Vic: Aboriginal protesters expect confrontation

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2006
Vic: Aboriginal protesters expect confrontation

MELBOURNE, April 13 AAP - Aboriginal protesters camping in Melbourne's Kings Domain
say they expect a confrontation with police within hours, despite an intention to comply
with an order to to remove their tents and caravans.

The group, protesting under the banner of the Black GST has until 2pm (AEST) today
to pack up their camp, dubbed Camp Sovereignty. After this time, the camp will be in breach
of a municipal law.

The group of about 20 protesters has been at the site since March 12.

The Supreme Court earlier this week overruled an injunction that had prohibited their eviction.

Earlier today they removed some of their equipment and two tents, leaving several others
at the site.

"We're not going to let the coppers get our equipment, they will impound it," spokesman
Robbie Thorpe said.

"These are very moveable items we have here ... they're not permanent, it's only here
to protect our fire."

The group has lit what it says is a sacred fire, that is the subject of an order under
the Federal Cultural and Heritage Act to protect it for 30 days.

"The Supreme Court said we're allowed to keep our fire and because we've got to remove
some of our camping gear it doesn't mean we are moving," Mr Thorpe said.

Despite indicating a willingness to comply with the council order, Mr Thorpe said he
expected a confrontation with police at 2pm.

He also said the protest had succeeded in getting a message out.

"We've got our message out that Aboriginal people are still around despite 236 years
of trying to exterminate us, we're still here, we still want to practise our own law and
live in our own country," he said.

Mr Thorpe is calling for an interpretation centre to be built at the campsite, in particular
a traditional Aboriginal stone hut.

AAP dr/mh/mon/jlw

KEYWORD: TENT THORPE

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