We have a voice
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We have a voice 〰️
About us
Uncle Owen Whyman, a Paakindji man from Wilcannia, has started the first political party in Australia that really cares about Indigenous people: the Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia.
This is a grassroots party providing all Australians an alternative to the main Parties.
Uncle Owen says “While other political parties appear to be sympathetic to Indigenous concerns, not much ever changes. Indigenous incarceration rates are still through the roof, the highest in the world for a colonised peoples, children are still being taken from their families at an alarming rate, creating a second wave of the stolen generation and we want to see Indigenous control of Indigenous school education, particularly for school refusers. The Baaka and other rivers are a complete mess as nature has been pushed out of the picture and culture is ignored and sacred sites are desecrated. All these issues and more, which concern Indigenous people, are what we wish to focus upon."
Our other policies include treaty and constitutional recognition now and more funding to prevent youth suicide.
The Indigenous Party of Australia will attempt to cover all the things that matter to Indigenous people. "We know getting our people into all the parliaments of Australia is a crucial step in solving all these problems." says Uncle Owen.
We need every Indigenous and non-Indigenous person who sympathises with these issues, and want more Indigenous voices in politics, to join our party.
“I am really concerned about the young people. So many do not like schools as schools often have no connection to their local Indigenous community“, says Laylah Al Saimary, Chairperson of the Indigenous Youth Education Conference, which had to be cancelled due to Covid 19. "They already think politics has nothing to do with them so we want them to know that somewhere in this wide brown land is a political party that actually cares about them, really and truly: the Indigenous Party of Australia", says Laylah.
“You can ask me more questions by emailing our volunteers at the indigenouspartyofaustralia@gmail.com or by ringing me,
Uncle Owen on: 0499 342 340
Please sign up today. It is free." says Uncle Owen.
Community ~Connection ~Country
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Community ~Connection ~Country 〰️
Introducing
Uncle Owen Whyman: First Senate candidate for NSW
Owen Whyman a proud Barkandji man, from Wilcannia, is the convenor of the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia.
An outspoken and active community leader for many years, it was the Baaka (Darling River) drying up and the devastating Menindee Lake fish disaster that spurred Uncle Owen into political action.
“Barka means ‘river, we are river people, I am a river man” When our river is in trouble, we all are in trouble.
As a cultural leader and respected elder in his community, Whyman has a held a plethora of leadership positions, including working for Western NSW Aboriginal Legal service and president for the Paroo National Park. Whyman was also youth mentor for a local school for disadvantaged kids that has since been shut down due to bureaucratic craziness.
Always eager to share Aboriginal culture and Traditional ways, Owen founded the dance group Barkindji Baaka Dance and Cultural Group where he continues 18 years of teaching traditional dance and digeridoo while mentoring the young people of Wilcannia and surrounds.
Holding a Diploma in Primary Healthcare, Whyman currently serves as deputy of the Mutawintji Board of Management and Land Council and is president of the Wilcannia AECE.
Having experienced firsthand many of the challenges, tragedies, and everyday struggles faced by his people, Uncle Owen is exceptionally qualified to speak to these concerns and believes the tide of understanding, regarding Indigenous issues in Australia, is turning, and intends for the Indigenous Party to propel these new attitudes into meaningful change.
Owen Whyman First Senate Candidate
NSW Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
*Eagle Arts and Vocational College had schools in Western Sydney, Kincumber, Broken Hill, and a small annex in Wilcannia, NSW, and was a haven for over 130 teenagers, who were thrown out onto the streets when the school was closed in 2018 by NSW Education and Standards Authority (NESA).
The matter was referred to the Anti-discrimination Board who after investigation declared the school closure by NESA was discriminatory on several counts. NESA did not attend a meeting called by the Anti-discrimination board and no further action could be taken by the board, resulting in 130 vulnerable teenagers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous having their only safe place for education and understanding ripped from them.
Did you know the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia has an Education Spokesperson?
Meet Gab McIntosh:
Gab is Education Spokesperson and one of the co-founders of the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia. Gab, who received an Order of Australia in 2007 for her work in education, is the retired principal of the alternative school Eagle Arts and Vocational College*.
Gab says the answer to the current education crisis is simple.
“Stop imposing unrealistic bureaucratic standards on school principals and start listening to their opinions. The decision makers need to start talking to the people who really understand schools; the teachers, parents, and kids themselves.
The NSW Education and Standards Authority (NESA) is one such authority imposing a ‘one rule fits all’ approach to all NSW schools, including those in, remote, isolated, and culturally unique First Nation communities.
As a principal of a school that catered to school refusers, Gab understands the need for creating a safe, flexible, and collaborative learning environment. Many of the pupils at the Eagle Arts College were Indigenous, had mental health issues, were victims of bullying in their previous schools and refused to attend mainstream school.
As with these pupils, not all children or teenagers fit into mainstream schooling so alternative schools are imperative to ensure these kids don’t miss out on an education altogether and the lifelong benefits this can bring.
Gab says, “Please close the NESA. The Standards Authority can easily override the plans of any principal with their one million rules, which have very little to do with teaching or creating an environment where kids actually want to learn.
This one size fits all authority over-loads teachers with irrelevant paperwork and completely ignores their professional opinion on most matters. The word of bureaucrats counts for more than the word of anyone in the classroom.
Gab says, “The answers to this mess are simpler than any bureaucrat would have you believe. Take the power away from the rule makers, the non-teachers and give it back to principals, teachers, parents, and kids too. Particularly give them the power to determine how much paperwork, or compliance, is actually needed so kids can learn.”
Lawrence Brooke
Second Senate Candidate NSW
Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
Introducing
Lawrence Brooke: Second Senate candidate for NSW
Lawrence, a proud Kamilaroi man, is a builder, running his own business, located in Newcastle, NSW.
Lawrence is a strong supporter of alternate education for Indigenous kids.
This election, Lawrence says one of the main issues for regional Australia is better management of our water resources. We need to save the Baaka ( Darling River) and all other water supplies in Australia.
Lionel Henaway
First Senate Candidate QLD
Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
Introducing
Lionel Henaway: 1st Senate candidate for QLD
Lionel grew up in the Ayr/Homehill area of North Queensland and is descended from the Birrigubba Juru Aboriginal people of that area. His ancestry also includes the proud South Sea Islanders who came to this country to work in and establish the rich cane industry in North Queensland. Lionel treasures his Aboriginal and South Sea Islander heritage and has been able to apply understanding and knowledge of his heritage to bridge the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Lionel grew up in a large Christian family 7 boys and 7 girls, Lionel's mum had a huge impact on the children's Christian heritage and Lionel is now a Pentecostal preacher
Lionel has been employed in various Government positions, including 12 years in the police force as one of the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers for which he awarded with the Assistant Commissioner’s Award in recognition of his achievements.
For the last eight years Lionel worked with "Murri Watch Brisbane" as Indigenous Watchhouse Support officer; an integral support for Police and the Community to prevent deaths in custody.
Lionel also does Indigenous Mentoring with the Wacol Corrections Centre assisting long-term serving clients prepare for release.
As a Pentecostal preacher Lionel continues to be involved in the establishment and progression of Christian churches in North Queensland and in the Brisbane the area. His own parish consists of a broad representation of Indigenous, non-Indigenous Australians, and Pacific Islanders.
Lionel’s professional career and personal life reflect his passion for an Australia that treasures positive race relations, breaks down barriers that Indigenous people face daily, while building strong local communities
Jenny-lee Carr
Second Senate Candidate QLD
Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
Introducing
Jenny-lee Carr : 2nd Senate candidate for QLD
Jenny-lee has worked in the health I industry since 2002, specifically in hospital and community settings in Aboriginal Medical Services and Mental Health. Currently studying Bachelor of Criminology and Justice with the main goal of helping to improve the issues of Justice for all First Nations People.
Located in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, Jennie-lee has a strong interest in justice for the community with children staying with the families, health issues for the community and mental health issues – especially suicide rates.
Jennie-lee’s connection to Country is from her mother’s side, with connection to Kunja and Barangun People.
Jennie-lee is currently employed in the Mental Health sector where she observes firsthand the issues facing our First Nations people. Although Closing of the Gap is in place there is still so much more that can be done. Jennie-lee believes the delivery of programs and incentives targeted at the First Nations community requires consultation and input from First Nations People themselves.
Jennie-lee says, “It is time for the Aboriginal Voice to be heard and I believe I have the ambition, focus and belief to make this happen.”
Derek Hardman
Candidate for Division of Parkes NSW
Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
Introducing
Derek Hardman – Candidate for Parkes
Derek is a proud Barkindji man from the federal seat of Parkes. Derek lives in Broken Hill and is CEO of the Barkindji Native Title group.
Derek has been a prolific leader and advocate for Aboriginal people for most of his adult life. An example of Derek’s down to earth, generous, and practical nature was demonstrated recently as Derek, with some other Indigenous Party executives organised the ‘Deliver-roo’ initiative during Covid lockdowns at Wilcannia. Food, especially, fresh food was difficult to obtain in remote NSW towns so Derek helped organise cultural hunts on Country and on-site meat processing, to feed the mob in Wilcannia.
Derek says this is a prime example of where Traditional ways can help all Australians while enhancing local Indigenous populations with knowledge, pride, and purpose.
Always someone who respected his elders, Hardman believes in leading the way for the younger generation; demonstrating that they can contribute in meaningful ways to make a better Australia for all Australians.
Derek is concerned about the rivers and all water ways, knowing that the well being of all communities in Parkes electorate depend on the health of the Baaka (Darling) and all waterways
Derek’s list is the rivers, environment, and community as his top priorities in this election. He says cultural heritage, housing and jobs are a close second, but without healthy waterways our communities may perish.
History in the making. Canberra here we come
History in the making. Canberra here we come
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History in the making. Canberra here we come History in the making. Canberra here we come 〰️
Brett Duroux
Candidate for Division of Page NSW
Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
Introducing
Brett Duroux – Candidate for Page
Brett Duroux is a proud Yaegl, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr man, a family man, living with his wife and kids in Coutts Crossing, in the Federal seat of Page. Brett worked at the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council and as the Chairperson of Gugiyn Balun Aboriginal Corporation.
Brett is a fantastic communicator, with genuine interest and concern for his community. Brett is campaigning to give his community a strong voice and leadership, and to promote respect for the land and to encourage unity and equality.
Even before becoming a candidate for The Indigenous party, Brett has been an outspoken leader in his community and now Brett is keen to use the platform of the Indigenous Party to raise awareness of the issues facing the Clarence Valley which are mirrored all over the country.
Brett will be calling for no coal seam gas exploration or mining in the Clarence Valley. “We need to protect our water, farmland and towns. Mining that puts our waterways and farmlands at risk needs to stop.”
Also high on Brett’s list of priorities are addressing unemployment and skills shortages by offering free TAFE courses. He believes this will also assist with the mental health crisis Page, and the rest of the country, are facing. To this end, Brett will also be calling for Indigenous Head Spaces, to redress the suicide and incarceration rate for Indigenous people which are at epidemic proportions.
With a vast history and knowledge of the mechanics of Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Brett will continue efforts to strengthen the relationships between Land Councils and Traditional Owners and encourage them to work together.
“What interests me is talking to people about their concerns and getting answers for them, and helping my community in any way I can,” he said.
“I believe in positive change for our community.
Jeff Lawson
Candidate for Division of Robertson NSW
Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia
Introducing:
Jeff Lawson – Candidate for Robertson
Jeff Lawson a proud Burramattagal man of the Dharug Nation, grew up in Mt Druitt, Western Sydney, and, as a descendant of Bungaree*, has strong cultural ties to the Central Coast.
Jeff walks in his ancestor’s footsteps opening communication and breaking down barriers between all Australians.
Very active in the community, Jeff, a Dharug Nation official, is the Indigenous Representative, and Mental First Aider for his employer, Busways, where Jeff is employed as a bus driver.
Jeff believes in action; he is a person that believes in speaking up for, and supporting, those in our community who may not have a voice, or the confidence, to speak up for themselves.
Jeff has seen firsthand the decline of mental health in the country and believes in getting back to community and healing by connection; to this end Jeff has initiated and regularly facilitates community groups supporting men in need.
Jeff strongly believes Local Aboriginal Land Councils need to work with local Traditional Owners when decisions are being made on their Country especially in matters involving land that is of significant cultural value. For example, the ridge line from Staples Lookout to Kariong. “This area must be preserved for future generations”.
*Bungaree became the first known Aboriginal person to circumnavigate Australia with Matthew Flinders and contribute to the mapping of the Australian coastline. He aided in the voyage with Flinders by communicating with local Indigenous tribes.