March in March: Tony Abbott, Gina Rinehart cop blasts in Sydney protest
UNDER THE FLAG
Thousands rally in Sydney's March in March protest. Photo: Dean Sewell
Socialists, it seems, are not made of sugar.
Thunderstorms followed by drenching autumnal showers did not
deter a loose collection of anti-Abbott government activists from
gathering at central Sydney's Belmore Park on Sunday to protest Prime
Minister Tony Abbott’s stance on asylum-seekers, the environment,
industrial relations, free trade and gay marriage.
The gathering, which was matched by similar events around
Australia, was a left-wing echo of the infamous ‘‘Convoy of No
Confidence’’ rallies held against Julia Gillard's former Labor
government, at which Mr Abbott and other Coalition MPs appeared
alongside offensive signs, to much public criticism.
Click for more photos
The signs at the rally ranged from those comparing Mr Abbott
with Hitler, to placards calling him ‘‘gutless’’ and one simply
portaying a pair of Speedos with a giant red line crossed through them.
Another referred to Mr Abbott’s history as a boxer, reading: ‘‘To a pugilist, every problem looks like an un-protected head’’.
Seven speakers addressed the crowd before marching began, a number which seemed a little cruel given the inclement weather.
March in March protest. Photo: Dean Sewell
Emcee Matt Wakefield, a Sydney comedian, warmed up the crowd
with a reference to the ‘‘shameful, racist, homophobic...f--king a--hole
that is Tony Abbott’’.
British singer Billy Bragg, currently on tour in Australia,
was a surprise guest. He sang a song and lamented the recent remarks
mining magnate Gina Rinehart made praising former British Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher.
All mentions of Ms Rinehart’s name were met with booing.
Cat Rose, the convenor of Community Action Against
Homophobia, said that ‘‘it’s pretty clear that Tony Abbott’s homophobia
alone disqualifies him from government’’.
March in March national convenor Tim Jones said according to
initial reports from ‘‘news sources’’, 112,000 people had attended about
20 marches around the nation, with 12,000 turning up in Sydney.
Thousands rally in Sydney's March in March protest. Photo: Dean Sewell
Thunderstorms followed by drenching autumnal showers did not
deter a loose collection of anti-Abbott government activists from
gathering at central Sydney's Belmore Park on Sunday to protest Prime
Minister Tony Abbott’s stance on asylum-seekers, the environment,
industrial relations, free trade and gay marriage.
The gathering, which was matched by similar events around
Australia, was a left-wing echo of the infamous ‘‘Convoy of No
Confidence’’ rallies held against Julia Gillard's former Labor
government, at which Mr Abbott and other Coalition MPs appeared
alongside offensive signs, to much public criticism.
Click for more photos
Sydney's March in March protest
Protesters deliver a statement of no confidence in the current Australian Government. Photo: Dean Sewell
The signs at the rally ranged from those comparing Mr Abbott
with Hitler, to placards calling him ‘‘gutless’’ and one simply
portaying a pair of Speedos with a giant red line crossed through them.
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Another referred to Mr Abbott’s history as a boxer, reading: ‘‘To a pugilist, every problem looks like an un-protected head’’.
Seven speakers addressed the crowd before marching began, a number which seemed a little cruel given the inclement weather.
March in March protest. Photo: Dean Sewell
Emcee Matt Wakefield, a Sydney comedian, warmed up the crowd
with a reference to the ‘‘shameful, racist, homophobic...f--king a--hole
that is Tony Abbott’’.
British singer Billy Bragg, currently on tour in Australia,
was a surprise guest. He sang a song and lamented the recent remarks
mining magnate Gina Rinehart made praising former British Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher.
All mentions of Ms Rinehart’s name were met with booing.
Cat Rose, the convenor of Community Action Against
Homophobia, said that ‘‘it’s pretty clear that Tony Abbott’s homophobia
alone disqualifies him from government’’.
March in March national convenor Tim Jones said according to
initial reports from ‘‘news sources’’, 112,000 people had attended about
20 marches around the nation, with 12,000 turning up in Sydney.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/march-in-march-tony-abbott-gina-rinehart-cop-blasts-in-sydney-protest-20140316-34v63.html#ixzz2wAi6jUIc
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