Second anti-Hanson protest in Geelong
By Emma Murphy and Susan Price
GEELONG One hundred protesters gathered to show their opposition to the second attempt to set up a branch of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party on May 19. Hanson supporters who attended the meeting were matched by the size of the crowd outside and confronted with chants of "Migrants are welcome, racists are not" and "No racists in Geelong".
On this occasion, protesters made no attempt to gain entry to the meeting, due to tight security, a large police presence and the $5 entry fee.
Local residents, including students from Deakin University, attended the demonstration, which also attracted support from Melbourne, with some student unions providing transport.
Although tension grew as the result of the presence of members of neo-Nazi and racist groups National Action and White Power, as well as debate over concerns raised by one resident about the tactics of the demonstration, the overall outcome of the protest was positive. It sent a clear message that Hanson's One Nation party is not welcome in Geelong, and the community will not turn a blind eye to racist attitudes.
The size of the demonstration was affected by a move which drew strong criticism from members of the protest organising group. ALP representatives decided to organise another event across town to occur at the same time as the demonstration.
Debate had previously occurred around whether protests against Hanson and her supporters were an effective strategy. A decision was made to proceed with both events simultaneously, and so a multicultural concert was organised at Geelong West Town Hall.
A strong showing of local opposition to Hanson's racist ideas was displayed through this event. Up to 1000 residents attended to celebrate multiculturalism and discourage the intolerance preached by Hanson and her supporters.
Speakers at the concert included former premier Joan Kirner, opposition leader John Brumby and state education minister Phil Honeywood, as well as representatives of community and business groups. Local musical and comedy performers entertained the crowd, with a heavy emphasis on satirical references to Pauline Hanson.
Absent from the platform, however, was any debunking of the myths peddled by Hanson, particularly on the issues of immigration and unemployment, and most importantly on the racist policies of the Coalition government. The decision to cut migration intake had no airing at the event.
Sean Lennon, anti-racist activist and member of the Democratic Socialist Party, told Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly: "Concerts such as this can enhance the overall campaign against racism, but it is unfortunate that the decision was taken to stage such a public event at the same time as the protest action. This resulted in splitting forces on the night.
"Concerts such as this should never be seen as substituting for public protest against Hanson and the One Nation party, or against the Howard government's racist agenda."
It has been announced in local media that Hanson supporters are planning meetings in both Bendigo and the Wimmera over the next months.