Aborigines threaten to end access to Australian landmark
Saturday, 21 Jun 2008 14:52
The landmark is a popular tourist attraction in central Australia
Australia's indigenous population has threatened to end visits to the country's famous Ayers Rock or Uluru, over alleged racist government policies.
Indigenous leaders have complained of increased government intervention in their way of life over the past year after a government report warned of abnormally high rates of child abuse in the area and lower life expectancy in the community.
The previous government led by former prime minister John Howard introduced bans on alcoholic goods and pornographic content in the areas. Incumbent prime minister Kevin Rudd has also vowed to stick by the initiatives launched by his rival.
One of the leaders of the Mutitjulu people who are custodians of the Uluru, Vince Forrester, said the community was being demonised by the government action and being portrayed as alcoholics who abused their own women and children.
Speaking at a meeting of elders, he said: "We've got to take some affirmative action to stop this racist piece of legislation.
"We're going to throw a big rock on top of the tourist industry... we will close the climb and no one will climb Uluru ever again, no one."
The Uluru is one of Australia's renowned landmarks and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The sandstone formation is famous for changing colour throughout the day and the ascent to the top of the rock is popular with climbers.