Thursday, 30 March 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
"Close Baxter or we'll be back," say Refugee Activists

Linda Dare, one of the Barngarla country traditional owners who performed a ceremonial 'welcome to country' when protestors arrived in the vicinity of Baxter on Good Friday, has invited them to return in a year's time.

'John Howard and his government have got to remember they came on a boat too,' she said.

She said indigenous people understand well the racism at the heart of the government's refugee policies, and have a proud tradition of speaking out in support of Australia's newest arrivals.

Activists from Victoria's Refugee Action Collective (RAC) dubbed the Easter weekend's protest a resounding success, saying the joint aims of the action were clearly achieved by the 450 strong crowd from around Australia who attended.

'We felt our plea for freedom and justice for everyone in detention in Australia was heard loud and clear - by the government, the public, and most importantly, those locked up inside Baxter,' said RAC spokesperson, Lauren Ireland.

'Making our presence and support known to the detainees was a major focus of our action. We wanted to demonstrate our solidarity as powerfully as possible,' said Ms Ireland.

She said the overbearing police presence did not prevent direct contact with detainees.

'A group of about 50 protesters were heartened when they received responses to their chants late on Saturday evening. Calls for freedom were echoed from inside the detention centre and for more than an hour messages were exchanged in roaring hollers between both parties'.

'Thank-you Australians' was among the calls from behind the razor wire and lines of police,' she said.

The sentiments echoed at Baxter last weekend will be expressed across the UK and Europe this Saturday, April 2, when tens of thousands are expected to gather in a united day of action calling for the rights of asylum seekers.

For further information / interviews contact
Lauren Ireland 0401 635 072