Page 5074 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 27 November 1991
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It has always been understood that the Government respects the right of people peacefully to express their dissent. The police respect the right of people peacefully to express their dissent, and I am sure that every member of this Assembly respects the right of people peacefully to express their dissent. In all the discussions that had been ongoing up until Sunday, the understanding was that the protesters would be afforded every opportunity to assemble on the roadway opposite the gates, to assemble in force, to chant, to express their views, to wave their placards, and to make their presence felt.
Moreover, the police had negotiated with the organisers of the demonstration that a picket would be allowed at the gate itself - a picket in reasonable numbers - so that people could peacefully say to persons choosing to come to the exhibition, "We would prefer that you not do this because we are opposed to the sale of arms". People could then peacefully decide whether to proceed or withdraw. Those were the negotiations; they have been going on for weeks.
Unfortunately, the organisers of the demonstration have not been able to control an extremist element. Unfortunately, violence has been shown. We have negotiated in good faith. The police have negotiated in good faith. A women's anti-arms fair demonstration this afternoon from the War Memorial to the city was very peaceful, very dignified. The police diverted traffic, and the organisers of that protest have publicly thanked the police officer in control.
Mr Collaery: Have you met with the Socialist Workers Alliance?
MR CONNOLLY: I have met and spoken with the organiser of the demonstration. This group Mr Collaery is bleating about I have not met. He then asked questions about a biting incident. I must say that the only biting incident I have been briefed on is the incident that occurred on Monday, I believe it was, when a female police officer was bitten by a demonstrator. I also understand that she had two ribs cracked. That situation is appalling. Seven police officers have required major medical attention; they have had limbs or bones broken. It is unacceptable in a civilised community that persons who are there to keep the peace and, fundamentally, to protect the right of citizens to dissent are being beaten up.
In relation to Mr Collaery's question about whether I have investigated this particular biting incident, my position has been consistently that, if there are complaints about the conduct of the Australian Federal Police in the handling of these demonstrations, there are mechanisms in place. There is the Ombudsman's office and people can complain through there.
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