As part of your commitment to truth and reconciliation in Queensland, please find the time to write to our political leaders and the Media to ask some of the questions about justice and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the State.

Justice, Rights and then Reconciliation - Take Action Today

 27th May 2010 E Bulletin to Supporters

 Dearest Supporter

As you are aware, aside from our Learning More Program this year, ANTaR Qld has been campaigning alongside Murri Watch and ATSIWLAS on the issue of the appalling over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children in Queensland Prisons.

Ten years ago the State Government committed to a Justice Agreement that would reduce imprisonment rates by 50% by 2011.

In the attached document you can find a chart detailing the arrest charges over the last three years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults in Qld, demonstrating the upward, not downward, trend in our State. Things are even worse for young people. Source of data: http://www.police.qld.gov.au/services/reportsPublications/

These statistics are in the State in which:

"In the past nine years the Commissioner has overseen a 26% drop in the overall rate of crime in Queensland - an outstanding achievement.” Premier Anna Bligh on the reappointment of Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson - http://www.mysunshinecoast.com.au/articles/article-display/reappointment-of-police-commissioner,16392

and “QUEENSLAND police colluded to protect an officer who caused the fatal injuries to an Aboriginal man in his custody” http://www.news.com.au/national/police-colluded-to-protect-senior-sergeant-chris-hurley-over-death-in-custody-of-cameron-doomadgee-coroner/story-e6frfkvr-1225866797404

As part of your commitment to truth and reconciliation in Queensland, please find the time to write to the Premier, the Attorney General, the Opposition, the Police Minister, the Crimes and Misconduct Commission, your local Member and the Media to ask some of the following questions:

1. When will the Palm Island CMC Report be released? EMAIL THE CMC 
2. How will Hurley be held to account?   EMAIL THE PREMIER, THE COURIER MAIL 
3. How will the Doomadgee family be supported?   EMAIL THE POLICE MINISTER 
4. When will the Report in Police Move on Powers be released?   EMAIL THE CMC 
5. When and how will the Police Department implement the recommendations from the CMC Report on Policing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities? EMAIL THE POLICE MINISTER 
6. And when will the Government adequately fund Elders and community controlled service providers to provide crime prevention programs, prison rehabilitation programs and post release support programs for youth, men and women at risk in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community? EMAIL THE PREMIER , THE OPPOSITION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, YOUR LOCAL MEMBER 

Thank you for your support for ANTaR Qld and the work we do – together our voices do make a difference

“ANYWAYS WE STILL HAVE ALONG ROAD AHEAD.

WE CAN ONLY KEEP PLUGGING AWAY AT THIS MASSIVE PROBLEM.

THANKS FOR KEEPING ME UP TO DATE.

BEST WISHES UNCLE ALBERT” Jan 2010

Warm regards

Kitty Carra

President 2010

COPY OF MEDIA RELEASE HERE

COPY OF ANTAR QLD DEMANDS HERE

TAKE ACTION TODAY

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