Double trouble at rally

By Michelle Herbison
ANTI-WAR activists are planning to blockade Swan Island’s military facility next week with twice as many protesters as last year, according to their spokesperson.
Swan Island Peace Convergence’s Jon Osborne said at least 50 people were booked into accommodation at Queenscliff between Sunday and Friday to participate in protest action.
The activists aimed to “declare awareness” and urge Federal Government to bring home Australian troops from Afghanistan, he said.
“We’d really hope that Australia revokes some of its military involvement and looks towards peaceful solutions and reconciliation rather than this heavy-handed and violent approach which is costing civilian lives,” Mr Osborne said.
“Our opinion is that violence is never a way to achieve anything, especially in Afghanistan.”
Mr Osborne said the group considered Queenscliff as an appropriate location due to “secrecy” surrounding training of SAS troops on the island, he said.
The group would stage non-violent protest action all week, including children flying kites “in solidarity” and leading a march.
Reports on last year’s Swan Island Peace Convergence said 10 people were arrested.
The Independent reported last July that Geelong’s court had “upped the ante” against the protesters, fining two $400 each following their arrests.
Mr Osborne said protesters could be arrested again this year.
“The emphasis of the group is always on the most peaceful means but one really interesting conversation within the group is about what does entail peaceful protest.”
Bellarine Police Senior Sergeant Angelo Ferrara said extra police would patrol Queenscliff next week due to the protests.
Police would uphold public order and public access to and from Swan Island, he said.
“We’ll obviously try to liase as best we can with those running the demonstrations to go through the whole event in a spirit of cooperation as best we can.
“What the demonstrators get up to will govern whatever police responses are put forward at the time.
“The bottom line is they’ve got a right to protest, as we have a duty to maintain public order and to detect and act on offences.”
Department of Defence failed to respond to calls for comment before the Independent went to press.