Indigenous Social Justice Association Inc

AUSTRALIA: NSW: In reply to written requests to out new Premier, Morris Iemma and out new Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Oskopoulos, sent on 15 August 2005, ISJA was contacted by the Chief of Staff of the Minister's office, Nathan Rees, to arrange a meeting to 'discuss matters'.

On 28 September 2005, Rees met with this Association, accompanied by Warwick Neilley of the Premier's Office, at my Waterloo residence.

They first made it quiet clear that neither they, nor any other member of their respective offices, would be making themselves available for the Public Meeting to be held at The Settlement, 17 Edward Street, Chippendale on Saturday 8 October 2005, beginning at 5:30 pm to further plan actions to obtain Justice for TJ.

The new Premier and Minister were invited in the hope that, with the retirement of Bob Carr, perhaps some real Justice may now occur. The Minister especially had publicly stated that he wanted to meet Aboriginal people within the NSW Communities, but according to Rees, this Community was not one of them. Maybe he chooses his meetings so that he only meets with those whom he sees as being 'suitable or preferred' members of the Communities that he will visit?

The next question put to them was on seeking their opinion on the call to have the Hickey Inquest either re-opened or a new one called. The answer was, to quote Neilley:- 'it's time to move on. It's not going to happen. Far better to work with the Government on important issues.' The advice to 'get a life' was also gratuitously given.

They then moved to their agenda that involved their wishes to find an organisation that would remove Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company and for that organisation to then work with the Government on solving the Block issues.

Whilst not surprised - it is well known that the NSW Government has 'problems' with Mick - their offer was totally rejected as being neither viable nor useful. This Association believes it is up to the Block residents - past and present - and the current AHC Management to decide what is in the best interests of the Block.

A further request to Rees that the Minister meet with Gail Hickey and her Family was agreed to on the condition that the death/murder of her son not be raised! The meeting finished.

No Justice for TJ. No Justice for the Hickey Family. No Justice for the Redfern, Waterloo, Walgett Communities.

Come to the meeting on Saturday to help us plan our next steps in our ongoing struggle for Justice for TJ, Gail, her Family and supporters.

For further details contact Ray Jackson (02) 9318 0947, 0415 858 264, or email  isja01@bigpond.net.au.

Related:

Police drivers sneer at the rules

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Some area commanders ignored NSW Police's own state pursuit management committee when it asked them to "please explain" the action of seemingly out-of-control officers, according to letters and memos obtained under freedom of information laws. The former deputy commissioner Dave Madden told area commanders a year ago he was "extremely concerned" about lack of supervision of pursuits.

More:  http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2005/10/04/1128191720268.html

Cops on Drugs

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Now, in an unprecedented move supported by Police Commissioner Ken Moroney, cops will face random drug tests, even when they are off duty.

The radical move follows a damning report by Police Integrity Commission which found drug use was rife among police and laws need changing to stamp it out.

More:  http://www.geocities.com/publik18/archive05/2005d21.html

Cop Watch

The roundup this week - dodgy riot gear, shooting French photographers, senior coppers being 4 times over the legal limit, dodgy promotions in NSW, more terrorism powers in WA and drug-dealing coppers in Melbourne (it is alleged).

The August 7 Sunday Telegraph reports that NSW police is facing an $800,000 fine for not providing proper riot gear for police during the riot last year in Redfern. The riot took place after the death of a local Koori boy, TJ Hickey, while being followed by police.

More:  http://www.geocities.com/publik16/archive05/2005c44.html

Australia: Hundreds mourn the death of TJ Hickey

About 350 people carrying banners, placards and flowers marched in the inner Sydney suburb of Redfern yesterday in remembrance of Thomas "TJ" Hickey, the 17-year-old Aboriginal boy who died on February 15 after he came off his bicycle at high speed and was impaled on a metal fence.

More:  http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/feb2004/redf-f25.shtml