Balgo Women Elders Call For Help

Media Release from Kapululangu Women's Centre, Balgo, near Halls Creek. WA [23/7/07]

Elders and other residents in the Aboriginal community of Balgo in Western Australia's south-eastern Kimberley have expressed concern about the Western Australian police taskforce into child sexual assault which visited their community last week.

Some of the elders and middle-generation members of Balgo community approached the coordinator of the Kapululangu Aboriginal Women's Association, Dr Zohl de Ishtar, on Thursday night (19 July) soon after the taskforce had left the community.

A Nobel Peace Prize nominee in 2005, sociologist Dr de Ishtar is the founding-coordinator of the Kapululangu Aboriginal Women's Association, with an involvement in Balgo which extends from 1993. She is a research fellow at the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Queensland, and the author of Holding Yawulyu: White Culture and Black Women's Law, the social and political history of Balgo.

According to the complainants, the police taskforce had failed to inform and consult with the community elders before visiting their community, and had not involved the elders or parents in their questioning of young women and men. They were upset that the police taskforce had held meetings with young women and men aged around 14 years old where they had asked them what was described as "rude questions about sex". There were some middle generation residents involved in these meetings with the girls and boys but the elders were concerned that the parents had not been properly consulted or involved, and they were worried for the wellbeing of the children who had been subjected to what they considered to be culturally-inappropriate questioning. They complained that, although a few residents were involved in these meetings, the majority of the community had had no idea that these meetings were happening until they were over. This was later confirmed by other community members, although clearly some members of the community did work with the taskforce.

The concerned group said that they were worried about the police coming into their township without prior negotiation with the elders or clear communication with the community, but they were even more concerned about the possibility of the army coming in. They said that there was fear among some residents that they would be shot at by the army or that they would be pushed out of Balgo to the nearby town of Halls Creek.

One old man, put his hands in the air, and said, "They can shoot me if they want. I'm not leaving. This is my ngurra [Country]". Another male elder insisted that, "This is our town. We can't leave it. This is our town. We have been here since it began. We don't want to go and live somewhere else." A woman elder said, "We have to show this government that we have strong Law here. They can't rubbish it. We have got strong Law ourselves". (Names confidentially withheld.)

According to Dr de Ishtar, "The complainants explained that they are very worried about Howard Government's 12 point strategy but now they are worried that the Western Australian government might act in the same way."

Dr de Ishtar explained the reticence of the local residents to complain directly to the police taskforce or to the locally-based agency which had hosted it. "That any of the concerned residents came to me to complain was an indication of just how strongly they feel about the government's interaction. It's not surprising that the concerned residents waited for the taskforce to the leave the community before they complained. Aboriginal people in our community find it very hard to stand up to White authority - as one old man explained to me, "They see a policeman coming and they think that they are going to be arrested".

Dr Zohl de Ishtar said, "The elders are clearly worried about their children and all their community. The women elders have been asking the Federal and State governments to support them in running cultural programs for young people for many years now. They believe that the solution lies in building their young people's self-esteem and pride in their Aboriginality, in their Law and culture - the glue of their society. The elders are the Law women and men, the teachers and healers of their community. The Kapululangu women have been asking for funding for their Circles of Cultural Learning" project (a whole-of-community, whole-of-life cultural program) since 2004 but both governments have repeatedly failed to fund it. The tragedy is that the women's organisation hasn't been funded for six years."

According to Dr de Ishtar, "By only funding externally-inspired interventions the governments exasperate the problems. Much of the Howard Strategy being rolled out in the Northern Territory has already been trialled in Balgo and has been found to fail or to simply maintain the status quo. The 2003 strategy of sacking the local council and instituting an externally-located administrator has continued the administrative problems of the 1990s. For years now, the community has been maintained only by the commitment of various locally-based agencies."

Dr de Ishtar urged both the Western Australian and Federal governments "to listen to the elders and women, and refashion themselves as facilitators of local Indigenous initiatives particularly cultural programs and women's organisations. If Kapululangu had had the funding to support the community's elders in running their cultural programs over the past years and to provide a safe house for women and children as it has repeatedly requested then that could well have mitigated the sexual abuse of the children and other violence against both women and men."

Forum Calls For A Review Of Anti-Terrorism Laws And The Migration Act

A community forum on the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef was held at the Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University today [22/7/07]. Director of the Centre, Professor Swee-Hin Toh was very pleased with the wide attendance at the forum, which canvassed many issues relating to the case.

At the conclusion of the forum, Sister Wendy Flannery presented the following joint statement on the case of Dr Haneef:

"As a testament to the breadth of public concern over the government's treatment of Dr Mohamad Haneef, academics, legal experts, medical professionals, civil libertarians, union representatives, representatives of community organisations - including Amnesty International, Queensland Council of Civil Liberties, and the Association of Australian Doctors Trained Overseas - Griffith University, religious leaders and faith groups, and members of the general public have come together to hold a forum on this issue.

Those gathered for the forum agreed that, despite the fact that Dr Haneef is well-respected amongst his community and particularly his colleagues and his patients, his treatment by the authorities in the court process has been degrading and undignified.

The delegates noted with utmost concern the perceived attempt by the government to interfere in the judicial process and undermine the presumption of innocence and hence the possibility of Dr Haneef to get a fair go.

The organisations and individuals who attended this forum feel confident that it has positively contributed to the public debate on this critical issue. This forum also demonstrates that a large and diverse cross section of the Australian public is strongly committed to preserving democratic and legal processes and principles, as well as human rights, for all people in Australia, not only Muslims but members of all religious and ethnic communities.

In view of the perceived seriousness of the issue at hand for the future of Australia, the forum participants call on all political parties to independently review the anti-terrorism laws and the Migration Act, and to ensure they are consistent with our cherished Australian values.

To demonstrate our solidarity with Dr Haneef and our determination to see justice done in his case, the groups who attended today's forum have planned a show of support on August 8th, at 9 am, at the Federal Court, Quay Street, Brisbane, when the hearing about the cancellation of Dr Haneef's visa will take place. Anyone who has a concern about this issue is encouraged to participate, and efforts will be made to mobilise similar gatherings in other parts of Australia on the same date."

Are We Alone In The Universe? Wilson da Silva Speaks At City Hall

"The universe itself keeps on expanding and expanding,
In all of the directions it can whizz,
As fast as it can go, the speed of light, you know,
Twelve million miles a minute and that's the fastest speed there is.

So remember, when you're feeling very small and insecure,
How amazingly unlikely is your birth,
And pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in space,
'Cause there's bugger all down here on Earth."

(From Monty Python's 'The Meaning of Life', 1983 - composers: Eric Idle & John Du Prez)

"We are a way for the universe to know itself." Carl Sagan, 1996

Editor-in-Chief of 'Cosmos' magazine, Wilson da Silva, was in Brisbane last night [23/7/07] to present a lecture reviewing the Drake Equation - science's attempt to determine the possible number of extraterrestrial civilisations.

Mr da Silva said that for nearly a century our radio and television signals have been leaking from earth, which might explain why no aliens have been contacting us!

He went on to explain that there may be more advanced forms of communications, or some intergallactic civilizations could be hostile, or make their radio communications hard to detect if they wanted to remain obscure.

Soon even we on earth may not be detectable, as communications move from signals to cable.

He suggested that indeed, we may not be around for much longer if our civilization is wiped out by an asteroid strike or nuclear war, but if we pass the "bottleneck", genetic engineering and technology may mean that our civilization can go on forever.

As for the number of extraterrestrial civilizations, one view says there could be between four and ten in our galaxy, another puts it at a chance of 0.00127 (in other words, the chance that for every 100,000 planets which MIGHT host life, there could be a chance of 127 actually developing life over millions of years), and another more optimistic outlook says 245.

But where are they? and why the silence?

Da Silva noted an often used scientific dictum, "The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence."

He later added, "Space is very big." It would take four years to reach Alpha Centauri (our nearest star) if you could travel at the speed of light, and 40,000 years to cross the galaxy at the same speed!

He posited that the cacophony of silence for those listening out for aliens could possibly be explained by the stabilising presence of the moon and its powerful magnetic field which protects the biosphere.

Ultimately, even if we heard radio signals from the nearest possible life-bearing planet in the area, it would take about thirty years for our response to get back! Forget your problems with Broadband!

Wilson da Silva's lecture was presented by BrisScience. See www.BrisScience.org for further details.

Damn DVDs Selling Fast!

A film which questions the political motives of the Beattie government, and examines the social impacts of the proposed Mary River dam at Traveston crossing, was screened at this years Cannes Film Festival.

Produced by Big Love Productions, 'The Damning Of Mary' had a special screening at the American Pavilion during the festival, but unfortunately its entry as a short film was unsuccessful.

Independent filmmaker Dean Love directed and stars in this confronting work that delves into the devastation wrought upon a community, and captures the emotional intensity and grassroots democracy effort surrounding this nonsensical project.

The filmmakers would have liked to have entered their film in the upcoming Queensland Short Film Festival, which is being publicised as an "energetic and accessible" festival open to Queensland filmmakers of all ages. Unfortunately the entry form on the QSFF website indicates that entrants must be under the age of 18 years as at 1st January 2007.

Dean Love's partner Lefki said, "It would've been great if we could have because more people would have been made aware of what's going on in the Mary Valley."

Nevertheless, 'The Damning Of Mary' has been donated to the Save the Mary River Coordinating Group who have made 1000 copies in DVD format.

"The goal is to get the DVDs out there and raise people's awareness of their plight rather than to raise funds. And it's working. The DVDs are selling fast!" she said.

See: www.savethemaryriver.com for more details.

No Big Brother At BCC Libraries

Early last month I was searching the online Brisbane City Council library catalogue (eLibCat: http://elibcat.library.brisbane.qld.gov.au). The following message appeared on the screen of my PC:

"Protected by RealSecure, Copyright 1997-2001 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This system is for the use of authorized users only. Individuals using this computer system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having all of their activities on this system monitored and recorded by system personnel. In the course of monitoring individuals improperly using this system, or in the course of system maintenance, the activities of authorized users may also be monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, system personnel may provide the evidence of such monitoring to law enforcement officials."

I emailed one of the helpful BCC Reference Librarians to find out this was all about - specifically asking what the message might mean for private citizens using the catalogue system, whether the monitoring was new, and if so, what was the policy behind it.

The Librarian advised that this was "I division's" department, and they forwarded their reassuring response last week:

"I wasn't aware that this message appeared during outages however it is most likely as a result of the IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) software installed on the reverse proxy servers and should not be of any concern to users of the catalogue system. This software monitors traffic for malicious content and provides an additional layer of security for online services."

Hold Off On Harry!

A media release from Allen & Unwin issued today [20/7/07] states:

Bloomsbury Publishing, originating publisher of Harry Potter, was extremely dismayed to learn about early sales in America of a small number of copies of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' prior to the UK, US and worldwide embargo time agreed with retailers, suppliers, and all third parties involved of 00.01AM British Summer Time on Saturday July 21st 2007 (7:01am AWST, 8:31am ACST, 9:01am AEST, 11:01am NZT).

We are aware of some speculation in the media that internet "spoilers" purporting to be extracts from the book have come from the few early copies sold. We confirm that this is not true as is clear from the press release of July 18th issued by Scholastic Inc, the US publisher of Harry Potter. The "spoilers" remain unauthenticated.

The release date and time embargo of 00.01AM BST on Saturday July 21st is being enforced unflinchingly and without exception by the publishers. We confirm that all Bloomsbury's customers in 93 countries worldwide are robustly supporting this embargo time to ensure secrecy for the children and adult readers of Harry Potter.

We would like to thank our customers and suppliers again for their full support given in so many different ways. We would also like to thank the worldwide media for their own observance of, and strict policing of, the embargo to preserve the secrecy of the plot for the readers of Harry Potter.

JK Rowling said last night, "I am staggered that some American newspapers have decided to publish purported spoilers in the form of reviews in complete disregard of the wishes of literally millions of readers, particularly children, who wanted to reach Harry's final destination by themselves, in their own time. I am incredibly grateful to all those newspapers, booksellers and others who have chosen not to attempt to spoil Harry's last adventure for fans."

Construction Begins On Community Housing Complex

Excavation and groundwork has commenced on the final stage of a housing complex at the former Lady Bowen hospital on the corner of Wickham Terrace and Robert Street.

One of the heritage listed Lady Bowen Hospital "wings", was demolished in January this year to make way for the 34 studio apartments and offices that will adjoin the Mission Australia facility Roma House. The complex will eventually be managed by three separate community organisations.

Roma House, which was officially opened in November 2006, provides shelter for inner city homeless people. In May, a group of Spring Hill residents and business owners held a meeting with Mission Australia, and representatives from the Premier's Office and the Queensland Department of Housing to discuss their concerns about Roma House. These concerns related to noise, discarded drug implements, barrier fencing and lighting and the general location of the facility.

The Lady Bowen buildings are heritage listed and were formerly known as the Lady Bowen Hospital. It was a maternity hospital in the 1890s, Nurses’ Quarters in the 1920s and a centre for recovering soldiers after the Second World War. More recently it was home to the Queensland Writers' Centre and the A.M.E.B. held their musical exams in one of the buildings.

More Archaeological Discoveries At Mill Point

The most recent archaeological survey at Mill Point on the shores of Lake Cootharaba, has revealed the location of the previously elusive school site.

A team of archaeologists from the University of Queensland, headed by PhD candidate Karen Murphy, have undertaken several field surveys at Mill Point throughout the past couple of years, and this week provided a rundown of the last survey at the UQ Archaeology and Anthropology website:

"A short but very successful season at Mill Point for 2007 with only a single week spent in the field. We turned our attention back to more broadscale surveying of the areas in and around the mill settlement. Some concerted efforts at making our way through thick bush revealed a likely location for the previously elusive mill school site to the south of the industrial area. A 150 metre long section of the tramway not far from the possible school site was also discovered and once this data is mapped may reveal a connection with the tramway mound close to the mill site.

A large area around the chimney and site of the 20th century farmhouse was slashed by Parks staff enabling a surface survey of the entire area. We found the site of the 20th century dump as well as several mounds of brick and concrete rubble related to the house and surrounding outbuildings. We also got our first close-up look at the brick-lined well adjacent to the farmhouse. Some investigation of the broader landscape around the settlement was also undertaken with a hike north to Kin Kin Creek, site of the rafting ground, which still retain remnants of the original vine scrub vegetation which would have been far more extensive during the mill period."

During the survey, the Archeaologists were visited by tourists, locals, parks staff, a local historian, a botanist, and Mr Glen Elmes, State Member for Noosa.

See: http://www.atsis.uq.edu.au/index.html?page=64981&pid=0 for further details.

Brisbane Rallies For Dr Mohammed Haneef

Peter Russo and Cairon O'Reilly address the rally.

A large group of Brisbane activists, lawyers, civil libertarians and concerned citizens called for the release of Dr Mohammed Haneef at a lunchtime rally held outside the Department of Immigration in Adelaide Street today [19/7/07].

Held in custody for the past few weeks following his arrest on terrorism related charges, Dr Haneef is to be detained at Villawood Detention Centre following the Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Kevin Andrews' decision to cancel his visa on Monday, after the Magistrate released him on bail.

A strong media presence was evident at the rally, while a handful of Queensland Police circulated throughout the crowd and guarded the entry to the Department of Immigration building. Many passersby, and city workers entering and exiting the building, side-stepped the rally and pointedly declined pamphletts being handed out.

Speakers at the rally, which was organised by the Stop The War Collective, included Democrats candidate Emad Soliman, who spoke about the politics of opportunism:

"Dr Haneef's legal team should not be bullied by political ideologues," he said.

"We request Dr Haneef get his visa back and go back to work until his Magistrates hearing in August. Is that too much too ask?" later adding,

"Please take your political fight away from people's lives!"

Greens candidate Darryl Rosin said that the government's actions illustrate that despite their assurances about the terrorism legislation, they have failed to let the law take its course.

"There is no respect for the rule of law in this country," he said.

He expressed his anger at the government and the opposition for "exploiting my worries to achieve their base political goals."

Dr Haneef's lawyer, Peter Russo said that the case presents a lesson for all of us. "The question now is, how do we treat people who come to the attention of authorities?" he said. "That's the crux of the matter."

Mr Russo told the rally that Dr Haneef had been "moved to tears" when told of the community support.

"He's an intelligent man who doesn't understand what has happened," he said.

Dr Haneef will have access to newspapers and television for the first time today.

"This will come as a shock to him," he said.

Mr Russo said that his wish now was for the matter to take its course in the Federal Court and later the Magistrates Court.

Socialist Alliance candidate Jim McIlroy referred to the recent desperate acts of the Howard government's "ruthless, right-wing regime", as they relate to land grabs, work choices and now the case of Dr Haneef.

"Which raises the question, why aren't we training enough doctors in this country?" he asked.

Mr McIlroy also called for a new vision for Australia that encompasses social justice, human rights and peace.

A refugee advocate spoke about Australia's seven year history of long term detention, and expressed concern about the ongoing deprivation of liberty.

"Locking up people and setting aside the rule of law is not the way to go," she said.

Activist and peace campaigner Cairon O'Reilly spoke about punitive segregation and the challenges it poses for mental health.

He questioned the need for Dr Haneef's incarceration, when a Magistrate had deemed it safe enough to have him on the streets on Monday.

Referring to Dr Haneef, the Guildford Four, the Birmingham Six and the Brazilian commuter who was shot and killed in London in July 2005, O'Reilly said that innocent people are being "swept up by this war machine".

At the conclusion of the rally Paul Benedek, who co-ordinated the rally and introduced the speakers, led the chant:

"A Sim Card is not at crime! Free Haneef now!"

A Pretty Good Steak Sandwich

To be had at the Grand Central Hotel, Ann Street, Brisbane. Especially if you have one of those 2-4-1 vouchers which were delivered to inner city residents a couple of weeks ago. Turns out they were so rare, even the staff didn't know about them!!

Going Berserk In Berserker

I know it's not local, but this Queensland Police Media Release issued yesterday [17/7/07] caught my eye:

"Dangerous operation arrest, Berserker: A 50-year-old man has been charged with nine offences following an alleged pursuit at Berserker, North Rockhampton, this morning. About 9.30am police attempted to intercept the man’s vehicle on Musgrave Street however he allegedly failed to stop. Police pursued the vehicle until the driver eventually pulled over on Lakes Creek Road. The man was arrested and charged with three counts of dangerous driving, two counts of failing to stop at a red light, speeding, unlicensed driving, evading police and obstructing police. He was bailed to appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on August 8."

A Chill Descends Over The Great Southern Land

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Given this morning's release on bail of Doctor Mohamed Haneef, and subsequent decision to detain him at Villawood Detention Centre after the Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Kevin Andrews cancelled his visa, it was rather topical to hear Professor Clive Walker speak at QUT today [16/7/07] on the topic of Control Orders in Britain. In a spooky irony, Professor Walker said that when the Courts have quashed Control Orders in Britain, the government have detained people indefinitely under immigration provisions with a view to deportation.

Professor Walker presented a critical analysis of the system of Control Orders as they operate under the UK's Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2005. Essentially there are two types of Control Orders - Derogation Orders, which are judiciary based, and Non-Derogation Orders, which are executive based. Professor Walker said that so far all Control Orders which have been issued have been Non Derogation. He explained that the British Government have not been keen on issuing Derogation Orders because to do this needs a declaration of a state of emergency and, worse, allows judicial oversight.

In Britain, Control Orders are subject to a number of review processes. Annual review of the laws by parliament provides for the possiblity of parliamentary debate, (though Professor Walker indicated that very little interest has been taken in the ensuing parliamentary debates), while an independent review by Lord Carlile resulted in the requirement that the Home Office review orders every three months rather than yearly. A number of parliamentary committees, including a joint committee on human rights has ensured control orders have been fairly well scrutinized. Professor Walker said that the passing of the Human Rights Act in 1998 has emboldened the judges and encouraged them to look more carefully at the evidence.

Professor Walker concluded his presentation by referring to paragraph 39 of the Magna Carta [1215], which states in part:

"No free man shall be seized or imprisoned … or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land."

He said that he believed Judges to be the appropriate persons to deal with liberty, and that he would seek to resist any proliferation of Control Orders into other legislation. (This idea is currently being floated in Australia, in relation to Bikie Gangs).

Professor Walker said Australia has neither safeguards of a Human Rights Act or the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Answering a question, he expressed surprise at how such powers were so easily accepted by the Australian public when leading lawyers and jurists he had spoken to were very alarmed at the lack of review or rights for those subjected to these orders.

Professor Walker is Professor of Criminal Justice Studies at the School of Law, University of Leeds. He has written extensively on criminal justice, human rights and media law issues, including books on miscarriages of justice, the internet, and libel law. His principal research focus since the 1970s has been into terrorism and the law. Professor Walker's lecture was presented as part of the QUT Faculty of Law, and Trilby Misso Lawyers Free Public Lecture Series.

Pine Gap Peace Activists Face Appeal

The Crown have appealed the sentences of peace activists Jim Dowling, Donna Mulhearn, Bryan Law and Adele Goldie, after they were found guilty last month for entering Pine Gap in late 2005.

They were each fined (Mulhearn and Goldie $450, Law $1,000 and Dowling $1,300) and ordered to pay restitution for fence repair ($2,500 each). In a recent email to supporters, Mr Dowling wrote:

"I had been home for a few weeks when the phone call came from Adele. Federal police had delivered a notice of Appeal. Someone was not happy with having us dangerous people on the loose. (Perhaps they thought it quite a poor return on their considerable investment - us being given miserable fines which we would probably never pay).

Basically the notice said that the crown was appealing the leniency of our sentences, claiming the "learned Judge" had erred in not sending us to jail where we belonged.

Of course we will probably never know who the "someone(s)" is/are who are not happy with the result. All we know is that sometime in the near future they will have another chance of sending us where they feel we belong. The appeal will be heard by the full bench of the NT Supreme Court in Darwin. Some of us may lodge a counter appeal against the conviction. Former Federal court judge Ron Merkle is still keen to challenge the validity of the DSU act being used against us.

So this part of the struggle goes on…
Hope you can (re)join us sometime.
Thanks to all those wonderful people who have been a part of it so far."

A Peek Inside A Brisbane Mosque

Have you ever spotted the eyecatching dome of the Darra Mosque as you travel along the northern side of the Ipswich motorway at Oxley?

I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to take a peek inside at today's open day [15/7/07] to find out a bit more about the Mosque and Islam. I'd heard about the event on the ABC's Kelly Higgins-Devine show on Friday [13/7/07] afternoon. Despite being unable to find any details about the event on the internet, we chanced the half hour trip from the inner city out to Darra, with a view to dropping by the Inala markets for green papaya in any case!

My companion and I felt a bit apprehensive and ungainly as we entered the large, white brick building with a blue dome. Once inside we were welcomed by a number of friendly folks. People were milling about, reading the posters and chatting amongst themselves.

The Mosque's interior is an airy and peaceful place. We were approached by a very friendly gentleman who showed us around and took us upstairs to the prayer area. He also gave us a frank and succinct rundown of Islam - something all media professionals should actively seek out. I took a number of brochures away to read - one, entitled 'Frequently Asked Questions About Islam' - is a very useful guide, of the myths surrounding this religion it says:

"It is true that the number of reports against Muslims and Muslim countries are numerous. However, the media is doing no justification in reporting as it only brings those cases that appear to be problematic. When a few of these cases are publicised, some people think that these acts are normal and everyday acts within Muslim countries.

It is true that there are "black sheep" in every community but the way Islam is depicted in the media makes it seem that every Muslim is a "black sheep". When a Muslim commits a wrong, his religion is quickly accused and Islam creates headlines but when others commit similar acts, there is often no report or their religion does not get mentioned. Milosevic and Hitler were guilty of mass murder and ethnic cleansing but their religions were never blamed.

According to Islam, every human being is innocent until proven guilty. Thus, blame cannot be placed on entire nations and communites because of one or a few individuals' conducts."

The Mosque has had a number of open days over the past few years. The first, held five years ago, attracted nearly 1000 people - mostly locals, who were curious about the new place of worship in their suburb.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the next open day. The experience was very educative and worthwhile.

Bartlett Ready For Re-Election

About 300 supporters and party faithful were out in force to support Senator Andrew Bartlett's election campaign launch held at the QUT Gardens Theatre last Sunday [8/7/07].

Senator Bartlett, who this year celebrated ten years as a Senator for Queensland, has built a strong reputation amongst many communities throughout the state and the nation.

Guests received an eyecatching purple bag full of Democrat goodies that elicited envious glances from the families passing by on their way to the ABC family day at the River Stage!

Speakers at the launch, opened by Queensland Democrats' President Liz Oss-Emer, included Carol Currie from the Brisbane Council of Aboriginal Elders who delivered the Welcome to Country address, and confirmed her support.

"We believe Senator Bartlett and the Democrat Party are the ones to help us," she said.

After ruminating on the balance of power in the Senate, CEO of the Queensland Farmers Federation (and former Democrats Senator), John Cherry, urged the people of Queensland to, "Think before they vote".

In a video testimonial, Julian Burnside Q.C. said the Senator had gone "way beyond the call of duty" when it came to securing the rights of asylum seekers.

Referring to the Democrats, he said, "If they disappear, I think our democracy is in great trouble," later adding:

"I can't think of a time when there have been more bastards in power, and less honesty!"

Chaman Shah, a refugee from Afghanistan who was detained on Nauru, said that Senator Bartlett "listened and cared about us", and carried the message of their plight back to Australia.

Bobby Whitfield from the Liberian Association of Queensland said, "He has always used his voice for the voiceless, and we are here to give him our support."

Following a rousing didgeridoo interlude, the Queensland candidates for the House of Representatives and the Senate were introduced.

In his inimitably measured style, Senator Bartlett gave a 15 minute speech beginning with a call to bring democracy back to Australia by making the Senate independent once again.

He said that the Howard Government's WorkChoices legislation was "a perfect example of how crucial people's Senate choice is," and that nuclear power "can't go ahead without Senate approval."

He emphasised the need for Australia to adopt a Bill of Rights and the importance of scrutinizing new laws.

"The Democrats have been a force for positive, progressive change in Australian politics for three decades, but if the results of 2004 are repeated, that voice will disappear from our Parliament," he said.

Senator Bartlett outlined a number of policies including his anti nuclear stance, and he stressed the need for a single set of workplace laws to restore balance and fairness to the workplace.

In true grassroots style, at the conclusion of his speech, Liz Oss-Emer invited all attendees to Irish Murphy's for a post launch beverage.

Prioritise public safety around construction sites: Community Action for Sustainable Transport

A Brisbane community group says the Government must change development codes to ensure construction sites do not impact on pedestrian safety.

The call comes after the death of a pedestrian outside a construction site in Brisbane ’s CBD where part of a footpath had been closed and alternative crossing arrangements were poorly planned.

Community Action for Sustainable Transport (CAST) have called on Council, development associations and the State Government to launch an inquiry into transport safety around construction sites and to change planning legislation and building codes accordingly.

“We want Brisbane City Council’s planning chairperson Cr David Hinchliffe to take the lead on this inquiry, which must include real public consultation, before implementing the recommendations,” said CAST spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“The safety of the general public must be the highest priority during construction, and development codes must be changed and enforced to ensure this is not an optional extra,” said Mr Peach.

“Arrangements for pedestrians around some sites has been managed reasonably well, for example construction of the inner northern busway on the corner of Albert and Adelaide Street , but others are well below standard,” said Mr Peach.

Dangerous pedestrian arrangements have also been observed at a construction site on the corner of Albert and Margaret Streets, where the footpath was closed abruptly and no alternate crossings or paths were provided.

Public concerns have also been raised about construction and operation of the expensive North-South Bypass Tunnel which will lead to the closure of the footpath along Ipswich Road on the western side at Park Road , forcing many who take that route onto the road as a short cut.

Cycling groups have also voiced concerns about the impacts of the controversial North-South Bypass Tunnel, Airport Link and Hale Street Bridge.

CBD road safety: police the attackers, not the victims: Community Action for Sustainable Transport

A group advocating safe and peaceful transport has slammed the Brisbane City Council and Queensland Police Force response to accidents involving pedestrians in the Brisbane CBD.

A 15 year old girl was killed by a car on Elizabeth Street on Wednesday June 20 and another person was hit by a car on the corner of Wharf and Eagle Street recently.

The response by the Queensland Police Force has been to fine pedestrians for jaywalking and crossing at red lights.

Brisbane City Council’s Transport Chairperson Graham Quirk has said that warnings will be painted on the road in Eagle Street telling pedestrians to watch for cars.

“The government is punishing the victim, not the attacker,” said Community Action for Sustainable Transport spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“Walking is the safest and most peaceful form of transport, and does no harm, while driving a car is dangerous and violent,” he said.

“Government’s response is entrenching a system where violent modes of transport are given priority over peaceful and safe modes,” he said.

“Pedestrians are sick of waiting minutes at traffic lights while cars speed past and endanger their lives,” he said.

CAST have recommended a range of sensible measures that will reduce accidents and fatalities in the city, while making the CBD a more attractive and comfortable place for people to shop.

“What we need in the CBD are reduced speed limits, more speed and red light cameras, signs warning drivers to give way to pedestrians and increased frequency and length of pedestrian phases at traffic lights,” said Mr Peach.

Specific ideas include motor vehicle slow zones on Elizabeth Street (between George and Wharf Street ) and George Street (between Elizabeth and Adelaide Street ) where a 20-30km/hr speed limit would be enforced by speed cameras.

Other ideas include longer and more frequent pedestrian phases at traffic lights on the corner of Eagle/Creek/Charlotte, Queen/Edward, Edward/Anne and Elizabeth/Albert.

All construction sites (such as the one on the corner of Elizabeth and Albert) must make full accommodations for pedestrians.

“If we are to make Brisbane a liveable and prosperous city we must put human life before vehicle speeds,” said Mr Peach.

Australian Consulate In Auckland Occupied In Solidarity With Aboriginal Struggle

Joe Carolan from the Socialist Worker, Aotearoa, reports that last night [2/7/07], protestors undertook an occupation of the Australian Consulate in Auckland against recent measures put in place by the Howard Government in the Northern Territory.

In an email to the Brisbane Stop The War Collective and Just Rights Queensland, Carolan wrote:

"All very exhausted after being on a picket of the Auckland Central police station until our comrade was freed."

One protester had been arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer.

"Very good speeches from all the groups in support - Julia and Joe from Socialist Worker, Martin Hirst, Lecturer in Media studies at AUT, Jared from Workers Party, Jim Gladwin from Citizens against Privatisation, and statement read out from Kulin Nations and Aboriginal declaration of soverignity by UNITY editor Daph Lawless in Consulate occupation that broke through police lines."

Carolan said no white media covered the event, although a number of Maori TV and radio stations were present.

"Hope this inspires comrades in Australia to take direct action...Australian embassies throughout the world should get the same treatment," he said.

Keep Kangaroo Point's Priceless Piece Of Paradise For Everyone!

President of the Yungaba Action Group, Ms Delene Cuddihy, is calling for Queenslanders to sign a petition to stop the sale of Yungaba at Kangaroo Point. The group believe the heritage listed property should remain in public hands as an immigration museum.

"Yungaba is the only remaining intact 19th century, purpose built immigration depot remaining in Australia. The developer will turn it into multi-million dollar luxury apartments within a gated community and build 170 units in a highrise on its grounds," said Ms Cuddihy.

Ms Cuddihy explained that Yungaba should be retained as a museum so that future generations of Queenslanders have the opportunity to appreciate what is was like for their ancestors when they arrived in Brisbane.

"From the 1850s to the 1950s Queensland had more citizens born overseas than any other Australian State. In particular, Queensland had an active non-British immigration recruitment policy including Scandanavian, German, Italian, Maltese migrants, as well, of course including South Sea Islander and Chinese migrants," she said.

Yungaba was the site where thousands of South Sea Islanders were rounded up pending deportation from Queensland under the White Australia Policy at the turn of the century. It was used as a military hospital during WW1 and was also the design office for the construction of the Story Bridge in the 1930s.

According to the Queensland Heritage Register:

"Yungaba is a two-storey brick institutional building designed as an immigrant depot in 1885 by John James Clark, colonial architect for Queensland. Following his dismissal shortly after, the plan was developed by Edward Henry Alder and Robert Henry Mills. Constructed by William Peter Clark, the building is described as being of Italianate/Queensland/ Institutional style...The name "Yungaba" derives from the Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal language from the Maroochy area and means "place of sunshine". "

Yungaba is one of the few Brisbane icons still standing. If you've ever had the opportunity to visit this gracious and historic Brisbane icon, such as when B.E.M.A.C. were the main tenant, you'll understand what I mean.

If you're interested in finding out what you can do to help save Yungaba for all Queenslanders, see the Yungaba Action Group website: www.yungaba.org.au

Great News! Another History Of Queensland

According to the publisher, Dr Raymond Evans' forthcoming book 'A History Of Queensland' is an exciting new account of Queensland's past, stretching from the time of earliest human habitation up to the present.

Apparently, "it reveals Queensland as sprawling, harsh and diverse; a place of conflict, forged by bitter struggles of race, class and gender, and intense political and environmental dispute."

Can't Wait!

Can Democracy Cope With Nanotechnology?:

Justice Michael Kirby Speaks At QUT

Last week High Court Judge, Justice Michael Kirby addressed a full lecture hall at QUT on the topic, 'Technology and the Law: Can the law keep pace with nanotechnology?', in which he reported on a recent conference at King's College School of Law in London, which looked at issues relating to the regulation of biotechnology and information technology.

Given the task of summing up at the conference, he identified paradoxes and lessons to be considered when responding to the challenges presented by these technologies.

Justice Kirby said that the technology is arriving, but there are not enough legal experts to deal with it. To illustrate how this might become problematic, he suggested that the protection measures used by Sony Playstation are such that we have not seen since the medieval popes.

He went on to explain that it is an area of too much, or too little law, and if you don't do anything in the face of science, then a decision is made by default - the implications of new technology are a matter of great importance but of very little interest.

"Unless we regulate WMD - and to a lesser degree biotechnology - the risks for our species are substantial," he said.

Justice Kirby used the example of electronic ticketing and barriers in railway stations to demonstrate how technology can be produced that allows for no exception.

Justice Kirby's speech was presented by QUT Faculty of Law and Trilby Misso Lawyers, as part of a free public lecture series.

A Rare Piece Of Brisbane Legal History

Australia's pre-eminent legal historian, the Honourable Justice McPherson CBE delivered the inaugural BH McPherson oration on Legal History at the Banco Court last Friday evening [20/7/07]. In his presentation, 'Queensland's only Naval Prize Case', Justice McPherson provided a fascinating account of a British vessel, the Southport, which bumbled into Brisbane port in late 1914, just after the outbreak of World War One, after being briefly captured by the Germans.

The Southport's Master and crew were unaware that war had been declared. The British flagged steamer was supposed to load a cargo of phosphate at Nauru bound for Germany (presumably to end up as explosives for the War!). The queue of ships at Nauru saw them directed away and they ended up getting "captured" by a German cruiser, which had the dual advantage of guns and news that war had broken out between Britain and Germany. The Germans took most of the coal, damaged the engine and declared the vessel seized. They left the Southport stranded and said they would return in two weeks.

After the engineer managed to get the engine partly working, the Master and crew agreed to try an escape. The Southport endured a dangerous journey across the Pacific to our friendly port where the case for "prize" (reward) was heard in the Brisbane court and the Master and crew were awarded a modest payment.

Upon its arrival in Brisbane in the early stages of the War, the Master and crew had been treated to a grand reception at Her Majesty's Theatre, where the ship's British ensign was auctioned for a handsome sum. Justice McPherson concluded his presentation by ruminating on the whereabouts of 'The Southport's' ensign, which may, or may not be in somebody's poolroom!

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis SC, launched Justice McPherson's latest book, 'The Reception of English Law Abroad', at this superb Supreme Court Library event.

A Brutal And Unflattering Past

In 2009, Queensland celebrates the 150th anniversary of separation from New South Wales. Of this period in Queensland's history, Ray Evans writes:

But separation is a mere sliver of the struggles and turmoil eloquently unearthed within the pages of his latest book, 'A History of Queensland'.

It's been twenty years since Ross Fitzgerald concluded his survey of Queensland history, and Evans' fresh approach to our volatile past will no doubt sit alongside these two volumes on the bookshelves of history buffs, and in libraries around the world.

The book is divided into nine sections beginning with 'Millenia' - an account of Queensland's pre-contact Aboriginal history. Evans then journeys toward the present, jolting the reader with a number of stunning revelations along the way:

His exploration of the years of convictism, free settlement and subsequent urban and rural growth, present some harsh realities that many Queenslanders may not be aware of. In 'Blueprint', the chapter covering 1841 - 1859, he writes:

Indeed, as the reader ploughs through Evans' unblinkered analysis of frontier and Federation years, the World Wars, the Cold War, the controversial Bjelke-Petersen era to the present, Queensland emerges as a decidley unpleasant place - founded upon racism, greed and exploitation:

Along with the unflattering political, social and racial aspects of our history, Evans has incorporated some remarkable facts within the book. Did you know that Queensland had 90 independently owned newspapers by 1890? And the Wik peoples of the Archer River region, were the descendants of those who had repelled the Duyfken in 1605?

And don't despair, the fiery resistence of our forefathers does present some hope for the future:

'A History of Queensland' was launched in style beneath the service to King and Empire plaque in the foyer of City Hall. As the wine flowed, Evans gave a memorable speech, and suggested his book could possible be read to while listening to Marvin Gaye's album 'What's going on?'

As for the current political debate surrounding history and education, Evans said, "We won't take control of the state, as long as they don't take over the writing of history!"

Raymond Evans is Adjunct Professor with the Centre for Public Culture and Ideas, School of Arts, Media and Culture at Griffith University, and Honorary Reader with the Australian Studies Centre and the School of History, Philosphy, Religion and Classics at the University of Queensland.

'A History Of Queensland', Raymond Evans, Cambridge University Press, 2007, 352 pages, $36.95

Conjured Gritty Realism For The Middle Class

A row of young ladies made a dramatic exit, immediately following the scene where Mick (Michael Dorman) gets hit by a car, at a screening of 'West' last night [10/7/07].

Indeed, a number of people walked out, for this is not a movie for the fainthearted - the rough sex scenes, and gory violence are shocking - though there's surprisingly moderate coarse languange.

Written and Directed by Daniel Krige,'West' centres around "westies" Pete (Khan Chittenden) and Jerry (Nathan Phillips) - friends and cousins who drink a lot of beer, smoke a lot of dope, and engage in hoon like activities and random maniacal laughter. Enter "westie" femme fatale Cheryl (Gillian Alexy), and you can pretty much guess the rest.

The one-dimensional characters and detached representation of life in Sydney's outer suburbs make for disappointing viewing. Everyone's a bit too good looking and nonchalant to be a "westie". Despite the scenes upon the raggy old mattress in the dingy hideout, the sense of desperation doesn't resonate, and only the setting and depiction of the drug culture rings true. Tim McCunn's performance as the local drug lord Steve is the most believable and entertaining.

The underdeveloped female characters are stereotypically manipulative (if not literally bloodthirsty) and either there to be fornicated with, impregnated or just plain old and cranky. The audience never gets a glimpse into Cheryl's background, and the character of Jerry's mother is a weary battleaxe.

A question and answer session was held at the conclusion of last night's screening at Palace Centro. Writer/Director Daniel Krige had been held up, but Michael Dorman kept us entertained, as the questions flew across the room (with the microphone close behind them!)

Dorman said he hoped the film would provoke an awareness of Australia's high suicide rates.

"We should look at stuff like that and what we are going to do about it," he said.

'West' may offer vicarious enjoyment for judgmental middle class cinema goers, but they should be unimpressed by the disjointed narrative and underwhelming dialogue. Its saving grace is the moody soundtrack featuring David McCormack, Johnette Napolitano and Gentle Ben And His Sensitive Side.

It is easy to imagine how this film could be used to culturally suggest how the conscription of the disenfranchised to the military could save them from hopelessness.

'West' screens at Palace Cinemas from 12 July.

From Dog Food Ads To DeNiro

Brisbane filmmakers Matthew Zeremes and Oliver Torr are proof that if your heart is in the art, and you have the talent, plus a dash of determination and dedication, you can produce a challenging, and entertaining piece of cinema.

Oh yes, it helps if you have good teachers too! Speaking at last night's [4/7/07] season premiere of their film 'Burke & Wills', Zeremes and Torr concurred that it was their drama teachers at QUT who encouraged and inspired them to pursue the acting profession in its purest form (Zeremes and Torr graduated in 2002).

The filmmakers said that 'Burke & Wills', which was originally conceived as a stage play, was born from the desire to overcome a lack of creative opportunities. It was made with ingenuity, hard work and $20,000 earned from an appearance in a "dog food commercial".

Zeremes and Torr wrote, directed and star in this jarring Aussie film noir that delves into the lives of two young men who share a house. Burke (Torr) and Wills (Zeremes) are tragic blokes, and their ordinary lives take a decidedly surreal turn when Burke's grandmother passes away. But then, doesn't that happen to everyone?

There's a chilling beauty to this film, it's not satisfying, and as an audience member said at the conclusion of last night's screening, "you never know what's around the corner" - but that's just the point.

The film has elicited accomplished performances all around - especially significant given that many of the scenes are improvised.

True art never dies. Even in these dim, corporatist days, it's percolating nicely, just like the cappuccinos Burke and his boss Brett (Ashley Lyons) drink at the little café, while they engage in abstract discussion about the relationship between the sexes.

The new Aussie avant-garde is eventually emerging. Entrepreneurial minds tempered by artistic temperament, rather than government grants and corporate sponsorships.

'Burke & Wills' proves there is a glimmer of hope for Australia's cinematic future, and is sure to inspire a new generation of Australian filmmakers.

And yes, Zeremes and Torr met Robert DeNiro, he touched Zeremes' arm!

'Burke & Wills' is currently screening at Dendy Cinemas, George Street. But only for two weeks, so don't miss out!

*UPDATE* Evidently if you pick up a copy of this afternoon's [6/7/07] 'mX', you could win one of 100 "2 for 1" movie passes to 'Burke & Wills'. Intriguing, given that the 'Courier-Mail's' Des Partridge wrote in his review - 'Sombre and depressing tale' [5/7/07]: