Kerrupjmara protest against neglect

By Ruth Robles

MELBOURNE -- During the early hours of June 28, 40 members of the Kerrupjmara Aboriginal community set up a tent embassy on the main street of Portland. Racism and neglect have driven them to take their concerns to the street, they say.

“We will stay until we get some real answers from the federal and state governments about the institutionalised racism and daily neglect faced by our community”, said Sandra Onus, an elder and spokesperson for the Kerrupjmara people. She also condemned the apathetic attitude of government departments and the city council.

The protesters are demanding the federal government conduct inquiries into racism and the lack of government assistance to their community.

The Kerrupjmara people are living in extreme poverty. Since 1980, they have been dependent on a $1.5 million out-of-court settlement with Alcoa over land rights. They have no health, housing, education or legal services. Their many community development submissions and job creation proposals sent to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Council have not been funded.

The local newspaper and the Portland mayor, Michael Noske, are unsympathetic. Councillor Noske described claims of racism as “ludicrous”. “I have no evidence in any of the dealings I have had with council officers to suggest a basic racist attitude ... or of any decisions made on racist grounds.”

The Kerrupjmara people are pressing on with their round-the-clock vigil. Despite some harassment, they have received overwhelming support from local Aborigines and non-Aboriginals. Supporters have come to the embassy from Warnambool and Hamilton.

The protesters need support. Anyone is welcome to join the embassy. For more information ring (055) 236 496.

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