Black Peoples Union and Treaty | Federal Court dismisses age pension discrimination case

Monday, 21 August 2023 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm
The front of the 3CR building, with large dandelion murals and a neon sign which reads 3CR in block letters.

*Content Warning: This episode of Doin' Time contains audio images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died, and discussion of Deaths in Custody.


 First up on today's show, Marisa interviews Wani Wandian man, longtime activist, and President of the Black Peoples Union, Keiran Stewart-Assheton, who kicks off his interview with a brief explanation of the general aims and work of the BPU as a revolutionary political organisation, and their nonconservative NO campaign in regards to the Voice to Parliament.

 He goes on to discuss the history of the idea of an Aboriginal advisory committee as a Liberal Party initiative to further undermine First Nations people exercising their Sovereignty, the $25-27M in donations to the Yes23 campaign by mining companies and their affiliates, and the specific kind of Treaty the BPU aims toward... not one with a colonial government who only aims to divide and conquer and further oppress, ending the interview with words of hope.


 There continues to be a large gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, and yet the age of access to the age pension continues to discriminate against Aboriginal people.

 Next up on the show, Marisa speaks with Gunditjmara woman and VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher about the Federal Court of Australia, who has dismissed the legal challenge seeking fair and equal access to the age pension for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, failing to recognise this age pension discrimination. 

 She goes on to discuss the prevalence of chronic illness and overrepresentation in the criminal justice system for Aboriginal people, why she supports the Voice to Parliament, changing the culture of correctional services in Victoria, and more.


 Head to www.3cr.org.au/dointime for full access to links and previous podcasts.

Doin Time 4-5pm Mondays
Monday 4:00pm to 5:00pm
An open forum, presenting information and discussion around issues faced by prisoners in the criminal justice system and migration detention centres.

Presenter

Marisa

Topic