CFMEU volunteers from around the country are assisting members of an Indigenous protest camp in the Northern Territory to build a prefabricated house at the camp.

The ‘working bee’ coincides with protest rallies on February 13 against the failure of the Federal Government’s Northern Territory Intervention strategy.

‘CFMEU members helped the Alyawarr people pour the slab and provided the logistics of getting the prefabricated house from Adelaide to the camp – which is about 400 kilometres north of Alice Springs. They are also helping with the erection of the house on the site,’ said Dave Noonan, CFMEU Construction National Secretary.

‘The project is part of this union’s engagement with Indigenous communities in remote areas. It includes some training for community members and is a practical alternative to the Government’s Intervention strategy, which takes away rights and doesn’t build a single house.

‘The Alyawarr house is a small step, but I hope it marks the beginning of a committed engagement with Indigenous communities in the Territory,’ said Mr Noonan.

Inspired by the Gurindji at Wave Hill

The protest camp was set up in July last year by Alyawarr elders, who left their community at Ampilatwatja to protest against the Northern Territory Intervention campaign.

 ‘After two years and more than $1 billion, the Intervention has delivered nothing for the people except for disempowerment and discrimination,’ Alyawarr spokesperson Richard Downs, told meetings of unionists on a speaking tour last year.

‘Thousands of workers across the NT had lost their jobs due to closure of the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) by the Howard government. Those on Centrelink payments are being 'quarantined' - 50% of their payments are on a BasicsCard which can only be used at certain shops.

‘A reformed CDEP program introduced by Labor is no different to work for the dole. People receive the BasicsCard for their work, a return to the 1950s and 60s when Aboriginal workers were paid in rations. New Shire Councils are totally reliant on this labour for basic municipal services.'

At Ampilatwatja – already a dry community by agreement of the community – all the Intervention offered was the erection by two white fellas of a sign saying “No Alcohol”. The local community council at Ampilatwatja was shut down. Community housing stock was taken over by the government and left to deteriorate.

The Alyawarr elders are demanding equal rights and an end to the policy of starving remote communities of resources, in an attempt to force relocation. It has struck a chord nationally with supporters of Aboriginal rights.

Union solidarity needed

The house will be launched following national protests against the NT Intervention on Saturday February 13. There will also be a ceremony at the camp on Sunday February 14, which will pay tribute to solidarity from the trade unions. 

New legislation to be debated in Federal Parliament in February will provide for an extension of the welfare quarantine system across the country.

‘The ongoing solidarity of unions will be vital in strengthening the campaign against the NT Intervention and putting Aboriginal rights back on the agenda,’ said Richard Downs. 

National Protests against NT Intervention Sat Feb 13, 2010

Adelaide: 1 pm, at the steps of Parliament House, Speakers: Donna Jackson of Larrakia/Wulna descent, local Kaurna and Ngarrendjeri people. Launch of book "This is what we said". Organized by STICSA

Alice Springs: 10 am Gathering on Church Lawns in the Mall, Speakers on Key Issues. Launch of book: "This Is What We Said", Followed by a March through the CBD. More info.

Brisbane: 10am, Queens Park, Brisbane

Melbourne: 2pm Maysar,184-186 Gertrude St Fitzroy, March to Parliament House. More info.  For poster: please click here. For the Media Release: please click here.

Perth: 12 noon, Wesley Church (cnr. William & Hay Streets). For  poster: please click here .

Sydney: 9 am LaPerouse Point, Bunnerong Rd for the walk against racism to join the Redfern rally. 1pm rally at The Block, Redfern. Organised by Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney. See the poster here and download the leaflet here.

More info on the Stop the Intervention Campaign