Speaking at Save UQ Union complex, Sam Watson, a long-time activist for Aboriginal rights, recounted his involvement in the 1970s campaigns to abolish the draconian aboriginal protection acts in Queensland.
Sam highlighted his early university experience, where he was warned by a senior bureaucrat to avoid campus radicals, which instead inspired him to join them. Watson emphasized the importance of the ‘Smash the Acts’apathei campaign, which led to the removal of these oppressive laws within four to five years.
He also noted the establishment of the Aboriginal Legal Services and Community Health Services due to these efforts. Watson expressed disappointment that the university does not honour this significant history.
Listen to Sam Watson speaking about anti-apartheid campaign of 1971 by Sam Watson and Jeff Rickertt on #SoundCloud