The Wire

Last Wednesday on the Wire we heard about camp sovereignty, an Aboriginal protest camp set up in Melbourne during the Commonwealth Games. The group received notice from Melbourne City Council to leave the park by 4pm yesterday. The case has come under the attention of Prime Minister John Howard, who claimed that the protest could set back the course of reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. But not everyone agrees. Robert Corowa, has been tending the sacred fire at camp sovereignty. He explained the situation earlier today and editor of the National Indigenous Times newspaper Chris Graham discussed situation. And an update on that story The Supreme Court ruled today that while camp sovereignty will be able to maintain the sacred fire on the site, all caravans and tents will have to be removed by Thursday 2pm. However, representatives of Camp Sovereignty have vowed to appeal the decision. They also have 30 days to reapply for a permit to keep the fire burning.