Multiplex destroys reconciliation
By Leon Harrison
PERTH — Building contractor Multiplex sent in workers with bulldozers to destroy the Grove of Reconciliation, a plantation of 50 trees on the old Swan Brewery site, on September 14.
Planted by people from a broad coalition at the beginning of the struggle over the Aboriginal site, the trees were intended to signify good will toward Aboriginal people and their religion and culture.
The company says the trees will be replanted elsewhere. Six protesters were arrested after they chained themselves to the trees.
Despite calls by Aboriginal campaigners Robert Bropho and Clarrie Isaacs, federal Aboriginal affairs minister Robert Tickner has not intervened to block development of the site.
Coincidentally, building workers covered by the CMEU placed industrial bans on four Multiplex sites after the operation.