In reply to written requests to out new Premier, Morris Iemma and out new Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Oskopoulos, sent on 15 August 2005, ISJA was contacted by the Chief of Staff of the Minister's office, Nathan Rees, to arrange a meeting to 'discuss matters'.On 28 September 2005, Rees met with this Association, accompanied by Warwick Neilley of the Premier's Office, at my Waterloo residence.
They first made it quiet clear that neither they, nor any other member of their respective offices, would be making themselves available for the Public Meeting to be held at The Settlement, 17 Edward Street, Chippendale on Saturday 8 October 2005, beginning at 5:30 pm to further plan actions to obtain Justice for TJ.
The new Premier and Minister were invited in the hope that, with the retirement of Bob Carr, perhaps some real Justice may now occur. The Minister especially had publicly stated that he wanted to meet Aboriginal people within the NSW Communities, but according to Rees, this Community was not one of them. Maybe he chooses his meetings so that he only meets with those whom he sees as being 'suitable or preferred' members of the Communities that he will visit?
The next question put to them was on seeking their opinion on the call to have the Hickey Inquest either re-opened or a new one called. The answer was, to quote Neilley:- 'it's time to move on. It's not going to happen. Far better to work with the Government on important issues.' The advice to 'get a life' was also gratuitously given.
They then moved to their agenda that involved their wishes to find an organisation that would remove Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company and for that organisation to then work with the Government on solving the Block issues.
Whilst not surprised - it is well known that the NSW Government has 'problems' with Mick - their offer was totally rejected as being neither viable nor useful. This Association believes it is up to the Block residents - past and present - and the current AHC Management to decide what is in the best interests of the Block.
A further request to Rees that the Minister meet with Gail Hickey and her Family was agreed to on the condition that the death/murder of her son not be raised! The meeting finished.
No Justice for TJ. No Justice for the Hickey Family. No Justice for the Redfern, Waterloo, Walgett Communities.
Come to the meeting on Saturday to help us plan our next steps in our ongoing struggle for Justice for TJ, Gail, her Family and supporters.
By Ray Jackson ISJA Inc 7 October 05
For further details contact Ray Jackson (02) 9318 0947, 0415 858 264, or email isja01@bigpond.net.au.
Related:
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Refutethelies
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OUR STORIES MUST BE TOLD. THEY HAVE TO BE
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Whitewash over Hickey's death
The New South Wales coroner has cleared police of any responsibility for the death of Aboriginal teenager Thomas 'TJ' Hickey.
Redfern police need education not weapons
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Carr defends Redfern riot fallout
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The Young Man From Kamilaroi
On Monday, 5 July 2004, the Hickey Family and their supporters will come together in the Glebe Coroners Court with the Redfern Police, the same police, specifically unknown at this time, who pursued the Young Man to his death by impalement.
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Riot in Redfern over death in custody
The reported claim that 50 police were injured during rioting in Redfern over a death in custody is nothing more than a counter claim required to balance the argument that Thomas Hickey wasn't chased to his death by police.
Redfern police 'need to be made accountable'
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"If I Could Turn Back Time" Daily Terror, CH/7
THE real cause of last month's violent Redfern riots was the death of teenager Thomas "TJ" Hickey but perhaps only one element of the racism, harassment and bullying by the New South Wales police force and in this case Redfern police at the Block.
Was Thomas Hickey payback?
Yesterday it was alleged police faced a potentially deadly confrontation with locals of a redfern housing block last week when a gun was grabbed from an officer's holster and held to his stomach.
TJ HICKEY MEMORIAL MARCH AND VIGIL
Gather at the Block at 9am March to Phillip Street Redfern, "Turanga Block" vigial at site of "TJ's" death. March to Redfern Police Station to leave list of demands regarding the enquiries into his death.
