In which I address Indigenous housing issues in the Northern Territory

Before I went on hiatus, I wrote a post about my efforts to be an ally to Indigenous Australians. It’s a basic outline of my education as a kid, how I’m going about self-education and how certain aspects of Australian society are limiting those efforts.

I would like to be able to give you an update on how I’m doing in studying up, or the collection of online resources I was collecting. But my capacity to do that sort of educational allywork pretty much went out the window over the last few months. I’ve been trying to pull together some information but it’s not quite fitting in my brain. As much as my allywork in every instance has suffered, I feel particularly bad* about not having done much for for Indigenous Australians. I think this is because I feel a particular duty as a non-white person benefitting off the racial oppression of other non-white people.

But this is not doing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people any good. I can still pass on links and stories and things so we’re all a bit more aware of what’s going on in Indigenous life right now. And that’s extremely important even if it wasn’t the direction in which I was intending to go! So I’m going to be posting about some of what I’ve been reading on Indigenous issues lately. If you’re not familiar with Australia’s horrific legacy of racism, strap yourself in and prepare to feel nauseous. I was going to write just the one post, but there is so much to cover. So this one’s on housing in the Northern Territory.

—

Background here. More here.

Two years ago, a $672 million Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP) was announced for the Northern Territory. It was supposed to involve the building of 750 homes, 230 rebuilds and 2500 refurbishments by 2013. As yet, not one home has been built. Let’s see what’s going on, shall we?

In response to this slackening off and wastage, Alison Anderson, the Indigenous policy minister in the Northern Territory, has quit the Labor party. Ms Anderson believes that only 30 per cent of the allocated funds will actually be spent on new homes. She terms the situation ‘the biggest scandal I have seen in my political career’. (via the National Indigenous Times.)

As of a couple of days ago, the Federal Government may take over the program, which I am not at all convinced will be better, because, well, we know how that sort of thing tends to go. NT Housing Minister Rob Knight thinks his government can still come through. The ABC reports ‘The Commonwealth says if the management of the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program does not improve within four months, it will take more direct control.’

This sudden flurry of activity comes about following a report into SIHIP which says that significant changes are needed. Namely, $450 000 needs to be spent per house, not the planned $350 000. The report puts the present estimated administrative costs of the program at 11.4 per cent, a cost which can be reduced to 8 per cent. The cherry on the cake is that, according to NT Deputy Opposition Leader Kezia Purick, over $45 million has already been spent. I’ll remind you that not a single solitary house has been built. Where have the administrative costs been going?

And this isn’t just abstract political fudging, either; in July, the people of Ampilatwatja moved out of their homes in protest of living conditions. Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says that Ampilatwatja isn’t one of the communities listed to recieve new housing, anyway. There is pressure on the minister to step down due to all this mismanagement.

Note: You may be wondering why most of the sources I’m citing are from the ABC. That’s because, as much as I’d like to mix up my sources, a lot of this stuff is getting ignored or only partly covered by other sections of the media.

—

Non-Indigenous Australia, you are doing very badly by the First Australians.

If you’ve got any links to good online resources on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topics for my resources post, they would be much appreciated. Personal perspectives, like blogs, are good, as are stats pages, organisational homepages, whatever – it would be great if you’d care to recommend any.

*Yes, I know, I know, it’s not exactly my fault that the areas I could work in, and the kinds of activism I could do – and can do, still – were reduced.

The Twelfth Down Under Feminists Carnival

Welcome to the twelfth edition of the Down Under Feminists Carnival. This is a special one as it marks a full year of DUFC goodness, served up to you from around New Zealand and Australia. We’ve had a fabulous lot of blogging over the last year – have you seen QoT’s list of contributors? Wow – as continued with this edition. The carnival has become something of an institution for all of us. I’m honoured to be hosting this first anniversary celebration.

Before we begin, congratulations are in order! Blue Milk just had her baby! On behalf of the Down Under feminist blogging community, Blue Milk, warmest wishes to you and your whole family. We are absolutely delighted for you. All the best for the years ahead.

Perhaps now would be a good time to serve the cake, eh?

(A pink feminist cake! Confusing, isn’t it?)

General Feminism

From Hellonhairylegs we have One Day, a post on what we’re told as children will make us happy as adults.
Andra of Andragy says a lot in a little space with CyberBullying, Feminism, Mean Girls, Queen Bees and Boys. ‘Just for today, I believe that feminism cannot succeed without unpacking the violence of group dynamics and stereotypes both masculine and feminine.’ She shares her experiences as a parent and some reading she’s been doing.
Schroedinger’s Tabby shares some false comparisons between women and men: ‘it’s always about using emotive language to put someone down’.
Caitlin writes about trying to find a label for herself and a place in feminism. You’re not alone in that, Caitlin.
Audrey of Audrey and the Bad Apples blogs a speech she gave on the value of contemporary feminism the world over. A quote: ‘One of the best tools you can give anyone is a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s the hope for a better future – not one which has been handed to you and to which you must resign yourself, but one in which you have had a hand forging.’

Violence Against Women

Ludditejourno posts a list of women and children dead as a result of domestic violence. It’ll stop you in your tracks.
Over at Ideologically Impure, Queen of Thorns tells us why there are no second chances for Tony Veitch.
At I Am Not Cake, Jet writes the powerful Rape Culture: Still Not Funny. You’ll be wanting to bookmark this one.
More from Caitlin, this time at The Dawn Chorus, in Misogyny in Football? Never! At least not according to North Melbourne….
Let’s all say it together, everyone… it’s not sex, it’s rape! Hoyden About Town’s Lauredhel has something to say about strategic remorse.
No doesn’t mean no?! Anna of The Hand Mirror reports on an outrageous defence by the lawyer of a taxi driver convicted in a case of abduction and indecent assault of a passenger.

Class and Economics

AnneE at Elsewoman writes a brief and pointed post about race, gender and unemployment in New Zealand.
Here’s a thoughtful post from Helen from Blogger on the Cast Iron Balcony. It’s called The Home ATM is out of order #2: Thinking about schools and is on home equity, education and the economy in Australia.
At The Radical Radish, rayedish talks about Australia’s wage gap and an opportunity for discussion that just shouldn’t have been missed. Presenting Can we talk about this (wage gap) civilly, please?.

Race

More from QoT, writing about the Eskimo lollies issue and New Zealand pride in ”Iconic” might not be the word you’re looking for.
Then there’s the excellent Andrew Bolt, Wajin-looking Koori, Aboriginality, and comments full of lies over at Hexpletive (now cross-posted at HAT). Jo Tamar from Wallaby adds her thoughts on identity and the majority narrative in There’s a reason I don’t read Andrew Bolt. Give them both a read.

Writing and Literature

Mel Campbell at The Dawn Chorus shares some thoughts on the late JG Ballard’s partner and invisible muse, Claire Walsh. It’s an unusual piece for feminist blogging and a good read.
In a thought-provoking reminder of universal sisterhood, Allecto of Gorgon Poisons shares two similar pieces of writing on women’s experience.

Subversion!

Blogging at Musings of an inappropriate woman, Rachel Hills documents an intriguing look into wedding culture by artist Lee Gainer in Why would anyone spend two months’ salary on a ring, anyway?
In an action of momumental win, sajbrfem of Fifty Two Acts made actual feminist cookies. I can’t even pick my favourite.

Parenthood…

Thinking about pre- and post-pregnancy bodies and lives, Spilt Milk writes The new me is the old me is the new me. ‘I’ve been trying so hard to forge my identity as a mother that I’ve let many other parts of my identity slip into obscurity.’ She adds Body and soul, a beautiful piece on reconnecting with her body during and following pregnancy.
aztec-rose of WoLFi TaLEs reminds us of a very important issue that may be pushed aside given the economy. The post’s called Paid maternity leave at risk… of being dumped.

… and Reproductive Justice

Emma at Emervents writes a letter to her MP and Nicola Roxon regarding the Maternity Services Review and improving healthcare in Australia. Over at narrating kayoz, Kirsten also writes to Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon. It’s an open letter and includes Kirsten’s personal story. Meanwhile, Lauredhel is trying to move the conversation from stat-wrangling towards a reproductive choice perspective.
Western Australian breastfeeding mothers are having a time of it. For Colin Barnett’s assertions regarding breastfeeding, I for one have no words. Lauredhel found some in Mothers Not Human: In The Words Of Our Premier. Emma in Oz has some lovely snark on the same subject. To finish, Georgie of Surprisingly Domestic centres babies in the discussion with the wonderful Why I breastfeed in public.

Trans

At A.E.Brain, Zoe writes a lovely piece called Appearance on valuing appearance and the experiences of late-transitioning trans women. In Another Piece of the Puzzle, she takes a look at a study called “Regional gray matter variation in male-to-female transsexualism”.
Chally (hey, that’s me!) writes Say, we haven’t filled our daily quota of dehumanisation! Let’s go do that then. It’s on a Ninemsn article about Aussie Ladette to Lady, so you know how that’s gonna end.

Media

Could it be feminism in the MSM? Jo Tamar reports.
Oh, Sam de Brito. This time, he’s kindly telling us how to do feminism. Fuck Politeness informs us as to Sargeant Major de Brito’s Great Feminist Battle Plan. In a continution of the ‘guerilla style Media Watch’ we’ve all come to expect from FP, she writes a response to a Miranda Devine piece on Bettina Arndt in What’s good for the gander….
At Larvatus Prodeo, Kim writes “the conclusions are only as good as the original assumptions”. I can’t think of anything to say that won’t spoil your reading!

The Stupid. It Burns.

Mimbles, blogging at Mim’s Muddle, was not alone in being astounded at one Clementine Ford. She writes about it in Quick Hit: Pot, meet kettle.
Meanwhile, Anne serves up some snark to a misguided scientist in Oh, those wonderful males.
In a Strange Land blogger Deborah has been blogging on atheist parenthood. What really raised my blood pressure was when her daughters, having opted out of participating in a school Easter activity, were sent to pick up rubbish. ‘I’m finding it hard not to see that as a punishment for not being Christian,’ says Deborah. The Strange Lands had words with the school. Post here, background here, update here.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, formula feeding, April Fools, and a lesson to be learned in public relations. Here’s Tigtog at Larvatus Prodeo and Lauredhel at Hoyden.

Relationships

Regarding Mel Gibson’s divorce, Deborah says Enough already with calling it “his” fortune. Because nothing Robyn Gibson contributed matters, according to the media.
Richie has a post for us on a webcomic called, wait for it, The Nice Guy. The title pretty much says it all: Do you have that female friend that you’re hopelessly in love with that unloads all her problems on you, only to end up back in the sack with that loser ex that cheated on her with her own sister, leaving you high and dry?

Disability

As usual, Lauredhel has some excellent writing on the subject. Firstly, a quiz on representations of disabled bodies in logos. Hmm, can you tell what’s missing there? She also offers us 101: A note to able-bodied readers, which had me thinking how glad I was that somebody finally said it! It’s about inappropriate centring of abled people in PWD spaces. Lastly, we have Psychiatrists see reasonable adaptations to CFS, label it “cause” and “maladaptation” – as amandaw says in comments, ‘Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’
Jo Tamar blogs about Dan Savage’s willingness to miss the point regarding the use of the word “retard”. Jo takes this disingenuous behaviour down very well.
I, Chally, opened up about being chronically ill in a series called Not Staying Silent. It consists of Introduction, I hope you know what you’ve done, Claiming the Label, or, conceptualising myself as disabled, Real Problems, Deference, Response and Recovery.
And if you’re looking for more resources on disability activism, the good people at Hoyden About Town did your homework for you.

That concludes the Twelfth Down Under Feminists Carnival.

I had a fabulous time putting it together. Thanks for reading and take care of your lovely selves. See you next time at Demelza’s place (submissions to demelzagf at yahoo dot com where the submissions page is inaccessible), and do consider volunteering to host a future carnival.

For more information, have a look at the carnival homepage.

Enjoy your cake!

On the edge of my seat: a note on democracy

I live in one of the safest seats in the country and I’ve always lived among similar demographics. For a couple of years in my teens, I was reluctant to register to vote. Sure, I wanted to participate in governing by this means given me and it was very exciting. It was that I knew that whomever I vote for, it wouldn’t make any difference, because the same party would hold the seat for decades.

It’s one of the most disappointing things about the system; my vote won’t count unless I move.

What I’d love would be to live in a swing seat. Politicians would actually have to work for our votes, not rely on our class or other allegiances. There would be debates and a jumble of opinions and people would have to think about their decisions so much more. It would be marvellous to see democracy in action and to have an impact myself in this fashion; that is, with my vote.

Actually, something similar goes for legislative bodies. For those who don’t know, in the Australian system and and in certain cousins thereof, conscience votes are only held under particular circumstances (generally “moral issues”) and generally party members are supposed to vote in line with their party. (Want to know more?) I know, right? Imagine if The West Wing was like that; Josh would be out of a job. Australian politics would be quite a different game.

I also miss the Democrats, because I think that democracy works best with a range of opinions. And we’re winnowing down to fewer ideas and options. I want more choice and tighter arguments, not to have to choose between which set of principles I need to compromise. Of course, there’s always going to be compromise, I just want less of it.

Hey, you!

Yeah, you, person who googled ‘julia gillard dyke’ and found my blog. What you’re noticing is that patriarchy’s version of a logic [note: ha, I just noticed the typo. If only alogic was a word; it would describe this way of thinking so well] goes a little something like this:

…hmm, women are weak and submissive and have sex with me. (Hur hur.) Julia Gillard is the deputy PM of Australia. So she isn’t weak and submissive. And dykes don’t want to have sex with me. So Julia Gillard isn’t a real woman, she’s a dyke. It’s that hair and the being a politician and running a country and all and it’d be fine if a real woman could do it, but she’s not a real woman. She’s fake. So I’m using that against her, because if women don’t fit into their sexual roles, they’re not real women. Huh. Figured it out.

Okay, we’re out of the patriarchal mind hive now. What’s going on here is that
A) Ms Gillard is being dehumanised
B) using a word denoting a sexual orientation
C) which means that a vital aspect of people’s identities is being co-opted, twisted and used to hurt.

I think there’s some good discussion to be had on the formation and use of insults.

Also, how is it that ZatB is the first result for that search term? I think I’ve used “dyke” exactly once and that was in a different post entirely to any mentions of Julia Gillard. I’m glad I have a tag for her! I’m also glad that something unsavoury doesn’t come up first. Tried googling “feminism” lately? The first page of results alone is quite something.

ETA on 7 Feb: Naturally, since I posted this, more people have found this blog using that search term.

Well, I completely missed that…

Better late than never. I was looking up something on the WEL website (the Women’s Electoral Lobby Australia, a very important organisation for women in these parts) and I ran across this story from November about new National Employment Standards which were released in June and will be put into effect next January. Here they are:

1. Maximum weekly hours of work 
2. Request for flexible working arrangements 
3. Parental leave and related entitlements 
4. Annual leave 
5. Personal/Carer’s leave and compassionate leave 
6. Community service leave 
7. Long service leave 
8.  Public holidays 
9. Notice of termination and redundancy pay 
10. Fair Work Information Statement

They apply for Federal employees only. They look great, though; comprehensive, sensitive to gender, keeping in mind carers and parents with decent flexibility. Just one of the steps in the right direction that PM Kevin Rudd and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard are taking. Or perhaps it’s more indicative of the progressive slump we were in with the previous government.

A dose of Australian politics: ray of hope edition

The Sydney Morning Herald had an article yesterday about Julia Gillard, who is the Deputy Prime Minister; Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations; Minister for Education; Minister for Social Inclusion and currently the Acting Prime Minister.

From the article, which is called “Australia’s love affair with our acting PM”:

Flowers, cards and even jewellery such as brooches and necklaces continue to pour in to Ms Gillard’s office from an army of devoted female admirers, ecstatic that at last one of their gender can occupy the top job, even if temporarily.

Ms Gillard yesterday described as “huge” the response from women when she first acted as Prime Minister, in the absence of Kevin Rudd overseas.

The attention female politicians received because of their gender might be passing partly as a result of her position, Ms Gillard said yesterday.

The story of 12-year-old Amanda Tangas’ admiration of Ms Gillard is pretty heart-warming. It’s great that so many young women around Australia have the deputy PM to look up to!

I’m concerned about the gendered gifts sent to Ms Gillard. Sending jewellery sends a message of “you might be powerful, but you’re still a woman, and we don’t know how to relate to you as simply a politician”. This is not to say that the achievement of being a woman in her position should not be called attention to; the manner in which this is done is a sticking point. Ms Gillard seems to appreciate these gifts: the article goes on to say that the paper ‘has been told that women devotees have also sent modest pieces of jewellery and Ms Gillard likes to wear these in Parliament.’ And it’s very nice of the senders to give them. But why the gender reinforcing? This seems a negative kind of attention toward a pioneering politician.

I think it’s more complicated than this. Assuming it’s only women sending these kind of gendered gifts, what does that say about women’s perceptions of themselves and keeping a tight hold on femininity? It’s a bit strange and confusing, with the mixed signals of support and establishing Ms Gillard’s womanhood with jewellery. It takes on this flavour especially with the aid of the negative comments that have been made about her femininity and womanhood. I don’t think the media has stopped talking about her hair since the Labor Party came to power. And it’s pretty hard to forget the comments made by Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan to the effect that Ms Gillard was unfit for leadership because she was ‘deliberately barren’. With the slightly nauseating headline, it all comes together.

And in the same tradition is this piece from the Courier-Mail on the 28th of last month:

Ms Gillard has spoken out on how politicians should be judged on their performance and not their looks.

But she has also opened up to The Courier-Mail about her ever-changing hairstyles and her beauty regime.

[…]

Amid her juggling act, which included introducing transparency into education and methodically overhauling the former Howard government’s unpopular industrial relations laws, Gillard was this year voted in a men’s magazine as the second sexiest woman in Australia.

Um. Looks like the good people at the Courier-Mail are performing a juggling act of their own, trying to appear to be doing a piece on Ms Gillard’s political life while really trying to keep her all feminine and stuff. Because we can all relate to her better that way, or something. And the comments are gold.

Now, on to Senator Guy Barnett. He launched a bid earlier this year to amend Medicare regulations in order to stop government funding for abortions between 14 and 26 weeks. You can read about it in tigtog’s post from September. Be sure to read the comments there, too, but for different reasons. Naturally, I’d been wondering what on Earth was going on with that, because there were meant to be hearings in November, about which I couldn’t find any information of substance. I did a Google news search yesterday and found this from the ABC, published on the 22nd of December:

Senator Barnett is considering whether to reintroduce a motion to stop Medicare-funded second trimester and late-term abortions.

So there’s not a lot to go on, but what with that line and the fact that I would have most likely heard if Senator Barnett had been, erm, successful in this matter, it probably didn’t work out for him. I doubt that’s the last we’re hearing on reproduction from the senator.