Indigenous Partnerships & Programs

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Indigenous Partnerships & Programs Indigenous Partnerships & Programs 1 Executive Summary Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) has made a Relationships with Indigenous people and commitment to improve the educational ambitions communities underpin the School’s vision for of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. reconciliation. These relationships improve understanding, enabling us to embrace diversity The School community is highly engaged with and ensure an inclusive school community. Indigenous matters which are vital to a culturally rich environment. We aim to contribute to closing True understanding can only emerge in a culture of the social, economic and health gap between First respect, generosity and humility. Australian peoples and the broader Australian community and aspire to build a better future. Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their culture and histories, help us to learn and to explore similarities and differences. Mr Noel Pearson Speech Day 2014 “Let me pay tribute to Brisbane Grammar It’s important for an advantaged people such as School for opening its doors of opportunity to ourselves to understand that not all of the doors disadvantaged Australians – particularly to our of opportunity open from the outside. If those on Indigenous Australians. I’ve been observing the the inside don’t take the effort and don’t take the progress of schools in Brisbane – and particularly step of opening the doors, those doors often in your school – in the way you have developed never open.” the program of introducing Indigenous kids to this school and growing the number of disadvantaged kids who take advantage of this premium opportunity you have. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, and elders past and present, of all lands on which Brisbane Grammar School operates. Adrian Lingwoodock ’16, Harlin House Captain Mr Noel Pearson Speech Day 2014 3 2 3 Indigenous Partnerships Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Our journey towards reconciliation began in 2004 The School is guided by the Council for Aboriginal with a partnership with the Cape York Leaders Reconciliation Act (1991) and the United Nations Program. on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The School believes that, as agents for change, reconciliation Through Reconciliation Australia, the Reflect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program provides non-Indigenous Australians through action, will a framework for organisations to realise their make a difference. vision and to document their commitment to reconciliation. Our vision is to foster an environment of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, The plan provides a blueprint which will enable the cultures and knowledge. We aim to address School to be more purposeful and connected when the legacy of the past by developing reciprocal attempting to Close the Gap. relationships with Indigenous peoples and their communities. Our actions enhance engagement A Closing the Gap committee was established to with Indigenous Australians, their communities commit to the development of the School’s RAP. and lands. An RAP committee, which includes Opportunities to empower future leaders will representation from staff and the BGS community, follow as an inclusive environment that embraces meets regularly and works closely with the Closing Indigenous communities is reinforced. the Gap committee to enhance the Indigenous agenda at BGS. Cover page and below: Brisbane Grammar School acknowledges artwork by Dylan Minniecon ’16. Dylan is a descendant of the Kuku-yalanji tribe. 2018 Indigenous boarders 4 5 Over the years, the spirit of reconciliation and response to specific need, has ranged from the raising of our community’s awareness and fundraising through to exchanges and service understanding of Indigenous culture, and our projects. Lady Cilento Indigenous Education Unit A partnership between the School and the Lady The Closing the Gap committee currently focus Cilento Indigenous Education Unit has been their fundraising efforts on this unit. Previously established. Staff from the unit visit BGS regularly the boys’ efforts were directed in support of and in 2018 boys from BGS will visit Lady Cilento Indigenous literacy. Hospital to assist Indigenous patients in the hospital. Indigenous dance following 2016 National Sorry Day assembly Turrbal Story – Artwork on display in the main reception at Brisbane Grammar School 6 7 Brisbane Grammar School has partnered with the Since then a group of Year 6 students from Hope Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) for the past Vale State School visited BGS in the latter part 14 years. of 2017. The students were guided through the School by two BGS students who had previously In 2007, the Year 8 Community Service attended Hope Vale State School. These visits Committee established a connection with contributed towards the development of another Djarragun College, a school for Indigenous strong partnership, between BGS and Hope Vale children 20km south of Cairns, fundraising for State School. facilities and collecting second-hand sports gear. Students from both schools participated in The students particularly enjoyed the Indigenous exchanges. In 2009 they undertook a year-long artwork on display at the School and the Turrbal major project, the design and construction of a Garden, which was a gift to the School from the shade house on the Djarragun campus, as a part 2013 seniors. of Brisbane Grammar School’s Public Purpose Program. As part of this reciprocity, BGS Year 9 and 10 Drama productions in 2017 raised money to support the music and drama program at Hope Hope Vale State School Vale State School. During the students’ visit to BGS they displayed their talents in the drama In 2017, a BGS staff member visited Hope Vale space and in the music rooms. State School, a primary school approximately 370km north of Cairns, one of the schools that Visits to and by Hope Vale State School will participate in the CYLP. continue in the future. Mr David Carroll (Deputy Headmaster – Students) with visiting Hope Vale State School student Michael Dingo ’21 with visiting Hope Vale State School students 8 9 Michael Dingo ’21 with Hope Vale State School student and Zeke Leaupepe Perkins ’18 Mr Wilson Bennet, Student Support Officer, Cape York Leaders Program Indigenous Programs Harlin House – BGS Boarding With almost 10 per cent of BGS’ boarding residents now Indigenous students, together with boys from across Australia and overseas, diversity Student Support is one of the key strengths of the House. Diversity and access have long featured in All Indigenous Old Boys (alumni) are invited to A close knit community with outstanding Brisbane Grammar School’s charter. The School has contribute to the induction program and act as support programs across academic and activities developed an appreciation for the need to ensure mentors for new boarders as they enter Harlin enrichment, leadership and life skills, Brisbane that high levels of support, cultural awareness and House. Fostering a reciprocal relationship between Grammar School offers an exemplary boarding sensitivity are at the forefront of this endeavour, Old Boys and new students provides role models education. and must be offered not only to the Indigenous for the younger boys, reinforces the importance boys but also to their families. and value of BGS boarding for graduates and The School has developed a formal Indigenous provides a forum where Old Boys can keep in induction program. At the beginning of each year For each of our Indigenous students, those touch with each other. the School observes custom with a ‘Welcome currently enrolled and those who have graduated, to Country’ provided to Indigenous students by the School’s commitment — teaching, mentoring Boys are well supported within Harlin House local elders. We are grateful to CYLP staff for and support — to that student extends over a (boarding) and in the day school. The School’s their assistance in facilitating this event through number of years. This in itself is an indication of interest in our Indigenous students is ongoing and introductions to senior members of the local BGS’ commitment to Indigenous education. continues after the boys complete school. Indigenous community. From 2018, our boys will also engage in a leadership program facilitated by The partnership that has developed between the The School has also developed close links with Indigenous elders at the Pepperina Hill, the BGS two Support Officers from the CYLP and BGS’ on Kings College at The University of Queensland and Outdoor Education facility. site Indigenous Liaison Officer has greatly assisted The John Flynn College at James Cook University; in the support our students can draw upon. BGS both colleges are well placed to accept Indigenous At BGS we believe we have a responsibility, values this program and knows the importance of students from BGS. in partnership with the boys’ communities, to supporting students and connecting with parents celebrate and develop their Indigenous heritage and community leaders. while also educating the boys for life after school. 10 11 Closing the Gap committee National Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week In 2007, a group of Year 8 boys established a Each year BGS acknowledges National Sorry Day Closing the Gap committee. By the time they with an Indigenous student’s address at School graduated in 2011 they had created a powerful assembly. This is followed by a traditional dance legacy. They raised our consciousness as to what which is performed by Indigenous students at the the reconciliation journey might look like and School. Our Indigenous boys champion and share how we, as a community, might play a practical, the reconciliation journey with our community. hands-on role and act as advocates within the They enrich our community immeasurably just as School and broader society. we hope to provide them with opportunities that will enrich their lives and in turn the lives of their In 2018, a record 30 boys participated in this families and those in their own communities. committee with Prefect leadership at an all-time high.
Recommended publications
  • In the Name of Failure: a Generational Revolution in Indigenous Affairs Will Sanders
    In the Name of Failure: A Generational Revolution in Indigenous Affairs Will Sanders Introduction In April 2004, towards the end of its third term, the Howard Government announced its intention to abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), the statutory centerpiece of Commonwealth Indigenous affairs administration over the previous fifteen years. In so doing Prime Minister Howard and his Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, referred to ATSIC as an ‘experiment in separate….elected representation, for Indigenous people’ which had been a ‘failure’ and which would not be replaced. Instead a group of ‘distinguished Indigenous people’ would be appointed to ‘advise’ the government and ATSIC’s former programs would be ‘mainstreamed’ to line government departments, though there would still be ‘a major policy role’ for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs (Howard and Vanstone 2004). In this essay, I will focus on the way in which the idea of past policy failure has become the driving motif of Australian Indigenous affairs during the fourth Howard Government and how, in the name of failure, the Government has argued repeatedly for significant organizational and policy change. The first section of the essay documents, in chronological style, this constant linking of the idea of failure with arguments for change. The second section asks, in a more analytic style, what sort of change is now occurring in Australian Indigenous affairs? I argue that the change is best thought of as a generational revolution, which combines a major disowning of the work of the previous generation in Indigenous affairs with a significant ideological swing to the right.
    [Show full text]
  • The Scabsuckers: Regional Journalists' Representation of Indigenous Australians
    Asia Pacific Media ducatE or Issue 3 Article 7 7-1997 The scabsuckers: Regional journalists' representation of Indigenous Australians J. Ewart Central Queensland University Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.uow.edu.au/apme Recommended Citation Ewart, J., The scabsuckers: Regional journalists' representation of Indigenous Australians, Asia Pacific Media ducatE or, 3, 1997, 108-117. Available at:https://ro.uow.edu.au/apme/vol1/iss3/7 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] ear c n t e s The Scabsuckers: Regional Journalists' Representation Of Indigenous Australians This article paints a picture of the professional culture of journalists at one regional daily newspaper in Queensland, Australia in relation to their self-described practices in the representation of indigenous Australians. Theauthor suggests thatjournalists' ideologies and self­ described practices tend to conflict. However this conflict tends to be rationalised and justified by thejournalists on thebasis ofthereality of theirpractices and adherence to conventional news values. Jacqui Ewart Central Queensland University, Australill ell, I think the media has got to take a lot of the blame [for W Pauline Hanson]. Cultural and racial stereotypes are your trade. You guys are responsible for creating the very swamp out of which Pauline Hanson has just emerged. You people trade in prejudices. You've been picking at the scab of racism since you started. You're in the scab sucking business. (Noel Pearson, Frontline, 1997). Strong and emotive, but hard hitting words from a man who has been on the receiving end of the II scab suckingbusiness" for many years in his work with the Cape York Land Council in the Northern Territory, Australia.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Stars and Neoliberal News Agendas in Indigenous Policymaking Kerry Mccallum and Lisa Waller
    13 Media stars and neoliberal news agendas in Indigenous policymaking Kerry McCallum and Lisa Waller Introduction Our essay uses a media studies lens to examine the ascendancy of neoliberal policy agendas in Indigenous affairs. The Media and Indigenous Policy project1 has been investigating the dynamic interplay between news media and the complex, politically sensitive and uneven bureaucratic field of Indigenous affairs. A particular focus has been to investigate the news media’s power to construct problems and suggest solutions in the Indigenous policy field. This essay draws on that research to argue that conservative news outlets have sponsored a narrow range of Indigenous voices to articulate and promote neoliberal policy agendas to government. We examine how The Australian newspaper, as the keystone media on Indigenous affairs, was integral to the rise of Noel Pearson as the singular influence on Indigenous affairs. In doing so, we acknowledge and pay tribute to the thinking of Jon Altman in the development of our ideas, and for his support throughout this project. Altman’s public discussion 1 Australian News Media and Indigenous Policymaking 1988–2008 (DP0987457). 171 ENGAGING INDIGENOUS ECONOMY of the 2007 Northern Territory Emergency Response made him one of the few Australian public intellectuals to think and act outside the dominant neoliberal discourse on Indigenous policy. Neoliberal agendas in Indigenous affairs policy The constructivist approach to policymaking (Colebatch 2002, Bacchi 2009) foregrounds the discursive battles that frame some issues as problems to be solved and enable some solutions to be heard more clearly than others. This approach problematises the dominant assumption that Indigenous affairs is ‘intractable’, ‘wicked’ or an area of ‘policy failure’, and helps explain sharp swings and occasional dramatic announcements such as the 2007 Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER or Intervention).
    [Show full text]
  • Aboriginal Australia: an Economic History of Failed Welfare Policy
    ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA: AN ECONOMIC HISTORY OF FAILED WELFARE POLICY Laura Davidoff and Alan Duhs* University of Queensland June 2008 Abstract: Aboriginal welfare policy of recent decades has been widely rejected as a failure. Radically different policies are now being trialed, in recognition of the continuing large gap between indigenous and non-indigenous living standards. Some Aboriginal leaders themselves have called for a rejection of the passive welfare policies of the past, in acceptance of a Friedman-style critique of ‘money for nothing’ welfare handouts, while nonetheless calling for a Sen-style capabilities approach to the policy needs of the future. *Laura Davidoff was formerly an economic consultant and is now a tutor, School of Economics The University of Queensland. *Alan Duhs is Senior Lecturer, School of Economics The University of Queensland I. Introduction: Australia’s Aboriginal population has just passed the half million mark, representing some 2.5% of the total population of about 21 million. In the midst of Australian prosperity and its world-class health and education systems lies what is now widely regarded as the national shame of Aboriginal living conditions. Particularly in remote areas, Aboriginal circumstances are so conspicuously unsatisfactory that critics regard the Aboriginal population as comprising something of a separate third world country, within the Australian mainstream. Respected Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson has described life in his North Queensland hometown as “a living Hell”. An immediate indicator of this situation is the fact the full-blooded Aborigines were not even counted in the Australian population census until a referendum changed the Australian constitution in 1967.
    [Show full text]
  • Addressing Indigenous Constitutional Vulnerability Through the Uluru Statement’S Call for a First Nations Voice in Their Affairs
    2018 ‘The Torment of Our Powerlessness’ 629 ‘THE TORMENT OF OUR POWERLESSNESS’: ADDRESSING INDIGENOUS CONSTITUTIONAL VULNERABILITY THROUGH THE ULURU STATEMENT’S CALL FOR A FIRST NATIONS VOICE IN THEIR AFFAIRS SHIREEN MORRIS* This article analyses and explores the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s call for a constitutionally guaranteed First Nations voice in their affairs, as constitutional reform intended to address the ongoing problem of Indigenous constitutional vulnerability and powerlessness. It contends that a First Nations voice is a suitable solution: it coheres and aligns with Australian constitutional culture and design which recognises, represents and gives voice to the pre- existing political communities, or constitutional constituencies. The article evaluates, compares and attempts to refine drafting options to give effect to a First Nations constitutional voice, by reference to principles of constitutional suitability, responsiveness to concerns about parliamentary supremacy and legal uncertainty, and assessment of political viability. The article concludes that the proposal for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations voice strikes the right conceptual balance between pragmatism and ambition, for viable yet worthwhile constitutional change. With appropriate constitutional drafting and legislative design, such a proposal offers a ‘modest yet profound’ way of meaningfully addressing Indigenous constitutional vulnerability, by empowering the First Nations with a voice in their affairs. I INTRODUCTION This article analyses and explores the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s call for a constitutionally guaranteed First Nations voice in their affairs as constitutional reform intended to address the ongoing problem of Indigenous constitutional vulnerability and powerlessness. It contends that a First Nations voice is a suitable solution: it coheres and aligns with Australian constitutional culture and design, which recognises, represents and gives voice to the pre- existing political communities, or constitutional constituencies.
    [Show full text]
  • Wild Rivers Policy –
    Wild Rivers Policy – Likely impact on Indigenous Well-Being Authored by Dr Joanne Copp August 2009 On behalf of the Social Responsibilities Committee, Anglican Diocese of Brisbane Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ II 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1 2 INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS ...................................................... 2 3 WILD RIVERS ..................................................................................................................................... 2 4 PROPERTY RIGHTS FOR REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ............................................ 6 4.1 PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY ......................................................................... 9 4.2 APPLICATION TO THE WILD RIVERS ACT .................................................................................... 11 5 THE IMPORTANCE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ........................................................................................................................................ 13 5.1 ENGAGEMENT WITH THE REAL ECONOMY ................................................................................. 14 6 HAS THE WILD RIVERS ACT STRUCK THE CORRECT BALANCE? .......................................... 15 7 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Noel Pearson As Prophet and Performer
    NOEL PEARSON AS PROPHET AND PERFORMER: A CASE STUDY OF INDIGENOUS INTELLECTUALS AND SETTLER NATIONALISM IN AUSTRALIA By Luke Kelly Submitted to Central European University Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Supervisors: Prof. Dan Rabinowitz Prof. Jean-Louis Fabiani CEU eTD Collection Budapest, Hungary 2015 Abstract This thesis makes a contribution to the study of intellectuals in the context of settler nationalism from a neo-Durkheimian perspective. My case study ofAustralian Indigenous intellectual Noel Pearson demonstrates the power of intellectuals to shape and contribute to the formation of national imaginaries. Symbolically, Pearson appears as bothprophet and liminal figure drawing on the sacred and profane. His capacities as a performer on the national stage are shown to resonate with features of settler nationalism. This thesis moves beyond the paradigms of political and policy analysis towards a cultural sociology of intellectuals in the context ofnation-building. Symbolic power is shown to be of real significance in understanding Pearson as a political actor and intellectual.It explores the degree of autonomy exercised by a single indigenous intellectual in the political and ideological setting of contemporary Australia. At its broadest this thesis contributes to the study of cultural power in contemporary societies. CEU eTD Collection i Acknowledgements My most immediate thanks go to those people who helped me put the thesis together in the final moments especially Dominic and Ezgi. Dan Rabinowitz made important suggestions that improved the overall structure of the thesis. I thank Salome and all my closest friends here in Budapest for various kinds of support throughout the year.
    [Show full text]
  • Release of Audit Angers Pearson
    Minister for Education and QuHnsland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Governmenl level 37 lWS l WUll1m Street Bri,bane 4000 PO Box 15033 Clly (ISi Quun~llnd 4002 Aui tr1tl1 Tele phone •61737197530 Emall: educatlon'-'>mln l.s t~ul1 l . qld.1ov.au Hon Peter Wellington MP Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Alice Street BRISBANE QLD 4000 Tabled Incorporated, 1«-m .. intlcr incorpo1a itd. ' ' ~t \/ by IC;J\'C Dear Mrf eaker, 'k:t\'C ....! Clc•rk al the Tahk: ' I refer to an article in The Australian today, Release of audit angers P arson, a copy of which is attached for your reference. The article alleges I misled the Parliament on 30 November 2016, when answering a question without notice asked by the Member for Cook, Mr Billy Gordon MP. The Member for Cook queried if either the Director-General of Education or myself had provided the internal audit reports relating to Cape York Academy and/or the Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation or any other media outlet. In my response, I stated "My understanding is that the audits were undertaken by the department of education and that they were released to the ABC under the right to information legislation." Mr Speaker, I submit I have not committed the offence of contempt of Parliament. There are three elements to be proven in order to establish that a Member has committed the contempt of deliberately misleading the House: 1. The statement must have been misleading; 2. The Member making the statement must have known, at the time the statement was made, that it was incorrect; and 3.
    [Show full text]
  • 16 February 2016 Senate Standing Committee
    Our ref: D16/2344 16 February 2016 Senate Standing Committee on Economics PO Box 6100 Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600 By Email: [email protected] Dear Senators, Inquiry into the development of the bauxite resources near Aurukun in Cape York Please find attached a submission from Queensland South Native Title Services regarding your inquiry into the development of bauxite resources near Aurukun in Cape York. If you require any further information or would like to discuss any aspect of this submission please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely, Kevin Smith Chief Executive Officer Page 1 of 5 Submission to Senate Standing Committee on Economics 1. Queensland South Native Title Services (“QSNTS”) is the service provider appointed pursuant to s203FE Native Title Act (“NTA”) to provide native title services in the southern half of Queensland from the Mt Isa Region in the north-west to north of Rockhampton in the east, down to the New South Wales and South Australian border. 2. QSNTS has had no direct dealings with the development of the bauxite resources near Aurukun in Cape York but we do have concerns as a native title service provider operating in Queensland with the manner in which this matter has proceeded. 3. Under the NTA, native title representative bodies and service providers are statutorily required to provide services within defined geographical boundaries and as such QSNTS has not had any direct contact with the Wik and Wik Way Peoples or the agent prescribed body corporate, Ngan Aak-Kunch Aboriginal Corporation RNTBS (“NAK”). 4. As such, QSNTS’s source of information in preparing this submission is based on information available on the public record and communications with the Cape York Land Council (“CYLC”).
    [Show full text]
  • A STAKE in the GAME by Timothy Neale 11/11/2014
    ______________________________________________________________________________________ A STAKE IN THE GAME BY Timothy Neale 11/11/2014 Quarterly Essay 55: A Rightful Place: Race, Recognition and a More Complete Commonwealth by Noel Pearson Black Inc Published September, 2014 ISBN 9781863956819 There has been a lot of concern about Noel Pearson’s words in the past two years. I don’t mean his written words: those have diminished since his lastQuarterly Essay in 2009. Throughout 2012, as he sought treatment for lymphatic cancer, Pearson’s weekly columns in the Australian virtually disappeared, to return only intermittently. Instead, the focus recently has been on what he has said in personal conversations, in which he is alleged to have verbally abused journalists, public servants, ministers and colleagues alike. These allegations have gained traction due to their number and their sources, which have included former boosters such as the Australian’s Tony Koch. They have, in turn, elicited written defences from Pearson’s allies. Apologetics have included everything from outright denial to arguments that ill-temper is an excusable flaw in a great leader, who has been frustrated by a life spent in a slow-moving policy environment with recalcitrant white bureaucrats. I raise this set of concerns not to resolve them, but to ask the naive question: why is Pearson’s behaviour important? Certainly, these alleged actions contrast with his public persona, which 2 since 1993 has frequently been that of the conciliator and consultant, first in negotiating with the Keating government, then in the role of adviser to subsequent Prime Ministers, including John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott.
    [Show full text]
  • Pearson's Paradox : an Emergent Social Reality
    Edith Cowan University Research Online Theses : Honours Theses 2001 Pearson's Paradox : An Emergent Social Reality Anthony Dews Edith Cowan University Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons Part of the Race and Ethnicity Commons, and the Social Welfare Commons Recommended Citation Dews, A. (2001). Pearson's Paradox : An Emergent Social Reality. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/886 This Thesis is posted at Research Online. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/886 Edith Cowan University Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. The University does not authorize you to copy, communicate or otherwise make available electronically to any other person any copyright material contained on this site. You are reminded of the following: Copyright owners are entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. A reproduction of material that is protected by copyright may be a copyright infringement. Where the reproduction of such material is done without attribution of authorship, with false attribution of authorship or the authorship is treated in a derogatory manner, this may be a breach of the author’s moral rights contained in Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Courts have the power to impose a wide range of civil and criminal sanctions for infringement of copyright, infringement of moral rights and other offences under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Higher penalties may apply, and higher damages may be awarded, for offences and infringements involving the conversion of material into digital or electronic form.
    [Show full text]
  • The Benefits of Giving Attention and Recognition to Indigenous Languages the Contribution to Closing the Gap and Strengthening Identity and Culture
    Response to House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities By Eastern State Aboriginal Languages Group August 2011 It is the belief of the members of the Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group that connection through language is at the core of our cultural identity. That from the point of reconnection to that which has been lost, people can begin to heal the wounds that bleed us of our collective strength, our sense of self worth and our rightful place in the community. Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group – background. The Eastern States Aboriginal Languages Group was established in 2008 to identify and address issues which are common to Eastern Australian Aboriginal Language communities. Through observing the efforts of communities working in language reclamation and revitalisation around Australia over the past 20 years, it became apparent that a tdifferent se of needs have emerged for Aboriginal communities in those parts of Australia which were the earliest and most heavily colonised. ESALG members took a key role in meeting with Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin to put the case for the National Indigenous Languages Policy to be announced in 2009. This group is looking at ways to support community language programs, and to set priorities for the effective use of the resources available and the engagement of a wide range of organisations to support the shared goals. The work of ESALG includes coordinating consultation between Government and non Government departments and key Indigenous organisations, for the benefit of the many individual language programs with whom we have contact.
    [Show full text]