CONSULTATION NEEDED BEFORE DECISION ON SANDON POINT ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY AND PICKET

Cunningham MP Michael Organ has written to Wollongong City Councillors urging them to consult with the community before taking any decision on removal of the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy or the community picket.

"I am concerned that a resolution to be put to next Monday's Council meeting will lead to further strains on relations between Council and sections of the Aboriginal and wider community", Mr. Organ said today.

"I am concerned that Councillors are being asked to agree to a recommendation to require the cessation of the tent embassy and picket without the benefit of any community consultation taking place."

"Council has been presented with three options to deal with the issue, but only one, removal of the tent embassy and picket, is outlined in any detail."

"A recommendation that the General Manager engage in a six-month mediation process to enable removal seems to me to be putting the cart before the horse and I have urged Councillors to engage in wider community consultation before reaching any decision", Mr. Organ said.

More from: Michael Organ MP 02 6277 4366, 0439 442 550
Allen Clark (Media Adviser) 0439 464 439 www.michaelorgan.org.au