The Black GST is a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are appalled at the current state of affairs in Black Australia.

Long-time activist Gary Foley spoke on the discontent of the current so called Aboriginal leadership, describing it as “discredited” and furthering assimilation. He went on to explain that “assimilation equals genocide”. The Black GST is the response and aims to bring international attention to the key issues facing black Australia, by staging peaceful protests at the 'Stolenwealth games' next year in March.

Targan spoke briefly and strongly on genocide and summed up many emotions in the room by stating “no more will I take a backward step…and tolerate the genocide in this country”.

The issue of Indigenous Sovereignty is the longest disputed subject in Australia and there has been a long and relentless struggle by Indigenous people to have their sovereignty recognised. Robbie Thorpe explained how “sovereignty for Indigenous People is a god-given thing”. It is the only true law for this land. Native Title legislation makes Indigenous people prove how the land is theirs. Robbie reversed this question asking non-Indigenous Australians to “explain how it (the land) is yours?” Given that land was taken without consent and through acts of criminal Genocide, Robbie further stated private property is the “proceeds of crime” and asked again “how do you get sovereignty out of that?”

Marg Thorpe then raised the issue of treaty. Stating that “we need treaties. Every Aboriginal Nation needs to be recognised” and has the right to “negotiate on an equal basis”. Given that as Marg said this country is so racist that “after ten years of reconciliation the bottom line was we (black and white Australia) couldn't reconcile”, and that Aboriginal people “live the genocide” every day; that equal basis appears a long way off. The treaty process must be facilitated at an international level.

Despite the enormity of the issues involved. The Black GST inaugural meeting had an air of humour, hope and resilience. In attendance were many key figures in the local Aboriginal community as well as important Aboriginal elders from other Nations, including Uncle Dennis Walker and Uncle Kevin Buzzacott. It felt like, and was, the beginning of a very important stage in resolving Australia's “unfinished business” once and for all.

The Black GST are asking for your support and cooperation in bringing about the largest Aboriginal-led gathering since the Commonwealth Games in 1982, and the Bicentennial in 1988. We will be asking non-Aboriginal supporters to march in solidarity.

Start organising now for the protests in Melbourne in March 2006. Boycott the Melbourne 2006 Stolenwealth Games!

Buy your Black GST t-shirt on the night. No sweat shop. $30. Funds raised through sale of t-shirts goes direct to the costs of staging the March 2006 protests.