jdmann@cdp.uucp (David Yarrow) (10/12/89)
/* Written 10:46 pm Oct 9, 1989 by aldis in cdp:gn.tribalsurvive */
/* ---------- "ABORIGINAL ARRESTS IN WEST AUST" ---------- */
In yet another attack on Australia's native people, the
West Australian State Government (Labor Party)i has used the police to
remove native protesters from a sacred religious site on which a
brewery (modern Australian sacred site!) had been built.
I do not know who currently owns the site, but for the
record, the beer barons exercise enormous influence in
Australia, one of them being President of the Liberal Party
(= US Republicans), and others being influential with the
Labor Party (=US Democrats). These parties are not to be
confused with the Australian Democrats, a small and fairly decent party.
Following are some extracts from an article in "The Australian"
newspaper for October 10th, 1989.
POLICE SMASH ABORIGINAL SIT-IN AT BREWERY
Police arrested 54 Aboriginal and white protesters yesterday in
a dawn raid on the site of the old Swan Brewery in Perth as part
of a 'clearing operation' for a $26 million redevelopment.
The demonstrators have been camped on the site for more than nine
months in aralian Government's controversial project.
The Aborigines claim the brewery is a sacred resting place of the
mythical Dreamtime rainbow serpent, Wagyl, and building unions
have been unwilling to work on the project.
At daybreak yesterday police moved in, dismantling crude
barricades and removing scores of protesters to allow the work
on the development to start.
Almost 200 protesters had gathered at the site. They linked arms
in a line, changed and screamed abuse at police.
The road next to the site -- a main link with Perth's centre --
was closed as the police moved in. Vans ferried those arrested
away from the confrontation.
The police action sparked an immediate response from the powerful
Construction Mining and Energy Workers Union, which immediately
enforced a work ban on the site.
The protesters have vowed to embark on demonstrations aimed at
the offices of the Premier, Mr Dowding, the Attorney-General, Mr
Berinson and the Minister for Planning, Mrs Beggs.
An Aboriginal protester, Mr Robert Bropho, said the "dawn
commando raid" by police was pathetic.
"They came there in a big mob, armed with batons and revolvers,
they came fully prepared to attack unarmed, nonviolent people.
"Aboriginal people should protest ... this cowardly attack
on defenceless women and children. What can Aboriginal people
do when the law breaks the law -- to be charged with trespassing
on a sacred site is ridiculous."
He said Aborigines were in danger of becoming a race of
people without a culture.
West Australian Democrat Senator Jean Jenkins said she was
sickened by scenes she had witnessed. "I will testify to
blatant racial and status discrimination as the arrests were
made -- I could not believe what was happening," she said.
***ACTION REQUESTED***
International pressure on the West Australian government
will be unexpected, and may be effective. Please write to:
Hon. Peter Dowding
Premier
Parliament House,
PERTH
WA 6000
AUSTRALIA
Hon. Pamela Beggs
Minister for Planning
Parliament House
PERTH
WA 6000
AUSTRALIA
Hon. Ian Taylor
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Parliament House
PERTH
WA 6000
AUSTRALIA
and, if you're feeling enthusiastic,
Hon. R.J.L Hawke
Prime Minister of Australia
Parliament House
CANBERRA
ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA
---
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