Abbott Protest: 060714: SMH News: 6th of July 2014: Story by Stephanie Wood: Disgruntled citizens take to the streets to march against the Abbott/Hockey Budget reforms and the cutting of public services during a rally in the CBD of Sydney today. Photo by James Alcock. b0685.jpg
Thousands of people marched through Sydney CBD protesting the government's budget. Photo: James Alcock


Central Sydney has filled with a sea of protesters for the "Bust the Budget" march.



Organisers estimated up to 15,000 people joined the rally,
which started at Town Hall and proceeded along George Street and up
Market Street.




Police figures put the number of marchers at 6000.





Thousands of people marched through Sydney CBD protesting the government's budget.
Thousands of people marched through Sydney CBD protesting the government's budget. Photo: Stephanie Wood


The protest was peaceful and police said there had been no reported incidents.




Allan Jones, who attended the march with his wife, Veronica
Carey, and intellectually disabled son, Ross, said he was concerned
about a range of issues. "I'm ashamed to be an Australian at times," Mr
Jones said.



Mr Jones singled out the treatment of asylum seekers,
disability care and cuts to education and the abandonment of the Gonski
scheme.




Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
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Bust the Budget Rally

Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally. Photo: Eddie Jim


  • Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
  • Bust the Budget rally in Sydney.
  • Man in a Prime Minister Tony Abbott suit, during the Bust the Budget rally on the front lawn of Parliament House in Canberra.
  • Peppa Pig at the Melbourne rally.
  • Bust the Budget rally in Sydney.
  • Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
  • Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
  • Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
  • Man in a Prime Minister Tony Abbott suit, during the Bust the Budget rally on the front lawn of Parliament House in Canberra.
  • Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
  • Up to 20,000 people gather in Melbourne for Bust the Budget rally.
  • Bust the Budget rally in Sydney.
"It was a wonderful scheme. We are really disappointed about that."



Mr Jones, 79, who received an OAM in 2005 for services to
people with disabilities through his work with the Pittwater-based
Sailability NSW, said he also hated the secrecy surrounding the
government's refugee policy.



Cody Stucker and his wife, Marisa Whitington, attended the rally with their children Freddie, 6, and Jonathan, 2. 




Abbott Protest: 060714: SMH News: 6th of July 2014: Story by Stephanie Wood: Disgruntled citizens take to the streets to march against the Abbott/Hockey Budget reforms and the cutting of public services during a rally in the CBD of Sydney today. Photo by James Alcock. b 0755.jpg
Organisations estimate 15,000 people showed up to march. Police suggest the number was closer to 6000. Photo: James Alcock


"I'm worried about education cuts in the budget for these two," said Ms Whitington.



Mark Lennon from Unions NSW said the latest federal budget was unfair.



"Not only is it unfair, it is deliberately unfair, because
this is not just about the budget, this is about a change of the agenda
for this nation.




Organisations estimate 15,000 people showed up to march. Police suggest the number was closer to 6000.
Organisations estimate 15,000 people showed up to march. Police suggest the number was closer to 6000. Photo: Stephanie Wood