London protest for Aboriginal rights

London protest for Aboriginal rights

LONDON — In a March 26 "Sorry Book" protest outside the Australian High Commission, a group of Australians, including celebrities Mark Little, Kathy Lette, Jonathon Coleman and Peter Tatchell, and British human rights MP Jeremy Corbyn, called on the Australian government to face up to the past. Protestors and the public queued in the drizzle to write their apologies in the book.

Tatchell, a gay rights activist, said nothing could alter the past. "But ... admission of the wrongs done can, perhaps, be the beginning of reconciliation between Australians of all races, leading to the long overdue settlement of the just demands of the Aboriginal people for full land rights and compensation."

Germaine Greer and Rolf Harris both sent statements of apology, including a warning from Greer that Australians must show Prime Minister Howard that "Aborigine bashing" will not make him popular. Australian High Commissioner, Neal Blewitt, refused a request to sign the book and none of the staff at Australia House were permitted to sign.

The protest was organised by Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation — UK. The group can be contacted by phone at (0171) 924 9555.

From GLW issue 313