From Hiroshima to Jabiluka

August 13, 1998
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From Hiroshima to Jabiluka

Peace and anti-nuclear activists commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the US nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Japan, with marches and rallies which focused on Energy Resources of Australia's planned uranium mine at Jabiluka in Kakadu National Park.

In Sydney, reports Lachlan Malloch, despite appalling weather and the formal cancellation of the rally, about 300 people gathered at Hyde Park and marched to the ERA office at Circular Quay on August 8.

The rally, jointly organised by the Hiroshima Day Committee and the Sydney Jabiluka Action Group (JAG), was addressed by Adam Spencer from Triple J radio and Good News Week; NSW Greens MLA Ian Cohen; Sam Wainwright from the Democratic Socialists; Erin Killion from Resistance; Bruce Cornwall from the Hiroshima Day Committee; and others.

A few activists spoke about their experiences at the mine site blockade, including the brutality of the NT police.

Killion emphasised the racist nature of mining uranium at Jabiluka and the connections between the Howard government's efforts to extinguish native title and the lack of control the Mirrar people have over their land.

At the end of the rally, the participants resolving to hold another rally two weeks later.

Kim Bullimore reports from Canberra that around 300 people attended a "From Hiroshima to Jabiluka — stop the Jabiluka mine" rally on August 8.

Speakers included Yvonne Francis from the Nuclear Disarmament Party; Sue Bull from the Democratic Socialists; the ACT Greens' Kerrie Tucker; and Aboriginal activists Kevin Buzzacott, Joan Whitfield and Clarrie Issacs. Buzzacott described the impact of uranium mining on traditional lands, and Whitfield highlighted the horrors her people had suffered from nuclear testing at Maralinga.

The rally marched to Mining Industry House chanting, "Export Howard, not uranium" and "Land rights yes, uranium no, Jabiluka mine has got to go".

The ACT JAG will hold a benefit concert on August 12 to assist activists arrested at the blockade. For more information, contact JAG on (02) 6247 2424.

From Brisbane, Bill Mason reports that a rally and candlelight procession through the city took place on August 6. The event was sponsored by Rally for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament.

"Despite mounting evidence documenting the tragic legacy resulting from nuclear energy, the nuclear menace continues to be fed by the mining of uranium. Unfortunately, Australian mines are contributing to the stockpile of uranium ore", a letter publicising the rally noted.

Rally chairperson Dita Peterson introduced speakers, including Aboriginal leader Leila Watson and Jenny Tannoch-Bland from Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation.

A representative of Brisbane JAG called for stronger opposition to the Jabiluka mine and urged people to attend the JAG rally and march on Nagasaki Day, August 9.

Patrick O'Keeffe and Sam King report that 400 people hit the streets of Adelaide to show their outrage at the Jabiluka mine. The crowd, blowing whistles, chanting loudly and beating drums, marched to Parliament House. Resistance member Arrow Tong addressed the rally on the need to act now to stop the mine rather waiting for the result of the next federal election.

Jillian Marsh from the Adnyamathanha people spoke against the Beverly uranium mine in SA. Steven Spence from the United Trades and Labor Council also spoke.

From Hobart, Kamala Emanuel reports that 200 people participated in a rally at Parliament Lawns on August 8. The rally was organised by Everyone for a Nuclear Free Future (ENuFF) and featured speakers from Health Professionals for Global Responsibility, Resistance, the Greens, an activist who had been arrested at the Jabiluka blockade and a Japanese anti-nuclear campaigner and member of ENuFF who has recently returned from Hiroshima.

The docking in Hobart of a nuclear powered US warship, which had left that morning, gave the rally particular significance. A 30-metre long banner demanding a "Nuclear-free Pacific" featured prominently.

Mat Munro, ENuFF spokesperson and Democratic Socialist candidate for the seat of Denison in the state election, pointed to the need to build a campaign independent of both major parties to get Australia out of the nuclear cycle.

Secondary student Resistance activist Amelia Jones explained the racist nature of the Jabiluka mine and urged participants to join the protest rally against racism on August 28.

Activists in Newcastle report that the Hiroshima Day protest was postponed to August 22 due to stormy weather. Final details will be worked out at the JAG meeting on August 10. Contact (02) 4926 5328 for more information.

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