Ray Jackson, Sydney
In reply to written requests to our new premier Morris Iemma and our new minister for Aboriginal affairs Milton Oskopoulos, sent on August 15, the Indigenous Social Justice Association was contacted by the chief of staff of the minister's office, Nathan Rees, to arrange a meeting. On September 28, Rees met with the ISJA, accompanied by Warwick Neilley from the premier's office.
They first made it clear that neither they, nor any other member of their offices, would attend the public meeting on October 8, called to plan actions to obtain justice for TJ Hickey. The new premier and minister were invited in the hope that, with premier Bob Carr's retirement, some real justice may now occur. The minister had publicly stated that he wanted to meet Aboriginal people in NSW communities, but according to Rees this community was not one of them.
We sought their opinion on the call to have the Hickey inquest 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."
They then moved to their own agenda — to find an organisation that would remove Mick Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) and then work with the government on solving the issues in the Block (in Redfern).
Their offer was totally rejected. The ISJA 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.
Our 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!
For further details about the ongoing struggle for justice for TJ and Gail, her family and supporters, phone Ray Jackson at (02) 9318 0947 or 0415 858 264, or email <ISJA01@bigpond.net.au>.
From Green Left Weekly, October 12, 2005.
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