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Editors --- "Recent Happenings" [1997] IndigLawB 61; (1997) 4(3) Indigenous Law Bulletin 25


Recent Happenings

Compiled by Rachel Connell, David Clarke, Joanna Kwan and Melissa Schraner

2 April

Aboriginal representatives at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva attacked the Federal Government's 'serious disregard' for the human rights of indigenous peoples. The forced removal of children from their families and the reluctance to recognise indigenous native title were singled out for mention.

3 April

Aboriginal traditional land owners and the Anaconda mining company reached an historic agreement over a $900 million nickel project in Western Australia's gold fields. In a joint statement the parties said that the agreement clearly demonstrated that negotiation between miners and Aboriginal groups could work and could produce win in solutions.

5 April

A Queensland Government Minister made a formal apology, and compensation payments, to a group of Palm Island Elders who had been underpaid for ten years because they are indigenous. The compensation is part of an out of court settlement in the wake of an adverse finding by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. The Government has not admitted liability.

7 April

The Dunghutti people of Crescent Head, NSW, became the first Aborigines on the Australian mainland to achieve recognition of native title under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). The Federal Court order was the culmination of negotiations between the: parties.

9 April

Artist, Harold Thomas, was recognised by the Federal Court as the designer and copyright owner of the-Aboriginal flag The decision may cost the Federal Government thousands of dollars in outstanding copyright fees.

10 April

Reports released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that Aboriginal children are still being removed from their families, and are highly disadvantaged when it comes to their, being placed in foster homes.

10 April

It was' announced that the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation is suing the Queensland Department of Natural Resources,-arguing that the Corporation had, not been consulted pursuant to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) in relation to a tourist development on Hinchinbrook Island;

11 April

In response to community concern by Aboriginal women's groups and the Derby Alcohol Action Group, supermarket giant Woolworths agreed to maintain strong restrictions on sale of alcohol in Derby Western Australia, even though it had just won a case under the Liquor Licensing Act (WA): Both the WA Government and Opposition gave their support to steps to change liquor laws so judges can take into-account public health concerns.

12 April

It was: reported that the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is to hold: a public hearing into complaints under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) by Aborigines against Federal Independent MP Pauline Hanson.

15 April

Prime Minister John Howard presented to Cabinet his 10 point plan response to the High Court's decision in the Wik case.

25 April

The racial vilification case brought by David Cockatoo-Collies against Todd Curley from the Western Bulldogs was dismissed by the Australian Football League Tribunal. The Tribunal warned clubs that a fine of $5,000 could be imposed if they were found to be remiss in their attempts to get rid of all forms of racism in football.

26 April

A Permanent Conservation Order was placed on only the facade of the site of the first Aboriginal Day of Mourning (held in 1938), situated at 150-152 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. This is despite recommendations made by the NSW Heritage Council, the National Trust, and a special Commission of Inquiry held in 1995 which recommended conservation of the entire building.

30 April

Indigenous groups foreshadowed a black boycott of the Sydney Olympic Games, saying they would appeal to the international community as a response to the Government's plan to extinguish or severely restrict native title.

30 April

Indigenous Magistrate Pat O'Shane announced that she would retire from the bench after more than a decade. Pat O'Shane has been commended by indigenous groups for her outspoken views in defence of indigenous people.


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