Archives: Winter 2000

PC SAYS MEASURE YOUR PERFORMANCE
HAVEN OR HELL?...REFUGEES AND THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
KURDISH SPEAK FREE IN W.A.
MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU - FINDING SOURCES FOR YOUR PROGRAMMING
CORROBOREE 2000

PC SAYS MEASURE YOUR PERFORMANCE

Last year, the Commonwealth government asked the Productivity Commission (PC) to hold an inquiry into broadcasting legislation - including community broadcasting. The PC's final report has now been handed to the government. It contains recommendations that could have a significant impact on the development of community broadcasting and broadcasting in general.

The PC made recommendations that would establish a regular review of community broadcasting licences, introduce on-going competition for community licences and was silent on the right of existing community broadcasters to transfer to digital. Across broadcasting as a whole, the PC has recommended increased competition through allowing broadcasting licences to got to the highest bidder.

The PC's terms of reference asked it to, 'advise on practical courses of action to improve competition, efficiency and the interests of consumers in broadcasting services'. The PC's role is to recommend ways to implement the government's commitment to competition policy, which assumes it is desirable that competition should govern all our endeavours (unless there are very good social or cultural reasons not to).

Community Broadcasting

One of the most positive aspects of the PC report is that it recognises community broadcasting as the third tier of broadcasting, that allows for participation in broadcasting by the community, and that provides broadcasting of interest to local communities. The report makes a number of recommendations in relation to community broadcasting.

Community Licences

The PC (recommendation 8.2) recommends that community broadcasters licences should be evaluated every 5 years prior to being renewed to see if they have met the objectives of the licence. It goes on to say, 'the licence should be offered for re-allocation if a licensee has not succeeded in meeting its objectives'. Although time consuming and bureaucratic, this recommendation has some merit if it reinforces the need for broadcasters to be run for, and programmed by, the community.

The PC however goes on to recommend 'the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) should review the allocation of each community broadcasting licence every 10 years'. (recommendation 8.3). The PC has made this recommendation to introduce some 'contestability' into community broadcasting where 'potential entrants may be able to perform better than incumbent (broadcasters)'.

This means that a community broadcaster who has been around for 10 or 20 years, who has established a broadcasting infrastructure and community participation, might have their licence handed over to an aspirant broadcaster. All that infrastructure and work would be lost and a new aspirant would have to start from scratch. According to the PC this would be because the ABA decides the aspirant 'would best fulfil the community needs.'

Such a policy would be time consuming, costly, raise community anxiety and conflicts, undermine the values of community participation and be a waste of valuable community infrastructure. Without increased funding the already stretched ABA would not be able to under- take these recommendations.

Economic Value of Community Broadcasting

Just as worrying, the PC is recommending that an economic valuation be made of the spectrum allocated to community broadcasting. Given recent developments in Sydney where a FM radio licence was bought from the government for $155 million we could end up with a claim that community broadcasting is sitting on billions of dollars worth of broadcasting spectrum and that this is an enormous subsidy to community broadcasters. Instead we should be asserting the right of the community to have access to our broadcasting spectrum.

This is a one sided measure that makes no attempt (because it is too difficult) to value the contribution made by community broadcasters to the community. The provision of information, community building, skills development and diversity of culture, views and entertainment, are not [and cannot be] set against this economic measure. Adoption of such a recommendation would lead, over time, to an increasing 'economic' view of community broadcasting and, inevitably, competition from the commercial sector for our licences.

Digital

The PC fails to support the right of all existing broadcasters to migrate to digital broadcasting. For commercial broadcasters, the PC want all digital licences to be sold to the highest bidder. They remain silent on the right of community broadcasters to transfer to the digital spectrum. If community broadcasters do not have this right, they may end up languishing on an outdated FM spectrum.

Indigenous Broadcasters

On the positive side, the PC recommends the establishment of an indigenous broadcasting licence category and recommends investigating the establishment of a National Indigenous Broadcasting Service. The NEMBC fully supports this recognition of the broadcasting needs of indigenous communities and calls on the government to provide the funds to make it a dynamic and viable broadcasting sector.

Other Issues

The NEMBC fears the recommendations to remove foreign and cross media ownership restrictions would further undermine our Australian cultural identity and create an even greater concentration of media ownership. The report also recommends a reduction to Australia content quotas and further reviews of these quotas.

NEMBC's View

The NEMBC will lobby the government to recognise the intrinsic right of the community to have access to their broadcasting spectrum through the community broadcasting sector. We want the government to recognise and support the contribution made by community broadcasting to local Australian content and the development of a harmonious, culturally and linguistically diverse Australia. To achieve these goals the sector needs stability and guaranteed access to digital broadcasting.

Bruce Francis, NEMBC Executive Officer

Back to top

HAVEN OR HELL?...REFUGEES AND THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Undoubtedly one of the most significant and challenging refugee issues for the Australian Government in the last nine months has been how to respond to the spate of boat arrivals. Until mid 1999 most asylum seekers came to this country by plane, with valid documents that allowed them to remain in the community while their claims for refugee status were assessed.

Since the middle of last year we have seen a marked shift in this trend. Australia is the destination for a planned movement of people out of the Middle East, mainly from Iraq and Afghanistan. They are not coming directly from these countries, however, but from countries of first asylum (usually Iran and Pakistan) where asylum is breaking down. Australia is not the only destination for this movement - in fact 34,000 Iraqis sought asylum in Europe in 1999 - but the movement here has resulted in a marked shift in the asylum profile.

It is anticipated that some 5,000 people will arrive this financial year by boat - approximately half of all asylum seekers. It is probable that the vast majority (more than 90%) will be granted refugee status. As all unauthorised entrants are subject to mandatory, non-reviewable detention, the numbers in immigration detention centres have subsequently skyrocketed. As at 11 May, there were 3,652 people in immigration detention. The recent Budget announced that 2 additional detention centres would be established in Darwin and Brisbane.

Because the Government has numerically linked the onshore and offshore refugee programs, a move, which has been long opposed by the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), the substantial increase in the number of onshore grants will mean a commensurate reduction in the number of visas granted to refugees and humanitarian entrants. The linkage not only confuses voluntary contribution with international obligation, but also creates tension within and between ethnic communities.

Within Australia all unauthorised arrivals arriving after 20 October 1999, who are found to be refugees, are no longer granted permanent residence. Instead they are being given 3 year temporary protection visas (TPVs) that require them to reapply for refugee status in 3 years. TPV status gives them permission to work and access to Medicare, but limits them to Special Benefits rather than the full range of Centrelink payments. It denies them access to most DIMA settlement services, does not entitle them to the free English classes refugees can normally access, does not guarantee re-entry if they leave Australia and denies them family reunion rights.

The RCOA is strongly opposed to the position of the Government on this issue and has found that the TPVs have been creating massive problems for the refugees. They have also created problems for the services who are either having to support them 'surreptitiously' or use other funding to do so.

In another recent development, Operation Safe Haven ended with the coerced return of approximately 130 Kosovars and the fate of a further 200+ Kosovars hanging in the balance. Despite repeated requests from many groups, the Minister refused to lift the legislative barrier to allow all the remaining Kosovars to apply for refugee status.

As a peak national organisation representing refugee issues, the Refugee Council of Australia welcomes the opportunity to further discuss these issues with ethnic broadcasters.

Margaret Piper
Executive Director, Refugee Council of Australia
(02) 9660 5300 Email: rcoa@cia.com.au

Back to top

KURDISH SPEAK FREE IN W.A.

Madhi M. Kalka is a Kurdish Journalist from Iraqi Kurdistan. Madhi came to Australia with his family 18 months ago as a refugee and is an Australian resident. He is a broadcaster on 6EBA and spoke at the NEMBC National Conference, held in Perth in December 1999

'Our area is mountainous and impassable even though there are plains too. This natural environment is reflected in the qualities of the Kurdish culture and people. These qualities make us strong enough to preserve our identity within the dominant surrounding Islamic, Arabic and Persian cultures. Despite these cultures being supported by powerful governments, the Kurds have been able to survive and to preserve our autonomy and national identity because of our physical isolation in the mountains.

In Western Australia, the Kurdish community numbers about 400. These people originate from Iran, Turkey, Syria and Iraq. All of them speak or understand Kurdish. We don't all know each other, but because of our radio program, we are now able to communicate with each other. We also feel that we are now more connected or bonded to Australia, our new country.

I feel this Kurdish program strengthens and consolidates Australia as a nation and it contributes to the integration of all the peoples of Australia. What I see is that Kurdish culture is mixing itself with the cultures of other people and growing in a natural way, and it flourishes in a democratic atmosphere. This has been the first time for me to talk freely in my life and to talk to my children and the Kurdish people without fear of retribution.

So now we talk about our artists and writers and we talk to the children about folk stories and anecdotes. We talk about our language and its properties, we talk about our mountains, rivers, towns and about our historic personalities. I've realised that Australia is proud of its people because it planted in them the trust, love and the potential to give to, and accept from, other cultures and civilisations.'

Back to top

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU - FINDING SOURCES FOR YOUR PROGRAMMING

Putting together an informed and interesting program relies on good research. Below are some suggestions of where you might find information for your program.

Print Media

Read ethnic, local and daily papers as well as newsletters from community groups. It is good to have a contact to ask for further information on a story that might interest you.

Other radio stations and television programs

Once again, try and find a contact who will pass you on phone numbers etc.

People

People can be one of your best resources - get to know your local community and welfare groups as well as neighbourhood centres, Migrant Resource Centres and other migrant, ethnic and community groups.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

The ABS publish pamphlets and have regular press releases. You can access their files at libraries. You can also access them through the Internet at www.abs.gov.au

Internet based news groups and World Wide Web sites

There are many news services on the Web including the NEMBC Ethnic News Digest www.nembc.org.au/news, the ABC, www.abc.net.au and home country news sources.

Mailing Lists

Make sure you are on the mailing and media release lists for any relevant groups and government departments. Be aware of bias in media releases - don't treat them as fact!

Libraries

Libraries are a wealth of information - ask a librarian to assist you with their databases. As well as books, you can find journals, magazines, videos and sometimes cassettes, CD's and microfilm records. Archival information is also available.

Legal Information

For legal information try community legal services, Legal Aid and lawyers. Also try ombudsman reports and inquiries, tribunals and coroner's reports. There are also specific legal services committed to indigenous people, youth, women, and people with psychiatric conditions.

Universities

University lecturers, departments and groups can provide expert opinions, as can representatives from colleges and TAFE.

Other Sources...

Other good sources of information include public forums, lectures & discussions groups, peak bodies such as FECCA, Refugee Council of Australia, your state's Ethnic Communities Council, and special interest organisations like Migrant Resource Centres and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

When approaching anyone for information, have a written copy of your request for them to look over at a later date. You can fax or e-mail information to them to follow up a phone call. This is good when trying to get help from busy people.

Politicians

Expect to have to deal with media liaison officers when approaching politicians - you may have to chase them up but it is their job to assist you.

Back to top

CORROBOREE 2000

Corroboree 2000 was held in Sydney at the Opera House on Saturday 27 May. It was the largest gathering of Indigenous, State and National leaders the nation has seen.

The Chairperson of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Evelyn Scott, presented The Document Towards Reconciliation to governments, community leaders and the people of the nation saying that 'The document is a light to show us the path towards the resolution of our national conscience'.

The document consists of two elements. The first, Corroboree 2000 Towards Reconciliation, includes the Australian Declaration Towards Reconciliation, an aspirational statement that the Council for Reconciliation hopes all Australians will support. The second, A Roadmap for Reconciliation, sets out concise versions of the four strategies to advance reconciliation, including actions to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

But Ms Scott noted 'The Council can only light the way. I can not deliver the results. It is up to governments, industries and each one of us, to commit to finding the lighted path of lasting reconciliation.'

She said for more than fifty years she had watched indigenous people struggle for a fair go. 'The first fleet arrived on these shores in 1788 with the instruction to 'take possession of the continent with the consent of the natives', consent was not sought and never given' she said.

'Well-meaning Australians participated in taking children from their families, destroying indigenous languages and cultures, and banishing whole populations from their traditional lands. There is still discrimination, legal and social, against Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people'. But Ms Scott said she hoped Corroboree 2000 would be a landmark step on the long road to reconciliation.

NSW Premier Bob Carr warned 'Let us not today, or ever again, make mere symbolism a substitute for reality - the reality of the hard tasks ahead for us all on our long walk towards reconciliation'.

ATSIC Chairperson, Geoff Clark, sporting a black armband, demanded a formal treaty and recognition of the 'first peoples' in the Constitution. He issued an 11th hour challenge to the Prime Minister. 'As I make way for you on this podium Prime Minister, I invite you - no, I challenge you - not to speak about what you have decided for us, but what you will decide with us' Mr Clark said. 'Just one small step for you, Prime Minister, can be a giant step forward for the nation. This moment could be the turning point in history.'

Amid loud protests from the audience, the Prime Minister responded by saying 'people should focus on the things they had in common, rather than their differences'.

For the Prime Minister, there were few accolades. Many people in the audience, inside and outside the Opera House, turned their back on him. When the Prime Minister spoke, 'Say sorry' was shouted again and again from the audience.

On the following Sunday, the historic Walk For Reconciliation across the Sydney Harbour Bridge was held. This was been the biggest rally I have ever attended in Australia, with more than 250 000 people from all walks of life, marching united for reconciliation.

As expected, the Prime Minister was absent from this historic event. The official government representatives were Aboriginal Affairs Minister, John Herron, and Immigration Minister, Philip Ruddock.

By choosing not to walk, the Prime Minister made a statement every bit as political and every bit as resounding as the statement he would have made by walking.

Marching with us across the bridge was Opposition Leader Kim Beazley who said that 'Labor would support a treaty and an apology to the stolen generations'.

The power of the people's movement and the growing support and partnerships between community, business and indigenous peoples, will ensure that this time there is more than token action on reconciliation. The new spirit of reconciliation will lead the nation to the healing and unity it requires. Reconciliation is not an isolated event, but part of the fabric of this nation.