Problems with parole in Victoria, Non-binary + women of colour caucus, Premier's Iftar boycott, Community sector workers for Palestine, Yoorrook inquiry on economic prosperity

Acknowledgement of Country//

News/Headlines//

Karen Fletcher - Flat Out

Karen Fletcher, Executive Officer of Flat Out, joins us to discuss Victoria’s parole system, unpacking issues with the opaque parole application process and the compounding impact that stringent preconditions have on successful outcomes for people who are incarcerated in the state of Victoria. This interview occurs in the wake of a decision made at the directions hearing into the death in custody of Yamatji, Noongar, Wongi and Pitjantjatjara woman Heather Calgaret's in Sunshine Hospital in November 2021 while she was incarcerated at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. The directions hearing established that Victoria’s parole system will be under scrutiny as part of the coronial inquest into Ms Calgaret’s death, which will commence on April 29, 2024. Read the media release issued by Ms Calgaret's legal team at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service here.//

Huong - NBWOC Caucus

Huong will chat to us about the Non-Binary + WOC caucus happening today from 6pm - 9pm. The caucus will focus on experiences of participating in activism and politics and state ''come with an intention to get cosy and, with your wildest dreams for a more just world.'' Our interview will discuss power sharing and marginilisation within social movements, and what it means to be in struggle with one another.//

Mohammad Helmy - Premier's Iftar Boycott

Community organiser Mohammad Helmy speaks with us about the development of an open letter from a wide range of individuals and organisations in Victoria's Muslim community to boycott this year's Premier's Iftar in the face of Victorian Government inaction in response to Israel's genocidal siege on Gaza. As of yesterday, there have been widespread calls within the Victorian and New South Wales Muslim communities to boycott both Labor Party Premiers' Ramadan events, and prominent organisations including the Australian National Imams Council and Islamic Council of Victoria have both publicly declined to attend.//

Monica - ASU4Palestine

Monica is a unionist and member of ASU4Palestine and has worked in community and social services coming up to 10 years. Monica speaks to us about how ASU members working in Social and Community Services took unprotected industrial action and walked out of work for Palestine last Thursday 22nd at 1pm. Workers walked off the job and protested outside the Victorian Council of Social Service to demand peak bodies and workplaces break their silence, many who claim to be human rights and social justice focused, but who have largely remained silent about the genocide. [open letter] //

Commissioner Travis Lovett - Yoorrook

On the 14th February 2024, Victoria’s truth telling commission ‘Yoorrook’ released an issues paper investigating systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in economic life. Today we are joined by Kerrupmara Gunditjmara Traditional Owner and Yoorook Justice Commissioner Travis Lovett to discuss historic and current economic injustices experienced by First Nations people in so-called Australia, and some of the ways the Commission seeks to identify solutions. Commissioner Lovett maintains a strong connection with his Community and culture, and holds a deep knowledge of the history of First Peoples in Victoria.You can submit to the Yoorrook Justice Commission here.//

Coronial Inquest #JusticeforWalker 

Importantly, Coronial Inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker continues today at 10:30am AEST. Where counsel for the other parties will cross examine Rolfe until Friday. We extend our love and care to Kumanjayi's families. You can show support and bear witness through the livestream, and follow Justice for Walker + twitter, and Dhadjowa will also be tweeting during the inquest.//

Support

13 Yarn on 13 92 76 and YarningSafenStrong on 1800 959 563 are available to mob 24/7 today and always. 

SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251 is available to everyone 24/7 for support.//