Forum to debate Howard's Indigenous plan

The implications of the Federal government's intervention in Northern Territory Indigenous communities will be examined this week at a national forum organised by UNSW's Indigenous Law Centre.

Although pleased that action is being taken to protect Indigenous children, many of the speakers will use the forum to express their concerns about the Prime Minister's actions. They will look at the current reforms in the context of changes to Indigenous rights following the 1967 Referendum.

The conference will include panel discussions and individual presentations drawing on the expertise of prominent legal practitioners, researchers and political figures. Speakers include:

• Ms Olga Havnen, Board member, Australian Council of Social Services• Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission• Ms Jackie Huggins, Co-Chair, Reconciliation Australia• The Hon Ian Viner QC, former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs• Professor Larissa Behrendt, Director Research, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology, Sydney• Professor George Williams, Anthony Mason Professor and Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre for Public Law, University of NSW• Professor Chris Cunneen, NewSouth Global Professor, Faculty of Law, University of NSW• Ms Megan Davis, Director, Indigenous Law Centre and Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of NSW• Fr Frank Brennan, Professor of Law, Institute of Legal Studies, Australian Catholic University.

What: National Forum on Howard's Northern Territory PlanWhen: 10.30am - 5.30pm, Friday 20 July 2007Where: The Barnet Long Room, Customs House, Circular Quay, Sydney

For further information on the forum please click here

All speakers are available for interview.

MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Brown, UNSW Media Office, tel. 9385 3263 or 0412 980 044.

Date issued: 19 July 2007