Parliamentary gallery protest
By Sue Bull and Nikki Ulasowski
CANBERRA -- On November 25, as federal parliament began the second reading debate on the Native Title Amendment Act, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation organised a “Sea of Hands” on the parliament lawns. One thousand people planted the 100,000 coloured plastic hands.
In sweltering heat, 3000 people attended a lunchtime rally to hear speeches from representatives of opposition parties, the European Parliament and Aboriginal groups.
That evening in the public gallery, as National Senator Ron Boswell was about to speak, activists leapt to their feet, waved placards reading “Say No to the 10-point plan” and chanted “No, no to the racist bill”. As security guards tried to remove the protesters, others in the gallery applauded and chanted in support.
Three Democratic Socialist candidates for the ACT seat of Molonglo were involved in the action. Nick Soudakoff, speaking on behalf of the Democratic Socialists, said:
“Since the action, MPs have stated that it is undemocratic to heckle politicians from the gallery. But since ordinary people have no real say, it is not surprising that the protest gathered so much support. It is clear that there is major opposition to this racist bill. It is about time that the politicians were accountable to the people.”
A vigil has been called for 7pm, outside the main entrance of Parliament House, on the night that the Senate makes a final decision on the Native Title Amendment Act. Phone 02 6247 2424 for details.
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