By Annette Shailer
Melburnians have fought back at the Victorian Government’s 2:00am lockouts to be introduced tomorrow, with more than 3000 people protesting last Friday.
Meeting at Treasury Gardens at 5:00pm, members of the public and hospitality industry marched in uproar to the steps of Parliament House with chants of “shame on you Brumby” and “united together we’ll never be defeated”.
Placards were out in force featuring “More Police Less Policy”, “Brumby Against Small Businesses”, “John Brumby For Problem Gambling” and faces of Saddam Hussein and John Brumby joined together with an equals sign.
One of the spokespeople at the protest was a Greens member who pushed for stricter alcohol advertising and public transport that runs 24 hours, while accusing Premier Brumby of trying to promote gambling by putting more money into the Crown Casino, which is exempt from the proposed lockouts.
Following him was Association of Liquor Licensees Melbourne acting secretary, Brian Frewin, who announced on Parliament steps the victory of 45 of the 47 licensees in achieving an exemption to the three-month curfew.
“We’ve spent the last one and a half days fighting this in court and mediation, and I’m happy to announce that we’re half way there. The government director of Liquor Licensing Victoria can see it so keep this up. There are still around 400 venues that will be locked out,” Frewin said.
The protest ended early with MelbourneLockedOut spokesperson, Andrew Ranger, leading the crowd in a one-minute silence for those who have been affected by violence and appealed to the protesters to behave as they left.
“There is no after-party, that’s not what this was about. Go to your favourite venues appreciate the place and staff and have a great night. Let’s not ruin this now go peacefully and enjoy your night,” Ranger said.
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