Eleven Tasmania-linked companies and organisations are involved in the controversial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2024 in Melbourne this week.
The event was beseiged on yesterday’s opening day by the largest anti-war protest seen in Victoria for decades.
Some demonstrators trying to prevent entrances to the convention threw items and liquids at police officers, built small blockades and started rubbish fires.
In response police and security used force, pepper spray, tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets on the crowd at large.
10 Tasmanian advanced manufacturing companies and the Australian Maritime College are involved at the event.
Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, said the event provided an opportunity for Tasmania to present its defence capabilities on the international stage.
“Land Forces 2024 is a gateway for Tasmanian businesses showcasing defence equipment, technology and services to senior representatives of governments, military, defence and industries from Australia and around the world,” Rockliff said.
On show in the 144sqm Defence Tasmania exhibit are Currawong Engineering, CBG Systems, Elphinstone, HENSOLDT Australia and Jayben Group.
Other Tasmanian business joining them are Lightning Protection International, Penguin Composites, Performatec, Pivot Maritime International and Storemasta.
Rockliff boasted that over the past five years Tasmanian companies had been awarded more than 280 defence contracts, collectively, valued at more than $350 million.
“From heavy vehicle componentry to uncrewed aerial vehicle engines to innovative training solutions, Tasmanian industry is already leading the way in providing unique and innovative solutions to meet current and emerging defence challenges,” he said.
Greens Senator (NSW) David Shoebridge stated that the exhibition was not really about ‘defence’.
“It is about becoming a production line for US wars and making cushy jobs for major party politicians when they leave parliament,” he said.
Victorian Greens have penned a letter to the Police Commissioner demanding an independent inquiry into police conduct at the event.
Labor Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan said it was inappropriate for her to comment on the riots.
In a late night session of parliament she did however state that: “Hate will never win. Our great city and our great state will win.”
Entrepreneur turned activist Hash Tayeh described the police response as ‘incomprehensible’.
“People are standing up, risking everything, to protest the sale of weapons that have slaughtered millions, leaving families torn apart and lives shattered,” he said.
“Instead of being celebrated as the heroes they truly are, they’re met with violence … How is this happening? How have we reached a point where speaking out against murder and destruction is met with such brutal force? This is not just crazy—it’s draconian, cruel, and deeply inhumane.”
Melbourne Activist Legal Support (MALS) – which fielded a team of 20 independent legal observers to monitor the policing of protests against the Land Forces Exposition – released a statement condemning police behaviour.
“Legal observers noted that in most circumstances, protestor behaviour became heightened after and in response to a coercive crowd control manoeuvre by the police or the use of police weapons,” MALS said.
“The behaviour of individual protesters does not justify excessive force against others nor the use of force against entire crowds. The size, nature, or political context of a protest does not change the obligations upon police to act lawfully.”
MALS noted that iIncidents of excessive force documented by legal observers may constitute unlawful assault by police. The organisation is currently examining evidence collected to determine infringements under various international and domestic legal frameworks.
Legal observers noted police assaulting and capsicum-spraying medics, and obstructing them when attempting to treat injured people.
Police were observed continuing to fire directly at medics as they escorted people away from police lines with OC spray, and tear gas, and charging at them using batons and shields.
The Land Forces Exhibition continues today (Thursday) and Friday.
Featured image above courtesy Jane Morton.
