The only surviving member of the four original tent embassy protestors, Michael Anderson.
NATIONAL: The only surviving member of the four original Aboriginal Tent Embassy founders has backed the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council’s calls for an independent inquiry into the conduct of police during the Survival Day protest in Canberra.
Michael Anderson says that the call by NSWALC for an investigation conducted by Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda made sense.
“I’m in full support of Geoff Scott’s statement. The organisers of the Tent Embassy support his call wholeheartedly. We think it is a very appropriate action,” Mr Anderson said.
Aboriginal Tent Embassy supporters converged on the nearby Lobby Restaurant on January 26th after hearing Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s comments that the embassy should move on from the events of the past.
It’s since emerged that Tent Embassy supporters were informed Mr Abbott was at the nearby restaurant by ACT unions official Kim Sattler, who was called by Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s press secretary Tony Hodges.
The rally at the restaurant followed a peaceful protest through the heart of Canberra which attracted nearly 2000 people.
“I was quite shocked at the behavior of some police. As far as I was concerned all they had to do after the Prime Minister’s vehicle left was disband, and everyone else would have as well,” Mr Anderson said.
“Instead they linked arms, unholstered their weapons and began confronting protestors. It was an act of incitement on their part.
“I believe if anybody is going to be charged they need to look at the conduct of several police officers, two in particular.
“One is the short red-headed officer. He can be seen in footage that has now emerged attacking at least two different protestors, none of whom were aggressive towards him.
“He also uses foul language, including using-the c-word at a cameraman and telling media to ‘f-off.’
“That is not the actions of a professional police officer, indeed Aboriginal people are arrested for that sort of conduct every single day.
“Another officer that needs to be censured is the one who is caught smiling and gesturing at protestors, urging them to come at him. I think he needs a lot of counseling that fellow.
“I don’t think those sorts of persons should hold a position in the police department.
“Having said that, I should acknowledge the efforts of Sergeant Chris Meagher, from ACT Policing.
“I must really highly praise that fellow. He did an excellent job in assisting Embassy organisers to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
“Without him it would have escalated even further.”
Mr Anderson said Sergeant Meagher’s dealings with Embassy organisers throughout the four-day event were respectful and professional.
*Tracker is published by the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council.
Anderson backs calls for inquiry into police
The only surviving member of the four original tent embassy protestors, Michael Anderson.
NATIONAL: The only surviving member of the four original Aboriginal Tent Embassy founders has backed the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council’s calls for an independent inquiry into the conduct of police during the Survival Day protest in Canberra.
Michael Anderson says that the call by NSWALC for an investigation conducted by Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda made sense.
“I’m in full support of Geoff Scott’s statement. The organisers of the Tent Embassy support his call wholeheartedly. We think it is a very appropriate action,” Mr Anderson said.
Aboriginal Tent Embassy supporters converged on the nearby Lobby Restaurant on January 26th after hearing Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s comments that the embassy should move on from the events of the past.
It’s since emerged that Tent Embassy supporters were informed Mr Abbott was at the nearby restaurant by ACT unions official Kim Sattler, who was called by Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s press secretary Tony Hodges.
The rally at the restaurant followed a peaceful protest through the heart of Canberra which attracted nearly 2000 people.
“I was quite shocked at the behavior of some police. As far as I was concerned all they had to do after the Prime Minister’s vehicle left was disband, and everyone else would have as well,” Mr Anderson said.
“Instead they linked arms, unholstered their weapons and began confronting protestors. It was an act of incitement on their part.
“I believe if anybody is going to be charged they need to look at the conduct of several police officers, two in particular.
“One is the short red-headed officer. He can be seen in footage that has now emerged attacking at least two different protestors, none of whom were aggressive towards him.
“He also uses foul language, including using-the c-word at a cameraman and telling media to ‘f-off.’
“That is not the actions of a professional police officer, indeed Aboriginal people are arrested for that sort of conduct every single day.
“Another officer that needs to be censured is the one who is caught smiling and gesturing at protestors, urging them to come at him. I think he needs a lot of counseling that fellow.
“I don’t think those sorts of persons should hold a position in the police department.
“Having said that, I should acknowledge the efforts of Sergeant Chris Meagher, from ACT Policing.
“I must really highly praise that fellow. He did an excellent job in assisting Embassy organisers to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
“Without him it would have escalated even further.”
Mr Anderson said Sergeant Meagher’s dealings with Embassy organisers throughout the four-day event were respectful and professional.
*Tracker is published by the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council.
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