Editorial on the Pemulwuy Project Approval in July 2009 South Sydney Herald

The State Government has formally approved the Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy Project on Aboriginal land in Redfern.

It’s good to remember the battle the AHC has fought to get this far, and while the Government should be applauded for finally approving the Master Plan, it had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the point of approval and support of Pemulwuy. Even Peter Debnam, the former Leader of the Opposition in NSW, visited the AHC and supported the Project.

Former Federal Liberal Leader, Dr Brendan Nelson, visited the AHC, was briefed, and supported the Project. Then Alan Jones paid a visit to Redfern, saw the plans for Pemulwuy, and talked uwp the community’s right to decide on its own future – yes, he argued for self-determination, sounding like an old lefty!

Last but not least, all of the inner-city branches of the ALP strongly supported the AHC, and with the NSW Greens, worked to organise two demonstrations from the offices of the Redfern Waterloo Authority to the Block – with large attendances.

A new Labor Premier and a new Planning Minister sees Pemulwuy finally approved, and that’s great. Now there is a Global Financial Crisis and the AHC’s task to source funding may prove very difficult. If only the Government had decided earlier, some might say, it could have been easier. And yet, if anyone can do it, it’s Mickey Mundine and friends.

They have fought a long campaign, and won. This is their victory.