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Racism on show in the Australian Senate

Senator Lidia Thorpe addressed the Senate today on the subject of the newly amended National Radioactive Waste Bill.

”…We need a new approach –  unequivocal rejection of this fundamentally flawed and deeply disrespectful Bill.

How can Labor acknowledge the traditional owners when you can support a Bill that will destroy women’s sacred sites? Labor you should stand up and vote this Bill down along with us”

Senator Thorpe spoke passionately and eloquently, explaining First Nation people’s stromg opposition to the planned nuclear waste dump.

And whaddya know – from the Gallery yelled an old white man, a Member of the House ofrReps, but not a member of this Chamber. Yes, Rowan Ramsey MP, yelled ”Bullshit”.

Just as well the Hon Ramsey is a white man, confronting a black woman. Otherwise, if it were the other way round, you can bet your boots that the interjector would have been expelled from the Gallery.

And here’s some of what Senator Thorpe said (inexact transcript):

” Greens speak up for the Barngarla people, oppose this Bill.   The clearly expressed opposition of Aboriginal people.  They strongly oppose the Wallerberdina site, and need to protect that sacred women’s site.  Today’s proposed amendment again paves way for radioactive dump on  this sacred site. The amendment puts all 3 sites back on the table.  None of these sites have the consent of the traditional owners. None of these traditional owners want their sacred sites degraded.The ”community” consent was conducted on the basis that only rate-payers could vote.  The Barngarla Aboriginal Corporation  commissioned an independent company to conduct a ballot, with the result – unanimous opposition.

Labor – you’re agreeing with the amendment so that the traditional owners can fight this plan in court. Is Labor going to pay for their lagal action? Stop pretending that you’re here for the first people in this country.  We say NO and we will continue to fight against the destruction of our country. Radioactive waste is something that will outlast you and this Parliament………We need a new pproach –  unequivocal rejection of this fundamentally flawed and deeply disrespectful Bill. How can Labor acknowledge the traditional owners when you can support a Bill that will destroy womeb’s sacred sites. Labor you should stand up and vote this Bill down along with us.

June 22, 2021 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized