News
Friday 27 January 2012
Protester’s behaviour should be condemned
Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says he is appalled at the level of disrespect and aggression shown in Canberra towards the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader.
“An aggressive, divisive and frightening protest such as this, has no place in debates about the affairs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or in any circumstances,” Commissioner Gooda said.
“While we need to acknowledge that there’s a real anger, frustration and hurt that exists in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia, we must not give in to aggressive and disrespectful actions ourselves.
“I think the actions by the protesters today went too far and the point could have been made more peacefully and respectfully,” he said.
“It is particularly distressing that this has occurred at a time when we are so close to moving towards cementing respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution.
“Aggressive behaviour was not acceptable 40 years ago to the original early campaigners at the Tent Embassy and it is not acceptable today.”
