Thursday, 27 November 2008
10-point plan to improve NT intervention and native title gridlock the focus of HREOC reports
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma will officially launch the Social Justice Report 2007 and the Native Title Report 2007 in Sydney next Monday (31 March).
Mr Calma will outline his 10-point plan to amend the Northern Territory intervention to maximise protection of children and families while also ensuring the basic human rights of Indigenous people are protected.
He will provide evidence from 19 case studies to demonstrate what can be achieved in the fight against child abuse and family violence in Indigenous communities when there is true engagement with the local population.
The launch will also reveal the findings of the Native Title Report 2007. The report outlines the ways in which the native title system could be improved to better recognise and protect native title and further advance reconciliation between Australia’s past and present, and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Commissioner Calma will deliver the fourth in his ‘Essentials for Social Justice’ speech series at the launch, with a speech entitled ‘Protecting Indigenous Children.’
The launch will also feature a panel discussion, ‘Whereto Native Title: How can the system deliver?,’ facilitated by Ray Martin and involving Ron Merkel QC Barrister at Law, Graeme Neate, President of the National Native Title Tribunal, Brian Wyatt, Chair of the National Native Title Council, and Professor Marcia Langton from the University of Melbourne.
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Venue: Turner Hall
Building B
Ultimo College of TAFE
Mary Ann Street
Ultimo
Date: Monday, 31 March 2008
Time: 9.30 for 10.00am
PLEASE NOTE METERED PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN MARY ANN STREET
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Media contact: Louise McDermott on (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597






