SYDNEY—Aboriginal rights activists have marched through inner Sydney to protest against the Federal Government's intervention in the Northern Territory.
The Federal Government introduced restrictions to welfare payments and buying alcohol as part of its national emergency response to child abuse in Northern Territory indigenous communities.
A peaceful group of about 200 indigenous and non-indigenous supporters stopped traffic today on Cleveland Street, Chippendale, about midday as they marched from "The Block" in Redfern to Victoria Park, Camperdown.
A string of speakers told the protesters assembled later to eject the coalition from office at next week's federal election.
They said the intervention, which began six months ago, had brought no new child sexual charges and had failed to address health and housing issues.
Aboriginal rights activist Valerie Martin travelled from Alice Springs to Sydney where she labelled the intervention an "invasion".
"I call it an invasion to our people," Ms Martin told the rally.
"How are we going to expect to support our grandkids coming up? We don't want to go back to the fifties, having rations and all that, this is our land.
"He (John Howard) should come and talk to us instead of making laws behind closed doors."
Ms Martin also said proper consultation had not occurred.
Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR) President Barbara Shaw said it was time for non-indigenous Australians to speak up on behalf of Aborigines to narrow the life expectancy gap.
Ms Shaw urged the audience to sign a petition to end intervention in the territory and reform Australia's native title legislation.
"I hope we are still here in 10 years, but most importantly I hope we have been able to assist in making significant improvements in Aboriginal rights in the country," she said.
A "sea of hands" exhibition to promote unity, now in its 10th year, was also part of today's protest.
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