Vic: Police want shields for WEF protest

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2000
Vic: Police want shields for WEF protest

MELBOURNE, Aug 23 AAP - Victorian police may ask WorkCover to intervene if they are
not issued with shields and helmets to cope with protesters at next month's World Economic
Forum (WEF).

The Police Association is holding talks with the Victorian Force Command in an attempt
to acquire proper equipment including shields, helmets, batons and shin guards, in the
leadup to the WEF.

Association assistant secretary Paul Mullett said it was appropriate to supply members
"on the frontline" with protective gear in the face of potentially violent demonstrations.

He said if talks with Force Command faltered before the WEF on September 11, the association
had a fallback position.

"We're working through the issues with the force but if it's not resolved we'll take
it to the (Victorian) WorkCover Authority," he told AAP.

Previous forums have been the target of international groups protesting against globalisation
as was the case in Seattle last year where violent clashes occurred between police and
protesters.

A statement issued by Victoria Police said officers from country Victoria and metropolitan
stations would be brought into the city to help cover the WEF.

Meanwhile, a business chief has expressed concern about the possibility of a violent protest.

Australian Industry Group chief executive officer Bob Herbert said he was amazed members
of the union movement were planning to be involved in the protests.

"It demonstrates they are dumbclucks," he said.

"If that's what the purpose is, to send this (negative) message to the people who create
jobs for their members, it's a dumb thing to do."

Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Leigh Hubbard was not available for comment.

However, he said earlier that while unions would be protesting, they had distanced
themselves from the possibly violent elements of the "S-11" group and would authorise
only peaceful demonstrations.

AAP hmg/jd/gmw

KEYWORD: FORUM (CARRIED EARLIER)

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