Thousands Protest Against Abbott Government Policies With ‘March In March’ Rallies
The sign action was exceptional.
As far as popularity contests go, it seems Prime Minister Tony Abbott is no Regina George. Yesterday, thousands of students, families and other assorted folks gathered for ‘March In March’ events across the country, to protest against the Abbott Government’s policies on asylum seekers, climate change, marriage rights, media ownership, and more.
According to Tim Jones, one of the day’s organisers, approximately 112,000 people took part in about 20 marches across capital cities and regional towns. The entire campaign — which started as a Facebook conversation between a few people back in January and grew via online invites — culminates in a march on Canberra today.
British singer Billy Bragg made an appearance at the Sydney leg, where he spoke out against recent comments from Gina Rinehart, in which she praised “courageous” former UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Other speakers at events throughout the country — including Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane, the Blue Mountains, Newcastle, and more — included indigenous leaders, union officials, political bloggers and comedians.
The sign action was particularly strong:
Thousands of protesters stopping traffic at the @MarchinMarchAus, organisers encouraged peaceful signs and chants pic.twitter.com/4Lx7qmTZmh
— Lucinda Kent (@TheLucindaKent) March 16, 2014
“@conqupiscence: @MarchinMarchAus blue mountains pic.twitter.com/cSjqpEsaag”
— MarchinMarch (@MarchinMarchAus) March 16, 2014
When asked about the protests during a press conference in Sydney with NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell yesterday, Abbott was, well, typically Abbott-ish: “My understanding is that the only big rally in Sydney is the St Patrick’s Day parade,” he said. “That is the big event in Sydney today. I wish all of them well.”