Sorry Day
BRISBANE — Around 2000 people walked across the Goodwill Bridge to a festival
in Musgrave Park to mark National Sorry Day 2002 on May 26, condemning
past governmentsÂ’ forcible removal of Indigenous children from their parents.
Leading Aboriginal activist and author Sam Watson led the walk. He said
it was critical that National Sorry Day continued and had non-indigenous
people supporting it.
Occupiers face court
Forty six students escaped a criminal conviction on May 29 at the Melbourne
Magistrates Court. They were among 70 who occupied the Melbourne University
administration building in April last year, in a protest against Melbourne
University Private. The students have been ordered to perform voluntary
work for Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria. They must also apologise to
Melbourne University staff, and thank the police for suggesting the diversion
program.
Wearing politics on your sleeve.
PERTH — Murdoch University wore its politics on its sleeves on May 28,
when Resistance organised a stunt action asking students and staff to wear
a red armband in support of refugeesÂ’ rights. By lunch time the armbands
were clearly visible on the arms of many lecturers, administration staff
and students on campus.
Peace vigil for India and Pakistan
SYDNEY — A dozen peace activists held a vigil on May 29 in response to
the threat of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan over the disputed
territory of Kashmir. The vigil, organised by Friends of the Earth, People
for Nuclear Disarmament and Australian Anti-Bases Coalition, began in front
of the Indian consulate and then proceeded to the Pakistani consulate.
