Blog Archives
Marlon Noble – 10 years for being an Aboriginal with a Disability. Who Are The Real Heroes?
For those who have followed this blog from the beginning you will know the name Marlon Noble, you will know he served 10 years in a WA prison for a crime he did not commit. You will know he never faced trial, that is suffers a disability and despite being released still lives under effective 24 hour surveillance.
This is his story –
Now that you have watched this, think about the last few days of your life and the things that made you angry, happy, sad or emotional. Think of the sporting “heroes” you praised in victory or called courageous in defeat. Those sporting stars who despite the outcome will return to fancy homes and cars, six figure salaries and your undying attention the next time they perform. Maybe you praised your sports hero to your friend after winning, maybe you defended them on social media after they lost. But how much time did you spend standing up for Marlon Noble or the millions like him around the world and the many who live just a stones throw away from you. Marlon’s story is that of a life ripped apart, imprisoned without charge for 10 long years. And yet despite his struggle he still has a smile on his face, tell me now… who is the hero?
Next time you use that word think carefully, because I just might be the person asking what you have done to ensure that the real heroes like Marlon suffer no more!
Thank you to the Human Rights Commission for their constant fight for justice and equality and please take the time to view more films on everyday heroes with a disability who deserve the praise we heap onto those who simply play a sport. http://www.humanrights.gov.au/twentystories/Videos.html
Indigenous elders condemn intervention extension (ABC)
A group of Aboriginal leaders say they are furious about the Federal Government’s plan to extend the Northern Territory intervention next year. ABC News
The intervention was meant to wrap up next year but last month Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin announced that measures including alcohol bans and welfare quarantining in remote communities will continue.
Ms Macklin has signalled legislation will be introduced into Parliament before Christmas.
Rosalie Kunoth-Monks wants control of her community back
Rosalie Kunoth-Monks from Utopia in Central Australia says communities around the Territory are angry the Government is extending the intervention.
“After almost five years of the oppression of the intervention we demand that the Government hand back to us control over our communities,” she said.
“We reject the Stronger Futures document. We reject it absolutely.
“We will not support an extension of the intervention legislation, we did not ask for it, in fact, we call for a genuine apology.”
Barbara Shaw from Alice Springs says the intervention is discriminatory and the Government has ignored the concerns of many people.
“We know what we want and the arrogance of the Australian Government as well as the Northern Territory Government, they just don’t want to listen to the views of the people like us,” she said.
The elders say the intervention is causing shame and embarrassment in Aboriginal communities.
To call on Minister Macklin to end the Intervention please use the contact form provided at the link below
http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/contact/Pages/default.aspx
1 Deadly Nation 