`Legislative racism' condemned

By Laura Bahnisch

LAUNCESTON -- At a forum entitled “Australia -- A Racist Culture”, held at the University of Tasmania, Michael Mansell described the proposed Mabo legislation as “legislative racism”.

The September 9 forum was attended by more than 300 people. Jim Everett chaired the meeting. The speakers were Robert Bropho, Gough Whitlam and Michael Mansell. Hal Wootten was unable to speak due to illness. The meeting was organised by Riawunna, the Aboriginal Students' Unit.

Robert Bropho, involved in the Perth Swan Brewery campaign, spoke of his people's struggle for land rights and their support for Tasmanian Aborigines. He pointed out that Aboriginal spirituality with land was usually ignored in the debate. He said, “Paul Keating doesn't give a damn about Aboriginal rights”.

Gough Whitlam gave a long-winded historical view on how the federal government can intervene on Aboriginal issues. He told the audience to support Keating, advice that was not well received.

Michael Mansell explained that the proposed legislation “is discriminatory in itself”, as it extinguishes all native title. The federal government is suspending the Racial Discrimination Act for the purpose of the legislation.

“This is legislative racism that is surely getting close to the legislative racism we have all fought in South Africa”, he said.

Mansell urged people to campaign against the proposed legislation by writing letters to politicians and newspapers and to support the Tasmanian Aborigines' claim on Woolnorth.

“Until such a time as our rights as a people are recognised in this country, there can be no justice”, he said.

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