12 October 2005
In this update
Ministerial Advisory Committee Membership
Mick Mundine’s Open Letter to Redfern Waterloo
Government Officers alleged to support overthrow of AHC
Cabinet needs to change NSW Government position on the Block
Who was surveying Redfern Waterloo about The Block?
RWA Evidence to Estimates Committee
New Liberal Leader and Opposition shadow for Redfern Waterloo supports Pemulwuy project.
There is also information about important coming events including this weekend:
Local ALP Branches BBQ on the Block - 15 October,
Settlement AGM 19th October at 6.30pm The Settlement 17 Edwards Street Darlington
Danks Street Festival – Sunday 23 October 11am-4pm Danks Street Waterloo
REDWatch Monthly Meeting – Sunday 23 October at Factory Community Centre 2pm
The Factory Community Centre Inc. Annual General Meeting 5pm Monday 24th October 2005
Community Organising – UTS One-day workshop Friday 28 October 2005
Can we afford unaffordable housing? – AHURI Seminar - Wednesday 2 November 2005 5-7pm
Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern – Applications open for 3 year Full Time Dance Certificate course
Redfern Connect Term 4 Updates Available
The RWA has asked us to let people know that while the RWA site is available on www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au the preferred address is www.redfernwaterloo.com.au . Over time all the links on the site will be changed over. If you have book marks already set they will need to be changed to the com.au address at some point.
REDWatch has added the statements from the RWA site to the historical RWA statements section of their website http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/statements/2005/051007rwaweb so that as the RWA site changes there will continue to be a copy of the RWA’s initial statements for historical reference.
Ministerial Advisory Committee Membership
While the RWA website has the full composition of the Human Services Advisory Committee the full membership of the other two advisory committees have not yet been posted. The RWA has supplied us with the details of both the other committees and all three committees are now listed on the REDWatch website. Currently no information is available about the basis for appointment of the community representatives. Ideally we would like to see a little bit of information about each of the community representatives available so the community knows something about who has been appointed by the RWA to represent them. REDWatch has added some information where known on its web site and would be happy to include a brief background note from each of the community representatives if they would like to supply it.
The links to the full Advisory Committee make up including Government members can be found at:
Built Environment – http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/structure/built/membership
Employment and Enterprise – http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/structure/employenterprise/membership
Human Services – http://www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/structure/hsac/membership
Given the major conflict between the Government and the AHC over the future of The Block and the support of local Aboriginal organisations for the AHC’s proposal, Anne Weldon’s appointment as a community representative rather than as a government representative on the Built Environment committee has caused some comment since the names became public last Friday. Anne Weldon is the Chair of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Housing Office which is a NSW Government funding body for aboriginal housing http://www.aho.nsw.gov.au/ .
Mick Mundine’s Open Letter to Redfern Waterloo
The October South Sydney Herald carries “An open letter from Mr Michael Mundine to all of Redfern Waterloo calling for a boycott of Minister Frank Sartor and the RWA” as this article is not readily accessible to people outside the area it is also up on the REDWatch website at http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/051004sshb. In the open letter Mick Mundine explains his position regarding the Minister’s “black arse” jibe and explains why Minister Sartor should step down. A number of local ALP branches are also calling for the Minister to step down or be replaced.
Other recent articles which may not have been seen widely include South Sydney Herald’s interview with Amanda Vanstone http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/051004ssha as well as recent articles in the Telegraph profiling Mick Mundine “The contempt for disrespect” http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/051001dt and a history of the Block – “Built on dreams and flimsy foundations” http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/051007tel
A good collection of articles
regarding The Block and Minister Sartor’s comments can be found in the Media
News section of the AHC web site at www.ahc.org.au .
Government Officers alleged to
support overthrow of AHC
The Sun-Herald ran a story on the weekend Claims of plot to 'crucify' Mundine . The text of some of the ISJA’s statement referred to in the story is as follows
In reply to written requests to our new premier Morris Iemma and our new minister for Aboriginal affairs Milton Oskopoulos, sent on August 15, the Indigenous Social Justice Association was contacted by the chief of staff of the minister’s office, Nathan Rees, to arrange a meeting. On September 28, Rees met with the ISJA, accompanied by Warwick Neilley from the premier’s office.
They first made it clear that neither they, nor any other member of their offices, would attend the public meeting on October 8, called to plan actions to obtain justice for TJ Hickey. The new premier and minister were invited in the hope that, with premier Bob Carr’s retirement, some real justice may now occur. The minister had publicly stated that he wanted to meet Aboriginal people in NSW communities, but according to Rees this community was not one of them.
We sought their opinion on the call to have the Hickey inquest 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.”
They then moved to their own agenda — to find an organisation that would remove Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) and then work with the government on solving the issues in the Block (in Redfern).
Their offer was totally rejected. The ISJA 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.
The link to the statement by Ray Jackson is http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/645/645p4d.htm
It certainly looks like the change of Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs has made no change to the way their officers approach Redfern and its complex issues. Does the Premier and the Minister support the undermining of CEO of the AHC? If not what are they going to do about it?
Cabinet needs to change NSW Government position on the Block
It is very apparent, although not often mentioned, that around October 2004, probably when making other decisions about the establishment of the RWA, NSW cabinet made a conscious decision not to support the AHC’s Pemulwuy project. This decision appears to pre-date the appointment of Minister Sartor, although Minister Sartor seems to hold the same view.
This cabinet decision is a major problem for people involved in the campaign to support the Pemulwuy project. Unless the RWA can consider the Pemulwuy project on its merits as a possible element of a Block redevelopment, the AHC will not enter discussions with the RWA about the future of The Block. To be able to meet the AHC’s requirement the RWA would have to go directly against a cabinet decision. If the RWA could be convinced that the Pemulwuy project should go ahead, the Minister would have to go back to cabinet to get the earlier cabinet decision changed.
With this in mind supporters of the AHC are currently looking at a campaign targeting the Premier and members of NSW Cabinet to have last year’s cabinet decision rescinded. This is necessary so discussions about the AHC’s current proposals can be considered on its merits.
Who was surveying Redfern Waterloo about The Block?
This question remains unanswered. We have had reports from four people that were surveyed. The most public informant was Elizabeth Farrelly, who in her SMH article “Plans drawn in black and white” on 1 October reported on the questions (see http://www.smh.com.au/news/elizabeth-farrelly/plans-drawn-in-black-and-white/2005/09/29/1127804613731.html ). For ease of reference the relevant section of her article is reproduced below with some additional breaks so it is easy to identify the questions:
There were 11 questions, ending with "How much do you earn" and starting with "Have you ever heard of the Block?"
In between were not questions at all but propositions, with which one was expected to agree or disagree, mildly or strongly. For example:
- the Block should be rebuilt for non-residential purposes but still managed by Aboriginal people;
- the Government should prevent the Aboriginal Housing Company from building 62 houses on the Block because they will just repeat the problems of the past;
- the Government should not allow anything to be built on the Block because whatever it is will just be a mess;
- the Aboriginal Housing Company should not be allowed to manage anything on the Block;
- Aboriginal people should be allowed to control the Block because they will manage it well and there will be no repeat of the problems of the past.
The questions have strong racial overtones and are slanted towards the position being put by the Government. We can’t imagine the AHC asking them in this form even if they had enough spare money to poll. With both the RWA and the Minister Sartor’s office denying that they are responsible, the question remains who is behind it?
Hopefully questions will be asked of the Premier in parliament about whether the polling was done on behalf of the NSW Government or the NSW ALP. Hopefully he might also say if he thinks such polling and questions are appropriate poll questions to ask residents in Redfern Waterloo.
RWA Evidence to Estimates Committee
On 21 September 2004 Minister Sartor’s appeared before the General Purpose Standing Committee No 4 for an examination of proposed expenditure for Redfern Waterloo (see Transcript 21/09/2005 Planning, Redfern Waterloo, Science and Medical Research, 178 Kb).
The media picked up on his comments about not wanting the job when it was offered to him, but there is some other information in the transcript about the Minister and RWA’s thinking which is useful to read. The Minister was asked questions to do with his position on the Block (which is always of interest) and also about the possibility of increasing public housing in the area (which is of considerable interest now the RWA have announced public housing will be covered in stage two).
We especially loved Robert Domm’s reference to the formation of the Redfern Aboriginal Authority (RAA) as evidence that “Redfern Waterloo Authority has a very good relationship with the majority of the Aboriginal organisations in Redfern Waterloo”. Mr Domm said that in discussions with Mr Sol Bellear “all the organisations within the authority are prepared to work co-operatively with the Government”. The same day the RAA (of which the AHC is a member) put out a media release headed “Sartor must change or stand aside” (see http://www.redwatch.org.au/media/050921raa ).
New Liberal Leader and Opposition shadow for Redfern Waterloo supports Pemulwuy project.
The decision of the new Opposition Leader Peter Debnam to make himself the opposition spokesperson on Redfern Waterloo (see http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/aborigines-refuse-to-talk-to-sartor/2005/09/22/1126982184188.html ) has increased the political heat on the government and is making many on the left of the ALP nervous.
While the opportunity to try and even up the political score with the Government over racial jibes following Minister Sartor’s slur on Mick Mundine was clearly on the agenda, the new Liberal Leader has now announced opposition support of the Pemulwuy project as one of his first major policy statements (see http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/well-allow-more-block-houses-debnam/2005/10/05/1128191786603.html). Debnam’s announcement that a Liberal Government would approve the Pemulwuy project came only a few days after Minister Sartor told the upper house estimates hearing that “I cannot see a future Liberal government, even 10 years from now, ever agreeing to support the proposals” (Transcript page 8)
Local ALP Branches BBQ on the Block - 15 October 2005,
The Darlington branch of the Australian Labor Party invites the Aboriginal community and others interested in local issues to a barbeque on the Block. The barbeque will take place at 2pm on October 15th in the Redfern Community Centre. Attendees include: NSW Labor MP Linda Burney, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Milton Orkopoulos, Federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Parliamentary Speaker for Reconciliation Peter Garrett, and Labor members of City of Sydney Council.
Inner city ALP branches are taking on the NSW Government about policies relating to Aboriginal affairs in Redfern and Waterloo. In particular, branches would like to show their support for the Aboriginal Housing Company and the Pemulwuy Project. Some branches have indicated Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor has lost their support and are calling for his removal. Federal and Local Government issues will also be discussed. There will be some reports on Federal, State and Local aboriginal issues.
ALP branches supporting the Barbeque on the Block are Darlington, Golden Grove, Newtown, Redfern, and Surry Hills. For more information contact Trevor Davies on 0400 008 338.
Settlement AGM 19th October at 6.30pm The Settlement 17 Edwards Street Darlington
After a turbulent year, including a complete change of management committee mid stream over property issues, The Settlement has its AGM on 19th October at 6.30pm. If you are a member please come along to the AGM as the struggle to keep the settlement as a viable centre in Edwards Street continues.
Danks Street Festival – Sunday 23 October 11am-4pm Danks Street Waterloo
The Redfern Waterloo Festival goes to Danks Street this year featuring MC Leah Purcell. Live entertainment includes the ambient sounds of DJs Kate Monroe & Garry Tee, art exhibitions, festival markets, kid’s fun zone and specialty food. If you have not been down to this end of Waterloo recently this is a good chance to come and see what has happened to the old industrial end of the suburb and what the future could hold for Redfern Waterloo. For more information on the Danks Street Festival contact City of Sydney Council on 9265 9333.
REDWatch Monthly Meeting – Sunday 23 October at Factory Community Centre 2pm
REDWatch monthly meeting at the The Factory, 67 Raglan Street Waterloo. With the announcement of public housing being included in Stage 2 of the Redfern Plan there will be an opportunity to talk about how the RWA should plan for this change as well as an opportunity to find out about what has been happening in our area. Last month Clover Moore turned up to talk with REDWatch about what was happening in the area.
The Factory Community Centre Inc. Annual General Meeting 5pm Monday 24th October 2005
The Factory is holding their AGM at 67 Raglan St., Waterloo 5pm Monday 24th October 2005 - All Welcome.
Noel Pearson on 'Welfare Reform and Economic Development for Indigenous Communities' 6pm 25th October
The Centre for Independent Studies is hosting a lecture in Sydney by Noel Pearson, CEO of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership. Noel Pearson has been leading an agenda for change in the Cape York area for over a decade. He is adamant that it is time to think about the economic and social basis for communities—-and to put policies in place that allow the Cape York community to flourish. The lecture is 5.30pm for 6pm (due to finish 7.15), ASX Auditorium, Exchange Square, Australian Stock Exchange, 18 Bridge Street, Sydney. $15 non-members, $10 members and concessions, please RSVP by Friday 21 October
ph (02) 9438 4377 email events@cis.org.au or register online.
Community Organising – UTS One-day workshop Friday 28 October 2005
A community organising approach advocates issue campaigning, an approach geared toward issues rather than problems. This workshop will introduce key community organising principles and give you an opportunity to strategise about your social change campaigns and projects from a different perspective. Workshop topics include: Defining attributes of community-organising; Exploring differences between community organising, development, service delivery and advocacy approaches to social change; cutting issues, identifying targets and organising accountability sessions; Developing campaign strategies.
This seminar which runs from 9am to 5pm is organised by Centre for Popular Education, University of Technology, Sydney Contact sam@thechangeagency.org / 0424 61 00 38
Can we afford unaffordable housing? – AHURI Seminar - Wednesday 2 November 2005 5-7pm
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) Sydney Research Centre and the Centre for Affordable Housing, NSW Department of Housing are jointly sponsoring a seminar on Wednesday November 2 entitled "Can we afford unaffordable housing?” A visiting English academic Professor Peter Ambrose will present the seminar, with Associate Professor Peter Phibbs as discussant. The seminar will be held in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Sydney between 5pm and 7pm. Please note that there is no charge for the seminar but RSVPs would be appreciated to ensure that sufficient seats are available. The contact officer for the seminar in the Faculty of Architecture is Anne Christian (chris_a@usyd.edu.au ) (Ph 02 935 16069).
Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern – Applications Open for 3 year Full Time Dance Certificate course
ADTR offers a 3 year Dance Certificate course. This course is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have reached post compulsory school age, who wish to pursue a career within the Arts industries. Aboriginal Traditional dance is a feature in the curriculum, along with music, literacy and numeracy. Excursions and performances are integrated within the studies as visual and interactive participation greatly enhances the students training. Yes, this course is ABSTUDY approved.
HOW TO ENROL: Auditions are conducted as a pre-entry to Certificate 1 in Introduction to Dance. Auditions are usually scheduled in late November or early December. Late and Special entries are considered according to prospective student's abilities and conditions. Semester1, term 1 and 2 could still approve late entries upon satisfactory completion of late entry requirements.
Auditions for 2006 Dance Certificate Course is from Sunday 27 November to Saturday 3 December 2005, interested students should download Audition Form via the website, fill out and return it to the address provided by 20 November 2005. Further information at www.adtr.org.au
Connect Redfern Term 4 Updates Available
Connect Redfern issue a number of lists (updated at the beginning of the school term) for Children and Family services in Redfern Waterloo. The term 4 2005 updated version has been posted on the REDWatch “Find a Local Community Service” section of the website http://www.redwatch.org.au/redw/services/. The Connect Redfern brochures are also available by email. If you wish to be placed on the email list for future brochures please contact Jo on 9319 3207 or email connectredfern@yahoo.com.au