Aboriginal Way Issue 59, Winter 2015 A publication of South Australian Native Title Services

Students from Hampstead Primary School at the 7th Annual Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations Breakfast.

Barngarla People’s application for native title determined On 22 January, the Barngarla the Federal Court following a trial; the “In my view, [the] material supports the square kilometres, was filed in April 1996. People’s native title claim was first was the De Rose Hill determination conclusion that in the period between The Barngarla People now have the right determined in the Federal Court in 2005. effective sovereignty and the present to hunt, fish, camp and undertake cultural by His Honour Justice Mansfield. day, the Barngarla tribe as it existed activities, such as ceremonies and His Honour found that since sovereignty The determination is significant as at sovereignty has continued to exist, meetings on their land. it covers a large portion of the Eyre there had been a continuous and the present claim group is the Peninsula and includes the regional acknowledgement of the traditional continuation of the original Barngarla Keith Thomas, CEO of South Australian Native Title Services, townships of Port Lincoln and Whyalla. Barngarla laws and customs, giving people,” said Justice Mansfield. welcomed the decision. It is the second native title claim to rise to his recognition of their native title The Barngarla claim includes land and be recognised in South Australia by rights in the lands and waters claimed. waters covering an area of about 44,480 Continued on page 2

Inside: New Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation 2 National Native Title Conference 2015 4 Seven years since apology 8 New Minister for Barngarla People’s Aboriginal Affairs application for native and Reconciliation – title determined Kyam Maher Continued from page 1 Barngarla people on their success,” said Mr Thomas.

As part of Premier Jay Weatherill’s “It’s a fantastic result for the Barngarla Barngarla people have praised the cabinet reshuffle Hon. Kyam Maher people which gives them certainty Federal Court’s decision to grant MLC is South Australia’s new in moving forward enabling them to native title over large areas of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs plan with confidence their future Eyre Peninsula, giving special mention and Reconciliation, replacing economic, social and cultural to those who worked tirelessly on the Hon. Ian Hunter MLC. aspirations. I congratulate all the claim over the past 18 years. Minister Maher said he is “exceptionally proud… [and] very honoured to serve in this area”.The Minister acknowledged the breadth of the position and revealed some of the direction he foresees for policy concerning South Australian Aboriginals.

In order to understand the political force Minister Maher. that is Kyam Maher, it is necessary to challenges and initiatives that need to turn to his early years. Mr. Maher was be taken in this area. born in Papua New Guinea to Jim and Viv Maher. He spent the earliest parts of Our new South Australian Minister for his childhood in Littlehampton, before Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation moving to Mount Gambier. Mr. Maher wants to work toward “understanding attributes his strong value system to [the relationship] between Aboriginal both his parents and the community ties and non-Aboriginal South Australians, he grew up with in rural South Australia. about the shared history we have”.

Both Mr. Maher’s parents are former In 2012 Kyam Maher delivered his State Labour Party candidates. first speech to the South Australian Additionally, many members of his Parliament. Mr. Maher opened with an extended family have ties within the explanation of why he entered politics. party too. Mr. Maher has said his natural Mr. Maher’s answer was simple, inclination toward progressive politics and spoke of his rural upbringing. began with his parents and continues Mr. Maher desired “to see everyone into his political career to this day. in our community having the opportunity to share in the benefits of living in Mr. Maher has been consistently open South Australia”. about his Aboriginal heritage through his maternal side. He said this connection Mr. Maher spoke about the profound “has not played an active role in…[his]… affect working in Aboriginal Affairs Royal Commission to life”, but he is proud to be linked to “the previously had imparted on him. In oldest living culture in the world”. his speech, he acknowledged the disadvantages many Aboriginal look at SA’s nuclear Before acquiring his current portfolio, Mr. Australians continue to face in modern Maher held several other parliamentary Australia. Mr Maher chastised this state industry potential positions. Most notably, in 2002 he was of affairs, commenting “it makes us less appointed Chief of Staff to Terry Roberts, of a nation when the Traditional Owners The State government has launched the community and industry during the who at the time held the portfolios of of this country endure some of the worst a Royal Commission to consider initial four weeks of consultation, helping Regional Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs and levels of disadvantage, poverty and what role South Australia could to shape the final Terms of Reference. Correctional Services. His first job dislocation that occur today”. play in the fuel cycle for the use This is “a significant moment in our posting after completing his degrees of nuclear energy. When viewed with hindsight, Mr. Maher’s of economics and law at The University State’s history – the commencement of passed conviction that Aboriginal Affairs After a brief consultation period, the of Adelaide, was working in a legal the most thorough investigation into the “is an area that is so important we Royal Commission commenced on capacity with the Crown Solicitors Office. nuclear fuel cycle and its feasibility in need to make every effort to keep 19 March with former Governor South Australia,” he said. Mr. Maher’s passion for Aboriginal Affairs making a difference”, seems somewhat Kevin Scarce appointed as Royal policy has carried through into other prophetic considering Mr. Maher’s Commissioner, and the release of “Minor changes have been made to the parts of his life. Most notably, he served recent acquisition. The Minister recently the final Terms of Reference. draft Terms of Reference following the as a board member of Reconciliation made the comment that “once you second round of consultation including The Commission, the first of its Australia for the twelve months prior start working in Aboriginal Affairs placing further emphasis on learning kind in Australia, will have until May to his appointment as Minister. Mr. you never stop working in that area”. lessons from past experiences in regards 2016 to provide a final report to the Maher has stated that he believes the For Mr Maher, this work began well to environmental impacts. State Government and will look into ‘reconciliation’ part of his portfolio is before his appointment as Minister. the production of nuclear energy, as very important. He said he is determined “A further change seeks to address the It remains to be seen if Minister Maher well as the enrichment of uranium and to put his “own stamp on the Aboriginal potential for the development of related will be driven by the same beliefs he waste storage. Affairs and Reconciliation Portfolio”. industries and any adverse impact on held on Aboriginal Australia when he It will not look into withdrawing from other sectors,” said Mr Weatherill. Mr. Maher’s early plans for the portfolio delivered his first speech in 2012 in the uranium mining or nuclear use for include his desire to visit the APY Lands South Australian Parliament. It is hoped A website for the Royal Commission military/defence purposes. as soon as possible. He believes it is he does indeed make every effort to has been established to provide imperative that both his department and keep making a difference for South Premier Jay Weatherill said more than relevant updates and information to the communities meet to discuss the Australian Aboriginal communities. 1000 submissions were received from the public www.nuclearrc.sa.gov.au.

2 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 Native title compensation claim filed in state’s far north west

On 27 February, the Tjayiwara for the portion of the Stuart Highway These acts ‘extinguished’ native title. The compensation application will now Unmuru native title holders filed that traverses the Tjayiwara Unmuru Pursuant to the Native Title Act, proceed to a formal notification process South Australia’s second native determination area and a digital radio the native title holders are entitled by the National Native Title Tribunal. title compensation application to compensation. Importantly, concentrator in the State’s far north-west. in the Federal Court, following native title holders are entitled to South Australia’s first native title authorisation of the application by Compensation is sought pursuant to ‘just terms’ compensation. compensation application – in the native title holders at a meeting the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) on the De Rose Hill – was successfully On 4 March 2015, his Honour Justice in Alice Springs on 23 February. basis that these acts occurred after Mansfield adjourned the compensation resolved through the country’s first The application seeks compensation the commencement of the Racial application to allow the parties to native title compensation consent from the State of South Australian Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). progress the matter. determination in 2012. Aboriginal Corporations managing Aboriginal heritage

In 2014, several Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, Ngadjuri the Mining Act and other agreements impact directly as a result of delegation Corporations were delegated Nation Aboriginal Corporation and under section 31 of the Native Title Act of Ministerial powers. Ministerial powers under the Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional and Indigenous Land Use Agreements. “Senex has tenements that overlap Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 Land Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Amongst other things, these agreements (SA) (the Heritage Act). Since that set a procedure for Aboriginal people YYTLOAC land. We have worked “This means that, if an application is time, these Aboriginal Corporations to check areas for Aboriginal heritage closely together with them through made, these Corporations will stand in have continued to facilitate projects before activities take place, with the goal early notification, Work Area Clearances the shoes of the Minister to consider and mining activities, while also of companies trying to avoid such sites. and joint mitigation of potential cultural the application, and will need to follow properly protecting Aboriginal heritage risk, before commencing any the legislative procedure and rules of “At the end of the day, it is important that cultural heritage. activity over that land. procedural fairness” said Mr Pagsanjan. Aboriginal people and companies are It is unlawful to damage, disturb honest with each other and always keep “Senex would always approach the or interfere with Aboriginal sites, Lloyd Roe, current Chairperson for lines of communication open. This way, Traditional Owners in the first instance, objects or remains without the Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka resource exploration and production can to see if an issue can be resolved with Minister’s prior approval. Traditional Land Owners Aboriginal continue while efficiently addressing risks their assistance and support. If a site Corporation says the delegation to our cultural heritage” said Mr Roe. Michael Pagsanjan, South Australian promotes the proper management we have selected is very significant to Native Title Services Senior Legal Officer of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. Energy Company, Senex Energy has the Group, we will do our best to move said “under the Heritage Act, the Minister been working closely with Yandruwandha the project or deviate the well. If there may delegate certain powers, including “We are proud to carry these Ministerial Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners is a significant risk to heritage being the power to oversee applications from responsibilities, if the need to apply Aboriginal Corporation (YYTLOAC); damaged, we arrange for monitors parties whose actions may interfere with under the Act ever arises. However, we Traditional Owners of the Cooper to be onsite during construction,” Aboriginal sites, objects or remains”. continue to work with stakeholders to Basin region in the North East Corner try and avoid that need in the first place” of South Australia. the Senex spokesperson said. To date, the Minister has delegated said Mr Roe. that power to several Aboriginal A spokesperson for Senex said the The most recent of several attempts Corporations, including Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Heritage is usually managed company has not made an Application to review the Heritage Act – including Native Title Aboriginal Corporation through agreements, including requiring YYTLOAC approval under the reviewing the delegation provisions – RNTBC, De Rose Hill-Ilpalka Aboriginal agreements made under Part 9B of Act, and has not seen any significant stalled in 2014.

Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 3 Healthy Welfare National Native Title cards proposed for Conference 2015 Leadership, legacy and opportunity remote disadvantaged Port Douglas, QLD Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 June 2015 communities Registration is open for The 2015 Court, National Native Title Tribunal, Annual National Native Title Commonwealth and State government The federal government is proposing Forrest, last year. Mr Forrest said Conference. The conference will agencies, academics, consultants and a cashless welfare card to stop “Technology exists that would be co-convened by the Australian industry representatives. spending on drugs, alcohol and make it possible to ban the purchase Institute of Aboriginal and Torres The Native Title Conference prides itself gambling, with an aim to reduce of certain products, including alcohol Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) domestic violence in disadvantaged and cigarettes, with the value of on ensuring that Indigenous people are and Cape York Land Council (CYLC). communities. quarantined welfare payments added strongly represented in the Conference This year’s will be held on the to bank-controlled cards, known as The trial of the Healthy Welfare Card is program. The Conference program healthy welfare cards”. traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji expected to begin at the end of the year. consists of one day of closed workshops people in Port Douglas QLD. Mr Forrest said it should be introduced for Indigenous people and their native The cards would operate like an ordinary for 2.5 million Australians who are of The conference will commence on visa or debit card, and could be used on title representative bodies and service working age, currently on welfare. Tuesday 16 June and conclude Thursday anything except to buy alcohol or providers followed by two days of a to gamble. But Social Services Minister Scott 18 June. The date coincides with the public program which may include Morrison said there was no plan for the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, due Alan Tudge, Parliamentary secretary Indigenous Talking Circles, Women’s card to have “mainstream application”. to be held in Laura QLD the weekend to the Prime Minister said the Healthy and Men’s Forums, Workshops, Panel following the conference, 19 – 21 June Welfare Card could have a positive “It’s there as a key tool to target Discussions as well as the delivery of 2015. This will provide delegates the impact on the rates of violence. particular areas of disadvantage,” Conference papers. he told reporters in Sydney, recently. opportunity to be involved in the largest “The rates of violence in some of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The conference engages with native title high welfare communities is completely The Greens described the card as as an active agenda for justice for people unacceptable.” “patronising and paternalistic”, and cultural gatherings in Australia. called for the trials to be abandoned. and country – both before and after the “We want to trial this card because The Native Title Conference is an outcome of native title determination, we believe it could have an impact on “These tough love methods do not opportunity for people to come together and within the broader compass of reducing the assaults and reducing resolve complex issues,” Greens Senator and engage in debate, including native traditional ownership. violence in the community,” he said. Rachel Siewert said in a statement. title holders and claimants, traditional This approach was recommended “They have not worked in the past owners, native title representative bodies To find out more go to by mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” and will not work now.” and service agencies, the Federal wired.ivvy.com/event/ntc15/

The Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation (SA) is holding information sessions about the ROYAL COMMISSION INTO INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Lawyers and Counsellors will be there!

Community members 16 April 2015 at ABOUT THE ROYAL COMMISSION and interested Who is invited? The Royal Commission is hearing stories from lots BUNGALA SERVICE PROVIDERS of different people about the things that happened ABORIGINAL CORPORATION to them when they were children. 1-3 Young Street The institutions the Royal Commission is looking into include schools, churches, foster care FREE BBQ Port Augusta SA arrangements or homes for kids, missions, Pitjantjatjara & Extras! at 11am sporting clubs and scout groups. These are all Yankunytjatjara places where kids should feel safe and happy. Interpreter 17 April 2015 at The Royal Commission is looking into bad things that happened to kids at these places and how Venue: TBA institutions responded. Port Lincoln SA The Royal Commission will make CONTACT US QUESTIONS? recommendations about what should be done 1800111052 or at 11am differently, to ensure this does not happen to our kids in the future. 0886412195

4 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 Charles Perkins, activist and administrator. The Assistant Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs protests along with Bob McLeod (sunglasses) and Allan Sharpley. Two of Perkins’ children on his right, Hetty 9 and Adam 6 in 1974. Source: Laurie Schwab collection, Deakin University Library. 50th anniversary of a defining moment for Australian Aboriginal civil rights

The Aboriginal civil rights protests The demonstration brought racial at the Moree Baths and Swimming discrimination to the attention and The story of the Moree Baths and swimming pool Pool forever changed the civil rights consciousness of the wider community. On 20 February 1965, a young permitted to use or occupy or be of Aboriginal Australians and is Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt Aboriginal activist, Charles Perkins, present in or upon the premises of recognised as a defining moment said the action taken by the Freedom led of group of students from the the council known as the Moree Baths in Australian history. Riders 50 years ago, led to a change University of Sydney to protest the or in or upon any of the buildings or in attitude toward Aboriginal people Led by a young Charles Perkins, a group official segregation of Aboriginal places therewith by the wider community. people from the town swimming pool. of passionate and courageous university Charles Perkins and the Freedom “The Moree Baths and Swimming students, known as the Freedom Riders In the lead up to the events at Moree, Riders collected a number of children Pool represents a significant part of arrived in Morree (northern New South the students, known as the Freedom from the mission and attempted to the modern Australian story. Wales) in 1965 during their travelling Riders, had been travelling throughout gain entry into the pool. This led to campaign to raise awareness of “The events at Moree in February 1965 rural towns in New South Wales and three hours of heated negotiations and Aboriginal discrimination and poor helped create an environment for change southern Queensland to draw attention during this time a large and hostile living conditions. that moved public opinion towards to inadequacies in health and housing crowd gathered. Fights broke out, a ‘Yes’ vote in the 1967 referendum and the common discrimination people were knocked over, punches Moree was known to be a town where to remove the discrimination against against Aboriginal people. were thrown at the protesters and segregation was practiced. The students Aboriginal Australians from the Australian Moree was the first place the several arrests were made. focused on the swimming pool for a Constitution” he said. public protest. The pool became a Freedom Riders encountered official The protests at the Moree Baths and Following the events at Moree, Dr Perkins discrimination in the form of a by-law scene of tension and aggression as they the stand-off between Freedom Riders continued his work and commitment to targeting Aboriginal people. attempted to assist Aboriginal children and local authorities has become the advancement of Aboriginal people in one of the most significant events from the reserve outside town to enter Australia throughout the rest of his life. The ordinance stated of the modern Indigenous civil rights the pool while locals angrily defended He was awarded the Order of Australia That no person being a full blooded movement. The protest ended when the race-based ban. in 1987. or half cast aboriginal of Australia, or being person apparently having a Moree Council rescinded the by-law. The significance of events at the Moree mixture of aboriginal blood, shall use, The demonstration Baths and Swimming Pool is recognised The Moree Baths and Swimming Pool occupy or be present in or upon, or by its place on the National Heritage List. Complex was included on the National brought racial be allowed or be permitted or invited Heritage List in 2013 as the 100th Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel to use, occupy or be present upon discrimination to place on the list. Scullion, said it was sobering to think the premises of the council known the attention and that just 50 years ago, such actions as Memorial Hall... and that no such For more information go consciousness of as those led by Dr Perkins were required person as aforesaid shall use, occupy to the Department of to help end discrimination against or be present in or be allowed or Environment website. the wider community. Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 5 Charles Perkins: footballer, activist, administrator By Roy Hay shooting skills were recognised and in 1957 when he was at Fiorentina a scout Charles Perkins was a pioneering from Everton offered to pay half his fare figure in the recognition of the for a trial with the club in England. Aboriginal people of Australia. In the 1960s he led the freedom rides which brought discrimination His speed, power and against Aborigines into Australian ferocious shooting politics. He was the first male Aboriginal graduate of the University skills were recognised of Sydney. He became chair and in 1957 when he of the Aboriginal Development Commission and head of the Federal was at Fiorentina a Government’s Department of scout from Everton Aboriginal Affairs. For four decades offered to pay half his he was one of the most recognised figures across a range of issues fare for a trial with the affecting the indigenous peoples of club in England. Australia. Yet it was football where he first made his name and football Like other young Australians, including which set him on the way to his later Craig Johnston and Tony Dorigo, Perkins achievements. As he said ‘Football found the gulf between the football he serves a three-fold purpose. The first had been used to in Australia and that was to provide me with finance for in United Kingdom was huge. He tried my study. Second, it enabled me to hard but he could not break into the keep fit because I needed to study Everton team and though he was offered for such long hours. Third, it was the a part-time contract in the end, he means whereby I could mix socially decided instead to try his luck elsewhere. and enjoy myself comfortably.’ He had a spell with local team in Wigan and then joined Bishop Auckland. On

Life was very tough the face of it this was a curious move, Charles Perkins in action. Source: John Maynard, The Aboriginal Soccer Tribe, p. 51, from Australian for the youngsters going from a top professional team to Soccer Weekly via Paul and Col. an amateur one, but as he pointed out to win promotion and cups as player- indoor game in Canberra along with his who had to cope the amateur players were getting just as coach and becoming vice-captain of long time friend Johnny Warren and was much money at the professionals in those with discrimination the South Australian state team. His president of the Australian Indoor Soccer days of the maximum wage in England. experience in England had sharpened Federation for a decade. and abuse. A game against Oxford University opened his skills including his tactical awareness his mind to the possibility of going to Born in 1936 near Alice Springs, his and organisational capacity. John university himself one day. In the short His influence persisted mother was of the Arunta people, a very Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe were two run he turned down offers in England, inclusive group, and his father whom he other Aboriginal members of the Croatia long after he died in including one from Manchester United, only saw once, was of the Kalkadoon team in these years. Meeting the future and returned to Australia. 2000, because he people from Mount Isa. Charles was premier of South Australia Don Dunstan taken to Adelaide at the age of ten along helped to develop his interest in the paved the way by his with several other children by a Church Meeting the future politics of Aboriginal advancement and example for the next of England pastor. Among the Aboriginal premier of South in 1961 he moved to Sydney. After a children in the school at Marryatville was false start at Bankstown he was offered generation of talent John Moriarty, another who made his way Australia Don Dunstan a contract at Pan Hellenic, where he was to come through. through football to an important career helped to develop an immediate hit. Once he settled among the Greek community he combined in Australian life. Life was very tough for his interest in the He never forgot what he owed to the the youngsters who had to cope with success on the football field with study game and his autobiography A Bastard discrimination and abuse. In 1951 the politics of Aboriginal for matriculation and then at Sydney like Me tells the story, warts and all. His state Under-18 was practising near the advancement and University. Under his leadership Pan influence persisted long after he died school. The boys from St Francis’s took Hellenic finished fourth in Division One in 2000, because he paved the way by them on and gave them the runaround. in 1961 he moved in New South Wales in 1961 and 1963. his example for the next generation of Perkins and Moriarty and some of the to Sydney. He finished his career as a player at talent to come through. Harry Williams Bankstown in 1965, but he remained others joined the squad soon after. worked closely with Perkins in Aboriginal That started the love affair with football. involved in the game off the field. Adelaide Croatia, presided over by support services in Rockdale in Sydney Charles Perkins rose through a number the leading housebuilder, Branko Fillipi, When the National Soccer League started and went on to play for Australia in the of junior clubs in Adelaide including agreed to pay his fare home as they he was president of Canberra City and World Cup in Germany in 1974. The Port Thistle juniors, International United wanted his drive and direction for their became a member of the Australian modern generation of Aboriginal players, (Redskins), and Budapest which he joined push for promotion. Within months of Soccer Federation and its vice-president men and women, owe a great deal to the in 1956. His speed, power and ferocious coming home, he was helping the club in 1987. He also helped promote the pioneering career of Charles Perkins.

SANTS new Strategic Plan South Australian Native Title services (SANTS) has launched a new Strategic Plan to establish the goals and direction of SANTS for the next five years.

To get a copy of the Strategic Plan please visit nativetitlesa.org or call 1800 010 370.

6 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 Five new board members appointed to the council of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Studies A renowned research, collections • Ms Donisha Duff: National Manager, Education at the University of of Design Your Future, a not-for-profit and publishing organisation, the Indigenous Affairs at Kidney Health Queensland. Professor Shannon organisation that provides community- Australian Institute of Aboriginal Australia. Ms Duff was recognised is renowned for her leading building art workshops for young Torres Strait Islander Studies in 2014 as the NAIDOC Scholar of contribution to the development Indigenous women. (AIATSIS) is aimed at promoting the Year. of Indigenous health policy. The new council members will join knowledge and understanding of • Ms Rachel Perkins: Founder • Ms Jodie Sizer: Principal of PwC Chair, Professor Mick Dodson AM and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island and managing director of Blackfella Indigenous Consulting. Ms Sizer was the rest of the council to continue the cultures, traditions, languages and Films whose notable body of work named as Victorian Aboriginal Young important work. stories. The organisation gives is a tribute to her work as producer, Achiever in 2000, when she was crucial advice to industry and screen writer and director, including Outgoing Council members are working as an accounting auditor. government and provides access to her film “Bran Nue Dae”. Ms Neva Collings, Mr Dana Ober, Aboriginal heritage and knowledge. • Professor Cindy Shannon: • Mr Geoffrey Winters: Associate Ms June Oscar AO, Ms Robynne Quiggan It welcomes: Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous lawyer with Clyde & Co and Director and Dr Mark Wenitong. Almost $3m for road safety in Fleurieu, Riverland and Murray Mallee

The Fleurieu Peninsula, Riverland • Noarlunga to Cape Jervis Road, • South East Highway, approximately and Murray Mallee regions are approximately 1 kilometre south 10 kilometres south of Murray Bridge currently undergoing a $2.8m of Second Valley for 2.7 kilometres. for 1.1 kilometres. project to upgrade key roads. • Sturt Highway, approximately • South East Highway, approximately The Transport and Infrastructure Minister 7 kilometres east of Truro for 14 kilometres south of Murray Bridge Stephen Mullighan said 23 sites have 700 metres. for 2.5 kilometres. been identified for the resurfacing works.

• Sturt Highway, approximately • Mallee Highway, approximately “About 40 kilometres of regional roads 3 kilometres east of Yamba for 5 kilometres east of Tailem Bend for will be resurfaced through this project 800 metres. NAIDOC 1.2 kilometres. which will make for a safer, smoother • Angaston to Loxton Road, drive, while also extending the life of • Mallee Highway, approximately approximately 10 kilometres east Week these roads,” Mr Mullighan said. 10 kilometres east of Sherlock of Swan Reach for 2.5 kilometres. Aboriginal and Torres Works will be undertaken at the for 2.3 kilometres. Strait Islander peoples’ following locations: • Alawoona to Paruna Road, Paruna Township for 600 metres. • Mallee Highway, approximately unique and timeless • Callington to Goolwa Road, 6 kilometres east of Parilla for connection to land is Woodchester Township for • Loxton to Pinnaroo Road, 1.9 kilometres. the special focus and 900 metres. approximately 33 kilometres south • Pinnaroo to Bordertown Road, theme of this year’s of Loxton for 2.2 kilometres. • Callington to Goolwa Road, approximately 30 kilometres south of National NAIDOC Week • Loxton to Murray Bridge Road, approximately 2 kilometres south the Mallee Highway for 2.1 kilometres celebrations. of Woodchester for 2 kilometres. approximately 3 kilometres west of Wanbi for 5.8 kilometres. • Pinnaroo to Bordertown Road, The theme – We all Stand on • Noarlunga to Victor Harbor Road, approximately 42 kilometres south of Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect northern approach to Mt Compass • Sedan to Sanderston Road, the Mallee Highway for 400 metres. and Celebrate – highlights for 1.3 kilometres. approximately 9 kilometres south Aboriginal and Torres Strait of Cambrai for 1.6 kilometres. • Princes Highway, approximately Islander peoples’ strong spiritual • Noarlunga to Victor Harbor, 28 kilometres south of Meningie and cultural connection to approximately 2 kilometres south • Sanderston to Mannum Road, for 3 kilometres. land and sea. of Mt Compass for 1.2 kilometres. approximately 1 kilometre south of Sanderston for 2.6 kilometres. For more information visit • Noarlunga to Cape Jervis, Weather permitting, the works are www.naidoc.org.au approximately 14 kilometres south • South East Highway, Murray Bridge expected to be complete by the end of Normanville for 400 metres. Bypass for 1.7km. of April. Commercial Fishery for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people

The commercial Bêche-de-mer Nigel Scullion, The Minister for traditional inhabitants achieve financial It is the second commercial fishery Fishery in the Torres Strait is now Indigenous Affairs has cited this independence”. in the Torres Strait to be completely owned exclusively by Torres Strait development as an example of how Senator Scullion was joined by the owned by Traditional Owners and Islander and Aboriginal People. the Australian Government can help to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait is an important step toward a The Australian Government invested for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck, Islander communities. commercially viable fishing industry $1.5 million to supporting a total Torres in recognising the significance of the Strait Islander and Aboriginal ownership Senator Scullion said this “will increase commercial fishing license by the Torres for Torres Strait Island and of the Bêche-de-mer Fishery. industry opportunities and help Strait Regional Authority. Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 7 Seven years since apology On 13 February over one thousand why recognition will help us to heal old people attended the 7th Annual wounds”, he said. Anniversary of the National Apology Professor Peter Buckskin , Co-Chair to the Stolen Generations Breakfast. of the Reconciliation South Australia The breakfast was held to honour Board said the success of the breakfast the survivors of the Stolen shows there is growing support in Generations and to inform the non- remembering and acknowledging Aboriginal community about their the Stolen Generations. ongoing needs. “Each year, our Apology Breakfast The keynote speaker was AFL legend continues to grow, and this year we’ve Michael O’Loughlin. Michael is a broken records with over a thousand Narungga, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri man people attending. This indicates the who grew up in Salisbury, Adelaide. He growing respect and support that people went on to play 303 AFL Games for the have in SA for our Stolen Generation Sydney Swans and was named in the Survivors,” said Professor Buckskin. Indigenous AFL Team of the Century. He is the Founder and Director of The Go The support was also noted by the Foundation. He is currently working as event’s long list of sponsors. The the High Performance Manager with the main sponsors were Telstra, Port Sydney Swans and serves as a Recognise Power and Adelaide Crows. Campaign Ambassador. Mr O’loughlin Reconciliation SA promotes the People’s was an inspiring guest speaker. He spoke Movement for reconciliation at a State about the importance of remembering level. Its website states Reconciliation the Stolen Generations, about his work SA aims “to increase understanding with the Go Foundation, and his quest for of the shared history of all South a positive future for Aboriginal Australia. Australian that recognises and enacts the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait “I have had close family affected by this Islander people to live in a just and tragedy and it is important to recognise equitable society”. all Stolen Generation survivors in South Australia,” he said. The Annual Anniversary Breakfast of the National Apology is a significant Mr O’loughlin also encouraged people State event that allows reflection and to get behind recognition of Aboriginal encouragement for people to come people in the Australian constitution. together to heal and to celebrate “Aboriginal people from this land are our achievements. The breakfast is part of Australia’s history. I think every always followed by a community BBQ, fair-minded Australian can understand also hosted by Reconciliation SA.

From top, left to right: xx; xx; xx; xx; xx; xx; xx; xx; xx.

8 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 Clockwise from top left: The Numkerettes Belinda, Diana, Shelly and Sara; Jean, Ky and Linda Wilson with Gloria Sumner, Joe and Genie Lehotski; Jane Lemont Williams; xx; Centacare Staff; Tanya Michelle from Link Up; Dean Whitaker and Anthony Hughes; Randy Saunders and Warren Miller from Wirrangu Traditional Foods and Cooking; xx; Jose Nemorin at the SA Letters Patent stall.

Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 9 Tim Wilson – Human Rights Commissioner National Press Club Address

Australia’s sixth Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson, spoke at the risk can be priced, so communities National Press Club on Wednesday 18 February 2015, on the subjects can build economic opportunities. of freedom, education and human rights. The Commissioner dedicated a • Mechanisms to raise finance substantial part of his speech to property rights and housing as basic human for the development of housing rights. Below is an excerpt of Mr Wilson’s address, the full speech is available and ownership. online at www.humanrights.gov.au/news/speeches. Having met with leaders, there is an Property rights are property, you just need to look at appetite for constructive reform to set human rights Aboriginal Australia. native title free. Magna Carta’s anniversary also provides Mabo established recognition of the Reform must respect native title’s unique the opportunity to reconnect Australia’s common law right of native title and the role as a sacred bond between Aboriginal human rights discourse back to their road for Aboriginal Australians to reclaim Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson. Australians and their homelands. origins, particularly the importance their available lands. But it was only the beginning of the story. But middle and working class Australians, of property rights. Therefore, I’m proud to announce that especially the young, face housing It’s not enough for Aboriginal Australians my colleague, Mick Gooda, and I will be The very foundation of human rights is stress. Ignoring their problems simply to simply have property rights; they must hosting a high-level forum on this subject that people own their own bodies and pushes the problems further down also have the freedom to exercise them. later this year. should be free to pursue their lives, the market to the detriment of the poor their opportunity and their enterprise. Unleashing the freedom to exercise native Any proposals from this forum will and disadvantaged. title must be part of the next chapter in require the consent of native title holders Preservation of property rights is central That is the story I heard from disaffected ensuring our Aboriginal Australians, as if implemented and will not compromise to the human rights cause. homeless people at the Hutt Street Noel Pearson wrote in a recent essay, the protection of the inherent legal rights centre in Adelaide. They raised concerns achieve their “equal liberty ... [and] the They underpin autonomy, security, and of Aboriginal Australia. about accessing reliable accommodation the foundations of a market economy freedom to take responsibility”.[4] We will be bringing together parties with so much pressure on social housing. through physical and intellectual Aboriginal leaders from Broome to interested in reviewing and reforming property to deliver the growth to deliver Many factors contribute to rising house Cairns have detailed to me the complex native title to remove legal and regulatory higher standards of living, art and prices, from wealth disparity between bureaucracy after native title is barriers that hold Aboriginal communities culture, innovation and education generations, land release, environmental secured, including: back from reaching their full potential. and health outcomes. and planning regulations, as well as • Excessive regulations that labour costs. Housing affordability Property is the foundation of industries undermine self-determination All increase costs and slow release past, and the entrepreneurialism and and entrench poverty. These challenges don’t just befall of supply. creativity of tomorrow. Aboriginal Australia. Undermining the • Land tax bills for property that they’ve free exercise of property rights That isn’t the end of the story. We stop Denying them has the reverse effect. never had the opportunity to develop. contributes to the housing affordability people using websites to rent out their In Perth I met with property groups who • And legal restrictions that stop land crisis in our cities and suburbs. homes for short term tenancies. articulated the human cost of excessive being used as equity to raise the environmental laws that destroy the capital to be entrepreneurial. During an interview on a youth radio There are also geographic differences. security and opportunity for farmers station in regional New South Wales The problems in our capital cities This is neither fair, nor just. to invest in their own future. I asked the host what issues her listeners where land is scarce are different to communities like Halls Creek in outback In Alice Springs we went to art galleries We can’t complain about the cost of had raised after reading my consultation welfare programs for Australia’s first WA where land is plentiful. that ensured remote Aboriginal paper. I know you all read it too. There citizens, when we concurrently deny communities earned an income through was only one answer: property rights. Solving the challenge of housing them the freedom to use the primary the sale of artwork that is built on a Housing affordability has been raised with affordability is not just about building asset they own to escape dependency. respect for their intellectual property. me all across the country by business more houses on the outer fringe of our It is not our place to tell Aboriginal great capital cities where families will In his compelling book, The Mystery groups, younger Australians, rural Mayors Australia how to use their land. But it is struggle to commute; nor towering of Capital, Hernando de Soto, identified and homeless support centres. our duty to ensure they can by removing skyscrapers in our CBDs where families “Without formal property, no matter how red tape. Reform requires: Most advocacy is dedicated to increasing will only temporarily fit; especially when many assets the excluded accumulate or the supply of social housing. Others have established suburbs stop medium density • Flexible legal instruments enabling how hard they work, most people will not raised concern about security of rental development that can deliver proximity, [3] communities to use their title as be able to prosper”. tenure, particularly for older Australians. livability and affordability. they see fit, including with different The freedom to exercise ownership structures that meet But you cannot fix the problems of There isn’t a one-size fits all solution. property their needs. renting and ownership unless you fix Making sure all Australians can access the private market. If you need evidence to demonstrate • Complimentary new business models shelter is an area I intend to work on the human consequences of denying that ensure finance can be raised, and The wealthy can take care of themselves. in the years to come. Aboriginal people eat less fruit and veg says ABS report

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The results are from the first ABS survey cent or 23 grams more fruit and 30 per to control diabetes compared with non- people eat less fruit and vegetables to collect detailed nutrition information cent or 30 grams more vegetables than Indigenous dieters, who were more likely than non-Aboriginal people, from over 4000 Aboriginal and Torres those living in remote areas. to be on a low fat or cholesterol diet. Strait Islander people, which forms the according to a report released last Other results from the survey showed More information is available in Australian nutrition component of the Australian month from the Australian Bureau one in eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of Statistics (ABS). Diets high in fruit Islander people aged 15 years and Health Survey: Nutrition Results – Food Health Survey. and vegetables can help protect over reporting that they were on a diet. and Nutrients (cat. no. 4727.0.55.005 ) against chronic diseases like heart Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander available for free download from the disease, stroke and some cancers. people living in urban areas ate 25 per dieters were more likely to be on a diet ABS website www.abs.gov.au

10 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 Closing The Gap report Our column in review features reviews and stories on Aboriginal writers, artists and musicians. We welcome your The 2015 Closing the Gap Report was released earlier this year. feedback and suggestions. So if you know of a new work The aim of the report is to assess the gains and losses made in the previous 12 months toward reaching targets outlined in 2008 by the about to published or an artist or musician please contact Council of Australian Governments in addressing Aboriginal and Torres us on (08) 8110 2800. Strait Islander disadvantage.

TARGET review in TARGET STATUS RESULTS YEAR Black Close the gap in life expectancy within Not on 2031 a generation track Diggers Halve the gap in mortality rates for 2018 On track Indigenous children under five within a decade Directed by Wesley Enoch and written by Tom Wright, Black Diggers is Ensure access for all Indigenous four-year-olds in remote communities to 2013 Not met the result of lengthy research into early childhood education the lives and deaths of Aboriginal soldiers who fought for the British Close the gap between Indigenous and New target, Commonwealth in World War I. non-Indigenous school attendance within 2018 baseline five years 2014 Tom wright’s narrative explores the experiences of the young men who hoped Close the gap in reading writing and numeracy Not on 2018 their involvement in the War would mean achievements for Indigenous students track a better future for them when they Halve the gap for Indigenous Australians returned to Australia. aged 20-24 in Year 12 attainment or 2020 On track equivalent attainment rates It is performed by an all-male Aboriginal cast who capture this chapter of Halve the gap in employment outcomes Not on Australian history with the use of between Indigenous and non-Indigenous 2018 track humour, sensibility and historical fact. Australians It begins with the Diggers enlisting with enthusiasm and then follows the Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said Key recommendations have been challenges of fighting in Gallipoli and “it is profoundly disappointing that most forward by the 2015 Progress and their return. It tells of the Black Diggers Closing the Gap targets are not on Priorities Report. The recommendations mateships with the white Diggers during track to be met”. However, The Close include that the Australian Government the war, only to be painted black as soon the Gap Campaign’s 2015 Progress and should revisit the decision to Priorities Report has cautioned that time discontinue to National Indigenous as they set foot on Australian soil. is required to see results. Additionally it Drug and Alcohol Committee; funding The simple dark set is utilised well as a cautioned that reducing effort and drive for the Tackling Indigenous Smoking backdrop for the in-depth dialogue and behind the campaign amounts to a waste programme is increased; and that the compelling truths conveyed from the of the investment the Australian nation Closing the Gap targets focused on perspective of the Black Diggers. has done up until now. Kirstie Parker, reducing imprisonment and violence co-chair of the campaign, has said that are developed, and this should This is a play to be celebrated, not only Australia as a nation will need to maintain be implemented alongside justice as one of the highlights of this year’s the current campaign momentum to reinvestment activities. Festival, but as a demonstration of our see a rise in Indigenous Australian’s nation’s readiness to observe these pages The Report highlighted the need life expectancy. of history, with meaning and maturity. for appropriate services that target The Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s detecting, managing and treating chronic Report 2015 acknowledged the diseases in Indigenous Australians. importance of Indigenous recognition in Evidence shows that Aboriginal the Australian Constitution. The Prime Community Controlled Health Services Minister stated that he hoped this would are able to provide the best kind of be achieved on the 50th anniversary of service in this area. The Report went the 1967 referendum, which would fall on to state that the artificial divide on 27 May 2017. The report states that between chronic disease and mental “constitutional recognition is critical to health needed to be removed. The two fully acknowledge the heritage of our are closely linked and any separation nation”. The report went on to highlight detracts from achieving the targets that education, employment and safer set for the Closing the Gap Campaign. communities are key factors in driving Closing the gap between Indigenous the Closing the Gap campaign and that and non-Indigenous Australians is an health and wellbeing are interconnected agreed national priority for all Australians. to these factors. This opinion was In order to see these targets met there mirrored by Ms Parker, who said there needs to be patience and unwavering Radio program needs to be a clearer connection commitment. The small improvements between the Closing the Gap Campaign that have been achieved so far show Aboriginal and the Australian Government’s that the campaign is working, but it Indigenous Advancement Strategy. It needs to be acknowledged by all that Message… was echoed in the 2015 Progress and addressing centuries of entrenched …is recorded weekly at Priorities Report, produced under the disadvantage is not something that Radio Adelaide. co-chairperson commission of Mick can be achieved overnight or with Gooda and Ms Parker. There was a If you have an interesting story or event that you would like to share on radio, only partial support. particular emphasis on the need to please contact Kaliah Alice on (08) 2110 2834 or relate education, which is an Indigenous TO READ THE FULL REPORTS VISIT email [email protected] Advancement Strategy, and health. www.humanrights.gov.au

Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015 11 SA Native Title Services pays respect to Trevor Griffin, former attorney general and native title supporter

Mr Griffin, 74, died on 7 March and Consent Determinations. To this “Mr Griffin obtained Cabinet backing after an illness and is survived day, the reforms continue to play a and funding for Indigenous land use by his wife and two sons. large part in how native title is run in agreements and other initiatives.” His Honour was a member of the South Australia. “He was a good man and a good SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Legislative Council for 24 years and politician and he will be sadly missed,” Keith Thomas, South Australian Native NATIVE TITLE SERVICES served twice as attorney-general. Mr Thomas said. Title Services CEO said “Mr Griffin played He spent his later years working on an integral role in the history of native Mr Griffin was the leader of the his vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. title in South Australia”. government in the Legislative Council Level 4 As attorney general, Mr Griffen assisted from September 1979 to November 345 King William Street in devising the concept of settling native “He helped South Australia become a 1982 and served as attorney-general ADELAIDE SA 5000 title claims through negotiation and the national leader in native title in pursuing twice from September 1979 to set-up of legal processes, including negotiated native title outcomes instead November 1982 and again from Indigenous Land Use Agreements of litigating claims.” December 1993 to December 2001. Editor Keith Thomas SANTS Nunkari photos

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12 Aboriginal Way, Winter 2015