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Indigenous Aussies Launch Spontaneous Attack on Oz PM Gillard
by warra Wednesday, Jan 25 2012, 11:15pm
national / imperialism / other press

Incensed by comments opposition leader Abbott made, inferring that Aborigines were better off today, a group of protesters from the Aboriginal tent embassy in Canberra surrounded a Restaurant the PM and opposition leader were lunching in.

There is no doubt that security was caught flat-footed by the surprise protest, the fear on Gillard's face was palpable. Perhaps now she realises a little of the terror her US support/policies inflict on others.

As representatives of the mass murdering British Crown, Aboriginal protesters were justified in their non-violent attack on Gillard and Abbott. Justice MUST be served and compensation/reparations made for genocide and the destruction of numerous tribal cultures. Notwithstanding pursuing criminal proceedings in local and international courts against the Crown and Australian government for their GENOCIDAL policies and heinous treatment of indigenous Australians since the colonial invasion.

Terrified Juliar Gillard clings to her bodyguard
Terrified Juliar Gillard clings to her bodyguard

ABC report follows:

Dozens of police and security guards have rescued Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott from a group of angry protesters who had surrounded a Canberra restaurant.

The Prime Minister stumbled as she was rushed to an awaiting vehicle and was helped up by security officials who were confronted by the protesters.

It appears the mob was incensed by remarks made by Mr Abbott earlier in the day in which he said he thought it was probably time to reconsider the relevance of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

Around 200 protesters gathered outside the restaurant near Old Parliament House where Ms Gillard was handing out medals to emergency services representatives.

Mr Abbott was also inside the building.

At least 50 police, including the riot squad, were called to the scene shortly after 2.30pm (AEDT).

The protesters, involved in a nearby event to mark the 40th anniversary of the embassy, banged on the three glass sides of the restaurant chanting "shame" and "racist".

The two leaders, protected by police and security officers, escaped out a side door after about 20 minutes.

Protesters chased their car down the road, banging on its roof and bonnet.

There had been false reports that the Prime Minister had been tackled. Ms Gillard's office confirmed she lost her footing, and a shoe, as she was dragged by security.

ACT Police Sergeant Chris Meagher says no-one was injured in the fracas and he has praised the police response.

"Immediate response - we had about 35 to 45 police respond also with the assistance of uniform police from Parliament House as well," he said.

Some of the protesters scuffled with police after the Prime Minister left but there have been no arrests.

'Invasion day'

Hundreds of people marched in the capital on the anniversary of the tent embassy, calling for land rights and Aboriginal sovereignty on what many call "invasion day".

Embassy founder Michael Anderson addressed a rally at the site.

"To hell with the Government and the courts in this country. You haven't got a high hope to take us on," he said.

"We will force these issues. Too many of our families have suffered for some bastard to get in the road."

Earlier, Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney that he thinks it is probably time to reconsider the relevance of the tent embassy.

He says he can understand why the embassy was established but he thinks times have changed for the better since then.

"I think the Indigenous people of Australia can be very proud of the respect in which they are held with every Australian," he said.

"Yes, I think a lot has changed and I think it's probably time to move on from that."
'Madness'

Mr Anderson said the comments were disrespectful.

"He said the Aboriginal embassy had to go; we heard it on a radio broadcast," he said.

"We thought no way, so we circled around the building."

He said the protesters wanted the leaders to clarify their position and whether Mr Abbott was serious about removing the embassy.

"You've got 1,000 people here peacefully protesting, and to make a statement about tearing down the embassy - it's just madness on the part of Tony Abbott.

"What he said amounts to inciting racial riots."

© 2012 ABC




australians_in_chains.jpg

COMMENTS

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moment
by tim Friday, Jan 27 2012, 3:33am

finally, a real media moment that slipped thru the management net!

the fear Gillard displays is indicative of the fear that all puppets for ruling elites harbor deep inside -- there is no escaping the consequences of one's actions, is there Juliar?

elites fear socially AWARE and ACTIVE populations more than ever -- that is why they are locking down societies (indefinite detention) and attempting (SOPA) to control the FREE flow of information -- learn something morons!

Gillard adviser Tony Hodges forced to quit over tip-off which led to protest
by Patrick Lion via stan - Daily Telegraph (Oz) Friday, Jan 27 2012, 4:08am

ONE of Julia Gillard's staff has been forced to resign after tipping off Aboriginal protesters who stormed a Canberra restaurant yesterday.

Ousted senior media adviser Tony Hodges lists his career history as working for the Prime Minister's Office since July 2009.

The spin doctor used to work as a junior adviser to Kevin Rudd when he led the country.

The Prime Minister’s office has confirmed that a media adviser has handed in his resignation while maintaining that he didn't encourage anyone to act violently.

A spokesman for Ms Gillard said it was false to say her staff had spoken to the embassy as earlier reports suggested.

“However, a member of the Prime Minister’s media unit did call another individual yesterday and disclosed the presence of the Opposition Leader at the Lobby restaurant. This information was subsequently passed on to a member of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy,” the spokesman said.

“During that discussion, the staff member did not in any way suggest or encourage violence or demonstration.

“Nevertheless, given the circumstances of yesterday’s function at the Lobby Restaurant, this action was an error of judgment. As such, the staff member’s resignation has been accepted.

“In relation to the protest at the Lobby Restaurant, the Prime Minister reiterates her view that no-one should behave that way. She respects the right of people to protest, but Australians rightly expect protests to be conducted without violence [the way US/NATO forces conducted their 'humanitarian' intervention in Libya.]

In August last year, Mr Hodges was reportedly promoted to the more senior role by Ms Gillard after working in the PMO for two years as a media assistant under Mr Rudd.

Mr Hodges, who lists his online profile as seeking "career opportunities'', had also previously worked for then parliamentary secretary and Fraser MP Bob McMullan throughout 2008.

As a member of Ms Gillard's media unit team, Mr Hodges liaised with journalists, responding to inquiries on behalf of the PM and selling the government's message to voters.

He was one of many young staffers scattered across ministerial offices and known as friendly character among journalists.

He is also known to carry a soft leather bag with monogrammed initials on it.

Mr Hodges was not returning calls last night.

© 2012 News Limited

The Image of Australia Day [above] that went around the World
by Nic Christensen via stele - The Australian Friday, Jan 27 2012, 6:13am

Yesterday, thousands of media outlets reported the January 26 security incident involving the Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott, with publications as far afield as The Washington Post, The Times of India and Britain's The Daily Telegraph all carrying the story.

As of last night, Google News was showing more than 2000 articles globally under the search "Gillard attacked".

Also online was the potent television footage that shows the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader being hauled out of a Canberra restaurant and chased by a throng of angry protesters.

The footage was broadcast across the US and Britain by the NBC and BBC networks.

Many news organisations noted that Ms Gillard appeared scared and shaken as she was hauled to her car by security officers.

Another dramatic photograph, by AAP photographer Lukas Coch, has featured in the coverage. It shows the chaotic scene of the Australian Prime Minister being bundled into a car followed closely by the Opposition Leader, with a police officer's riot shield separating them.

"We'll know the full extent as our own download reports are finalised," said AAP editor-in-chief Tony Gillies.

Copyright applies.


 
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