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AHC Chairperson, Alisi Tutuila, refused to reveal why the memorandum wasn't signed—but maintained her organisation remained in talks with the government about funding for Indigenous housing on The Block."(Funding) is not off the table yet," she said.Munro and a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous protesters set up the Redfern Tent Embassy on the vacant lot over a year ago in opposition to plans by the AHC to pursue commercial development and international student accommodation on The Block ahead of providing homes for the city's Indigenous population. The Tent Embassy claims that the AHC, led by Mick Mundine—of the influential Mundine sporting and political family—is attempting to cash in on Sydney's booming property market for themselves.Related: Redfern's Tent Embassy Is Ready to Fight for the Block
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"For about 16 months, the Tent Embassy has been on the site owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company," AHC Chairperson Alisi Tutuila said via a press release on the AHC's website."It's unfortunate that we've had to seek a resolution from the courts, but unfortunately we'd reached a deadlock in negotiations."Adding to the general air of mistrust surrounding the project is the awarding of the contract for redeveloping The Block to the controversial Redfern-based developer Deicorp. In 2012, Deicorp was criticised for marketing messaging that cast doubt over their sensitivities towards the Indigenous community.A statement appearing on the website of a firm hired by Deicorp to spruik another Redfern development to local and Asian investors, read: "The Aboriginals have already moved out, now Redfern as the last virgin suburb close to the city, it will have great potential for the capital growth in the near future." The text was quickly pulled after it was flagged by the Australian newspaper.Related: A Look Back at the Australian Aboriginal Rights Movements of 2014
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