To Victoria, where roads have been blocked and tram routes disrupted as thousands of protesters converge on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre ahead of the opening of a major weapons expo.
Up to 25,000 protesters are expected to gather outside the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, which will run from Wednesday to Friday.
Anti-war protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday morning.Credit: Christopher Hopkins
“If you have no business being there, if you’re not there protesting, I wouldn’t encourage anybody to be there,” Treasurer Tim Pallas said on Tuesday.
Demonstrators began gathering outside the convention centre from 6am on Wednesday while others marched towards the site in their hundreds.
Drums were banged, protesters chanted, “free, free Palestine”, and some waved Palestinian flags as the sun rose over Melbourne’s CBD.
Hundreds of police officers could be seen in and around the building, including at all exit and entrance points, while police also erected a ring of steel around the event.
Anti-war protesters picket the Melbourne Convention Centre.Credit: Christopher Hopkins
Victoria Police expects it to be their biggest operation since chaos surrounding the World Economic Forum in 2000, with hundreds of regional officers travelling to Melbourne for the event, along with general duties officers and specialist police.
A police spokesperson said major efforts were under way to ensure the “highest level of safety and security” at the event.
With AAP
