Petitioning To the Honourable Helen Margaret Morton MLC
The WA Minister of Child Protection, intervene and ensure all charges are dropped in relation to the May 26 protest.
Petition by : Grandmothers Against Removals
To the Honourable Helen Margaret Morton MLC, Minister for Child Protection, Western Australia:
The petition of the undersigned shows:
On National Sorry Day May 26, 2014, Nyoongar activists Vanessa Culbong and Isabel Brown were arrested during a demonstration at the head office of the Department of Child Protection in Perth(DCP). This demonstration, part of a National Day of Action against continuing stolen generations, was demanding the return of Aboriginal children forcibly removed by DCP.
At the time of their arrest, Aboriginal representatives were still in negotiations with staff members from DCP, who had invited them into the building. Along with the arrests, elderly protestors were knocked to the ground. This unjustified use of force mirrors the consistent use of police by DCP when they are removing Aboriginal children, destroying the possibility of respectful engagement between Aboriginal families and the Department. The arrests have also played a role intimidating other families just building up the confidence to speak publicly about discriminatory treatment from DCP.
We request:
The WA Minister of Child Protection intervene and ensure all charges are dropped in relation to the May 26 protest. It is unacceptable that people are arrested and charged while engaging in discussions with departmental staff. Use of police force must not continue to be used as a tactic to intimidate Aboriginal families during negotiations regarding the custody of Aboriginal children.
To: To the Honourable Helen Margaret Morton MLC, Minister for Child Protection, Western Australia
Sincerely,
[Your name]
- Supporters
greg morris WAGGA WAGGA, AUSTRALIA
The use of free speech has just been violated by these thugs.
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Shaphan Cox AUSTRALIA
The involvement of police was unnecessary and therefore the charges should be dropped.
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Margaret CooperI AUSTRALIA
I get sick of the institutional manipulation of Aboriginal people. It would be a lot better if we did a lot more listening rather than call in the cops when the Aboriginal people won’t listen to us.
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Lawrence Adams AUSTRALIA
It is not only about Law and Order it Must be about Justice as well.
To sign the petition go to https://www.change.org/en-AU/organisations/_grandmothers_against_removals