TIME TO MOVE ON” – NO JUSTICE FOR TJ - 7 October 2005

“TIME TO MOVE ON” – NO JUSTICE FOR TJ

In reply to written requests to out new Premier, Morris Iemma and out new Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Oskopoulos, sent on 15 August 2005, ISJA was contacted by the Chief of Staff of the Minister’s office, Nathan Rees, to arrange a meeting to ‘discuss matters’.

On 28 September 2005, Rees met with this Association, accompanied by Warwick Neilley of the Premier’s Office, at my Waterloo residence.

They first made it quiet clear that neither they, nor any other member of their respective offices, would be making themselves available for the Public Meeting to be held at The Settlement, 17 Edward Street, Chippendale on Saturday 8 October 2005, beginning at 5:30 pm to further plan actions to obtain Justice for TJ.

The new Premier and Minister were invited in the hope that, with the retirement of Bob Carr, perhaps some real Justice may now occur.  The Minister especially had publicly stated that he wanted to meet Aboriginal people within the NSW Communities, but according to Rees, this Community was not one of them.  Maybe he chooses his meetings so that he only meets with those whom he sees as being ‘suitable or preferred’ members of the Communities that he will visit?

The next question put to them was on seeking their opinion on the call to have the Hickey Inquest either re-opened or a new one called.  The answer was, to quote Neilley:- ‘it’s time to move on.  It’s not going to happen.  Far better to work with the Government on important issues.’  The advice to ‘get a life’ was also gratuitously given.

They then moved to their agenda that involved their wishes to find an organisation that would remove Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company and for that organisation to then work with the Government on solving the Block issues.

Whilst not surprised – it is well known that the NSW Government has ‘problems’ with Mick – their offer was totally rejected as being neither viable nor useful.  This Association believes it is up to the Block residents – past and present – and the current AHC Management to decide what is in the best interests of the Block.

A further request to Rees that the Minister meet with Gail Hickey and her Family was agreed to on the condition that the death/murder of her son not be raised!  The meeting finished.

No Justice for TJ.  No Justice for the Hickey Family.  No Justice for the Redfern, Waterloo, Walgett Communities.

Come to the meeting on Saturday to help us plan our next steps in our ongoing struggle for Justice for TJ, Gail, her Family and supporters.

For further details contact Ray Jackson (02) 9318 0947, 0415 858 264, or email isja01@bigpond.net.au.