Free the Brighton arrestees, put Bartlett on trail for cultural vandalism!

In response to the first of many cases around those arrested defending Aboriginal cultural heritage, the Socialist Alliance has called on the government to drop all charges against the protestors and immediately halt its construction of the Brighton Bypass.

”It’s ridiculous that members of Aboriginal community and their supporters have been charged for “trespass”, when all they were doing was trying to protect their heritage from being destroyed by an arrogant and out-of touch government who has a history of trying to push through projects regardless of how unpopular it is. It is reasonable and responsible in the wake of cultural vandalism to try and prevent that destruction. Bartlett should be facing a judge about why he is willing to destroy an Aboriginal heritage site, not those who defend it. If the law cannot recognize the difference between those who destroy heritage and culture and those who protect it, then it confirms Charles Dickens saying that “the law is an ass”, said Melanie Barnes, Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison in the state election.

Bartlett’s attempt at talking tough and setting two-week deadlines is an obvious attempt to intimidate campaigners to back down.

“When you have archeologists comparing the site to Pompeii, it shows how utterly important it is that this site is protected. If Bartlett goes ahead with the project, it will show that this Labor Government doesn’t care about Aboriginal heritage, Aboriginal people nor about history itself. If the bypass can be diverted to ensure that a European heritage house isn’t disturbed, then why can’t the same be applied to Aboriginal heritage? Or better still, why not put the $250 million towards the construction of a fast speed train network between Hobart and Launceston, as a way to both reduce pollution and road fatalities” said Jenny Forward, Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin.

Both candidates have vowed to continue campaigning against the destruction of Aboriginal heritage and for Aboriginal land rights, both during the election campaign and afterwards.