March/April 2005 Volume 6, Issue 10
This Special Focus Edition of the ILB was planned with some often-asked questions in mind. Often-asked in some circles anyway… Why do governments continue to ignore the real needs of Australia’s Indigenous peoples? Why, in fact, do governments make legislation and policies that flaunt international human rights instruments and operate to the detriment of Indigenous people and communities? Why does Australian society keep this style of government in office?
Some 12 months on from the ‘Redfern riot’, Neal Funnell gives readers a unique insight into what he calls a ‘flawed investigation’ by NSW Police which fails to direct just and effective social change. Andy Gargett focuses his analysis on the mainstream media’s representation of violence in Redfern and of Aboriginality per se.
How can we put a stop to this misrepresentation? Chris Graham, editor of the National Indigenous Times (‘NIT’), has written a ‘punter’s guide’ to the media cycle.
Social justice organisations try to effect real change through campaigns based around community education and activism. How do they deal with a government and a wider Australian population apathetic to discriminatory policy and the dire need of many Indigenous Australians? David Cooper, National Director of Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation writes about their efforts to bring Australia out of a racist shadowland.
Also in this edition, Nigel Stobbs stresses the importance of an approach to policy which values Indigenous culture for its intrinsic value rather than a naïve focus on those aspects of culture that can boost the economy.
The Editors
The ILB and ILC wish to extend our greatest sympathies to the family and friends of the late Judge Bob Bellear. Judge Bellear was the only Indigenous Australian to attain the title of Judge and was, as described by Senator Aden Ridgeway a ‘trailblazer, a role model, a fighter and advocate for Aboriginal people across the country.’
Special Focus Edition: Media, Politics and Society — the power of (mis)representation
Non-Lethal Intelligence: Strike Force Coburn and the Police Response to the Redfern Riot
by Neal FunnellA Critical Media Analysis of the Redfern Riot
by Andy GargettMedia, Politics and Australian Society: A Punter’s Guide to Confronting the Media Cycle
by Chris GrahamEscaping from the Shadowland: Campaigning for Indigenous Justice in Australia
by David CooperWhat Can We Do You For? Naïve Conceptions of the Value of Indigenous Cultures and Communities
by Nigel Stobbs
Obituary
Bob Bellear — 1944-2005
by Tony McAvoy
Regular
News and Events
Recent Happenings March 2005
Recent Happenings April 2005