"Intervention repeats past wrongs, Mr Rudd". NT delegation sets off for Canberra Convergence

MEDIA RELEASE: 7/2/08 for immediate release.

"Intervention repeats past wrongs, Mr Rudd". NT delegation sets off for Canberra Convergence

Today 22 Aboriginal community leaders from across Central Australia are beginning their bus trip to join the "Canberra Convergence". On the opening day of parliament they will rally with many more people from affected NT communities and supporters from across the country against the NT intervention.

They demand immediate review of the intervention and an end to punitive measures such as welfare quarantining and compulsory land acquisition.

On the day before Kevin Rudd will say "sorry" to the stolen generations, the Convergence will stand against the continuing racism and paternalism underlying policy being rolled out in the NT.

Barbara Shaw, from the Mt Nancy town camp in Alice Springs has been organising the bus for the NT delegation. Her welfare is currently being "quarantined" under the intervention legislation.

"Centrelink is never organised to get our food vouchers in on time. We went the last long weekend without food. Kevin Rudd says this intervention is to help children but I have many young mouths to feed and the welfare quarantine makes this so much harder. I am a self-determined person concerned for my people, why should I be controlled by a government department? Today we leave for Canberra to demand change".

Mitch, an Aboriginal activist from Alice Springs is already in Sydney and will tonight address Unions NSW to build support for the campaign. On Saturday she will speak to the council of NSW Teachers Federation.

"Kevin Rudd has said his apology will contain an affirmation never to repeat past wrongs, but this is precisely what his government is doing rolling out Howard's intervention. He is continuing the genocidal policy of the stolen generations and the Howard years", said Mitch.

"We are back to 'flour, tea and tobacco days', being forced to work and jump through hoops for ration vouchers. Centrelink is not providing proper services for remote communities so there has been a mass exodus of our young people. My brothers have been forced into town to look for work".

"The Aboriginal movement has not experienced this level of unity since the 1970s", said Greg Eatock from the Aboriginal Rights Coalition, Sydney, who initiated the convergence.

"The destruction being caused by the intervention is becoming clearer, suicide rates have increased in the NT for example. From left-wing to conservative, our people recognise the need to stand against the racist intervention. We are expecting thousands to converge on Canberra."

For further comment and information on the convergence contact:
Greg Eatock: 0432050240;
Mitch: 0429900774;
Barb Shaw (NT): 0401291166.