Letter of support from Sociologist Steve Spencer

Hi there

Back in July I was lucky enough to meet some of the folk at One Mile Dam - and record some of the apalling conditions that people have had to put up with as a result of the neglect of state government regimes and pressure from developers.

Just to let you know I have not forgotten about your struggle - which I commend and support. I am gradually putting together some film material which I will send you when complete. I hope to use it here to educate our students and staff about the situation -
which is indicative of the gross disrespect shown to indigenous peoples in Australia as a whole. The Howard government should be terminally ashamed of their attitude which has turned back even the belated progress made under the previous Labour federal
government.

People internationally should be outraged that such conditions should exist in an affluent supposed democracy like Australia. The stark contrast between wealthy white suburbanites and fringe dwelling indigenous peoples seemed to me to indicate the most cynical and exploitative colonial attitudes still alive and well in the 21st
Century.

I will keep in touch - and hope your campaign receives the support it should locally and nationally. Keep me posted.

Best Wishes from UK

Steve Spencer

Senior Lecturer in Sociology
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield
S10 2BP
UK