MOSCOW (Sputnik) – In March, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott backed the West Australian government’s plan to close between 100 and 150 of the 274 indigenous communities, citing the high costs of providing public services such as schooling in remote areas.
According to Australian media, people wrapped in Aboriginal flags and chanting "always was, always will be Aboriginal land" first blocked Swan Street Bridge over the Yarra River and then the busy intersection at Flinders Street and Swanston Street in the city center, causing major traffic disruptions.
It is the third time Melbourne has seen mass rallies on this issue. The first two protests took place in April and May this year.
