Aboriginal protesters confront Premier
Premier Colin Barnett was shoved after he spoke to a rally of more than 500 people protesting the closure of remote Aboriginal communities and deaths in custody.
Amid fiery scenes at Parliament House, Mr Barnett was shouted down and booed during a speech in which he asked Aboriginal people and their supporters to “put yourselves in my shoes”.
“As you know, there are 273 remote Aboriginal communities in WA. And for people who wish to live on their traditional lands and preserve their culture, their art, good on you. Good on you.
Mr Barnett was shouted down and booed during the protest. Picture: Bill Hatto/The West Australian
“My issue – and it’s your issue as much as mine, probably more yours than mine – is how can we ensure that boys and girls go to school, how can we ensure they are safe, and can we reduce alcohol and drug usage.
“I would be failing you as the Premier of this State if ignored those issues. You might not like me for that, but I will not resile from that.
“And I ask you, as Aboriginal people and as leaders of your community, to work with me and work with the government to improve the lifestyle and opportunities for Aboriginal people.
A protester makes her voice heard in a rally against the closure of remote Aboriginal communities and deaths in custody. Picture: Bill Hatto/ The West Australian
“That is the problem we share. Are you up to it? I hope you are, because there is an historic opportunity to improve the condition and opportunities for Aboriginal people.”
Protester reaction
The rally heard from speakers including Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive Dennis Eggington, Opposition Leader Mark McGowan, Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer and Greens MLC Robin Chapple.
After the rally, Mr Eggington said the rally had one purpose: “to send a strong message” to Government that closing communities and moving people off their traditional land wasn’t acceptable in 1820 and it’s not acceptable now.”
“They’ve still go their chance to change their mind and reverse the decision,” he said.
Mr Eggington criticised the Premier’s speech.
“He didn’t endear himself to the crowd, he could have done a better job that blaming us for the situation we’re in and saying we have to be saved from ourselves,” he said.
A protester at the rally against the closure of remote Aboriginal communitie. Picture: Bill Hatto/The West Australian
“To walk in his shoes, golly. I think most Aboriginal people, if not all of us, felt quite offended. I don’t think the Premier deliberately meant to offend but that’s the way it came across, and he’s got to wear that.”
Mr Eggington said he did not see the protester shove Mr Barnett.
“If that is the case, that’s very disappointing because the organisers stressed it would be a peaceful protest,” he said.
“If you look at the large numbers, in the hundreds, that there was no real trouble was a credit to those people.”
It is believed that no arrests were made.
Regional protests
About 500 people also attended a protest in South Hedland
Protesters marched into the town square chanting “shame Abbott Shame, shame Barnett shame” and “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land”.
Elders and community members spoke passionately in the town square about their land – said closing the communities was “cultural genocide”
South Hedland protest against the potential closure of 150 remote Aboriginal communities. Picture: Heather McNeill.
A petition for the Federal Government was also signed.
Protests were also held in Newman, Roebourne, Tom Price and Broome.
