NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEHOOD STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT
To the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs - 2005 Calendar Year Activities
Tenth Assembly, February 2006
NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEHOOD STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT
To the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs - 2005 Calendar Year Activities
Tenth Assembly, February 2008
CONTENTS
Introduction page 3
Background page 3
Com m ittee Membership page 4
Com m ittee Staff and Resources page 4
Com m ittee Meetings page 5
Com m ittee Executive Group page 6
Com m ittee Activities page 6
Statehood W ork Plan page 7
Com m unication Strategy page 8
Intern page 10
Conclusion and Next Steps page 10
Annexure 1 Minutes of Meetings of Statehood Steering Committee page 11
Annexure 2 Statehood Survey Results page 42
Annexure 3 Statehood W ork Plan page 46
Annexure 4 Communication Strategy page 58
Annexure 5 Media Releases page 65
Annexure 6 Fact Sheets and Folder Content page 84
2
NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEHOOD STEERING COMMITTEE
R e p o rt to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs - 2005 Calendar Year Activities
Tenth Assembly, February 2008
Introduction
At a meeting of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in November 2005 the Northern Territory Statehood Steering Committee was requested to provide a report on activities of the Steering Committee during 2005. This document is an activity report prepared to fulfil that request. It is not a report on policy issues nor does it contain recommendations. It is provided to brief the Standing Committee and ultimately the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory on the work undertaken by the Statehood Steering Committee to date.
Background
The Northern Territory Statehood Steering Committee was established by resolution of the Ninth Northern Territory Legislative Assembly by adoption of a Terms of Reference on 17 August 2004.
The Statehood Steering Committee (the Committee) is a unique body in the Legislative Assembly Committee system comprised of community representatives and three members of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Standing Committee) the Chair of which is also the chair of the Committee. The Terms of Reference state the Committee is an advisory committee to the Standing Committee.
The Committee’s existence came about after detailed examination of the outcomes of the 1998 Northern Territory referendum on Statehood resulting in a negative response. The referendum of 1998 saw 51.3% of voting Territorians reject Statehood on the terms offered at the time. The Standing Committee’s Report into Appropriate Measures to Facilitate Statehood (April 1999) provides a detailed analysis of the issues and rationale for the creation of a new process leading to the establishment of the Committee.
The Standing Committee initiated the establishment of the Committee Secretariat in the second half of 2004 resulting in the recruitment of an Executive Officer commencing in the position on 10 January 2005. Action was taken to seek expressions of interest from Territorians to be members of the Committee during January and February 2005 with 95 nominees expressing such an interest.
The Standing Committee initially selected 14 community based representatives who commenced as Committee members at the first meeting of the Committee in Alice Springs on April 20 2005.
During the course of 2005 Committee membership changed as a result of the Northern Territory election held in June leading to the formation of a new Standing Committee for the Tenth Assembly and the resignation of two other Committee members.
Committee membership as at January 2006 is:
• Mr Elliot McAdam MLA (Chair)
• Mrs Sue Bradley (Co-Chair)
• Mrs Loraine Braham MLA
• Mr Terry Mills MLA
• Mr Daniel Bourchier
• Ms Kathleen Chong Fong
• Mr Peter Davies
• Mr Stuart Kenny
• Ms Irene Nangala
• Mr Brian Martin AO MBE
• Ms Jenny Medwell OAM
• Ms Kezia Purick
• Mr Jamey Robertson
• Mr Geoff Shaw AM
• Ms Margaret Vigants
Committee membership is outlined in the Terms of Reference which details the Standing Committee may take into account representation from various stakeholder groups when appointing membership.
The Committee has membership with representative status of the following stakeholder groups:
• Territorians for Statehood
• The Central Land Council
• The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association
• The Northern Territory Minerals Council
• Unions NT
• Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory
In addition, membership expertise extends to legal professionals, an Aboriginal traditional land owner from a remote area, a long time radio broadcaster, a former Young Territorian of the Year and members experienced with community organisations and government processes.
Consideration of the membership and any replacement of the two former members who resigned during 2005 has been referred to the Standing Committee.
Committee Staff & Resources
The Committee is supported by an Executive Officer and an Administrative Assistant.
During October 2005 the Committee Secretariat engaged an officer on temporary transfer for six months from the Department of Education to assist with Aboriginal community liaison and the creation and production of materials in an appropriate format for Aboriginal community consultation.
Committee Membership
Committee staff consists of:
• Mr Michael Tatham, Executive Officer
• Ms Nora Kempster, Community Liaison Officer
• Ms Sharon McAlear, Administration and Research Officer
With a small commencement budget, the Committee utilises the expertise and assistance of officers of the Department of the Legislative Assembly for other education and administrative functions
The Committee Secretariat has an allocation of $350 000 each financial year for all costs including staff Further funds have been sought to ensure the meeting requirements and education and consultation activities required by the Terms of Reference are being met.
Committee Meetings
The Committee met for the first time over two days in Alice Springs on 20 and 21 April 2005. The Committee met again on 17 June in Darwin, 7 July in Tennant Creek, 16 September in Darwin and 28 October in Katherine.
The Committee has chosen different locations for its meetings to reflect the diversity of the Territory and the Committee membership and the need to ensure the focus is not on the capital city during the consultation process. At each location the Committee has conducted meetings with local bodies. These meetings have assisted with the focus of education and communication strategies for the Statehood Work Plan.
The first Committee meetings focused on the immediate issues of planning and communications. The Committee has considered and endorsed the publication of Fact Sheets and an information folder, a presence on the 2005 Show Circuit and the development of resources such as story boards, powerpoint presentations and other materials.
Some highlights of issues considered at each meeting are:
Meeting 1
Adoption of a draft Work Plan, adoption of draft Communications Strategy, consideration of first ten Fact Sheets, consideration of membership of the Executive Group, conduct of the first public forum.
Meeting 2
Further consideration of Fact Sheets, briefing on the role of the Legislative Assembly Parliamentary Liaison Unit, discussion of Working Groups, planning for Show Circuit surveys, consideration of the Kalkaringi and Batchelor Statements.
Meeting 3
Joint meeting with the General Manager of Anyinginyi Health, General Manager Julalakari Aboriginal Corporation, the Mayor of Tennant Creek Town Council and other local
representatives on the proper process for engagement of Barkly residents on Statehood issues.
Meeting 4
Website development, ethnic communities’ liaison, constitutional issues and planning.
Meeting 5
Joint meeting with the Mayor of Katherine, consideration of budget issues, adoption of first 25 Fact sheets, planning for public forums.
The Minutes of each of the five meetings conducted during 2005 are attached as Annexure 1 to this Report.
Committee Executive Group
The Executive Group of the Statehood Steering Committee has met twice since the creation of the Committee. It is the Executive Group’s role to oversee the administration and conduct of the Committee including planning and finances of the Committee as specified in the Terms of Reference.
The Executive Group has to date reported to the Standing Committee on the proposal to form a collaborative relationship with Charles Darwin University to undertake research into engagement with remote communities, the financial requirements of the Statehood Work Plan and the proposed visits to communities as well as logistics for the Communication Strategy.
The Executive Group will continue to meet as required during 2006.
Committee Activities 1. Public Forums
The Statehood Steering Committee conducted its first public discussion forum on 21 April in Alice Springs. Subsequent forums held in Darwin, Palmerston and Jabiru over November and December 2005 attracted small audiences. In total, 62 Territorians have attended this format of education and consultation.
The Executive Officer is preparing a report on Public Forums to the sixth meeting of the Committee to consider this avenue further.
Given the success in engaging Territorians on the Show circuit, further consideration is being given to incidental rather than specific appearances by the Committee. Using markets, shopping centres, festivals and events as well as the Show Circuit may be a better approach to engaging people as they go about their everyday business. Coupled with arranged meetings and invitations by school and community groups, consideration of Statehood issues could reach more Territorians over a shorter period of time using such an approach.
2. Show Circuit and Surveys
The Committee has been consulting Territorians about their level of understanding on Statehood issues. 1595 people have taken part in the survey, more than 1400 of these at the 2005 Shows.
The survey was a simple means of gathering some baseline data about the kind of issues Territorians need to have more information about before they may support Statehood.
A summary of the results of the 2005 Survey is attached as Annexure 2.
3. Teachers Advisory Group
An advisory group of teachers (the Statehood Teachers Advisory Group - STAG) has been established to assist the Committee develop appropriate materials that can link into the school curriculum.
The STAG is vitally important as it provides an avenue for school teachers, the professionals delivering the information to school students, to engage directly with the Statehood and parliamentary processes. It is intended the Statehood website will link materials into the Explore electronic resource used by Northern Territory Schools.
Workshops have been conducted with senior school students both at Parliament House as well as on site at local schools. Two interactive all day activities called Statehood Challenge were conducted at Parliament House in August and October. More are in the planning stage for 2006.
4. Community Visits
During 2005 visits were undertaken to Alice Springs, Docker River, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Mataranka, Maningrida, Milingimbi, Daly River, Jabiru and Wadeye to discuss Statehood issues with community groups and organisations.
The purpose of the visits is to provide presentations, discussion opportunities and education sessions on Statehood. The Committee representatives seek meetings with community organisations, local governing bodies and representatives and individuals as well as schools to provide information on Statehood and what the Committee is working towards.
Communities have consistently told the Committee there is a need for repeated exposure and fly in - fly out visits may be counter productive. Committee representatives are endeavouring to build relationships in communities and support visits with reminders as part of the Communication Strategy. For example, radio advertising and other material in language is required to keep the Statehood message current. The Committee is working on developing this supporting resource in 2006.
A detailed plan has been developed to undertake visits to as many communities as possible across the Territory during 2006. The Visits Plan was endorsed at the fifth meeting of the Committee in Katherine in October 2005 and destinations are included in the attached Work Plan.
Statehood Work Plan
The Committee’s Work Plan has been developed to provide guidance on timeframes to achieve the goal of an eventual grant of Statehood for the Northern Territory. An original plan was developed in February 2005 in seven distinct phases over a timeframe of approximately five to six years. The second draft created in December 2005 will be placed before the Committee at its sixth meeting for consideration.
Bringing about Statehood for the Northern Territory in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner is the main aim.
Flexibility is the focus of the Plan. Reporting milestones are determined according to the activities and priorities along the way. Reporting to the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs is planned on a quarterly basis.
The phases of the Work Plan are: 1. Establishing the Statehood Steering Committee; 2.
Community Consultation; 3. Community Education; 4. Public Meetings and Hearings; 5. Legal Requirements; 6. Statehood Convention; 7. Referendum.
At the completion of the first year of the existence of the Committee, phase one is complete and the next two phases of community consultation and education have commenced and are ongoing in tandem. The Statehood Steering Committee is acutely aware of a need for flexibility and the Work Plan will remain subject to constant review and further consideration by the Committee.
The updated Work Plan is attached as Annexure 3 Communication Strategy
A Committee Communication Strategy was developed in March 2005 and updated in September 2005. It is designed to assist the Committee with planning and to provide a framework for raising awareness and encouraging action among various Territory target audiences.
The Strategy outlines and examines core messages to be disseminated, products and materials to be utilised and promotional activities and partnerships relevant to promoting Statehood across all Territory communities.
The goals of the Strategy are to encourage individuals and the broader community to engage in discussion on issues surrounding democracy, governance, fairness, self determination and ultimately Statehood for the Northern Territory. It is also targeting reduction in the level of confusion in the community about what Statehood means and to provide an understanding about constitutional issues and the way in which constitutions work.
In addition we must increase the level of awareness about the rights and responsibilities of all Territorians under limited self government and in the future if the Territory were to become a State and to make the issue of Statehood relevant to Territorians in an everyday context.
A copy of the Committee Communication Strategy is attached as Annexure 4
The Committee website (www.statehhod.nt.gov.au) was launched in November 2005. It contains an archive of all issued media releases, speeches given by Committee representatives from time to time and publications including the Fact Sheets. The site is linked to relevant parliamentary and legal websites in order to be a useful resource and is constantly updated.
The Website contents include:
• Links
• Newsroom
• FAQs
• Committee Members
• Publications
• Events
• Have Your Say
• Contact Us
• What is Statehood?
The Committee and the Committee Secretariat have issued sixteen media releases and received coverage in all major daily newspapers in the Northern Territory as well as the national daily newspaper and some other State based newspapers. National Television coverage and local and national radio coverage on the establishment of the Committee and its activities has also been achieved.
An article The State of the Territory published on 16 July in the Weekend Australian provides a report on the establishment of the Steering Committee.
The Indigenous Community newspaper published by the Office of Indigenous Policy; Common Ground has a feature in its current edition outlining the community visit activities of the Committee planned for 2005/2006.
During 2005 the Committee received calls for comment on the issues of a radioactive waste facility and Northern Territory Government policy on uranium mining. The Committee has taken the view that these issues are a matter for government to government relations.
The Committee’s 2005 media releases are attached as Annexure 5
The Statehood Steering Committee has developed 25 Fact Sheets and an information folder about Statehood and the Committee’s role as a key part of its communication strategy and profile building.
The Fact Sheets were developed as a result of the issues raised through the surveys as well as the concerns that have been expressed in communication with the Committee. The Committee has also been informed by the 1999 Report into Appropriate Measures to Facilitate Statehood.
Fact Sheets are now available on the following topics:
1 - Self Government and Statehood - What’s The Difference?
2 - How the Territory is not equal to the States 3 - Who decides we are not a State?
4 - Will Statehood give us a bigger voice in Canberra?
5 - Will we be an equal state?(Federal Representation)
6 - What is the impact of Statehood on financial relations with the Commonwealth 7 - Will defence forces still be based in the Territory?
8 - A new name for a new State?
9 - How would Statehood affect the everyday cost of living?
10 - Australians voting to change the Australian Constitution - why Territorians don’t count 11 - Territory Population
12 - Territory Way of Life - Speed Limits and Fire Crackers
13 - Statehood and the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976
14 - Some Important Historical Dates for Aboriginal Peoples of the Northern Territory 15 - Aboriginal Citizenship and the Right to Vote
16 - The 1998 Aboriginal Constitutional Conventions 17 - Political Development of the Northern Territory 18 - Territorians and a Process Towards Statehood 19 - Democracy Denied in the Northern Territory 20 - Statehood - What does it Mean for Me?
21 - Does Statehood Mean Another Layer of Government?
22 - Statehood and the Proposed Radioactive Waste Management Facility
23 - What Territorians say they understand about Statehood in 2005 24 - The Commonwealth Constitution and the Northern Territory 25 - Why Some People May NOT Support Statehood
More Fact Sheets are in preparation. All published Fact Sheets can be seen at www.statehood.nt.gov.au The Fact Sheets and accompanying information folder are attached to this Report as Annexure 6.
Statehood Intern
During 2005 the Committee was provided with an intern from Charles Darwin University to work on research regarding a Bill of Rights. The Intern’s report was received in December 2005 and will be placed before the sixth meeting of the Committee. At this stage there is no plan for an intern in 2006.
Conclusion and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the first calendar year of the operation of the secretariat and eight months of the existence of the Committee membership, the Committee has developed an initial profile for the issue of Statehood in the Northern Territory after more than six years since the last serious consideration of the issue.
The first year has laid the foundations for growth. Education remains the essential key to an understanding of what Statehood means. The Committee’s work in 2005 has shown a great many Territorians remain unclear on what Statehood is and how it is of benefit to the Northern Territory.
During 2006 the Committee intends to consolidate its base and continue to provide education on Statehood to all Territorians. Subject to allocation of necessary resources, use of electronic media will be a part of this process.
The Committee will also look to the creation of specific working groups on issues of concern.
Volunteers will be sought to assist the Committee in delivering its message over the next year as well.
A range of community visits have been planned to continue to increase the Committee’s profile as well as a further presence on the Territory Show Circuit. Further reports will be provided to the Standing Committee as required throughout the 2006 calendar year.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER 3 February 2006
Annexure 1
Minutes of Meetings of the Northern Territory
Statehood Steering Committee
STATEHOOD
STEERING COMMITTEE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Minutes of Proceedings
Meeting No. 1
The Committee met at 11.00am on the 21st of April 2005, Alice Springs Convention Centre, Alice Springs and concluded on the 22nd of April 2005 at 3pm.
Present:
Also Present
Mr Elliot McAdam MLA Ms Sue Bradley
Mr Daniel Bourchier Ms Margaret Vigants Mr Geoff Shaw Ms Kezia Purick Mr Kim Hill Mr Brian Martin Ms Jenny Medwell Mr Stuart Kenny Hon L Braham Mr D Horton
Mr Michael Tatham Mrs Sharon McAlear Ms Liz McFarlane
(Chairman) (Co-Chair)
(LCAC)
(LCAC - Secretary)
(Exec Officer, Statehood Secretariat) (Statehood Secretariat)
(Speaker’s PA) Apologies: Mr John Elferink
Mr Galarrwuy Yunupingu Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong
(LCAC)
Late arrivals Mr Peter Davies Mr Jamey Roberston Ms Irene Nangala
Business
1. Co-Chair Protocol (Relates to agenda item 2.3)
The Committee adopted the Protocol, the Co-Chair was recognised as the media spokesperson for decisions of the Committee.
The Committee noted the Protocol does not preclude other members from speaking publicly or commenting in the media on Statehood issues or the work of the Committee.
The Committee noted the Secretariat can provide speaking notes if members require and members agreed to advise the Secretariat when comment had been made about the Committee so the Secretariat could keep a record of the Committee activities.
2. Role of the Secretariat (2.4)
The Executive Officer gave an overview of the role of the Secretariat.
The Committee agreed the Secretariat should maintain an open door policy for members of the public to have access to the Committee and information about the Committee.
3. Membership
The Committee was advised of the intention of the Standing Committee on Legal and
Constitutional Affairs to retain a place on the Steering Committee for a young female indigenous member.
ACTION - EO in consultation with Chair 4. Attendance/Alternates
The Committee noted the suggestion of the Standing Committee that applicants for the Steering Committee may be considered as alternates. The Committee resolved alternates would not be considered for short term absences. Longer absences would involve consultation over a list of possible alternates to be established by the Secretariat and provided to the Committee.
The Committee resolved Margaret Vigants would act as alternate to Co-Chair Sue Bradley.
The Committee noted video conferencing and/or phone link could be made available under Legislative Assembly Standing Order No. 270A.
5. Meeting Agenda Papers
Mr Kenny suggested single page briefs be provided at the commencement of each agenda item to identify any key issues and provide a draft resolution where appropriate. The Committee resolved this be adopted.
Action - EO 6. Work Plan (4.2)
The Committee noted the Work Plan prepared by the Executive Officer and agreed it is a framework document to guide the work of the Committee and Secretariat but subject to alteration by the Committee.
The Committee noted the draft timeframes provide for a primary role in the initial years of information gathering, education and community outreach.
7. Resourcing and Relations with Government
The Committee resolved the Executive Officer will write to the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs expressing the Committee’s concern that the activities of this Steering Committee and government must remain clearly separate and seek an assurance that appropriate funding will be provided to the Committee Secretariat for the work of the Committee to proceed as required.
Party politics will not play a part in Committee deliberations and the independence of the Com m ittee is to be expressed clearly in the letter.
ACTION - EO to draft Letter 8. Research and Reading (2.5)
The Committee resolved the Executive Officer is to provide all members with a copy of the Report entitled Report into Appropriate Measures to Facilitate Statehood (commonly referred to as The 1999 Report)
ACTION - EO to send with these Minutes
9. The Executive Group (4.3)
Pursuant to the Terms of Reference the Committee nominated members for the Executive Group.
• Ms Margaret Vigants was nominated and accepted
• Mr Kim Hill was nominated and accepted
ACTION - EO to pursue Standing Committee (LCAC) about their two members and arrange initial meeting
Mr Pete Davies nominated to act as a moderator or master of ceremonies where appropriate and the Committee accepted his offer to undertake that role.
10. Select Working Groups (5.1)
Constitutional - Mr Martin offered to write a briefing paper about the constitutional development process. He will include some preliminary advice to the committee on important and useful issues. The rationale is for the Committee to feel comfortable when talking to people about this aspect of the Statehood process.
ACTION - Martin
Mr Hill expressed an interest in the constitutional issues and a suggestion that there be a constitutional working group was considered but not pursued at this stage due to the Draft Work Plan examining education and consultation at this stage.
Marketing - Mr Davies also identified a need to set up a marketing and communication sub
committee. The Committee resolved Mr Davies, and the Executive Officer would be initial members with consideration being given to seeking the nomination of non committee members such as Ms Tanya lllett from Channel 7 and Cilia Collins of CAAMA Radio would also be asked to work with this sub-committee as well.
The Secretariat will obtain copies of relevant events calendars (including Indigenous Arts Calendar and Multicultural Events Calendar)
ACTION - Davies, EO
Indigenous Engagement - A working group to develop strategies for Indigenous communities - to properly inform and engage, Ms Vigants indicated an interest to being involved in this working party.
ACTION - EO to place on next agenda as an item for detailed discussion Reporting back on matters dealt with in this manner will be a standing agenda item.
ACTION - EO
11. Big Picture Issues (7.1)
The Committee resolved to defer this item and for the Secretariat to provide a briefing paper out of session, to include a basic background paper on what has happened since the Kalkaringi
Statement. The Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has a separate brief on this issue.
ACTION - EO to provide paper to accompany these Minutes.
12. Brand Development (8.1)
The Committee resolved the Marketing & Communication sub-committee will meet the
advertising agency and Department of Chief Minister Communications Unit to select a format to send to the whole Committee for comment and approval
ACTION - Davies, EO to coordinate dissemination to Committee.
13. Participation in out of Session Decision Making
The Committee resolved matters for decision could be emailed (or faxed in the case of Ms Nangala) and followed up by telephone after 48 hours if no response was received. If the Member did not respond their lack of comment is to be seen as an abstention not an approval.
14. NT Show Circuit
Members of the committee to volunteered to participate at Show locations as available. The Secretariat will have a core staff of four officers of the Legislative Assembly for the Show circuit.
The Committee agreed a web site was a priority in advance of the Show presence.
ACTION - EO to report back next meeting 15. Questionnaire
The Committee noted some preliminary results and the intention to continue this research.
Question 3 of the Questionnaire seeks what further information people may need to have a better understanding of Statehood.
Ms Purick indicated an intention to send the questionnaire to Minerals Council members and contacts.
ACTION EO to provide electronic copy of Questionnaire to Ms Purick 16. Communications Strategy
The Committee noted the Draft Strategy. It was resolved government agencies should not have a significant role in ‘selling the message’, they can be a conduit to communities or people but not asked to take on Statehood in addition to their normal duties.
17. Statehood Ambassadors
As per the draft Work Plan a register of people to be compiled who can be a resource as a
‘speakers’ bureau’ or a ‘Friends of Statehood’ group to assist in a voluntary capacity.
ACTION - Members to seek views of their contacts and provide details to EO. EO to commence compiling from contacts already to hand. Report back to next meeting.
Community groups may occasionally seek a speaker on the issue of Statehood. Secretariat to establish initial contact.. Those present: Mr Bourchier, Ms Vigants, Mr Robertson, Mr Davies, Ms Purick, Mr Martin, Ms Medwell, Mr Kenny indicated an immediate willingness to be on a
‘speaking register’
ACTION - EO writing to service clubs and groups, NGOs etc in first instance. Report back with full list of those approached at next meeting.
ACTION - EO to develop a generic power point is to be developed and made available to all members.
18. Fact Sheets (10.1)
The Committee noted the first ten Fact Sheets and the proposed introductory booklet.
The Committee suggested further Fact Sheets on:
• The Territory and what makes us equal to or better than the rest. (Mr Martin)
• Constitutional development (Mr Martin).
• Customary law.
• Aboriginal - see next item below (Mr Hill)
• How will this affect my family?
• Youth Specific (Mr Bourchier)
The Executive Officer also requested members read the content of the current Fact Sheets, make comment and advise.
ACTION - Committee members
19. Definitions of terms Aboriginal and Indigenous
Mr Hill noted the Kalkaringi and Batchelor Statements were made by Aboriginal people not
‘indigenous people’. Mr Hill defined Aboriginal citizens as those with a continuing attachment to land in the Northern Territory.
Mr Hill agreed to assist the Executive Officer in developing a Fact Sheet for and about Aboriginal people. Mr Hill asked Mr Shaw to assist as well.
ACTION - Hill, Shaw, EO via out of session electronic exchange.
20. Confidentiality
The Committee agreed that items in confidence would be identified as such and be treated as such. All other items can be discussed openly.
Next Meeting
Friday 17th June at 10 am
Location - Parliament House Darwin (Ms Purick not available)
Following Meeting
Thursday 7,h'8,h July - Tennant Creek - Afternoon of 7th, maybe a working dinner.
NB - Accommodation has been reserved for Thursday evening in Tennant Creek.
STATEHOOD
STEERING COMMITTEE
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Minutes of Proceedings
Meeting No. 2 17m June 2005
The Committee met at 10am on the 17th June 2005, Litchfield Room, Parliament House, Darwin and concluded at 4.50pm.
Present: Ms Sue Bradley
Mr Daniel Bourchier Ms Margaret Vigants Mr Brian Martin Ms Jenny Medwell Mr Stuart Kenny
Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong Mr Pete Davies
Mr Jamey Robertson
(Co-Chair)
Also Present Mr Michael Tatham Mrs Sharon McAlear
(Exec Officer, Statehood Secretariat) (Statehood Secretariat)
Apologies: Ms Kezia Purick Mr Geoff Shaw Ms Irene Nangala Mr Kim Hill
Business
1. Welcome
The Co Chair introduced Kathleen Chong-Fong attending for the first time 2. Inaugural Meeting Minutes
2.1 The Minutes of Meeting held 21/22 April 2005 were adopted. It was resolved that Minutes would be formally adopted at each meeting.
2.2 Formal Minutes of Proceedings will be action minutes and sent to all members.
There will also be an unedited transcript of the recorded meeting and a recording available from the Secretariat if required.
3. Business Arising
3.1 A Steering Committee position remains vacant. The EO has noted this in a memo to the Acting Secretary to the Standing Committee which lies in abeyance since the Legislative Assembly was prorogued.
3.2 A Letter was sent to the Chair of the Standing Committee (LCAC) with regard to Resourcing by Government (minuted item 7 Meeting No. 1)
ACTION - The EO will follow these matters up with the incoming Chair of the Standing Committee when formed.
3.3 LCAC members of the Executive Group are to be determined. A memo to the Acting Secretary has been sent.
ACTION - EO to follow up as above
3.4 Members availability for their attendance at NT Shows. A draft show roster will be drawn up and sent to members. The Secretariat will be in touch with members regarding accommodation and logistics.
ACTION - EO to send out draft roster
3.6 EO noted Brian Martin’s input with the first 10 Fact Sheets. These are to be printed for the forthcoming Shows. EO will email the drafts of the next 10 Fact Sheets (11 -20) for comment from the Committee. Note Protocol
ACTION - All Members to provide comments they may have to EO for discussion at next meeting (7th July Tennant Creek)
3.7 Aboriginal Fact Sheet
ACTION - EO with input from Kim Hill 4. Executive Officer Reports
4.1 Members noted correspondence received from the Chair of the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in Canberra regarding federal implications of Statehood for the Northern Territory. A reply has been sent from the Chair of the LCAC.
4.2 Mr Bourchier reported on a meeting he had at a Youth Forum and advised he will be speaking to a Year 12 group in Tennant Creek next term.
4.3 EO gave an update of Statehood brand development. Show materials are on track. Web site development is also progressing. It was all agreed that the website needs to be extremely user friendly.
ACTION - EO to send the website to the Committee as a staging platform for comment before it is finalised.
ACTION - Each Committee member to contribute some lines of text for their profile which will eventually be uploaded to the website.
4.4 EO sought comments with regard to the status of euthanasia legislation in the Northern Territory on the grant of Statehood from the Solicitor-General’s nominee Mr Graham Nicholson correspondence and advice was noted.
ACTION - Advice to be filed for reference. Not for public comment until sought.
4.5 CDU Partnership - Papers were noted. After lengthy discussion it was resolved that:-
• The allocated $25000 be placed in a Trust Account as discussed between EO and the Finance officer of the Legislative Assembly
• The scope of work would be negotiated with CDU to do a trial by December 2005
• CDU Project Committee established (M Vigants, S Bradley, B Martin) ACTION - EO to set up meeting with CDU
4.6 Survey Results
ACTION - EO to collate all the survey results after the Show Circuit and compile a report with the total result. Note an agenda item for September meeting.
4.7 On-going Protocols
The following were agreed:
• Minutes are publicly available documents except for tagged confidential matters to be attached. Any requests for the unedited transcript will be a matter for decision by the Committee.
• Travel - Speakers Determination noted and it was agreed that
Secretariat will administer travel, accommodation and meals rather than allocating a daily travel allowance.
• Parking - Members will be reimbursed parking expenses during SSC meetings on production of receipts.
• Select Working Committee
No Select Working Committees attracting sitting fees have been set up at this stage. Working committees have been established.
Fact Sheet development process
1. A draft will be emailed to all members 2. Members will respond within two weeks
3. The response may agree, track suggested changes, or object.
4. Where there is an objection to proceeding with the fact sheet that Fact Sheet will be taken to a full meeting.
• Sponsorship
The Committee resolved it is up to the Government to fund Committee activities. Contractual agreements will be entered into by the Committee as normal corporate relationship but sponsorship will not be sought at this stage.
4.8 Committee to note calendar of events as an on-going document. Any member that thinks we should have a presence at a particular event will advise the Secretariat. Noted
4.9 EO advised of the planning to seek the secondment of Indigenous Education Specialist (Ms Nora Kempster)
ACTION - EO to continue planning with Ms Kempster and relevant agency heads.
4.10 Report on EO meeting with Administrator- Noted
4.11 EO provided a brief on the necessity of reformation of the Statehood Steering Committee on the commencement of the 10th Assembly. - Noted
5. Members Reports
Mr Bourchier advised he will be speaking to the ‘Youth Round Table’ about Statehood in August and will contact Executive Officer regarding possible alternates as he will be away from September to January
Jenny Medwell provided a report which was tabled.
6. Working Group Reports
6.1 Marketing and Communication
• Website a priority ACTION - EO and Pete Davies
• Mobile Phones as an incentive for the younger public to complete the questionnaire at the shows. Might be better to buy them from various agents so as not to favour one or the other. See Sponsorship Protocol ACTION - Stuart Kenny to contact Telstra
6.2 Constitution Discussion Paper ACTION - Brian Martin, on-going 7. Information and Discussion
7.1 Docker River Report - Noted and deferred 7.2 Education Program
Co Chair introduced Ms Jan Sporn, Ms Raine Caldwell and Ms Anna-Maria Socci from the Parliamentary Liaison Information Unit of the Legislative Assembly. The Parliamentary Officers from the Parliamentary Liaison Information Unit gave a brief on activities undertaken by that Unit and cooperation with the Statehood Secretariat.
7.3 Aboriginal Governance - Deferred 8. General Business
8.1 Statehood Themes (refer to hand written paper from Co Chair) (a) Role of the Statehood Steering Committee
The Role of the Statehood Steering Committee according to the Terms of Reference is to provide advice to the Standing Committee on matters concerning the Northern Territory’s ongoing constitutional development to a future grant of Statehood.
The EO advised of the current intention to report to the Standing Committee by way of quarterly reports.
(b) Commonwealth Terms and Conditions
Co Chair noted Legal adviser Mr Graham Nicholson advised engagement with the Commonwealth is required sooner rather than later.
Draft advice is to be prepared from the Steering Committee to the new Standing Committee with a view to engaging the Commonwealth on a government to government level about relevant issues.
ACTION - Mr Martin, Co Chair with EO (Strategy document) (c) Kalkaringi Issues
Is the Kalkaringi Statement still relevant to the people?
There may need to be in place some sort of MOU that relates to the rights of indigenous people prior to development of a constitution.
ACTION - In the context of the Indigenous Constitutional Conventions of 1998 the EO to follow up.
(d) Research and Education Planning
Development of what elements of research will be undertaken for engagement across the Territory. The Committee to examine and expand communication strategy. Agenda Item for next meeting.
8.2 The Co Chair canvassed the various levels of community participation by way of creating Statehood Ambassadors - The proposal is to develop and circulate a profile which identifies what we expect of them and for them to sign off and make a commitment.
Friends of Statehood - people offering expertise at no cost who would like to be recognised as ‘friends of Statehood’ ie scout groups etc
ACTION - Pete Davies
8.3 Big Picture Issues - Noted and deferred
8.4 Aboriginal Communications and Working Committee. Deferred 9. Other Business
Paper - Development workshop for Public Service employees - Ongoing
Document - Building Stronger Regions Stronger Future. In terms of Governance issues Ms Vigants recommended Bob Beadman be contacted. ACTION - Co Chair
10. Next Meeting 7th July 2005 Tennant Creek : 10.30am
Member for Barkly’s electorate office community meeting room Meeting No. 4 Friday 16th Sept, Darwin : Time to be advised
STATEHOOD
STEERING COMMITTEE
NORTHERN TERRITORY
____________________________ Minutes of Proceedings__________________________
Meeting No. 3 7th July 2005
The Committee met at 10.30am on the 7th July 2005, Barkly Electorate Office, Tennant Creek and concluded at 4.30pm
Present: Ms Sue Bradley
Mr Daniel Bourchier Ms Margaret Vigants Mr Brian Martin Ms Jenny Medwell Mr Stuart Kenny Mr Jamey Robertson Mr Kim Hill
Mr Geoff Shaw
(Co-Chair)
Also Present
Apologies:
Mr Michael Tatham Mrs Sharon McAlear Ms Kezia Purick Mr Peter Davies Ms Irene Nangala
Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong
(Exec Officer, Secretariat) (Statehood Secretariat)
Note: Parliamentary Members not yet elected to Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Business
1. Welcome
Co Chair thanked members for attending and recorded apologies.
The issue of attendance of members was raised. It was resolved that a meeting in October be held in Nhulunbuy.
3. 2nd Meeting Minutes
Minutes of Meeting held 17th June 2005 were formally adopted.
3. Business Arising - Action Items
3.6 The next 10 Fact Sheets (No 11 - 20) were discussed including the use of ‘tag lines’. It was resolved that after some concerns and amendments from members that they would be redrafted and resubmitted to members for comment.
ACTION - EO to amend and resend to members for comments
AGENDA ITEM next meeting - Issue of key words and agreement on how we place them on our fact sheets as a general branding issue.
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3.7 Aboriginal Fact Sheet will be developed showing a timeline of “government” for NT Aboriginal people.
ACTION - EO with input from Kim Hill 4.6 Survey Results
AGENDA ITEM next meeting (after all NT Shows) 4.7 Executive Group
DEFERRED until Parliamentary members are appointed 4.9 Indigenous Education
EO advised a memo and submission has been sent to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly seeking approval to transfer Ms Nora Kempster to commence in October.
Parliamentary Liaison Unit
ACTION - Co Chair to send a letter of thanks to the Clerk to say how much we welcomed input from the Parliamentary Liaison Unit and look forward to working with them in the future
6.1 Website On-Going
Mobile Phone Prizes as Show Incentives
RESOLVED that no incentives are needed for the Show Circuit Constitutional Development
Mr Martin advised in his opinion that the ‘green book’ is a good model to work with. A lot of good work has gone into that book.
On-Going
8.3 Statehood Ambassadors & Friends of Statehood
ACTION - EO to draft roles/responsibilities, resources and develop a Strategy to get moving
Visitors joined the committee for an informal discussion:-
Barb Shaw General Manager of Anyinginyi Health
Pat Brahim General Manager Julalakari Aboriginal Corporation Rod Swanson Mayor Tennant Creek Town Council
Michael Dougall Regional Director Barkly Kent Peak Consultant
Concerns raised:-
• Demonstration of practical responses is needed rather than just words on paper
• Inclusion in the constitution process must come from the start
• Communicating with the people on the ground - best form of communication Imparja (15 languages in this region not including Borroloola) just to give the picture of what Statehood is about.
• Planting the seed, keep going back and watering it so people get a feel, for what it is. Inclusion is important.
• Key organisations - forums that are already established not new ones should be used.
• Barkly Region Safer Communities Committee (BRSCC) is one forum we may wish to use as it has representation of nearly every stakeholder in the area.
• Suggested that there be a Statehood presentation at a general stakeholders meeting.
• Ali Curung - stand alone community should be targeted.
• Tennant Creek Town Council should be targeted.
• Barkly Regional Co-ordination Committee - Barkly heads of each govt dept - NGO’s invited 6 monthly - could structure a meeting to include all others - suggest the SSC use this resource.
• Speakers - write direct to the agencies - community awareness and education.
• Indigenous people need direct consultation.
• Employ Interpreters to get the message out.
• Audio/video - television station at Ali Curung may be useful.
• Not a lot of areas with video conferencing availability.
• Show some positive things to get people back on board - perception amongst indigenous staying as a Territory safe under Commonwealth ACTION - The SSC will examine the above suggest approach to devise a communication plan and advise the relevant organisations.
4. Executive Officer Reports 4.1 Correspondence In/Out
Letter from Minister Henderson with regard to NT Representation on National sporting bodies
NOTED & ACCEPTED 4.2 Canberra Bill of Rights
EO to provide a more detailed report to the committee 4.3 LCAC
EO gave an update of members - Terry Mills and Fay Miller from the Opposition, Loraine Braham Independent and government members yet to be decided after their next caucus meeting.
4.4 EO Background Report
Michael Tatham provided a brief CV 4.5 Show Reports
Presence at the Alice Springs Show was well received. Survey Questionnaires being compiled
EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORTS ACCEPTED
5. GENERAL BUSINESS
5.1 Role of the Statehood Steering Committee
It is clear that its core role is to advise the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. If the SSC is to be effective then the SSC must be properly resourced. Concern that the Standing Committee is normally serviced by a clerk and that that position had been vacant for some time. This committee will be asking a lot of the Standing Committee and if it is not properly resourced then our requests may go nowhere.
ACTION - Co-Chair to write to the Chair of the Standing Committee seeking assurance about resourcing of that Committee
5.2 Commonwealth Terms and Conditions
Re: Mr P Slipper’s correspondence with regard to emerging issues on the grant of Statehood.
ACTION - EO to prepare dot point brief (in association with Graham Nicholson) to advise SSC members about issues that may have implications for Federal arrangements.
5.3 Kalkaringi/Batchelor Issues
Identify if there is a representative group with regard to issues from the Kalkaringi and Batchelor Statements. Mr Shaw advised he believes the land councils and a group known as Combined Aboriginal Nation of Central Australia (CANCA) should be the representative groups to contact.
ACTION - Mr Shaw to arrange an invitation from the CLC for the Chair, Co- Chair and EO to attend an Executive Meeting for an informal discussion.
Mr Hill to approach the Chairman of the NLC and advise of his preferred approach
5.4 Communication Strategy
At the Inaugural meeting the committee adopted the Draft Communication Strategy as a starting point.
Co-Chair expressed frustration of current incapacity to document a cohesive strategy to clear targets to use for planning and audit. Noted that all SSC members are fully engaged elsewhere.
ACTION - Update the Draft Communication Strategy, look at the work process and develop a clearer and more formalised plan.
ACTION - Draft Work Plan, target date set for end of dry 2007.
EO to draw up a framework, prepare a brief and send a letter seeking a joint meeting with the Standing Committee to discuss resourcing
Ethnic Communities Paper
Ms Medwell presented her paper and discussion with regard to ‘Modules’ being prepared
ACTION - Electronic Modules to be sent to EO. Ms Medwell to check costings and update on progress
EO to write a brief about the establishment of the committee, fact sheets available.
Introducing the Committee
EO to redraft introductory letter - who we are first, close with a high positive.
ACTION - All SSC members to provide profiles for website 6. WORKING GROUP REPORTS
Deferred
Next Meeting Friday 16th Sept 2005, Darwin Meeting No. 5 Late October, Nhulunuby TBA
STATEHOOD
STEERING COMMITTEE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Minutes of Proceedings
Meeting No. 4 16th September 2005
The Committee met at 9am on the 16th September 2005, Litchfield Room Parliament House, Darwin and concluded at 4.05pm
Present: Ms Sue Bradley Mr Peter Davies Mr Brian Martin Mr Stuart Kenny Mr Kim Hill Ms Irene Nangala
Mrs Loraine Braham MLA Also Present:
Barbara McCarthy MLA James Burke MLA Mr Michael Tatham Ms Pat Hancock Mrs Sharon McAlear
(Co-Chair)
Ms Margaret Vigants Ms Jenny Medwell Mr Jamey Robertson Mr Geoff Shaw
Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong Mr Terry Mills MLA
(LCAC) (LCAC)
(Exec Officer, Statehood Secretariat) (Secretary LCAC)
(Statehood Secretariat)
Apologies: Mr Elliot McAdam Ms Kezia Purick Mr Daniel Bourchier
(SSC Chair & LCAC Chair)
Business
1. WELCOME
Co Chair thanked members for attending and recorded apologies.
4. MINUTES of PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of Meeting held 7th July 2005 were accepted.
5. BUSINESS ARISING - ACTION ITEMS
Members Web Profile: LCAC (SSC) members that are SSC members and Secretary to the LCAC Committee to be included for the website profile.
ACTION: All Members to respond by end of September.- EO to draft profiles where required
Kalkaringi/Batchelor Issues: Letter has gone out to other 3 land councils - Northern Land Council, Tiwi Land Council and Anindilyakwa Land Council.
ACTION: Waiting response . EO and CC to follow up
Ethnic Communities Paper: Ms Medwell advised translation of fact sheets into languages needs to be done by accredited translators so there is credibility on the translation itself. The Capacity Building Modules are still being sourced for electronic form and fine tuning of the ethnic communities communication strategy.
ACTION: J MEDWELL agreed to prioritise languages needed, indicate reason for priority order provide estimates of translation costs and advise of best methods to communicate fact sheets to ethnic communities.
Introducing the Committee: Co Chair advised she was not entirely comfortable with the intro letter that has recently been sent to some organisations and communities.
ACTION: Ms Hancock to examine letter and provide comment.
6. RECOGNITION OF PAST WORK ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The EO gave the committee an introduction to the documentation of the work done by the Sessional and Standing Committees between 1985 and 1996. After discussion it was resolved by the Committee to recognise the past work as a valuable resource within an historical context.
Mrs Bradley, Ms Medwell and Ms Chong Fong were issued with copies of the documents. If other members require copies they are available from the Secretariat ACTION: EO to examine documents in detail in context of future work program 5. CONSULTATION REPORTS
5.1 Central Land Council Meeting (Paper)
A copy of the annotated Indigenous Constitutional Strategy Document (incorporating the Kalkaringi Statement) was included in these meeting papers. The document and letter has been sent to the CLC and the committee are waiting a reply to the annotated document. The CLC have been asked to identify an appropriate consultation process.
ACTION: The Committee noted the following draft resolution: The SSC notes the outcomes of preliminary discussions with the CLC and the views of members on these issues and agree to continue discussions to discern aspects of Constitutional development arising from these discussions.
The SSC determines to audit these concerns at a later date once further consultation has been undertaken with other groups.
OTHER COMMENTS NOTED BUT NOT DEALT WITH BY RESOLUTION:
• Bradley: CLC Exec agreed that Indigenous Constitutional Strategy document was a useful starting point for statehood discussions.
• Martin: SSC needs to ask why these matters should be entrenched in constitution.
• Shaw: SSC should review the ICS document to tease out irrelevant items, identify historical progress and identify some common starting points.
• Shaw: The green constitution should be utilised to define issues and as a concrete starting point for comment.
• Hill: Mapping should include Aboriginal Nation Groups identified through Native Title Tribunal.
ACTION: EO to place on agenda for next meeting for some clear direction.
Mataranka Town Council Meeting (Paper) Noted Borroloola Town Council Meeting (Paper) Noted
Haasts Bluff Community Government Council advised they will take the introductory letter to their council members '
6. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORTS Correspondence In/Out
SSC agreed they would like to have the correspondence in and out available for viewing ACTION: Correspondence File to be tabled at each meeting
Show Report Noted
EO provided a summary of survey results and will be included on the website.
ACTION: EO to include Borroloola survey results in the Fact Sheet about Show Surveys before submitting to the website
STAG Report Noted
Statehood Schools Challenge Report Noted Parliamentary Activity 19th October
ACTION - EO to follow up members to participate Website
Software has been installed to maintain the website.
ACTION -EO updating the website regularly.
Email Protocol
ACTION -EO and Co Chair to develop draft protocol for next meeting
7. STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS MEET STATEHOOD STEERING COMMITTEE
The Co Chair welcomed members from the Standing Committee LCAC and all members introduced themselves.
Report of SSC Activities Noted
Membership Process
• CoChair requested access to list of those people who originally nominated for the Steering Committee but were unsuccessful particularly in light of the letter to those people from the Chair asking them to remain involved.
ACTION: LCAC to consider and advise
• It was suggested that that where a nominee was employed to represent an organization the nominee would change with a change in the position eg Minerals Council, Cattlemen’s Assoc (future possible LGANT) all others are appointed as individuals eg: a nominee from an organization, once appointed does not y need to continually endorsed by that organization. Example the President of the Multi Cultural Organisation to retain their seat on the committee.
ACTION: LCAC to consider the membership status to date.
• Replacement and additional membership was discussed.
ACTION: EO and CC to follow up with LCAC.
Resources Noted
Ms Hancock advised that the Standing Committee will be adequately resourced and should there be an issue in a particular area then it should be brought to the attention of the Standing Committee. Anything the Standing Committee does will come under
Parliamentary funding.
On Going Issues
• Indigenous governance-SSC needs to understand where LCAC is at with its current reference on this issue and the June 2002 discussion paper.
ACTION: EO to place on agenda for SSC discussions with LCAC.
• Commonwealth Terms and Conditions- SSC need to understand NT position on terms and conditions before meeting with Slipper Committee. We should be aware of any agreements that were in place at the time of the 1998 referendum.
ACTION: EO to prepare documentation to LCAC for timely discussion. Pat Hancock to advise when Slipper Committee plans to visit Darwin.
• Communities wanting practical outcomes from statehood. Eg: recognition of customary law. LCAC has brief from AG to look at this issue.
ACTION: EO to seek update from LCAC on their current position on this issue.
• ALRC: SSC would like to know what is happening with proposed amendments.
ACTION: EO and CC to raise at LCAC meeting.
• SSC reporting to LCAC- It is clear SSC will come across a broad range of issues well outside constitutional reform. Some may be issues the Parliament or Government would like to address. Our TOR clear we report to LCAC which has a narrow brief relating to constitutional reform. Is it appropriate that the current reporting structure remain.
ACTION: EO and CC to address with LCAC.
Executive Group-
LCAC Meeting Date 13 October - Executive Group to meet at 12pm on that day ACTION: EO to provide an Agenda for the Executive Group
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8. COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY Revised Plan (Paper)
Recommendation A: In order manage available resources and ensure strategically we are not overextending our limited resources, it is suggested the EO and Ms Kempster integrate these into the Draft Work Plan and commence with contact of the key organisations, develop a simple presentation, undertake some visits and in early 2006 use the experience to develop suitable messages to be disseminated in a n advertising campaign using Imparja with further follow up visits. It should be noted Ms Kempster has broad experience visiting and consulting with communities, using interpreters and relevant methodology and has suggested commencing consultation in the Top End during the Wet moving South during the Dry.
Committee noted that the service agencies may not be the most appropriate means to communicating with indigenous people.
The Committee agreed with this recommendation.
Recommendation B: Continue to pursue relationships with the Land Councils.
The Committee agreed with this recommendation.
ACTION: Follow up letters sent with Chairs of the various land councils
Recommendation C: Roll out a Territory-wide strategy in 2006 based on further development of timeframes and targets for the above model.
The Committee noted this recommendation.
ACTION: Development of 2006 Education Program based on content of Rec A , mapping process as well as research outcomes from CDU
Recommendation D: Plan a Public Forum for late October in both Darwin and Palmerston based upon our database of show goers and others.
The Committee noted this recommendation
ACTION: Public Forum themes - EO to email draft checklist - Meeting of Marketing Working Group to discuss further 26 Sept 05
Ambassadors and Friends of Statehood
Differences between Ambassadors, Friends of Statehood and Speakers Bureau was discussed. Each would have a very specific role Earl James helping to draft papers.
Nominees not successful for a place on the SSC had been contacted previously to become members of Ambassadors/Friends of Statehood
ACTION: EO to provide draft roles and protocols to present next meeting.
EO advised committee that an external meetings checklist is available to record issues arising from outside presentations/meetings and kept on file
Coloured Letterhead/Business Cards - Noted
ACTION: EO to follow up - generic business cards for members Co Chair Proposals - Question and Answer format
Discussed that a monthly or bi-monthly column in the newspapers be implemented in this format.
ACTION: Meeting of Marketing Working Group 26 Sept 2005 to discuss further
9. FACT SHEETS
New Fact Sheet No 13 & No 14 drafted. Fact Sheets 15-25 redrafted and provided to all members.
ACTION: Members to provide comments before next meeting (by Friday 21 October)
Key words and taglines
ACTION: Members to email their comments - EO to collate and provide report on results back to next meeting
Launch of the 25 Fact Sheets
EO outlined proposal to launch at the proposed public forums in November.
ACTION: Members to comment on revised sheets. EO to proceed with launch plans.
10. COMMONWEALTH TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Advice from G Nicholson and dot points of advice presented by Mr Tatham. Noted
ACTION: EO to incorporate into work plan. See also Agenda item 7 above.
11. CONSIDERATION OF A BILL OF RIGHTS Report from Seminar in Canberra. Noted
Role of the Intern will be to provide a briefing paper back to the SSC. Looking at the current ACT Bill of Rights, the Victorian Inquiry, some international examples and will provide a summary of pros and cons of a bill of rights. Endorsed
ACTION - EO to flag as an agenda item when Intern Report is complete. Will be considered with Session Committee’s Report No 8 of 1995
12. CDU PROJECT UPDATE
The Scope of Work had been tightened up to reflect practical results identified by the committee. If first pilot report doesn’t come back as useful the next $25 000 not be spent. Noted
ACTION: EO to continue with procurement process.
13. MEMBER REPORTS
• Pete Davies reported on his speech on a businessmen’s lunch which was attended by approximately 38 people. In light of this being a first outing as a member of the SSC Mr Davies suggested as a committee we need to ensure
‘speakers’ are well prepared and supported.
Thanks was given to Mr Earl James who attended also.
• Daniel Bourchier’s report was tabled and noted.
• Brian Martin reported on a trip he was invited to along with the legal profession at Elcho Island to observe leaders of the community publish an Aboriginal
I
I I
I I
I
n
N II
li
Customary Law document with particular reference to criminal sanctions. This was a significant step in demonstrating there is a system of law.
• Mr Jamey Robertson reported on his attendance at the recent Statehood Challenge. This was a very enjoyable experience and is recommended to other members that are available to attend where the students are involved.
• Mr Geoff Shaw spoke briefly on his meeting at the full Central Land Council and some difficulties he faced being seen as an advocate of Statehood.
• Mr Kim Hill raised the issue of population growth he has witnessed. We need to recognise that there is a young emerging indigenous population no longer a minority group.
Next Meeting No.5 Katherine Public Forum Darwin
Palmerston Meeting No. 6 Darwin Meeting Closed: 4.06pm
28 October 2005 16 November 2005 23 November 2005 9 December 2005
STATEHOOD
STEERING COMMITTEE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Minutes of Proceedings
Meeting No. 5 28 October 2005
The Committee met at 8.30am on the 28th October 2005, at the Katherine Hotel and concluded at 2.30pm
Present: Ms Sue Bradley Mr Peter Davies Ms Jenny Medwell Mr Geoff Shaw
(Co-Chair) Mr Brian Martin Mr Jamey Robertson Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong Also Present:
Mrs Fay Miller Mr Michael Tatham Mrs Sharon McAlear
(LCAC)
(Exec Officer, Statehood Secretariat) (Statehood Secretariat)
Apologies: Mr Elliot McAdam Mr Terry Mills Ms Kezia Purick Mr Daniel Bourchier Ms Irene Nangala
Mrs Loraine Braham Ms Pat Hancock Mr Stuart Kenny Mr Kim Hill
Ms Margaret Vigants
Business
1. WELCOME
Co Chair thanked members for attending and recorded apologies.
7. MINUTES of PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of Meeting held 26 September 2005 were accepted.
8. BUSINESS ARISING - ACTION ITEMS To be considered at Agenda Item 10 4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORTS
4.1 Correspondence In/Out
Correspondence Files tabled with correspondence in/out and in/out emails.
Particular attention was drawn to the correspondence received from the Member for Nelson. A copy of the letter and reply are on file.
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