Aboriginal Tent Embassy under fire again
This time it’s the new Federal Territories Minister Jim Lloyd who has the Embassy in his sights. The Tent Embassy was established on the lawns of Old Parliament House in Canberra more than three decades ago and has withstood arson attacks and fierce political criticism. It has continued providing an open meeting place for all Australians – and visitors from overseas – to sit and talk with traditional owners and supporters. But Mr Lloyd’s precise objection is that people are living on-site – he would rather replace the Embassy with a display, interpretive signage and historical information. Mr Lloyd’s planning talks with Embassy leaders and says he wants to hear proposals from the wider community as well. Rubena Colbey asked Spokesperson Isabelle Coe what words she has for Mr Lloyd – on the future of the Embassy.