Indigenous Rights

New intervention measures are based on the wrong approach

Blog Post | Blog of Rachel Siewert
Wednesday 14th December 2011, 5:29pm
by ChrisRedman in

As it introduces new intervention measures in the Northern Territory, the Government is keen to talk about the effectiveness of existing policies in tackling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage.

The Territories Self Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2011

Speech | Spokesperson Adam Bandt MP
Tuesday 15th November 2011, 1:34pm
in

Tuesday, 1 November 2011



Mr BANDT (Melbourne) (17:01): The Greens will not be supporting these amendments. The amendments run completely contrary to the spirit of the bill. The bill gives recognition to the fact that in the ACT and in the Northern Territory we have mature debating chambers that are able to govern the people who have elected them. For this parliament to determine in advance what those chambers may or may not legislate about reflects the kind of paternalism that this bill is seeking to redress. This bill is seeking to restore the position that exists under the Constitution. There will still be a capacity in the unamended bill for this parliament to pass a law if it considers that any territory has done anything it should not have done. That position remains and the constitutional supremacy of this parliament remains. For those reasons, we will not be supporting the amendments.

Greens urge Parliament to back Native Title reform bill

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Wednesday 9th November 2011, 5:18pm
in

The Australian Greens remain in 'no doubt' about the importance of native title reforms following a Senate Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011.

Greens urge prompt action as FMG threatens sacred sites

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Monday 7th November 2011, 6:25pm
in

The Australian Greens have asked the Federal Government to respond urgently to an application seeking protection for Aboriginal heritage sites in the Pilbara from potentially damaging mining operations.

Australian Greens National Conference Press Conference - November 6, 2011

Greencast | Spokesperson Bob Brown, Rachel Siewert, Scott Ludlam, Adam Bandt MP
Sunday 6th November 2011, 4:10pm
in

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters, Senators for Western Australia Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam, and Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt spoke to the media about the Australian Greens National Conference in Fremantle, WA.

Topics included the allocation of preferences, the environmental threats posed by developments in the Kimberley, and the Nationals' call for a "discussion paper" on coal seam gas. 

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Senator Bob Brown doorstop - Australian Greens National Conference, November 5 2011

Greencast | Spokesperson Bob Brown
Saturday 5th November 2011, 2:42pm
in

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Senator Scott Ludlam delivers the welcome speech at the Australian Greens National Conference in Fremantle

Greencast | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Saturday 5th November 2011, 1:29pm
in

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Senator Bob Brown addresses the Australian Greens National Conference, November 5 2011

Greencast | Spokesperson Bob Brown
Saturday 5th November 2011, 1:22pm
in

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More punitive measures for Aboriginal communities won’t get results: Greens

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Tuesday 18th October 2011, 11:41am
in

Collaboration and not punishment is the key to getting positive results when it comes to school attendance in the Northern Territory, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

Condemnation gives the Government cause to reconsider NT Intervention

Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Thursday 13th October 2011, 9:25am
in

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says continuing local and international condemnation of the Northern Territory intervention should give the Government ample cause to reconsider its policy position.