We wish to register our support for all efforts to raise concern about the extent of the new laws, notionally to combat terrorism. As activists in Aboriginal affairs, we have first-hand experience of just what these laws could do to prominent and outspoken advocates of our people.
When the 1988 bi-centenary celebrations were being planned, inside information from the NSW Police advised us that a list of "likely" terrorist organisations within the Aboriginal community had been prepared (and it was most probably duplicated in other states). There was no real threat, other than the massive media beat-up about Aboriginal plans for violence.
A group of Elders from Walgett went to Sydney that January 26, to participate in the non-violent demonstrations organised by the Aboriginal community, and when returning through Bathurst the bus they were surrounded by four to five police cars and many police who proceeded to search the bus and harass the driver and several younger passengers. When the driver protested to the local station commander he was told to get back in the bus and be thankful that they could move on.
This was only 17 years ago in a more peaceful time. We now view with extreme concern the laws that are about to be implemented. We feel that if these laws were in place in 1988 who knows how many of our community would have been incarcerated without charges and with no way of contacting them.
As the traditional owners of this land, an oppressed and disenfranchised people, we have the most to lose under such draconian legislation. We also question just what protection these laws will provide, and how will they be evaluated and monitored.
Chris Wilson From Green Left Weekly, October 26, 2005.
on behalf of Aboriginal Corporation Enterprising Services
Walgett, NSW
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