Balgi, Teena; Biaggini, Diane; Neville, Alisoun; Watson, Petra --- "Recent Happenings" [2001] IndigLawB 8; (2001) 5(5) Indigenous Law Bulletin 28

Recent Happenings December 2000

Compiled by Alisoun Neville, Petra Watson, Diane Biaggini and Teena Balgi

30 November

The report of the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional References Inquiry into the Stolen Generations, Healing: A Legacy of Generations, recommended a national apology to the stolen generations, a compensation tribunal, a formal apology by the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory governments and indigenous consultation with a view to establishing a ‘national memorial’. Northern Territory Chief Minister Denis Burke ruled out an apology because the Northern Territory government did not exist at the time. The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs John Herron agreed to consider a national memorial.

2 December

The Western Australian Law Reform Commission released the terms of reference for an inquiry into the inclusion of Aboriginal customary law in law administration and enforcement.

3 December

The Walk for Reconciliation in Melbourne attracted an estimated 300,000 people, including Federal Treasurer Peter Costello. Liberal Premier Richard Court joined more than 50,000 walking in Perth. Prime Minister John Howard did not participate.

6 December

‘Silver Plains’, formerly a 193,000 hectare pastoral lease in Cape York Peninsula, was returned to its traditional owners, the Ayapathu, Kaanju, Lama Lama and Umpila Peoples.

7 December

The final report by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation was released. The Report called for the negotiation of an agreement or treaty, recognition of Aboriginal customary law, self-determination for Indigenous people and a national apology to the stolen generations. Prime Minister John Howard reaffirmed his opposition to a treaty and an apology. Opposition Leader Kim Beazley committed to the 6 key recommendations.

7 December

Independent foundation Reconciliation Australia was launched to carry forward the work of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation when it is disbanded on 31 December. The board members are: Mr Campbell Anderson, Hon Fred Chaney, Mr Joseph Elu, Mr Dick Estens, the Reverend Doctor Djiniyini Gondarra, Ms Jackie Huggins, Mr Mark Leibler, Mr Michael Long and Ms Shelley Reys.

The Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Bill 2000 passed through the Senate without the Democrat’s proposed amendments on ‘Indigenous Moral Rights’. The amendments would have distinguished and protected moral rights in relation to Indigenous cultural work.

8 December

Mr Sev Ozdowski was appointed Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner for the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal of Queensland awarded a total of $68,000 to six Aboriginal patrons who were evicted in 1997 from a Jupiters Casino nightclub because of their race.

11 December

It was reported that the Queensland Government has engaged in confidential negotiations with Aboriginal leaders over up to $200 million allegedly missing from the Aboriginal Welfare Fund (‘the AWF’), set up in 1943. The AWF accounts were funded through compulsory state levies on Aboriginal peoples’ wages over many decades. The AWF was earmarked for the benefit of Aboriginals living on communities but significant amounts were used for other purposes. Only $7.9 million, including interest, remains.

14 December

The Racial and Religious Tolerance Discussion Paper and Draft Bill was released in Victoria. If passed, it will protect Victorians from racial and religious abuse. Exemptions apply to artistic performances and exhibitions, academic material and media reports.

15 December

Aboriginal Land Commissioner Peter Gray recommended that the Kenbi land claim, lodged in 1979, be decided in favour of the Larrakia people. The final decision rests with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Senator John Herron.

Broadcaster Alan Jones won an appeal against the finding of the New South Wales Equal Opportunity Tribunal that he had vilified Aborigines during a broadcast 5 years ago. In response to a finding that a real estate agent had discriminated against an Aboriginal woman, Mr Jones said that landlords should be able to refuse accommodation to people ‘looking like a skunk and smelling like a skunk’. The NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal found in favour of Jones on a technicality.

19 December

Phillip Ruddock replaced Senator John Herron as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Mr Ruddock will retain the Immigration and Multicultural Affairs portfolio.

Premier Peter Beattie promised to halve Queensland’s indigenous imprisonment rate over the next 10 years.

Thanks

Richard Watson, Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, Prue Vines,