Premiers Aboriginal Advisory Counci. PAAC.8/9/08

Expression of Interest: "The Victorian Government Social policy Statement A Fairer Victorian Sets out it's commitment to building a new partnership with Indigenous Victorians" as from the 5 September to the 22 September 2008.

The Victoria Government has now requested that Thirty-Eight new Local Indigenous Networks (LINs) and eight Regional Indigenous Council (RICs) be established across Victoria, and from 2009 representatives from those regional groups will join the Premier's Aboriginal Advisory Council (PAAC) to give Victorian's Indigenous people a Voice.

As many of you may not know that as from the 1st July 2005, "... there was no formal representative structure in Victoria for Government to hear the Views of Indigenous people" ( from Media Release dated Wednesday 8 June 2005, Re Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Gavin Jennings.)

At the date of this post, the Victorian Government is still not committed to hear any views or issus put forward by any Aboriginal person(s) or group. In essence, Aboriginals views put to Government were to be total ignored, a situation we found very rude, if not detrimental to the whole Aboriginal population of Victoria, and must be rectified at the earliest moment.

(It is of interest to note, since July 2005, the Victorian government initiated the RAPS program and aided by VAJC set the new Koori Court System, (What is really going on?) Wake up!

It is most important for all Aboriginal person to become involved in the proposed LINs and RACs, as to give our people concerns to Government, it now time for new blood to stand up for the rights of our people, changing of the old Guard needs to be given deep consideration.
If you are interested in assisting this urgent cause and require more information on the role of LINs, RACs and Paac contact please:-

Mr. Simon Holmes, Projects Manger, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Tel 03 9208 3289
or
LIN REpresentation on PAAC, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Level 9, 1 Springs Street Melbourne 3000, Fax 9208 3098

Ps, Please Note that expressions of interest must be received by: 2pm Monday 22 September 2008. Yes in very short time.

Date posted 8/9/08

Les McDonald
Chief Lore Officer
Aboriginal Embassy Victoria

Court report up date 8/9/08

Court Magistrates' Horsham 13 August 2008, The Office of public prosecution Ms Raeleene Maxwell, prior to court, requested to talk with the defendant, as she could not answer the question of jurisdiction, she requested the matter to be adjourned. the defendant agreed, The matter is set for committal contest at Horsahm Magistrates' Court on the 16 October 2008, It could be said the court must prove it's Jurisdiction over the Aboriginal people, (Note After the 16 October hearing, the matter will be them heard before Judge and Jury)..

25 May Post.
I am now to appear at the Horsham Court on the 13 August 2008, before Judge and Jury, strange but true, It may be the Jury can answer the question as to "Jurisdiction of the Courts has over the Aboriginal People of Victoria.." as it appears that the Chief magistrates and the Magistrate Court can not provide the answer, at this point in time. It is now becoming quite clear "No!.. Jurisdiction"

To The Attorney-General Rob Hulls 8/9/08

Attorney-General
The Hon. Rob Hulls 8th September 2008
Level 3, 1 Treasury Place
East Melbourne VIC 3002

Dear Attorney-General, Rob Hulls

As you are the Minister responsible for juristic system of Victoria, I have been requested to bring to your attention the disappointment in the performance of such.
Endeavoring to balance the value of the Magistrates Koori Court system we found need to write to the Magistrates Court, copies enclosed letters dated the:-

8th May 2008, Magistrates Court Victoria Deputy Chief Magistrate, Ms. Jelena Popovic, requesting details and regarding the proposed Koori County Court to be set up.

19th May 2008, In response from Magistrates Court Victoria Deputy Chief Magistrate, Ms. Jelena Popovic, advising "I have asked Mason Atkinson, manager of Koori Courts, to respond to your questions,

13th June 2008 to Victoria Magistrates Court Victoria Deputy Chief Magistrate, Ms. Jelena Popovic

I need not express our dissatisfaction that the information requested, still has not been received, this hindering us (the Aboriginal people) from having any say or input, and as to make it quite clear that the alleged $50 Million dollars cost to sent up the special Koori Magistrate Court and Koori County Court, will have little effect, if any at all, in reducing the number of Aboriginals offenders from being dragged into the Criminal Justice system.

As this matter is most urgent therefor, It would greatly appreciated if you could request the Deputy Chief Magistrate, Ms. Jelena Popovic, or Mason Atkinson, manager of Koori Courts to address the matters raised in our letter 8th May 2008. at the earliest moment.

For and on behalf of the Aboriginal People of Victoria, whom only ask for a equal say and fair go in Victoria

I thank you

Yours sincerely
Les McDonald
Chief Lore Officer
Aboriginal Embassy Victoria