing a Remote Participation and Employment Services Engagement Panel,
the government will release a discussion paper and a DVD on remote employment
servicing in a variety of traditional
languages.[104]

29 June 2011

End of longest land rights
claim

The Kenbi Land Claim, lodged in 1979, is one of the longest running
land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act
1976
(Cth).

On 14 December 2000, Justice Gray ruled that 600 sq. km
of the Cox Peninsular, adjacent to Darwin Harbour, be granted to the Larrakia.
Despite this, no land was granted by the Commonwealth government until
2011.[105]

Most of this
land will be transferred, as NT freehold land, for development by the Larrakia
Development Corporation. Other land in the northern portion of the claim area
will be transferred to an Aboriginal land trust to be established under NT
legislation. However, a section of land requiring significant remediation will
continue to be held by the Australian Government pending assessment and further
consultations.[106]

 

^Top


[1] See National Native Title
Tribunal, Torres Strait Islanders’ sea rights recognised, www.nntt.gov.au/News-and-Communications/Newsletters/Talking-Native-Title/Pages/TorresStraitIslanderssearightsrecognised.aspx (viewed 11 April 2011).

[2] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Successful Torres Strait regional sea claim cause for celebration’
(Media Release, 2 July 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/65_10.html (viewed 12 May 2011).

[3] The Hon
J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs and The Hon W Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health, ‘Central
Australian Aboriginal ranger program receives $5.1 million boost’ (Media
Release, 2 July 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/central_oz_5mboost_2july2010.aspx (viewed 14 April 2011).

[4] Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Native Title Discussion Paper, http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/indigenous/progserv/land/Pages/native_title_discussion_paper.aspx (viewed 15 April 2011).

[5] The Hon
J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs, ‘Indigenous traditional owners to bring home remains from the
United States’ (Media Release, 4 July 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/indigenous_traditional_owners_to_bring_home_remains_from_the_united_states.aspx (viewed 15 April 2011).

[6] NAIDOC, Winners profile, http://www.naidoc.org.au/naidoc-awards/winners-profiles/ (viewed 5 September 2011).

[7] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous and The Hon W Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health, ‘$14
million for banking services in remote NT communities’ (Media Release, 9
July 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/jm_m_14mill_9july2010.aspx (viewed 14 April 2011).

[8] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Calls for Constitutional recognition on National Aboriginal and Islanders
Day’ (Media Release, 9 July 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/72_10.html (viewed 7 July 2011).

[9] The Hon
J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs, ‘Supporting children and families in the remote Northern
territory communities’ (Media Release, 12 July 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/children_nt_12july2010.aspx (viewed 11 July 2011).

[10] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Remote Indigenous housing progress’ (Media
Release, 15 July 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/remote_indig_housing_progress_15jul10.aspx ( viewed 11 July 2011).

[11] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder study’ (Media
Release, 17 July 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/foetal_alcohol_study_17july10.aspx (viewed 9 May 2011).

[12] Garma
Festival, Garma Festival 6-10 August 2010, www.garmafestival.com.au/EOI_intro.html (viewed 11 May 2011).

[13] Garma
Festival, Garma Festival 6-10 August 2010, www.garmafestival.com.au/EOI_intro.html (viewed 5 September 2011).

[14] M Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Recognition and participation must be priority for Australia’s
Indigenous people’ (Media Release, 7 July 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/81_10.html (viewed 7 July 2011).

[15] Commonwealth Courts, Applications, www.comcourts.gov.au/file/Federal/P/VID770/2010/actions (viewed 5 September 2011)

[16] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘United Nations Indigenous Rights Declaration worth celebrating, but now
is the time for action’ (Media Release, 10 September 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/89_10.html (viewed 11 September 2011).

[17]N Scullion, Shadow Minister
for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Aboriginal leaders dismayed by decision to retain
Macklin’ (Media Release, 13 September 2010). At http://www.nigelscullion.com/media-hub/indigenous-affairs/aboriginal-leaders-dismayed-decision-retain-macklin

[18] Australian Indigenous
Health Info Net, ‘The Hon Warren Snowdon MP re-appointed as Minister for
Indigenous Health’ (2010) 10 (3) Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin. At http://healthbulletin.org.au/articles/the-hon-warren-snowdon-mp-re-appointed-as-minister-for-indigenous-health/ (viewed 26 July 2011).

[19] S J
Anaya, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and
fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya: Addendum: Situation of
indigenous peoples in Australia,
Report to the Human Rights Council, 15th
session, UN Doc A/HRC/15/37/Add.4
(2010).

[20] Australian Permanent
Mission and Consulate-General, Statement 134, www.geneva.mission.gov.au/gene/statement134.html (viewed 6 September 2011).

[21] The Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Regional Partnership Agreement for New England
region’ (Media Release, 22 September 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/reginal_partner_agr_22092010.aspx (viewed 9 May 2011).



[22] Vibe Australia, Deadlys History, www.vibe.com.au/events/deadly/deadlys-history/4670-2010-deadlys-winners…
(viewed 11 May 2011)

[23] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘UK museum returns Torres Strait ancestral
remains’ (Media Release, 28 September 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/jm_m_uk_remains_28september2010.aspx (viewed 11 May 2011)

[24] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Commissioner congratulates Ken Wyatt as first Indigenous member of the
House of Representatives’ (Media Release, 28 September 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/91_10.html (viewed 12 May 2011).

[25] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘ House of representatives economic Committee to
examine Wild Rivers’ (Media Release, 30 September 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/wild_rivers_30sept.aspx (viewed 11 May 2011).

[26] B
Gleeson, Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services, Second CRGRIS
Six Monthly Report
(2010). At http://cgris.gov.au/site/report2010.asp (viewed 6 September 2011).

[27] K Hampton, Minister for Central Australia, ‘Transforming the Alice Springs
Town Camps’ (Media Release, 6 October 2010). At http://www.newsroom.nt.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=printRelease&ID=7430 (viewed at 27 July 2011).

[28] Department of Families, Housing, Community services and Indigenous Affairs, Evaluation of the Child Protection Scheme of Income Management, www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/families/pubs/cpsim_vim_wa/Pages/default.aspx (viewed 11 May 2011).

[29] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Rolling out income management in the Northern
Territory’ (Media Release, 8 October 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/income_management_NT_8oct10.aspx (viewed 14 April 2010).

[30] M
Bamblett, H Bath and R Roseby, Growing them strong, together: Promoting the
Safety and Wellbeing of the Northern Territory’s Children
, Report of
the Board of Inquiry into the Child Protection System in the North Territory
(2010), p 116. At http://www.childprotectioninquiry.nt.gov.au/report_of_the_board_of_inquiry (viewed 23 September 2011).

[31] Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Native
Title Newsletter
, No 5 (2010), p. 2. At http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/ntru/newsletter.html (viewed 5 September 2011).

[32] The Hon D Boyle, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Partnerships,Cape York Welfare Reform trial reports
tabled in Parliament’ (Media Release, 27 October 2010). At http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/mms/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=72271 (viewed 5 September 2011).

[33] M Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice commissioner,
‘Unleashing the potential of Indigenous Australia’ (Media Release, 3
November 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/108_10.html (viewed at 7 July 2010).

[34] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, Grants and
Applications
, www.healingfoundation.org.au/?page_id=238 (viewed 5 September 2011).

[35] M Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Commitment to constitutional recognition applauded’ (Media Release,
8 November 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/110_10.html (viewed 7 July 2011).

[36] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs and The Hon W Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health,
‘Continuing the Fights Against Petrol Sniffing’ (Media Release, 8
November 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/Pages/jm_m_petrolsniffing_8november2010_.doc.aspx (viewed 6 September 2011).

[37] The Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Planning for the future in Gunbalanya’ (Media
Release, 10 November 2010). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2010/pages/gunbalanya_10112010.aspx (viewed 6 September 2011).

[38] The Hon M Arbib MP, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic development,
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness, Minster for Sport and The Hon P
Wong, Minster for Finance and Deregulation, ‘Government sets start date
for Indigenous Opportunities Policy’ (Media Release, 11 November 2011). At http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Arbib/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_101111_150514.aspx (viewed 28 April 2011)

[39] UN
News Centre, ‘Chair of UN forum welcomes Canada’s endorsement of
indigenous rights treaty’ (Media Release, 12 November 2010). At http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=36751 (viewed 5 September 2011).

[40] Australian of the Year Awards, ‘NSW Australian of the Year Award
recipients announced’ (Media Release, 25 November 2010). At http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/media/?view=news&id=742 (viewed 7 July 2011).

[41] The
Hon R McClelland MP, Attorney General and The Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Native
Title Amendments passed’ (Media Release, 25 November 2010). At http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2010_FourthQuarter_25November2010-NativeTitleAmendmentpassed (viewed 23 June 2011).

[42] The
Hon D Boyle MP, Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Partnerships, ‘Independent evaluation of Cape York welfare reform
finds signs of change’ (Media Release, 26 November 2010). At http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/mms/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=72748 (viewed 5 September 2011).

[43] The Hon W Snowdon MP, Minster for Indigenous Health, ‘Celebrating Success
in Indigenous Traineeships’ (Media Release, 2 December 2010). At http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-ws-ws081.htm (viewed 11 November 2011).

[44] M Gooda, Aboriginal and Torre s Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Implementing the Declarations will strengthen participation of Indigenous
peoples’ (Media Release, 3 December 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/120_10.html (viewed 11 November 2011).

[45] Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Tackling Chronic
Disease
, www.health.gov.au/tackling-chronic-disease (viewed 6 September 2011).

[46] Australian Human Rights Commission, ‘Lifetime of dedication delivers Human
Rights Medal to Thérèse Rein’ (Media Release, 10 December
2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/123_10.html (viewed 5 September 2011).

[47] ABC News, Australia's first Indigenous Rhodes Scholar named, www.abc.net.au/news/2010-12-16/australias-first-indigenous-rhodes-scholar-named/2376622 (viewed 5 September 2011).

[48] M Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘US Support for the Declarations brings international consensus on
Indigenous rights’ (Media Release, 17 December 2010). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2010/127_10.html (viewed 12 May 2011).

[49] You
Me Unity, Expert-Panel, www.youmeunity.org.au/about/expert-panel (viewed 5 September 2011).

[50] Australian Human Rights Commission, Information concerning Australia and the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination
(8 July 2010), paras 6164. At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/submissions/united_nations/ICERD2010.html (viewed 30 August 2011).

[51] The Hon J Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Service and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Northern Territory remote Indigenous housing targets
exceeded’ (Media Release, 3 January 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/pages/nt_indig_house_target_03012011.aspx (viewed 6 September 2011).

[52] Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Strategic Indigenous Housing Infrastructure Program (SIHIP): Post Review
Assessment (PRA)
(2010), chapter 5. At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/indigenous/pubs/housing/sihip_pra/Pages/p5.aspx (viewed 6 September 2011).

[53] The Government of Western Australia, Department of Commerce ‘WorkSafe lays
charges in Mr Ward case’ (Media Release, 19 January 2011). At http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Media/statements/2011/January/WorkSafe_lays_charges_in_Mr_Wa.html (viewed 26 July 2011).

[54] AFL, McLeod to address UN council, www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/106870/default.aspx (viewed 5 September 2011).

[55] Australian Human Rights Commission, News, http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/news/2011/1_11.html (viewed 13 October 2011).

[56] Attorney-General’s Department, Australia’s Universal Periodic
Review
, www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Human_rights_and_anti-discriminationInternational_Human_Rights (viewed 27 July 2011).

[57] R
Siewert, Senator for Western Australia, ‘Government disappoints with
response to UN findings on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights’
(Media Release, 1 February 2011). At http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/government-disappoints-response-un-findings-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islan (viewed 27 July 2011).

[58] House of Representatives, Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Affairs, ‘National response to Indigenous youth crime
rates’ (Media Release, 28 January 2011). At www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia/sentencing/media/media15.pdf (viewed 1 July 2011).

[59] Australian Human Rights Commission, ‘Australia commits to follow up on
human rights recommendations’ (Media Release, 2 February 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/6_11.html (viewed 27 July 2011).

[60] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous, ‘Release of income management evaluation framework’
(Media Release, 1 February 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/income_mgt_01feb11.aspx (viewed 14 April 2011).

[61] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ‘Slight reduction in
Indigenous smoking, but binge drinking a worry’ (Media Release, 8 February
2011). At http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=10737418259 (viewed 5 September 2011).

[62] Statement by Leading Australians, www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/Statement-by-Eminent-Australians.doc (viewed 6 September 2011).

[63] The Hon J Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, ‘This work will go one,
Speech to the House of Representatives’ (Speech delivered to the House of
Representatives, Parliament House, 9 February 2011). At http://www.pm.gov.au/press-office/work-will-go-speech-house-representatives (viewed 6 September 2011).

[64] M Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Progress on Indigenous health equality planning and partnership
welcomed’ (Media Release, 9 February 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/7_11.html (viewed 7 July 2011).

[65] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘ First Social Justice and Native Title reports lay groundwork for year of
change’ (Media Release, 11 February 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/8_11.html (viewed 7 July 2011).

[66] The
University of Sydney, ‘The Freedom Rides Again’ (Media Release, 11
February 2011). At http://sydney.edu.au/news/84.html?newsstoryid=6369 (viewed 6 September 2011).

[67] The Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Events to mark the third anniversary of the Apology
to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples’(Media Release,, 13 February
2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/event_third_anniversary_apology_13022011.aspx (viewed 13 April 2011).

[68] Reconciliation Australia, ‘New Race Relations Barometer released: Where Is
the Love’ (Media Release, 14 February 2011). At http://www.reconciliation.org.au/extras/file.php?id=78&file=110214
Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2010 - release.pdf
(viewed 13 April
2011).

[69] Australian Human
Rights Commission, News- National racism research released, www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/news/2011/15_11.html (viewed 13 April 2011)

[70] University of Western Sydney, Challenging Racism- Findings. At http://www.uws.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/173635/NationalLevelFindingsV1.pdf (viewed 13 April 2011)

[71] Spratt v Fowler (2011) WASC 52. At http://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/supreme/supdcsn.nsf/PDFJudgments-WebVw/2011WASC0052/ (viewed 6 September 2011).

[72] R Siewert, Senator for Western Australia, ‘Greens commend fast-tracking of
aid for Kimberley suicide crisis’ (Media Release, 25 February 2011). At http://greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-commend-fast-tracking-aid-kimberley-suicide-crisis (viewed 11 April 2011)

[73] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Indigenous Expenditure Report released’ (Media
Release, 28 February 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/pages/indig_expenditure_rpt_28022011.aspx (viewed 11 April 2011)

[74] Indigenous Expenditure Report Steering Committee, 2010 Indigenous Expenditure
Report,
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[75] ABC Online, TV Ad Complaint, http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/03/03/3153973.htm (viewed 11 April).

[76] Adelaide
City Council, ‘Campers in South Parklands’ (Media Release, 9 March
2011). At http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/action/MEDIA?svMLI_ID=151949,svBC=MR,pc=COUNCIL (viewed 13 April 2011).

[77] Dr T
Calma, National Coordinator Tacking Indigenous Smoking and M Gooda, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, People power is a
force in this country: Celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Close the Gap
Campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equality
(Speech
delivered at National Press Club, Canberra, 10 March 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/2011/20110310_close_gap.html (viewed 11 April 2011).

[78] The
Hon S Crean MP, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local
Government

Minister for the Arts & The Hon J Macklin, Minister for
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Single
largest return of Torres Strait Islander remains’ (Media Release, 10
March). At http://www.minister.regional.gov.au/sc/releases/2011/march/sc029_2011.aspx (viewed 14 April 2011).

[79] The
Hon J Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Supporting the Community in Alice Springs’
(Media Release, 11 March 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/support_community_Alic_springs_11032011.aspx (viewed 11 April).

[80] Crime and
Misconduct Commission Queensland, ‘QPS takes no disciplinary action
against Palm Island Officers’ (Media Release, 15 March 2011). At http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=10814&cid=5201&id=1324 (viewed 28 April 2011).

[81] R
Siewert, Senator Western Australia, ‘Greens launch Native Title
reforms’ (Media Release, 21 March 2011). At http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/nativetitle (viewed 28 April 2011).

[82] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Growing number of support National Close the Gap Day this year’
(Media Release, 23 March 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/22_11.html (viewed 7 July 2010).

[83] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Aboriginal man with intellectual disability languishes in WA prison for a
decade’ (Media Release, 18 March 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/19_11.html (viewed 14 April 2011).

[84] Y
Henderson, Western Australia Equal Opportunity Commissioner, ‘An
intellectual disability is not a criminal offence’ (Media Release, 18
March 2011). At http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au/community/news.aspx?NewsItem=3cff351e-7f26-416c-a8d2-a8600cccd0f0 (viewed 14 April 2011).

[85] The
Hon K Rudd MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Address to the High
Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council
(Speech delivered
at Geneva, 28 February 2011). At http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2011/kr_sp_110228.html (viewed 11 April 2011).

[86] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice commissioner,
‘Centre for Indigenous knowledge and education could be
life-changing’ (Media Release, 28 march 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/24_11.html (viewed 7 July 2011).

[87] National Native Title Tribunal, Milestone for native title agreements, www.nntt.gov.au/News-and-Communications/Media-Releases/Pages/Milestone_for_native_title_agreements.aspx (viewed 11 April 2011).

[88] National Native Title Tribunal, About Indigenous Land Use Agreements, www.nntt.gov.au/Indigenous-Land-Use-Agreements/Pages/About_iluas.aspx (viewed 17 October 2011).

[89] The Hon J Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Third report into Remote Indigenous Service
Delivery’ (Media Release, 4 April 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/third_report_remot_indig_04042011.aspx (viewed 23 June 2011).

[90] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Efforts in Alice Springs should continue for communities to thrive’
(Media Release, 5 April 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/27_11.html (viewed 22 June 2011).

[91] M
Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner,
‘Twenty years on but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders continue to
die in custody’ (Media release, 12 April 2011). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2011/29_11.html (viewed 13 October 2011).

[92] ANTAR, ‘Broad Support for Call to Action to reduce Indigenous
imprisonment’ (Media Release, 15 April 2011). At http://www.antar.org.au/broad_support_for_call_to_action_to_reduce_indigenous_imprisonment (viewed 6 September 2011).

[93] Australian Human Rights Commission, News- Newly elected Co-Chairs have a big
responsibility,
www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/news/2011/31_11.html (viewed 6 September 2011).

[94] The National Congress of Australia’s First People, ‘New era for
self-determination as leaders elected to national body’ (Media Release, 19
April 2011). At http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/110419-CONGRESS-COCHAIRS-ELECT-ANNOUNCED-2.pdf (viewed 13 October 2011).

[95] ABC Online, WA Government pleads guilty in Mr Ward death, www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-05/wa-government-pleads-guilty-in-mr-ward-death/2706240 (viewed 26 July 2011).

[96] The
Hon R McClelland MP, Attorney General, ‘Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara
native title recognition’ (Media Release, 11 may 2011). At http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2011_SecondQuarter_11May2011-AntakirinjaMatu-Yankunytjatjaranativetitlerecognition (23 June 2011).

[97] Indigenous
Peoples Organisation Network Australia, ‘An Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Voice at the UN’ (Media Release, 18 May 2011). At http://vals.org.au/news/post/an-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-voice-at-the-united-nations-united-nations-permanent-forum-on-indigneous-issues-2011/ (viewed 26 July 2011).

[98] The
Hon R McClelland MP, Attorney General and The Hon J Macklin MP, Minster for
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Native
Title agreement for the Pilbara region’ (Media Release, 3 June 2011). At http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2011_SecondQuarter_3June2011-MajornativetitleagreementforthePilbararegion (viewed 23 June 2011).

[99] The
National Congress of Australia’s First People, ‘First Congress
Meeting- Beacon for the Future’ (Media Release, 10 June 2011). At http://nationalcongress.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/110610-Congress_Meeting_Statement.pdf (viewed 10 September 2011).

[100] The Hon J Macklin MP ,
Minster for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs,
‘Historic Gove Agreement to deliver Long Term Benefits for North-East
Arnhem land’ (Media Release, 8 June 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/jm_m_goveagree_8june2011.aspx (viewed 23 June 2011).

[101] House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Affairs, ‘Doing Time- Time for Nothing’ (Media Release, 20
June 2011). At http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia/sentencing/media/media16.pdf (viewed 21 June 2011).

[102] Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Discussion Paper June 2011 (2011). At http://www.indigenous.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/s_futures_discussion_paper.pdf (viewed 24 June 2011).

[103] The Hon J Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, ‘Leases signed for Hermannsburg and Lajamanu’
(Media Release, 29 June 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/leases_sign_hermansburg_29062011.aspx (viewed 1 July 2011).

[104] The Hon J Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs, The Hon K Ellis MP, Minister for Employment Participation,
Child Care and Status of Women and Senator M Arbib, Minister for Indigenous
Employment and Economic Development, ‘Government reviews remote employment
services’ (Media Release, 29 June 2011). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/govt_review_remote_service_29062011.aspx (viewed 1 July 2011).

[105] Larrakia Development Corporation, ‘10 years after Kenbi the Larrakia are
still waiting’ (Media Release, 14 December 2010). At http://www.larrakia.com.au/component/content/article/42-larrakia-media-release/60-10-years-after-kenbi (viewed 1 July 2011).

[106] The
Hon J Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, ‘Historic heads of
agreement signed for Kenbi land right claim (Media Release, 29 June 2011). At http://www.pm.gov.au/press-office/historic-heads-agreement-signed-kenbi-land-claim (viewed 1 July 2011).