Keepers of Lake Eyre:
Walking the Land- for Our Ancient Right
Media Release
5pm Monday June 19, 2000
South Australia
SUPREME COURT ACTS TO PROTECT
ARABUNNA GOING HOME CAMP
Western Mining Corporation (WMC) have failed in their court bid to have the
Arabunna Going Home camp, at Lake Eyre South, in the state=92s north,
evicted and those Keeping the Sacred Fire for Peace arrested.
Justice Burley based his decision on the inconsistencies of WMC's lawyer's
argument, and because he realised that this is not a simple matter of
trespass, as WMC would have
us believe.
Justice Burley adjourned the matter till July 7, at 10am, in order for
those "un-named people", living at the Arabunna Going Home camp, to get
legal aid and to receive legal advice.
He specifically pointed out that any intimidation and offensive acts, by
WMC, in the intervening period would be looked upon seriously by the
court. When court resumes Keepers of Lake Eyre, and others, will seek to
prove that WMC have in fact been carrying our such actions constantly
since the camp was established on 26 March, last year (1999).
"We welcome this decision by Justice Burly. It is reasonable and
rational. It vindicates our position and seeks to protect us from WMC's
aggressive behaviour," said Keeper of Lake Eyre Chris Littlejohn this
afternoon.
Arabunna/Kokatha senior woman, Rebecca Bear-Wingfield, who spoke to the
court, believes that WMC is seeking to restrict her right to invite and
host people on her traditional country:
"Such segregation would deny the right of Aboriginal people to move freely
on their land. I'm concerned there is an implication that we would be told
whom we can and cannot invite onto our country. There is a lot of cultural
exchange and reconciliation taking place at the camp."
"This is about justice for our old people, for us and our children," she said.
"I am planning to establish a camp there, for myself, my mother and the
Kupa Piti Kungka Tjutja's, so when they come for business they have a
permanent place, like in the old days, just like in our Grandmothers'
days. I can be close to my Grandfather's and mother's traditional lands,
to continue looking after the lands and upholding my responsibilities to
the land," she said.
Keepers of Lake Eyre will be contacting the Police to ensure that they are
aware of this decision. Superintendent Kym Boxall is reported to have
asked for WMC to go to court before acting on their eviction notice and
this outcome today shows that to be a wise directive to give.
WMC will be contacted about last year's illegal removal of the Arabunna
Going Home camp, and the return of property to those from whom it was taken.
This decision, coming just 11 days after Justice Kelly, in the same court
(June 8, Buzzacott v Morgan- SASC 356/99), found that claims of Genocide
against Hugh Morgan, managing director of WMC, are legitimate and allowed
the case to be directed before the High Court.
Walking the Land- for Our Ancient Rights continues its Peace walk to the
Sydney Olympics, carrying the Sacred Fire for Peace, in the traditional way.
To contact Keepers of Lake Eyre now: (08) 8675 2242 / 0419 812 788
THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
________________________________________________________
Keepers of Lake Eyre, in South Australia:
Web: www.come.to/lakeeyre Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tel: (08) 8340 4401 / (08) 8232 2242 / Fax. (08) 8232 2490
Post: C/- Conservation Council, 120 Wakefield St, Adelaide, S.A. 5000
________________________________________________________
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