Indigenous resistance rally

By Jonathan Strauss

SYDNEY -- A quickly organised Indigenous Resistance Rally attracted more than 1000 people to Hyde Park on August 18.

The rally called for a strong and unified stand against the Howard government's attacks, the cuts to education and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission programs in particular.

Jack Beetson, director of studies at Tranby Aboriginal College, told the rally that Howard was making broader unity possible by setting the stage for a common campaign by indigenous and other Australians against cutbacks to public services and living standards.

Other speakers included Jenny Munro, Murandoo Yanner, Daryl Melham (ALP spokesperson on Aboriginal Affairs) and community activists. The event also featured musical performances, including songs from Kev Carmody, and Leroy and Marlene Cummings.

Rally organiser Grant Saunders told Green Left Weekly that he thought the event had "turned out just as we wanted it to. With high-profile figures there, it was an opportunity for voices from the grassroots level to be heard, and to show our talents, given that some of the first cuts are to arts and cultural programs."

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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