Vic: Snuff out protest fire now: Thwaites

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2006
Vic: Snuff out protest fire now: Thwaites

Victoria's acting Premier JOHN THWAITES has urged Aboriginal protesters to immediately
put out a fire in a city park .. although it's declared sacred .. and protected by a 30-day
heritage order.

Mr THWAITES has acknowledged the cultural protection order .. upheld by the Victorian
Supreme Court .. but says the protest group at Kings Domain should snuff the fire out
anyway.

He says he doesn't believe the fire's appropriate in that location.





Protesters have occupied the park for more than a month .. initially demonstrating
against the Commonwealth Games.

A meeting last night between Melbourne Lord Mayor JOHN SO and protest leaders .. failed
to resolve the stand-off over the site.

AAP RTV nl/gfr/cp/tm

KEYWORD: TENT (MELBOURNE)

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