The Journal of the Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development
AUTUMN 2005 Issue 100
Lost in Transmission Community program makers have lost control of Channel 31
Peter Garrett MP A frank interview on Port Botany, Malabar, Reconciliation and why he joined the ALP
Community College Cuts Funding slashed by one third, inner city community colleges have been forced make tough choices
Manufacturing Fear Forum Anti-terrorism laws and their impacts Under the Hammer
PRINT POST APPROVED PP2479988/00009 The Minister for Hot Property
inner voice 1 2004 Federal Election Results
Name Party Votes Percentage Swing% GRAYNDLER ALBANESE, Anthony ALP 38,634 51.18 +2.03 JOHNSON, Sue SOC 1,010 1.34 +1.34 HARRISON, Jen DEM 1,579 2.09 -7.03 KOKKOLIS, Stephanie LIB 18,347 24.31 +1.38 MYERS, Philip GRN 15,914 21.08 +8.02 Informal 4,322 5.42 -1.14 TOTAL 79,806
KINGSFORD SMITH COGAN, James 214 .029 +0.29 FRANCES, Maureen SOC 273 0.37 +0.37 GARRETT, Peter ALP 36,565 49.6 +1.91 GILROY, Reg GST 563 0.76 +0.76 MATTHEWS, Charles IND 2,505 3.4 +3.40 ROBERT, Hannah GRN 5,430 7.37 +0.10 PRASSAS, Nicholas LIB 26,639 36.14 +1.88 TILLOTSON, Nicole DEM 747 1.01 -4.19 WINTER, Anna ONE 779 1.06 -3.80 Informal 6,790 8.43 +2.29 TOTAL 80,505
SYDNEY BLEICHER, Michelle DEM 1,701 2.07 -8.81 FORD, Adrian CEC 150 0.18 +0.18 LEONG, Jenny GRN 17,784 21.61 +6.92 PLIBERSEK, Tanya ALP 36,766 44.68 +0.35 PRICE, Susan SOC 564 0.69 +0.69 SHELVERS, Michael LIB 23,419 28.46 -1.64 WARD, Jane IND 1,346 1.64 +1.64 WEBB, Michael IND 553 0.67 +0.67 Informal 4,600 5.29 +1.05 TOTAL 86,883
WENTWORTH BUCKLEY, Brian GST 171 0.23 +0.23 COX, Mithra GRN 8,210 11.15 +1.38 HULL, Leonie FAM 301 0.41 +0.41 JAMIESON, John CEC 65 0.09 +0.09 KING, Peter IND 13,326 17.98 +17.98 MORRISON, Lindy DEM 683 0.93 -5.22 PATCH, David ALP 19,391 26.34 -3.18 SHEIL, Pat IND 218 0.30 +0.30 SHEN, Victor TFP 239 0.32 +0.32 TURNBULL, Malcolm LIB 30,771 41.79 -10.29 VOGLER, Robert IND 339 0.46 +0.46 Informal 4,853 6.18 +1.33 TOTAL 78,477
Key: ALP (Australian Labor Party), DEM (Australian Democrats), CEC (Citizens Electoral Council), FAM (Family First), GRN (The Greens), GST (No GST), IND (Independent), LIB (Liberal Party), ONE (Pauline Hanson's One Nation - NSW Division), SOC (Socialist Alliance), TFP (The Fishing Pary).
2 Autumn 2005 inner voice 3 News Regulars
Obituary 6 A last word from Charlie 4 Harvey Volke Editorial 5 Diary 5 Lost in Transmission 11 Employment & Income Support 7 Whose running Channel 31? Health 10 Material Needs 13 Manufacturing Fear 19 Education 14 Environment 17 Anti-terrorism laws Citizens Rights & Public Safety 18 Family Support & Community NSW Shadow Ministry 22 Activities 21 Resources & Organisation 23
Inner Voice Autumn 2005. Issue 100
Inner Voice is the quarterly journal of the Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development Incorporated contents ISSN 0155 7106
8 12 15 Minister Community Peter for Hot College Garrett MP The Inner Voice interview. Property Cuts FRANCESCA GUIMARENS met Funds slashed by a third with the new Member for Kingsford All power, no accountability Smith and canvassed his initial views for the Minister for Redfern Despite thirty years of meeting the on Malabar Headland, Port Botany, continuing education needs of adults, The future for residents of the Block Kingsford-Smith Airport and being in community colleges have had to and Sydney's big inner city public the Australian Labor Party. absorb the impact of the Education housing estates is in the hands of Minister's decision to only subsidise Frank Sartor as the NSW Government 'vocational' training, writes Sydney becomes property owner, developer Community College Principal GARY and consent authority in Redfern- TRAINER. Waterloo, writes MARTINE BRIEGER.
2 Autumn 2005 inner voice 3 Inner Voice is the journal of the Inner Sydney Regional a final word from charlie Council for Social Development At our organisation’s Annual day each week, thereby giving more General Meeting, our Chair, Terry time to commission and publish more Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Murphy, said “Our journal, ‘Inner articles and information on the net. Development (ISRCSD) is a non-profit organisation committed to the idea of Voice’, continues to be a respected On the other hand, we know that ‘In- information as a tool for community de- publication, and is our main vehicle ner Voice’ is taken seriously and is velopment. The organisation defines Inner for bringing to attention the various sometimes influential. Would a net- Sydney as being the local government ar- developments that occur in, or affect, based ‘Inner Voice’ carry the same eas of Botany Bay, Leichhardt, Randwick, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra. the Region. ‘Inner Voice’ is about weight as the magazine? We need to pass a milestone, its 100th edition. answers to all these questions. We The journal is funded jointly by the That represents 25 years of continu- cannot discard this publication lightly. Department of Community Services, ous publication, which is not a bad We’d like to hear your opinion. Randwick and Sydney City Councils, and by members and subscribers. achievement at all for a non-profit, Whether ‘Inner Voice’ continues community-based organisation.” as a printed or net-based publication, All articles and artwork are contributed on a voluntary and unpaid basis. Well, this is the hundredth edition this will be the last editorial written of ‘Inner Voice’. We have reached by me. I have resigned from Regional that milestone. Its publication comes Council and am moving to Newcastle at a time when all of the print media to marry a certain Ms Tracey Sharples is feeling the pressure of competition (which some of you may remember from internet-based sources of infor- from her years at the Harris St Centre mation, and we at Regional Council in Ultimo). are seriously questioning the future of I'm hoping to move away from ‘Inner Voice’. We are about to launch working in the community sector our website. Should it be complemen- to a field that doesn’t matter quite Acting Editors tary to ‘Inner Voice’, or a replacement so much, that is not crammed full of Martine Brieger/Jack Carnegie for it? Are you on-line, and if so, issues, and is not so personally taxing what is your connection speed? Do And Special Thanks to and therefore better for my health. you have time to absorb information Jo Durand and Cheryl Kelly at Inner I want to thank current and past by browsing through a paper-based South West Community Development members of the Board, and current Organisation for sharing InfoNews! source like this magazine, or would and past staff, for their support and you prefer regular emails alerting you Contributors understanding over the past four and to new stories and forthcoming events Fracesca Guimarens, Robyn Edwards, half years. I wish all of my friends on our website? Jack Carnegie, Glen Collyer, Peter > and colleagues in the community sec- Sub-editing Funds are tight, and we know that tor and in the Region the best of luck Anne Fraser we could save enough money in print- in struggling on, and in looking after Desktop Publishing ing costs to employ our editor an extra themselves. Martine Brieger Charlie Richardson Cover Photograph Jack Carnegie Subscription Co-ordinator Edwina Tohi Printing Complete Design Publisher Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development Co-op Ltd 770 Elizabeth Street Waterloo NSW 2017 Ph: 9698 7461 Fax: 9318 0852 Email: [email protected]
The opinions expressed in Inner Voice do not neccessarily represent the views of the publisher nor the publication. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for omissions, typographical or printer’s errors, A fond farewell Charlie (right). Top: the Von Tohi Family. Below: John inaccuracies or changes that may have taken place after publication. McIntyre and Faye Williams test out the karoake machine
4 Autumn 2005 inner voice 5 editorial diary Welcome to the 100th edition of Inner Voice. The Management Sunday April 17 Thursday May 5 Committee and staff of Inner Syd- ney Regional Council are feeling Public Rally Against Food Fairness Forum - A day extremely proud and would like to Non-Aviation Airport to work towards a food system thank all our members, subscribers, Development. A rally that fosters equitable food volunteers, and contributors for help- against the development of access, nutrition, community ing us achieve this milestone. non-aviation, commercial development and environmental activities at Sydney Airport. health. Liverpool TAFE, next to Starting out as a monthly 70-page A Major Development Plan Liverpool Railway Station. Cost compendium of everything going on for commercial development $20 or silver coin donation for in the region (almost named 'The and associated car parking is unemployed. Contact: gabriela. Bugle'), Inner Voice has reduced currently being assessed by the [email protected]. its size over the years but retained Federal Government. 11am, its commitment to the principle that Tempe Reserve. "information is a tool for community May 6 - 16 development" - ie that the right infor- Neighbourhood Centre mation can make a real difference! Saturday April 23 Week Celebrate with Local Sydney Community Gardens Community Services Of course, the road has been rocky Network Gathering at Association on the 7th May at times, and no more so than now Marrickville Community Food at the Surry Hills Festival, - as we struggle to get this final edi- Forest, Bldg 11 & Lot 48 142 Crown Street, Surry Hills. tion to you despite the loss of our Addison Rd, Marrickville, www.lcsa.org.au much-loved Co-ordinator Charlie 11am-5pm. Bring a plate of Richardson and our Media Officer food to share and any seeds Francesca Guimarens. Wednesday May 11 or plants to swap. It will be a We thank Martine Brieger and Understanding Mental Illness casual affair designed to get one-day workshop at Rozelle Jack Carnegie, for stepping in and community gardeners together getting it done - and we must give a Hospital, contact Paula Tuffin, to share experiences of Ph: 9556 9490. BIG thanks to Cheryl Kelly and Jo community gardening. Phone: Durand at Inner South West Com- Gavin Farley 9564 3890. munity Development Organisation Fri 13 - Sun 15 May Middle Childhood - Passions, for letting us heavily 'borrow' from Sunday May 1 their March edition of InfoNews. Frustrations, Inspirations! Kings Cross Food & Wine Biennial Conference of We hope you can attend the Mar- Festival. 11.30am - 5pm. garet Barry Memorial Lecture on Network of Community Fitzroy Gardens, next to the El Activities. International the 4th May (see Diary at right). We Alamein fountain, Macleay St. will pop a few bottles of champagne College of Tourism, Manly www.netoosh.org.au for Inner Voice, and our other pub- Wednesday May 4 lication - Redwater News - which has recently passed its own major ISRCSD proudly presents: Thursday May 19 milestone - 10 years of publication. The Inaugural Margaret National Public Education Day See you there! Barry Memorial Lecture. Terry Murphy Guest speaker: Dr Andrew 27 May - 3 June Chairperson Jakubowicz on the topic of "Building e-communities: Reconciliation Week The community development Saturday June 5 Pointer and the changing nature Sisters: of neighbourhood". 3pm World Environment Day Sue Redfern Town Hall. Free. Heffernon RSVP to Edwina Tohi 9698 June 20-24 and Lucy 7690. Drug Action Week, see website Tohi at Also celebrating 100 editions for more information: Charlie's of Inner Voice and launch of www.drugactionweek.org.au farewell. new resources.
4 Autumn 2005 inner voice 5 Harvey Volke Obituary 1939 - 2005 Harvey Volke, veteran social justice and housing activist, bloody good bloke and Shelter NSW Policy Officer, died, ap- parently peacefully while asleep, during a holiday in Austin- mer on January 7th. He was a longstanding member of Re- gional Council, serving on the Board of Directors from 1981- 1988, and contributing regularly to Inner Voice. His colleague and friend, Mary Perkins, wrote his obituary. Below is a condensed version of it. At the time of his death Harvey that this work remains unfinished. was a Policy and Liaison Officer with In the mid 1970s he leaped at the Shelter NSW. In staking a claim for opportunity provided by the introduc- For more on Harvey Volke visit: the position he made clear his com- tion of free university education and www.shelternsw.infoxchange.net.au/ mitment to “building an order in enrolled at Macquarie University. He docs/mem0501volke.html which people are valued in their own graduated with a Bachelor of Arts De- right, and in which their entitlement gree, majoring in political science and Harvey was Chair of ISRCSD in to decent housing, to civil rights, to modern history. He also completed a 1988 - this is an excerpt from his adequate health, education and em- Masters degree in history at the Uni- report in the Annual Report: ployment, and to a fair share of the versity of NSW. social product is fully recognised.” For NSW, this is the year of Nick Harvey was not only a community Harvey’s work record and life are Greiner. Whatever else the future activist: He cared for people as indi- testimony to his commitment to this might mean, its obviously unpredict- viduals, and many of us have benefited objective. able. We're seeing that already with from that special bit of attention from the commissioning of Curran et al to Harvey is a titanic figure in the Harvey at a time of bother or need. All do an audit of the State's finances. And Australian housing sector. He made of us saw that side of Harvey in the they've come down with a report that a huge contribution to the develop- way he cared for his partner Poppy as clearly doesn't understand the way in ment of debate, policy and services she was dying, three years ago. which community services operate, or that address the housing needs of Harvey has been part of Shelter recognised the role they play . .or disadvantaged people and communi- NSW since its formation in the 1970’s may be it does, and simply doesn't ties. Harvey’s prodigious knowledge, and has been a major force in our de- like them. analytical skill, ethical integrity and velopment for over twenty-five years. powers of communication have left The fact is that the community is As a colleague he was generous, will- an indelible mark. Tenants both now required to legitimise itself more ing to share his knowledge and skills public and private, caravan park vigorously than it has ever done be- and assist in any way he could. At one dwellers, boarders and lodgers have fore. Unless community services are level he was entertaining, querulous, all benefited directly and indirectly able to do this, we could well see gov- loud and humorous and at another from his work. ernment redirect funds towards the quiet and introspective. While not be- big traditional charity operations. Upon leaving school Harvey ing shy of a debate or a confrontation If community organisations are to trained as a journalist. He put these he could listen and take on the views be destroyed or defunded, let it not be journalistic skills to great use in of others and seek the compromise. on the specious basis that they do not many community contexts, using We will miss his friendly banter, argu- represent the community. his knowledge and wicked humour ment and general presence. At Shelter to ‘stir up the debate’ at every op- there’s a void that he used to fill. It is imperative to develop appro- portunity. He was not shy of engag- priate strategies for the '90s and be- In summary - Harvey was an impas- ing in vigorous policy debates with yond. It's no good waiting for another sioned believer in social and political politicians and housing bureaucrats. Vietnam to mobilise the movement. It equality for all and a tireless advocate He was also a keen researcher. At the is only in listening to our communities for the rights of the underdog. He will time of his death he was enrolled at that we can discover the genuine uni- be remembered as down-to-earth, the University of Sydney working on fying issues, and shape our strategies intelligent, impassioned, and coura- a PhD on the history of social housing accordingly. geous. and plotting ways in which he could Belt up and settle in, folks, we're Mary Perkins financially support himself while in for the long haul. completing his thesis. It is a great pity Executive Officer, Shelter NSW
6 Autumn 2005 inner voice 7 Payrise Campaign Heats employment Up for Childcare Workers In January, the Industrial Rela-
tions Commission awarded sub- employment stantial pay increases to childcare Is It A Fact? workers in Victoria and the ACT. that employment assistance can help people with disabilities The two-year union campaign, get work but the Government needs to be realistic about resulted in pay increases of outcomes? $82.20 for Diploma Qualified that a pilot program to encourage Disability Support Pen- Childcare workers and $64.50 for sion (DSP) recipients to use Job Network services has Certificate III childcare workers. underlined how hard it is for people with disabilities to find The case for NSW childcare work? workers will be held this year. that of the 1,100 voluntary participants who started this www.lhmu.org.au pilot only 57% completed it and less than 10% of them obtained a substantial paid job? that forcing new applicants for DSP onto Newstart (unem- ployment benefit) means a loss in income for a single adult of $42 a week? that the average amount spent by Job Network providers (using jobseeker accounts) on each person for training and other help was $830 - barely enough for one month’s training? Federal Shuffle of Welfare that, generally, people with disabilities who are easier to Allowances and Programs place in work already participate in Job Network? The Federal Deparment of Fam- that many people with disabilities who find work have dif- ily and Community Services ficulty keeping a job over a longer period, e.g. many people has transferred responsibility with a mental illness have relapses and need to move from for a number of employment work back onto the DSP? and training allowances to other Departments. Youth Allowance, Green Corps, Sydney LETS in Waterloo Interpreters Needed Job Placement, Volunteers, Sydney Local Energy Trading Centrelink is looking for In- Personal Support, Mature Age, Scheme is an alternative trading terpreters to join their Register Newstart, Parenting Payment, network made up of individuals of Interpreters in the following Disability Open Employment, who trade goods and services using languages: Disability Support Pension, a community currency called “Op- Acholi, Albanian, Auslan, Bari, Mobility Allowanc, Youth Al- eras” instead of federal dollars. Bengali, Burmese, Chaldean, lowance and Sickness Allowance LETS is different to bartering as it Dinka, Fijian, Fijian (Hindi), have been transfered to the Dept involves a wide group of people. Japanese, German, Hakka, He- of Employment & Workplace For example: I cook for John; John brew, Hmong, Italian, Krio (Kriol), Relations. digs Mary’s garden; Mary cuts Lao, Maori, Mon, Nepalese, Nuer, Youth Allowance for students, Joe’s hair; Joe fixes Lenny’s car; Oromo, Polish, Portuguese, Rara- Austudy, Fares Allowance, Lenny sells me vegetables and so tongan, Samoan, Slovak, Slovene, Student Financial Supplement on around the system... Tetum, Tibetan, Tigrinya, Tongan, Scheme, ex-gratia exempt Each of these trades is paid for in Timorese (Hakka), Twi, and Urdu. Scholarships, Pensioner Educa- operas and recorded in a central Also, any Kirundi (official lan- tion Supplement and Sickness ‘bank’. LETS is really a “parallel guage of Burundi), Swahili or Alowance for students have all economy”. French interpreters to interpret for been transferred to the Dept of a group of Burundi refugees being Education, Science and Training. Sydney LETS is located in The Factory Community Centre, 67 settled in NSW. Child Support Agency and Cen- Raglan St, Waterloo. Mondays Contact: Hang Nguyen trelink have both been moved to 1-2pm. Next Trading Day Sunday Centrelink Language Services the new Department of Human April 24 at 3.30pm. More info: Unit: 1800 088 180 Services. http://www.lets.1337.as/sydney/ [email protected]
6 Autumn 2005 inner voice 7 development issue
Minister for Hot Property On December 9, 2004, the NSW Government passed the Redfern Waterloo Authority Act, handing control of the area to one man - the Hon. Member for Rockdale, Frank Sartor. In doing so, it exempted Sartor and the new Redfern-Waterloo Authority, from the normal operations of democracy, writes MARTINE BRIEGER.
The Jewel The Grab It might be hard for some of the resdi- To this end the Government passed ents of one of the most diverse, disadvan- legislation - the Redfern Waterloo taged and sensitive communities in the Authority Act. Far from attempting to country to see their suburb as a jewel in address either urban renewal or social the crown. But bring the old real estate disadvantage, this outrageous piece of truism at play - location, location, location legislation makes the NSW Government - and you can see why the Government the landowner, developer and consent au- has just gone to extraordinary lengths to thority for the area - and sweeps aside any get its paws on it. of the public accountability imposed by Not only does Redfern/Waterloo abutt supposedly inconvenient planning laws. the Central Business District,but it has Specifically, the Act createsyet another a high concentration of government- secret Sydney planning authority. It then owned assets: closed-down schools and puts that Authority under the control of hospitals, disused railway land and public a single Minister, Frank Sartor, giving housing. him unprecedented discretionary powers Talk about hot property! $450 million to override normal planning controls, work of public assets, or a potential $5 take control over other areas at will, billion in redevelopment. cherry pick developer contributions from adjacent areas (ie. Carlton Brewery But the Government is not being greedy redevelopment in Chippendale), approve - it just wants to "meet urgent community his own developments and override the needs" by maximising the "economic re- Heritage Act wherever he feels this to be turns" on our assets. TRUST ME! essential to his vision. Yet another secret Sydney planning authority - no public meetings or minutes, decisions or debates - with authority under control of a single minister; the minis- ter not forPlanning, but Frank Sartor - Minister for Energy and Utilities, Sci- ence and Research, Health (Cancer, assisting), Arts (assisting) and now for Redfern-Waterloo. Elizabeth Farrelly. SMH 29.11.04
8 Autumn 2005 inner voice 9 In an area with 16,500 residents, the Act means nothing is safe. The Who's on the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Board? Minister can simply consult with himself and decide what he wants to • David Richmond (Chair): chairman of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the Parramatta Road Taskforce; acquire, demolish, or redevelop. And if that's still too restrictive, points out • Robert Domm (CEO): former General Manager of the City of Sydney former City of Sydney Councillor • Michael Collins: chair of the Heritage Council; Elizabeth Farrelly in a scathing at- • Marcia Ella-Duncan: chair of the ATSIC Sydney Regional Council; tack in the Sydney Morning Herald, • Dr Col Gellatly: Director-General of the Premiers Department; the Act entitles the Authority to “do • Richard Johnson: chief architect for the Sydney Opera House; all such supplemental, incidental or • Clover Moore MP: Member for Bligh and Sydney Lord Mayor; consequential acts as may be neces- • Sam Mostyn: Insurance Australia Group executive; sary or expedient for the exercise of its functions”. • Lucy Turnbull: former Sydney Lord Mayor; • Jennifer Westacott: Director-General, Department of Infrastructure, (The NSW Government has tak- Planning and Natural Resources. en "the easy but short-sighted route . . to turn this into a land Their task: Redfern-Waterloo Authority Board members will not be development exercise to shore responsible for overseeing the work of the Authority, appointing the up state finances. I simply do CEO, auditing its finances or even setting the strategic direction. They not believe that this approach may not even know what the Authority is doing but if they speak out will deliver the best outcomes publicly they could be finded up to $11,000 for each offence. The for the local community, for guidelines states: “Board members are not to criticise the Authority, any Sydney, or for the people of NSW government policy or the activities of any other NSW Government New South Wales. " Department or instrumentality." Clover Moore The Plan is essentially the same as "Under the 10-year plan, the Gov- The legislation includes provision the RED Strategy developed earlier ernment will tear down the public for a Redfern-Waterloo Authority by the Redfern Waterloo Partnership residential towers in Waterloo and Board But with little detail regard- Project (established in 2002) and privatise $540 million worth of pub- ings it role and power, and with involves massive development of lic assets in a bid to double the area’s members appointed or dismissed at these inner city areas. In particular it population to 40,000, create 20,000 the whim of the Minister, its main casts a shadow over the future of The new jobs and give the central business function seems to be to the provision Block - and the huge number of public district room to expand. of a veneer of accountability. housing tenants, one third of all of "In a major piece of social engineer- Sydney’s public hosuing stock. ing, 20,000 new private renters and The Fund owners will be brought in to balance Beyond an initial small grant, the The Carr Government relies on out the 7,000 public housing tenants Authority will not be funded by Treas- the Liberals’ pro-development in the area, many of whom are poor, ury. It must draw its own running habits and the popular kneejerk old and disabled. costs from the very developments it to “clean up Redfern” forever, "Consultants have told the Govern- is the consent authority for, as well to push through legislation ment, which owns almost one- third as penalties. It has a direct incentive that no democratic government of land in the area, that the redevelop- therefore to maximise both - even should be seen dead with. ment of the notorious Block would more reason to fear the complete lack . . Carr’s Redfern-Waterloo increase certain property values by of accountability in its structure. Act will backfire, destroying the 30 per cent." only pocket of live indigenous All of this in an area that resound- The Plan culture the city centre will ever have while the Big End white ingly voted for an Independent The whole purpose of the Redfern- City Council with a commitment to Waterloo Act has beento to establish boys take over the small black end as well. reduced, more considered develop- the Redfern-Waterloo Authority in ment just one year ago. Obviously, order to implement the Redfern- Elizabeth Farrelly the population just didn’t get their Waterloo Plan (2004-2014). According to the Sydney Morning vote right! It is extraordinary that Parliament Herald: “The State Government has passed the Act without having first a $5 billion plan to redevelop Redfern Read more at the Government's seen the Plan it gives effect to - a plan and the surrounding suburbs that in- official Redfern Waterloo website which the NSW Government had de- volves seizing control of Aboriginal including the links to the Upper House Inquiry report: nied even existed until it leaked to the housing on the Block and letting pri- media. (The Act was opposed only by vate developers take over two-thirds www.redfernwaterloo.nsw. the five Independents). of the area’s public housing estates. gov.au
8 Autumn 2005 inner voice 9 Drug & Alcohol Resource health Families and Carers affected by the drug or alcohol use of someone health else is a resource for generalist Is It A Fact? support workers that accompanies training provided by the Centre for that the Caritas psychiatric facility at St Vincents has Community Welfare Training. It been described as unsafe, impractical and hindering is designed to be used with a range patient care? of family members, including parents, siblings, spouses, chil- that despite its inappropriate facilities, the current 27 dren, grandparents or other family beds are always full with police, welfare, homlessness members, as well as families from and health service providers unable to get help for many culturally and linguistically people with a mental illness? diverse backgrounds. that the redevelopment of the facility was promised Ph: 9281 8822 by the Premier at the 1999 election but then put on the backburner, scheduled for 2008? New on-line ‘Mental Health that recent chaos at St Vincents, has seen the Govern- Rights Manual’. ment come to the party, with a new Psychiatric emer- The Mental Health Coordinating gency Department due to be operating by July, and plans Council (MHCC) has produced to increase mental health beds to 40? a new ‘On-line Mental Health Rights Manual’. It contains chapters on rights, Access to Allied Health Disability resources from principles and standards, the Mental Health Act, Mental Services Healthrites Bookshop Health Care and Treatment, the Do you live in Central Sydney, FPA Healthrites has an extensive Mental Health Review Tribu- come from a low income or collection of books and resources nal, Guardianship and Financial unwaged household, and struggle on reproductive and sexual health Management, the Criminal Justice with a mental health issue, such as issues for people with disabilities. System, Employment, Accommo- depression or anxiety? Ph: 8752 4307 dation, Benefits and Allowances, You may be eligible for referral www.fpahealth.org.au Access to Information and Pri- by your General Practitioner (GP) vacy, Carers, Children and Young to some FREE sessions with a Research Report by the People, Multicultural Issues, How qualified allied health professional to Complain, How to Find Legal (such as a psychologist). National Youth Affairs Research Scheme Help and a list of useful contacts. What do you need to do? www.mhcc.org.au Barriers to Service Provision: for • Attend two initial consultations young people with presenting sub- with your GP who will conduct Anxiety Disorders Clinic stance misuse and mental health an assessment, complete a problems. The report describes The University of Sydney has an questionnaire, and develop a the barriers to service provision for Anxiety Disorders Clinic in the plan with you. young people with co-occurring Faculty of Health Sciences which • Contact the Allied Health Pro- substance use and mental health provides individual and group fessional you are referred to to problems. They address the issue treatment for people with a range make appointments and attend within Indigenous communities of anxiety problems including: all scheduled appointments. using a ‘social and emotional worry, specific phobia, social anxi- • Return to your GP and review wellbeing’ perspective. The report ety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, the sessions to see what im- makes recommendations for obsessive-compulsive disorder, provement has been made. policy, service providers, inter- and post-traumatic stress disorder. The funding for the sessions is vention, care and recovery, law In addition to the clinic, many being managed by the Central enforcement, indigenous services, staff from the Faculty are actively Sydney Division of General education and training. involved in research in the areas of Practice in Ashfield. Ph: 1300 653 227 stress and anxiety. Contact: Jerry Bacich www.facs.gov.au http://www2.fhs.usyd.edu.au/bach/ Mental Health Project Officer: adc/ 8752 4907
10 Autumn 2005 inner voice 11 community media update
Ch 31: Lost in Transmission
Last year Inner Voice reported on the demise of community television station Channel 31 and its legal challenge to the Australian Broadcasting Authority's decision to take it off air. In this issue JACK CARNEGIE takes a close look at what the new licence holder is doing and not doing.
On a rainy Thursday night in the has four members, two from SLICE the application for the loan, but it Showbiz Room at South Sydney and two from ETC. However, the could be some time before it appears Leagues Club, about thirty program chair, who has a casting vote, is – if they get it. makers are attending a meeting of from ETC, giving them control. ETC Laurie Patton is the acting CEO of SLICE TV (Sydney Local Information is also well resourced by UWS, with TVS (following the resignation of Community Educational Television) – paid staff and good facilities while former ABC boss David Hill, who the community television production SLICE has to rely on volunteers, served briefly as Executive Director) arm of TVS (Television Sydney); the donated equipment and an office and I phoned him to see if I could new licence holder and broadcaster of on loan from South’s. This is what find out when Channel 31 would be Channel 31. They range from young makes John Reynolds unhappy, as broadcasting again and how the loan music video makers in Mettalica T- the control of TVS is firmly in the was progressing. Laurie wouldn’t or shirts to older people wanting to make hands of the UWS and not with the couldn’t answer any of my questions, lifestyle and food programs. There community program makers, unlike brushing aside my queries with: is a good mix of nationalities too. the old structure. “we’re not seeking publicity at this These shoestring TV producers are "Will TVS turn out to be a stage”. I wasn’t offering publicity all here to learn when their programs community television channel – I was looking for facts and Laurie will again be broadcast to a Sydney or an institutional broadcaster wasn’t cooperating. audience – something that was never with only a minority and token The community TV producers quite answered during the night. community television content?" sitting in the Showbiz room didn’t Sitting at my table is Dave Another issue that is worrying have much luck either. Questions Barrington from Politics in the Pub, Reynolds is the need to get about the loan, governance and the who is keen to get his political forum Channel 31 broadcasting. One of all-important starting date were ruled to air and John Reynolds, co-producer the conditions of the licence is that out of order initially and fobbed off of Actively Radical Television - a they start broadcasting within a year later. SLICE only knows what TVS program that was broadcast on the from the time they were granted tells them, and that doesn’t appear to old Channel 31 every Sunday night. it - and that date (in April 2005) is be much. Reynolds describes the new licensing rapidly approaching with no hope Channel 31 has now been off the arrangement as a catastrophe for of broadcasts starting then. The air for nearly a year, because the ABA community television. He says the Australian Broadcasting Authority would not let the old licence holder, community program makers have (ABA), which awarded the licence to Community Television Sydney lost control of the channel and TVS, will need to grant an extension (CTS), continue broadcasting until are greatly disadvantaged in their and that has not happened yet. TVS TVS was ready to take over. Many of dealings with TVS, mainly because also wants to upgrade its transmitter CTS program makers and a batch of of the involvement and domination from 5kw to 20kw – another variation new ones are wondering when they’ll of the University of Western Sydney to the original licence requiring ABA be given the call to get their shows (UWS). approval. to air, how much time they will be TVS is a not-for-profit company Then there’s the money. In their allocated and in what timeslots. And, with two members: ETC (Education bid to the ABA for the licence, TVS will TVS turn out to be a community Training Community Television Lim- said it would raise $2,000,0000 from television channel or an institutional ited – made up of UWS and Metro a commercial loan to finance the broadcaster with only a minority and Television) and SLICE. The board of operation. UWS has just approved token community television content.
10 Autumn 2005 inner voice 11 education campaign
Community College Cuts
Inner Sydney Community Colleges have been targeted in funding cuts to adult education with the Government now prepared to subsidise courses that meet its narrow definition of vocational training. With one third of students over 60 (and not needing a lot of vocational education), colleges have had to cut courses, pensioner concessions and programs for people with disabilities, writes GARY TRAINER, Principal of Sydney Community College.
In November 2004 the Sydney the strength and worth of the effort understandings set out above. In the Community College was informed of Community Colleges specifically Committee’s view, the ACE sector has that for the first time in 20 years, and Adult and Community Education successfully integrated these princi- there would be a real decrease in (ACE), more generally. Of these, the ples into its structure and practice. NSW Government funding to Com- Commonwealth Senate Inquiry into Given the strength this high-level bi- munity Colleges. The enormity of Adult Education titled “Come in Cin- partisan statement, it is confusing that the 33% decrease was swift and derella” was the most significant. A the NSW State Minister for Education non-negotiable. recent iteration of that report “Beyond should take such a short-sighted view Evening and Community Colleges Cinderella: towards a Learning Soci- of the nature and role of ACE. have been part of the NSW Education ety” noted: Even before the recently an- system since the 1880 Education Act “… Lifelong learning has been nounced cuts, the ACE sector in when night schools were formalised a major theme in education policy NSW received less than .25% (one as the adult part of the public edu- debate stimulated by UNESCO’s quarter of one percent) of the total cation system. At various points in Institute of Education, and is bound NSW Education budget. The sector our educational history, Evening and up with the promotion of the `learn- is clearly the most cost effective and Community Colleges have played ing society’. the most under funded of all of the important societal roles. "A national education and training sectors of education enrolling as it Post World War One, for instance, system which is based on lifelong does, more than 350,000 students in Evening and Community Colleges learning principles will provide edu- NSW alone each year. played a significant role in the re- cational opportunities which will: As a not-for-profit organisation, training and resettlement of returned • last the whole life of each indi- Sydney Community College is soldiers. Literacy and Adult Basic vidual; dedicated to providing educational Education have always featured high opportunity for all, yet we have been • lead to the systematic acquisition, in the achievements of Evening and forced to increase course fees by as renewal, upgrading and comple- Community Colleges as has the much as 20%, further widening the tion of knowledge, skills and Teaching of English as a Second Lan- gap of educational opportunity. We attitudes made necessary by the guage to Adult Migrants. Prior to the regret this and see it as a serious un- constantly changing conditions in addition of Further Education, which dermining of the valuable work we which people now live; is the “FE” in TAFE, Evening and have done in the past. Community Colleges assisted adult • have as its ultimate goal the self- students gain school qualifications fulfilment of each individual; and to prepare for the Public Service • be dependent for its successful Entrance and other examinations. implementation on people’s in- In recent years, especially the last creasing ability and motivation to decade, Evening and Community engage in self-directed learning Colleges have substantially achieved activities; and one of the largest technical “up-skill- • acknowledge the contribution of ing” events in our history; a whole all available educational influenc- generation, not previously familiar es, including formal, non formal with computers in the work place, and informal. " has been trained in their operation The Committee’s affirmation of and application for the first time. lifelong learning as the fundamental There have been various research attribute of Australia’s education projects that have tried to estimate and training system is based on the
12 Autumn 2005 inner voice 13 material needs
M4 East Opposition The M4 East is the RTA's proposal to build a motorway tunnel from Is It A Fact? Strathfield to Haberfield that then that one in every 200 people in our community is splits into two motorway tunnels: homeless, with almost half of them under 25 years? one that runs onto City West Link at Dobroyd Point and the other that that the Australian Government spends only 4 cents will emerge onto Parramatta Rd at per day per Australian on services to help homeless Ashfield. people leaving us with a system in crisis? Independent experts say it will in- that it would only take an extra 1 cent per Austral- crease peak hour traffic on the City ian per day to keep this homeless service safety net West Link and Parramatta Rd by operating? 40% - an extra 52,000 cars per day. This will cause more “rat-running” that over 700 people are turned away from home- through local streets and make less assistance services each day due to a lack of parking even harder. resources, more than 200 of them are children? It certainly won’t solve the trans- that a 2004 independent report has recommended a port problems of outer-west com- minimum increase in funding of 15-25% just to keep muters while its exhaust stacks will the homeless service system operating or 35-40% to put residents health at risk. meet current levels of unmet demand? The exhaust stacks of the M4 East motorway tunnels will concentrate the exhaust from 132,000 cars a day and dump it over local neigh- Mass Transit Study Taxi Complaints Hotline bourhoods. Research shows that The City of Sydney Council has The Taxi Complaints Hotline car exhaust causes cancer. Even fil- commissioned a study on mass is 1800 648 478 if you need to tering these won’t remove cancer- transit, by Glazebrook and As- make a complaint about service/ causing chemicals like benzene. sociates and Martin Walsh and drivers, wheelchair accessibility, The main beneficiaries will be Associates, which draws on 49 vehicles, booking staff service, private tollway operators with studies of mass transit options booking failures, supervisors and motorists paying up to $50/week to done by NSW Government agen- complaint processes. use the tollway. cies and others since 1994. The Glazebrook report recommends: Transfer of housing stock to Leichhardt Council believes the community housing RTA is trying to push through the * light rail as the most appropri- M4 East before a proper planning ate mass transit system for the The NSW Department of Hous- process is completed. More info: CBD and inner city ing has been transferring public www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au * reorganising bus routes housing properties to community * limiting parking levels in CBD housing at an increasing rate. But Waverley Homeless Protocol * more park & ride opportunities now the Federal Government has * wider footpaths and cycle reached an agreement with the The Waverley local government lanes and an extra 1km of pe- NSW Government to limit the area has twice the rate of home- destrianised streets in the city number to 2,500, because of fears lessness per head of population centre. that all of the tenants will qualify than the state average, and board- for Commonwealth Rent Assist- ing house stock in the area has The Inner Sydney Transport ance (CRA) which public tenants declined from several hundred in Working Group (Council and are not eligible for, which could the '70s to a mere 28. State Government) is expected to finalise a draft Inner Sydney cause a cost blow out in the CRA. To deal with this, Waverley Coun- Transport Strategy for submis- The Department of Housing is cil has produced a written guide for sion to Cabinet later this year. negotiating principles that should all council officers which identifies apply to the transfers, such as ‘no the best way to assist homeless The Glazebrook report is avail- tenant will be worse off’, with people and aid the referral process able at: www.cityofsydney.nsw. Shelter and other groups. while giving reassurance to com- gov.au/catz_mass_transport.asp munity members.
12 Autumn 2005 inner voice 13 education
Marg Barry Social Work education Prize 2004 Is It A Fact? The Board and members of Inner Sydney Regional Council for that the Australian Technology Park (ATP), at Eve- Social Development wish to con- leigh, is still not financially viable, with reports that it gratuate Andrea Ball of Matraville is carrying $38 million in debt, and continuing to lose who has been awarded the 'Marg $4 million every year? Barry Prize in Social Work' for that the park has been transferred from under the 2004 at the University of NSW. umbrella of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority The prize is awarded annually to to the new Redfern-Waterloo Authority? the student with the best perform- ance in Social Work Practice: that the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is now Community Work in the Bachelor the subject of a NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into of Social Work or combined Bach- its management, with information on the ATP's debts elor of Social Work. Congratula- sure to get a mention? tions Andrea. that the ATP can not be relishing the fact that a major new business park, the Sir Joseph Banks Corporate Reconciliation Week Art Park, is being built at Botany? Competition that the ATP's ongoing financial difficulties may To mark Reconciliation Week (27 drain resources from the Redfern Waterloo Authority, May - 3 June 2005), Woollahra instead of being used for urban renewal and social Council and the Eastern Region improvements? Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Forum are holding an Art Competition for schools and the inaugural Pauline McLeod Awards. Saturday Lanugage School EORA Celebrates 20 years Any art medium on any surface The Saturday School of Commu- In December more than 300 peo- will be accepted. It is free to enter nity Languages gives students the ple, including many ex-students and entries close 29 April. opportunity to study the language joined together at Eora College in they speak at home, if a course Abercrombie St, Chippendale, to in that language is not offered at celebrate its 20 year anniversary. Kurrajong Aboriginal their own school or college. At Eora courses have been de- Products for Kids The school is a public secondary signed to meet the needs of Abo- An on-line site for Aboriginal and school which operates only on riginal students seeking access Torres Strait Islander Early Child- Saturdays. Over 6,000 students in to higher education. The College hood Products for the 0 - 8 years Years 7-12, from both government is attached to Sydney TAF and age group. Kurrajong Products are and non-government schools and offers courses in the visual and all hand made, original and of a TAFE colleges, are enrolled. performing arts. Eora also has high quality and are designed for introductory level courses in adult the childcare sector. Languages offered by the program and general education. www.kurrajong.net include: Arabic, Armenian, Ben- gali, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Public Education Day Dutch, Filipino, Hungarian, With its theme, ‘Public Education Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, - Worth The Investment’, national Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Public Education Day, Thurs- Modern Greek, Maltese, Polish, day 19th May is an occasion to Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, celebrate the great achievements Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese. of public schools and mobilise Contact: Margaret Shilling, Board supporters to campaign for the of Studies on: 9367 8111. maintenance of quality public education in all Australian com- munities.. www.nswtf.org.au
14 Autumn 2005 inner voice 15 politics interview
Peter Garrett MP FRANCESCA GUIMARENS met with the new Member for Kingsford Smith and canvassed his initial views on Malabar Headland, Port Botany, Kingsford-Smith Airport and being in the Australian Labor Party.
Q. How are you settling in to your new Q. How will you be working with the Q. What do you feel about the dead- position? indigenous communities lock on Malabar Headland? A. It’s been a pretty steep learning A. I’ll want to spend some time with A. The deadlock on Malabar Head- curve for me, settling in here. I’m en- indigenous communities in this region land is pretty worrying and I along joying it a great deal but I’m finding it and hear their views before I make with many others are concerned that pretty challenging too. I want to take any decisions about how I’m going the Commonwealth Government will the time to settle in, learn not only the to interact with and work with them try to take some of the Malabar Head- job itself, but continue to learn more but I have nominated and been ac- land area particularly on the Western and more about the community and cepted to be a member of the Stand- side and sell it off for housing. The I anticipate that that is going to take ing Committee on Aboriginal and community of Kingsford Smith but another six to twelve months, even Torres Strait Islander issues in the also the community of the eastern though people have got an expecta- Parliament, which I thought was an and inner suburbs need these open tion that I'm going to have a view on important thing to do. space areas. It ought to be a national everything straight away. park which is returned to the people Q. What do you think is the best solu- and we’ll work as hard as we can to tion for Sydney Airport? Q. What do you see as the main issues that end. for Kingsford Smith? A. Labor believes that Sydney needs a second airport and that it should be Q. What do you see as the future of A. Speaking as a Federal parliamen- outside of the Sydney basin and that public housing? tarian, I think the issues in this elec- a site selection process which takes A. There is a fair amount of public torate will, in some ways, remain the full account of the environment and housing in the electorate and I am issues that were important before the the heritage and amenity issues that sympathetic to both the increase in election - affordable access to health, surround a project that big needs to public housing for those people in adequate and equitable resourcing on take place. Ideally you’d like to see need but also to changing the hous- a needs-basis for schools. There’s a very fast train or at least a faster ing mix so that you don’t have big quite a large component of independ- service running between Canberra blocks of public housing and then ent Catholic schools in Kingsford and Sydney and for any airport in in other places big blocks of private Smith, as well as a pretty significant the future to be easily accessible by housing . public school sector, and all those train as opposed to having to jump on schools would have benefitted from I think we need a more diverse hous- buses or cars or cabs. Labor’s education policy. ing mix and we will see a greater so- cial cohesion if that were the case but As well as that, the future of Malabar Q Is Sydney Airport here to stay? I’m also aware of the fact that there is Headland is an important issue and I A. I think realistically, yes, this airport a strong push from government agen- mentioned it in my maiden speech as is here to stay. It’s a Commonwealth cies to change their attitude towards one of the things that I’ll be commit- issue and the current government, and the provision of public housing with ted to. Other important issues include future governments I suspect, would a view to increasing the capacity that what’s happening at the Orica site and not see closing the airport as a short people have to effectively buy in the plume; additionally there are plan- term option. There are plans to expand for their housing needs and I actu- ning issues around Port Botany with the infrastructure around the airport if ally think that this is an area which the proposal for the expansion of the not necessarily the runways, and for requires quite a bit of rethinking, and port, issues in relation to a lot of the those people in the community that again I will be listening to people former greenfield sites or factory sites live in regional NSW who visit Syd- and talking to people working in the being turned over to new housing - it’s ney for business you can understand sector, community organisations and an area that’s, in a sense, undergoing the great attraction of being able to get the like, and getting a sense of their some transformation between what in and out of the city quickly. position and their thinking on the best was previously light industrial and way to move forward. heavy industrial to residential.
14 Autumn 2005 inner voice 15 Q. How do you feel about the proposed and I think whilst there are grave development of Port Botany, and the problems with having a non-elected toxic plume in Botany Bay? body we have to hope that those peo- A. I’m opposed to the development ple can find their voice and speak to at Port Botany going ahead in its those issues even if it means disagree- current form if it is going to result ing with the Government. in any deterioration in the environ- Q. What is your position on the log- ment of Botany Bay or significantly ging of old growth forests? How do increase the amount of traffic move- you balance the need to protect the ment, pollution and noise levels for environment with the need to create local residents. But I do accept that employment? we need to have an expansion of port Look I’ve always had strong views facilities within the Sydney, Wollon- about the environment, including the gong and Newcastle region. I think logging of old growth forests, well, it’s going to be important to take this high conservation value old growth on a stage-by-stage basis. There’s a forests and had worked for a number Commission of Inquiry that is hearing of years both in NSW and in other 1Q. Is there anything you would try to additional evidence at the present. parts of Australia with conservation change internally about the ALP and The toxic plume that is coming if so, what would that be? And how organisations aiming to both secure would you go about it? What faction through at Orica actually ends up the protection of the environment and of the ALP do you belong to at the at Penrhyn Estuary which is where to have sufficient investment in the moment – left, right, centre? they want to build a port so my own restructuring of the timber industry I’m the only person in the Party at view is that we need to first resolve which could provide sustainable em- the moment, the Federal Caucus, the questions about stopping the toxic ployment in the long run. I argued who’s not factionally aligned at all. part of the plume reaching Penrhyn very strongly that it was possible to Now that doesn’t mean I will never Estuary. Secondly, see what comes have a closed-loop, non-chlorine-and- be in a faction - I may end up decid- out of the Commission of Inquiry other-pollutants pulp mill in Tasmania ing that there’s merit in working with Report and thirdly, see how both to reverse the imbalance in the trade other people in some factional sense, government and authorities are account where we’re importing a although at the moment I reckon that placed with a view to determining lot of finished paper products and it’s important for me to try to stand a port mix which produces the least we’re effectively clear felling high in my own place and work with all environmental impact on the bay. conservation forests for wood chips. the members of the Party and the I thought this was very bad economi- Q. What are your views on reconcilia- Caucus. cally as well as being very bad envi- tion on a national level, and particu- ronmentally and I’ll continue to argue It seems to me that the factional sys- larly in relation to the abolition of tem doesn’t always help the cause of ATSIC? strongly for that in the coming term. Labor and I would very much like I continue to think that reconcilia- Q. What led you to join the ALP in- to see more flexibility within the tion with our indigenous people is stead of the Greens, which seemed Caucus but I am very much a new of primary importance to us in our a more logical move given your past person so I’m sure I’ve got a lot to progression as a nation. I think that history as a conservationist? learn as well. there were a number of problems with I joined the ALP because I felt that its I think we need to recognise how se- ATSIC and that it was inevitable that broad suite of policies most closely rious it is that the Labor Party be an it wasn’t going to run the course as matched my values and ideas about effective alternative government. This a representative body but I still feel politics and that there had been suf- is especially important now because strongly as does the Federal Party ficient attention starting to be given once Howard Government takes that there needs to be a mechanism of to environment issues particularly in control of the Senate, we’re going to genuine representation for indigenous areas such as global warming. And see some legislation coming through people, a body that they have trust whilst I acknowledge that the Greens which literally challenges and con- and confidence in. The non-elected did have some strong environment tests a way of life and an approach to body that the Howard Government policies I certainly always felt that politics that I think Australians have has appointed is really on notice as Labor was the Party which could do become very used to and which has to whether or not it’s going to have the most for the environment but that been to our great benefit. sufficient independence of mind to additionally had a range of other im- be able to speak across the range of portant policy positions on things like And just one issue alone – just the indigenous issues that are important education and health that I responded privatisation of additional institutions and to have a point of view which to most acutely and resources, is something which doesn’t necessarily dovetail with the we really need to contest and argue Coalitions view on indigenous issues. through. We need to have a strong It’s very early days in this new phase Opposition to do that. of indigenous politics in the country
16 Autumn 2005 inner voice 17 Fox Studios Lease Sold environment News Corporation and Lend- Lease have sold the remaining 33-year lease of the Fox Family Entertainment Precinct to Colo- Is It A Fact? nial First State's property arm. than plans are underway for a massive expansion of Residents are concerned that Sydney Airport? Colonial are seeking to change the usage of the area from "film- that the new private owners of Sydney Airpor,t led by related commercial and public Macquarie Bank, are pushing both the State and Federal entertainment" only, to a mix of Governments for the biggest possible return on their $5.6 shopping centre and residential. billion investment? that the Federal Government is set to approve a 20 year Free Stickers Masterplan that will see passenger numbers explode from Lane Cove Tunnel Action Group 26 million in 2000 to 68 million by 2023? Inc has printed promotional stamps and stickers to alert people that a new eight-storey car park, with spaces for an ad- to the serious threat of pollution ditional 8,000 cars, is being planned? from long road tunnels (not just that the development of two high-rise towers - Lane Cove Tunnel). Tunnel 240,000m2 of extra commercial space is being assessed pollution harms motorists and already - about half the size of Parramatta CBD? people who live and work around the stacks - pollution which is >>>>Rally on Sunday 17 April, 11am, Tempe Reserve more toxic than cigarette smoke in clubs and hotels, which kills about 70 people each year. Cliff Walk Open Love Your Lane The sticker aims to keep pressure The official opening of the Dover The City of Sydney Council has on the RTA and decision-makers Heights to Vaucluse Cliff Walk continued a Leichhardt Council to filter road tunnels. Display will took place on 3 December. initiative to improve Glebe's back them wherever you can. Ph: 9427 The 3km coastal walk provides laneways. The "Love your Lane" 0131 for a free set. access to some of the most initiative calls on neighbours who breathtaking coastal views in would like to transform their lane Sydney. It follows the cliffs into a safe and pleasant place, to between Clarke Reserve, make a submission to Council. Vaucluse and Raleigh Reserve, Council officers will investigate Dover Heights, linking a all suggestions and determine number of coastal reserves with which two laneways could most timber boardwalks. The $1 benefit from a “Love your Lane” million project was completed project. Contact: Rebecca Raap at by Waverley Council, with City of Sydney. New City Park assistance from State and Federal With stevedoring activity due to Governments. cease at East Darling Harbour Computer Recycling next year, the NSW Government Infoxchange Australia’s Affordable has announced that at least half Access Division can assist with of the 22 hectare site will become ISP services including Broadband public open space. ADSL and network set-up and Energy & Water The new city park will form part support. It also runs the Green Ombudsman Brochure of a 14 km walkway from Anzac PC computer recycling program, Bridge to Woolloomooloo. The Energy & Water Ombudsman where low cost refurbished com- NSW (EWON) has published their remainder will be commercial puters are made available for com- with a small part, residential. brochure “Problems with your munity groups and individuals on electricity gas or water provider” An international design competi- low incomes. Visit the website for in seven community languages. tion is being held to create the special deals available now: Download free from the website. vision for the new site. www.greenpc.com.au www.ewon.com.au
16 Autumn 2005 inner voice 17 citizens’ rights & safety
Pauline McLeod Award for Reconciliation 2005 Is It A Fact? Nominations are now open for the Pauline McLeod Award for Recon- that Redfern Local Court is definitely closing when ciliation which aims to recognise police move into their new station in the TNT build- those “silent achievers” who have ing, which may come as early as May? worked to promote reconciliation that the closure is disappointing for locals - many of in their local or wider communities whom appreciate the familiar and small scale court - be they your neighbour, co-work- house as somewhere they can get things done - who er, family member or friends. will now have to use the much larger and inpersonal The award is sponsored by the Downing Centre and Central Local Court? Eastern Region Local Government that there is some hope of keeping the Registry as- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is- pect of the Court open in Redfern as has been done lander Forum, which incorporates in areas like Mt Druitt? Leichhardt, Botany Bay, Sydney City, Randwick, Waverley and that it is amazing how the NSW Government contin- Woollahra Councils. Nominees ues to close public amenities in Redfern while plan- must either live, work or study in ning to massively increase the local population? one of the above-mentioned coun- cil areas and show a strong com- mitment to reconciliation. There Child Protection Guide Our Rights, Our are two categories - an open award NSW Family Services has Voices and a youth award < 24 years. recently updated their Child This is a new report by Nominations close on Friday 13 Protection Reporting: a policy NCOSS and the Women’s May 2005. More info: 9367 9279 guide and procedural resource for Rights Action Network or [email protected]. family services. Non-members Australia as part of a can use the resource with permis- national project docu- Child-Friendly Places sion from NSW Family Services. menting the human rights The NSW Commission for Ph: 9692 9999 experiences of women in Children & Young People has Australia. The report highlights developed information resources Legal Information needs of continuing domestic violence, to assist organisations that work Older People a lack of child-care and sexual with children to be child-safe and The Law and Justice Foundation assault services, pay inequality child-friendly. These resources are have produced a report on the and increasing homelessness, and accessible, clear and easy to use legal information needs of older recommends increased resources for even the smallest organisations. people. Studies have found that for women’s refuges and support Free at www.kids.nsw.gov.au/ older people require information services. childfriendly/resources.html on a wide range of legal issues, www.ncoss.org.au/hot/ but are unaware they have infor- voices.html mation needs and legal rights or Community Services CASS Chinese Crime there is legislation to strengthen Prevention Initiative those rights. Ombudsman The NSW Ombudsman for The CASS Chinese Crime Preven- Awareness and knowledge is Community Services provides tion Initiative includes: raising lower amongst older people will- workshops throughout the year awareness of crime prevention ing to give control of their affairs including: The “Rights Stuff” among Chinese-speaking people to other people, those on low consumer workshop (for people in Australia (especially Sydney); incomes, Aboriginal people, those who use community and disability organising workshops/seminars from CALD backgrounds, those services), Resolving Consumer on crime prevention; publishing who are disabled and some who Complaints, Dealing with Dif- articles about crime prevention in live in rural and remote areas. ficult Complainants, Towards Best Chinese media; providing coun- Contact: 9221 3900 Practice in Complaints Manage- selling services and support for www.lawfoundation.net.au/ ment, The Art of Negotiation. victims of crime. access/elder/ Community Education Unit: 9265 0400 www.cass.org.au
18 Autumn 2005 inner voice 19 citizens’ rights issues Manufacturing Fear
The impacts of anti-terror laws in Australia were discussed at one of two forums hosted by the University of Technology's Shopfront, Civil Rights Network and Social Inquiry graduate students. ANNE MCGUFFICKE, participated in the forums which rejected the politics of fear.
The first forum, Manufacturing or access to a lawyer of their choice. Fear’focused on the impacts of anti- Failure to answer questions or to pro- terror laws in Australia and in region. duce documents or other ‘things’ can The second forum, Facing Fear dis- lead to a five-year prison term. Even cussed community-based projects to if found innocent, suspects cannot defend civil liberties and to challenge talk about their experiences. Secrecy racist media stereotypes. about ASIO activity is perhaps most Since September 11 John Howard’s worrying. Jude McCulloch, also at who is any way linked with them. alignment with the Bush administra- the Forum, believes that ASIO is now The legislation leaves the ‘door wide tion has created our national enemy, moving from ‘spy agency’ to ‘secret open’ for the government to target with a violent assault on the ‘rogue’ police force, with the power to ‘disap- any organisations or individuals they Arab states of Afghanistan and Iraq. pear’ citizens’. disagree with, by simply labelling We are used to politicians manipu- In Australia you are a terrorist if them ‘terrorists’. For Jenny Hocking lating fear of crime, with competing you intend to advance a ‘political, anti-terrorism legislation creates the law-and-order agendas at election religious or ideological cause’ by ‘machinery of a police state’, where time. Now we face the manipulation intimidating or coercing the govern- political activity becomes risky, and of terror. Terror threats are used to ment or the public. Under this defini- people avoid associating with ideolo- justify strong-arm action, with gov- tion governments are never terrorists gies or belief systems that oppose the ernments winning elections on the and, as Jude McCulloch points out, dominant culture. back of their fear campaigns. anti-terror laws can be used against Having generated a state of fear the "At last count, 18 anti-terror laws ‘individuals and groups that challenge Federal Government offers us com- have been passed, dramatically the legitimacy of the political status fort in the form of new anti-terrorism reducing our civil liberties." quo or economic order rather than at laws. At last count, 18 anti-terror laws ‘Instead of restoring our faith in the those engaged in extreme acts of vio- have been passed, dramatically reduc- unity of Australians, and giving us the lence that imperil human security’. ing our civil liberties. But this is of courage to resist turning against each The United Nations takes a differ- little consequence: desperate times other, those with the power to influ- ent definition of terrorism. In 2004 the require desperate measures. After all, ence have conjured up Apocalypse UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, in this climate of fear/hysteria there is Now visions of Islam versus the and a 16-member panel defined terror- an “us against them” perception and West.’ Rana Abdel Fattah ism as ‘any action that is intended to we mistakenly feel these laws would For Joo-Cheong Tham, also an cause death or serious bodily harm to never apply to us, that they would academic lawyer, the anti-terror laws civilians or non-combatants’. Such a only ever be used against “them”, reflect ‘opportunism, exaggerations, simple definition based on the funda- the “terrorists”. and misrepresentations’. Ignoring mental human right for civilian safety The Government’s anti-terror laws the ‘existing panoply of anti-terror- may overcome the problem of defin- have reinforced community divisions ism powers’, the government has ing terrorism based on political objec- with a dual system of law – one for created laws which have little to do tives. It may also serve to implicate ‘terrorist suspects’, the other for with terrorism. New ASIO powers national states when they are the ones everyone else. For Jenny Hocking, a further conceal ASIO activity, pro- perpetrating acts of terrorism, as well Melbourne law professor, this signals viding them with a ‘green light’ to as individuals and organisations. a new ‘war against terror at home’. act with impunity. An individual not The legislation leaves the ‘door The laws define a ‘terrorist acts’, cre- even suspected of a crime can now wide open’ for the government to ate a litany of ‘terrorism offences’, be detained incommunicado for up to target any organisations or individu- allow the government to ban ‘terror- seven days, and interrogated for up als they disagree with, by simply ist organisations’, and arrest anyone to 24 hours with no right to silence labelling them ‘terrorists’.
18 Autumn 2005 inner voice 19 The Australian government and Speakers gave evidence of how Exchange involved Arab Austral- media have deliberately chosen to these racialised communities are liv- ian young men writing, filming and intensify community fears, rather ing in fear: fear of racist violence or producing a short film about their than address the difficult social, harassment, fear of ASIO raids and interactions with police. economic and cultural issues that overpolicing, fear of discrimination Nada Roude and the Australian generate hostility and conflict. At the and sensationalised media reporting. Arabic Comunities Council have ‘Manufacturing Fear’ forum Scott Randa Kattan of the Australian Ar- developed cross-cultural training Poynting examined the ‘spiral’ of abic Communities Council explained workshops for both state and non- media-generated fear in Sydney’s that racism creates a lot of extra work government organisations. These suburbia. Linking local crime with for under-resourced community or- workshops help to dispel common unrelated issues of refugees, immi- ganisations and developing response myths and stereotypes about Islam gration and global terrorism, media strategies is difficult for communities and Arab Australians by teaching outlets have increased racial tension. ‘under siege’ .A representative of the history and traditions. From his work on this issue, Scott Australian Sikh Association, Inderjeet Media strategies aim to train and pointed out that what has been most Singh, detailed the increase in racism empower members of communities hurtful for Arab and Muslim Austral- directed at Sikhs due to ‘mistaken experiencing racism to talk back ians is the silence of so many Austral- identity’ caused by wearing the tur- to mainstream media. Media skills ians of different backgrounds, in the ban and beard. workshops for young members of face of such vilification. the Muslim Women’s Association In her address to the Forum, Jude " . .racialised communities are have encouraged the participants to living in fear: fear of racist McCulloch condemned the creation of participate in media interviews, to panic, creating a time of ‘emergency’, violence or harassment, fear of ASIO raids and overpolicing, speak on talkback radio and even- where there is ‘no space for context, tually to go on to become media consequences, complexity, ambigu- fear of discrimination and sensationalised media reporting." producers themselves by editing the ity, dissent or dialogue’. Against Reflections magazine. ‘emergency time’, she appealed for The title Facing Fear was intended Community capacity building ‘public time’, a chance for inclusive to emphasise the ways in which com- strategies form part of every project. dialogue that looks for explanations munity organisations are speaking up Capacity building strategies empha- ‘and recognises that solutions might and fighting back. sise skills and employment outcomes be long and complex’. In these times Sessions showcased community for participants in community projects our primary duty is ‘to maintain the response strategies focusing on ‘Re- to build up the capacity of marginal- democratic space within our own sisting Racism through Representa- ised communities to develop further society’. ‘Manufacturing Fear’ was tion’ and ‘Resisting Racism through activities. a small but significant attempt at Education’. Overall, the event provided an im- doing this. The forum identified five key strate- portant opportunity for networking gies for community anti-racism work across the community, legal, univer- Facing Fear Forum after September 11: sity and advocacy sectors. Project The second forum brought together • interfaith proposals included a Virtual Resource people working with communities • community cultural development Centre for creative antiracism work. experiencing racism, and advocates • cross-cultural education UTS Shopfront will develop an audio and academics interested in anti-rac- CD and publication from the forum, • media strategies and ism responses to the politics of fear. which will be available in 2005. It was an opportunity to learn about • community capacity building. Ann McGufficke studies in the innovative community level projects The most popular strategy for Graduate Program in Social Inquiry addressing prejudice and fear directed cultural interventions has been In- at UTS at Muslim, Arab and Sikh Australians terfaith dialogue. Organisations such as a result of the ‘war on terror’. as Affinity have been established to You can access the speeches from the The first session, ‘Fear Go’, ex- develop projects which bring together two Forums on the website for the plored the impacts of September 11, Christians, Muslims and members of UTS Research Initiative in Interna- 2001 and the subsequent ‘war on ter- other faiths to share their beliefs and tional Activism (www.international. ror’ in creating a climate of fear and traditions through personal interac- activism.uts.edu.au). insecurity among communities repre- tions. They run Mosque open days, Further Information: sented as threatening ‘others’. While interfaith dinners and the like. it is common to hear that ‘the world Civil Rights Network : www.civilrigh Community cultural development tsnetwork.org changed’ on September 11, the forum projects involve community members heard that during the ‘war on terror’ it in cultural production to tell their Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advo- is Sikh, Arab and Muslim Australians own stories and to showcase emerg- cacy Network : www.amcran.org whose daily lives have been impacted ing cultures. The Trouble Comes to Activist Rights website: www.activi by being the object of fear, mistrust Me project at Information Cultural strights.org.au and racist vilification.
20 Autumn 2005 inner voice 21 Morgan disney report into uman servcies family support & community activities
30 Years of Network Congratulations to the Members Is It A Fact? and staff at the Network of Com- munity Activities for reaching the that according to a recent survey, 74% of non govern- 30 year milestone. Network is one ment, community service agencies surveyed in NSW of the busiest and most productive were unable to assist all the people seeking their peak agencies around supporting services during 2003-04? Out-of-School Hours and Vacation that during the same period, these agencies provided care services across NSW. nearly 11% more services than in the previous 12 Network's esteemed Co-ordinator months? Judy Finlason is retiring in May. that the biggest increases in the incidence of people being turned away in NSW are with child care, hous- The Network: When dreams ing assistance, community legal and financial and become reality - a history of material support services? Network is avialable for $27.50. www.netoosh.org.au that this is happening at a time when the survey shows more NSW community service agencies than Walking the Street: Seeking before are running budget deficits? Art Works that 62% of the survey respondents indicated that in- Inner West Cultural Services is come for their services in 2003-04 had not met costs, seeking art works made by the with nearly three quarters indicating they were using community in the Inner West up their financial reserves, suggesting their long-term region for the next Walking viablity is in jeopardy? the Street 2005. The two-week exhibition occurs in June in the that these findings confirm a growing range of evi- shopfronts at the south end of King dence that points to clients of community services St, Newtown. seeking assistance with much more complex prob- lems than previously? Art works that may have been created by residents as part of a that 78% of respondents had increased unfunded work community arts project are sought. by both paid staff and volunteers between 2002-03 www.innerwestcs.org.au and 2003-04?
Strengthening Families that 52% of respondents had difficulty attracting ap- propriate staff, principally due to the levels of pay on - Resourcing Parents. Inner offer and shortages in the amount of paid hours per West Small Grants Scheme week? SF-RP is a Families First initiative www.acoss.org.au to support agencies working col- laboratively in their provision of parenting education, support and Multicultural Carer DV Training information. Support Service Newtown Immigrant Women’s Speakout Grants of a maximum of $2000 Neighbourhood Centre Association is holding Domestic will be available to all non-profit The Multicultural Carer Support Violence Training: services, Government and Non- Service is a new service for carers • Domestic Violence Provision Government agencies. Funding is of someone who is frail, aged, has in Immigration Law - 14 available for 25 programs per year, a disability or chronic illness and June, 22 September with the opportunity to submit ap- who lives in Leichhardt, Marrick- plications in April and October. • Cross Cultural Domestic ville, Newtown or surrounding Violence Training - 26 July This scheme is for parents and areas. Contact: 9516 4755 Contact: 9635 8022 organisations in the Inner West, carersproject@newtowncentre. including Leichhardt LGA and the org suburb of Glebe. www.resourcingparents.com
20 Autumn 2005 inner voice 21 resource NSW Shadow Ministry
Bob Carr MP Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Reba Meagher MP Minister for Community Services, Minister for Citizenship and Minister for Youth Andrew Refshauge MP Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister Sandra Nori MP Minister for Tourism and Sport and for State Development, and Minister Recreation, and Minister for Women for Aboriginal Affairs Tony Kelly MLC Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister John Della Bosca MLC Special Minister of State, Minister for Local Government, Minister for for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Emergency Services, and Minister Relations, Minister for Ageing, for Lands Minister for Disability Services, David Campbell MP Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for the Illawarra, and Craig Knowles MP Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Small Business Planning, and Minister for Natural Ian Macdonald MLC Minister for Primary Industries Resources Diane Beamer MP Minister for Juvenile Justice, Bob Debus MP Attorney General, and Minister for Minister for Western Sydney, and the Environment Minister Assisting the Minister Carl Scully MP Minister for Police for Infrastructure and Planning Morris Iemma MP Minister for Health (Planning Administration) Michael Costa MLC Minister for Roads, Minister for John Hatzistergos MLC Minister for Justice, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports, Fair Trading, Minister Assisting and Minister for the Hunter the Minister for Commerce, and John Watkins MP Minister for Transport Services Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship Carmel Tebbutt MLC Minister for Education & Training Grant McBride MP Minister for Gaming and Racing, Frank Sartor MP Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for the Central Coast Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Kerry Hickey MP Minister for Mineral Resources Minister for Health (Cancer), Minister Joseph Tripodi MP Minister for Housing Assisting the Premier on the Arts, Minister with special responsibility for Redfern-Waterloo
New Communities Division in DoCS
The NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) has established a new ‘Communities Division’ that has been given additional program and policy areas. These include: • the Office of Children and Young People • Families First • Better Futures • the Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy • Youth Policy • The Community Solutions Unit • The Strengthening Communities Unit • Youth Partnership with Arabic Speaking Communities • Canterbury Bankstown Place Project. • Youth Partnership with Pacific Islander Communities • The Community Builders Unit • The Area Assistance Scheme. These will all combine with CSGP and SAAP to form the new Communities Division reporting to Sue Dawson, Deputy Director-General, Communities and Policy. Ms Dawson will continue to supervise Child Protection and Early Intervention Policy and Out-of-Home Care Policy and Purchasing Reform, Interagency and Intergovernment Coordination and Youth Policy.
22 Autumn 2005 inner voice 23 resources & organisation
CDSE Grants Due Soon Applications for the Community Is It A Fact? Development Supported Expendi- that there will be a significant change to the way the ture (Clubs money) are due soon. NSW Government conducts its Budget this year? Deadlines: that the usual practice has been for departments and Randwick 29 April agencies to put their costed plans for new inititaives or Leichhardt 20 May services to Treasury for consideration in the budget? Waverley 30 May that from this year, Treausry will not only look at City of Sydney 31 May requests for new expenditure, it will look at ALL Services located in Botany or expenditure including what is traditionally regarded as Woollahra LGAs can apply direct 'core business', including he recurrent funding provided to individual clubs. For more to non-government organisations? info, contact your local council or www.clubsnsw.com.au>CDSE that the departments and agencies will have to produce Scheme>local committee index. a Results and Services Plan’ (RSP) and a ‘Political Economic Environmental Sociological and Technolog- Making Sense of Financial ical analysis’ (PEEST analysis) for Treasury to demon- strate how well they are using their resources? Statements & Auditors Reports that while it is sensible that the Government should not blindly continue to fund activities just because it did The Department of Community so the year before, the danger for community service Services is running several providers is that this new process will favour activi- workshops on this important topic ties that lend themselves more easily to mathematical which provides participants with assessment than community services do? the skills to read and interpret a set of financial reports, and how to confidently discuss the financial position of an organisation with Russian Resources Population Data the auditor, member, board and The Russian Ethnic Community The Transport and staff. Council of NSW has an Population Data Centre (TPDC) The training is free to DOCS- information and referral service located in the Department of funded services. for Russian and Russian-speaking Infrastructure, Planning and Natural migrants and refugees. Resources (DIPNR) has released 2 June Parramatta Service providers speak Russian a new publication containing the 6 June Chatswood and English and are based in the latest population projections for Ph: Tania Bezzina 9209 6456 AMES Building in Burwood. Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) [email protected] Contact: 9745 4244 within NSW for 2001 - 2031. The [email protected] SLAs with the largest projected population increases between 2001 Training on Client and 2031 are in the Sydney region. Information Sharing How to Organise a www.planning.nsw.gov.au/tpde/ What we can say and what Conference whatsnew.html we can’t - Client Information A comprehensive checklist of Sharing Across Agencies. A many of the things you’ll need full-day training program to to do when organising a confer- Where is? be held on Wednesday 1 June. ence. Put together by Christine Can't find your street directory For community workers who Lawrence of Western Sydney om- - just type in where you are and collaborate with other agencies munity Form, who has extensive where you want to go and this and have clients in common. experience in conference organis- website will give you a map and For more info, contact: Lynn ing. [email protected] written list of streets and tell Cohen: 9205 1570 lynn.cohen@ you how long it should take you. community.nsw.gov.au. www.whereis.com.au
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24 Autumn 2005 INNER VOICE - Autumn 2001 1