Embassy spokesperson and Wiradjuri woman, Jenny Munro, claims several people have been arrested at the site and she fears trespass laws may be used to remove them completely. Protestors say they have a legitimate right to be there, but Ms Munro says police patrols were stepped up over summer which led to a number of arrests including assault. Redfern Local Area Commander, Superintendent Luke Freudenstein, confirmed police had made arrests in the area and says these matters are currently before the court. “In each instance police were called to the location, and after investigation, action was taken,” says Mr Freudenstein.
The tent embassy was set up as a women’s camp in May last year to protest against plans for a three-stage redevelopment by the Aboriginal Housing Company.
Long-serving Housing Company Chief Executive, Mick Mundine, claims the protestors are trespassing but says he would like to settle the dispute quietly. “I want to talk about the issues and negotiate,” says Mr Mundine.
His ambition is to provide affordable, safe and sustainable housing for Aboriginal people by turning the now vacant Block site into a mixed-use development with social and affordable housing for 62 families, a gymnasium, commercial and retail space, a gallery, accommodation for 154 students and a childcare space for 60 children.
“Sixty-two has been found to be the optimal number of designated Aboriginal units to avoid overcrowding,” says Mr Mundine. “The 62 units would consist of 26 two- and three-bedroom townhouses, and 36 four-bedroom homes.” He claims The Block originally had 71 two- and three-bedroom townhouses.
Ms Munro says the local community should not accept 62 designated Aboriginal housing units when there used to be more than 100 terrace homes. She also claims there’s no money for the residential stage, and that’s something Mr Mundine doesn’t argue with. He says the Housing Company is still negotiating finance for all three stages of the project and there’s currently no funding for a start on any part of the project.
Mr Mundine wants to make a fresh start on the issue this year and says he has no immediate plans to try to remove the protestors. “There is no hurry and no reason to push the issue,” he says. “I can’t understand why they are there.”
Ms Munro says the protestors are determined to stay and have received welcome support from local residents, people from other areas of Sydney and overseas visitors.
