No arrests at Howard protest
The past two days have seen demonstrations take place against the 10 year anniversary of the Howard government in office. In both Sydney and Melbourne rowdy demonstrations have been held. The following report has been carried in the mainstream local, national and international media. The Socialist Party will be publishing its own report very soon. No arrests at Howard protest
By Shelley Markham
03mar06
PROTESTERS chanting “Howard is not welcome here” and “Liberal Scum” have pelted a car carrying Prime Minister John Howard with bottles and eggs as it arrived for a lavish dinner in Melbourne to celebrate his Government’s 10 years in office.
Protesters threw plastic bottles, eggs and themselves at the Prime Minister’s car as he drove along leafy Clendon Road in Toorak tonight, but despite the violence police made no arrests.
A Victoria Police spokesman said reinforcements were brought in from stations in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, swelling police numbers from a dozen early in the night to about 50 just before Mr Howard was due to arrive for the $10,000 per head dinner.
“We brought in extra police from Moorabbin, Mordialloc and Caulfield,” Acting Senior Sergeant Nigel McGuire-White said.
Members of the Socialist Party were joined at the protest by representatives from the National Union of Students, Maritime Union of Australia and Victorian Trades Hall Council as invited guests turned up for the lavish dinner at the Myer retail family mansion.
“No racism, no war, this is what we’re fighting for,” the protesters chanted.
Some guests, led in on foot under police guard, were abused by the demonstrators.
“I hope you choke on your chicken balls,” screamed one protester.
“F? off Liberal scum,” another demonstrator yelled.
Treasurer Peter Costello, who was among the first to arrive, was abused by protesters who clapped and chanted “go home Liberal scum” as his white chauffeur-driven limousine made its way through the gate.
Telstra boss Sol Trujillo was driven safely past about two dozen protesters.
When the Prime Minister’s car arrived, police outnumbered protesters but were unable to stop some members of the angry mob from hurling themselves at Mr Howard’s black limousine.
Scuffles then broke out between police and protesters, but Sen Sgt McGuire-White said no arrests were made.
“We think it went reasonably well, all things considered,” he said.
“Everyone (the guests) got in without any worries and we’re reasonably happy,” he said.
Victoria Police continued to maintain a presence outside the mansion despite protesters leaving within 30 minutes of Mr Howard’s arrival.
