BY ZANNY BEGG
SYDNEY — While the eyes of the world are on Sydney during the Olympic Games, progressive activists are gearing up for a series of protests to highlight the Australian government's abysmal human rights record. The focus of most of the actions will be on indigenous rights.
Over the last few months there has been an enormous amount of discussion between indigenous leaders and among anti-racism activists about how these protests should be organised, and by whom. The result is several focal points for protests and other activities.
Sydney's Metropolitan Land Council will be hosting a cultural pavilion inside the Olympic venue and a festival in Redfern from September 10 to October 1. From September 10 to 14, before the Olympics begin, the MLC will be holding a series of protests along the route from the airport to the city.
On September 15, starting at 10am, there will be a rally at Redfern Oval to coincide with the Olympics opening ceremony. Participants will march to NSW Parliament House and then on to Prime Minister John Howard's office in the city centre. The MLC is also holding protest actions held on September 22 and 29.
The Aboriginal Peacekeeping Tent Embassy will be continuing in Victoria Park (next to Sydney University) and there will be a rally in the park on September 15 at 10am, coordinated by the Tent Embassy. A decision will be made by those at the rally about whether or not to then hold a march.
The bulk of people coming to Sydney after the September 11 protest against the World Economic Forum in Melbourne have indicated they will be camping at the Tent Embassy. The embassy will also be coordinating a Corroboree for Sovereignty from September 14 to October 1.
Kevin Buzzacott, leader of the Lake Eyre peace walk, has established a base at Kurnell, the landing spot of Captain Cook, where he will be holding a ceremony during the Olympics period. Trevor Close from the United Githabal Aboriginal Nation is planning a "warrior protest" near the Homebush stadium.
The Anti-Olympic Alliance is organising an afternoon rally on September 15 at Strathfield railway station around the demand "Fund social justice, not the Olympics!". Participants may attempt to march to a park near the Homebush stadium, as well as a rally on September 17 in Martin Place.
The Refugee Action Collective is holding a protest for refugee rights on September 23, 1pm, in Parramatta's Church Street mall.
Green Left Weekly is hosting a public meeting on September 20 to be addressed by activists from a range of these organisations and initiatives discussing how to win justice for indigenous people in Australia. The forum will be an important opportunity assess the anti-racism actions held during the Olympics period.
Join the protests against racism!