Maoris to teach protest

Press, 9 February 1982, Page 8

Maoris to teach protest

NZPA Brisbane Maori activists will train Aboriginal protesters in disruption tactics for the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane this year. •

The execution directive of the Aboriginal and Islander Foundation Research Action (Mr Bob Weatherall) said in Brisbane yesterday that the Maoris would train the Brisbane Games protesters in the tactics used successfully to disrupt the Springbok tour last year. He said Australia’s blacks remained determined to disrupt the Games to press claims for land rights, despite Government moves to defuse the situation.

“Nothing has changed. Black people are demanding land rights and the Commonwealth Games, is an ideal opportunity to focus attention on our rightful cause,” Mr Weatherall said. Journalists from at least 55 Commonw'ealth countries are expected in Brisbane for the twelfth Commonwealth Games, which will start on September 30. Talks are underway between the Federal and Queensland governments to find a solution to the land rights issue, which threatens to erupt into clashes between Aboriginals and the police. Mr Weatherall supported plans by the North Queensland Lands Council chairman (Mr Mick Miller), who will go to Africa later this month to plead with black nations not to send teams to the Brisbane Games. “It is better for them to be told at home rather than be embarrassed by seeing the conditions blacks live under in Queensland after they arrive in Brisbane,” Mr Weatherall said.